Holiday Ornaments? Holiday Blues

by Molly Hansen
(Burnsville, MN USA)

The Smallest Ornament - The Christmas Tree

When my Mother expressed an interest in selling her handmade beaded Christmas Ornaments online, I was all exited to help her.

I had already gotten a business license and website in hopes of opening my own bead store, but that hadn't happened, and I wasn't using them anyway.

So, I went ahead and created her a website, set up pricing, an inventory and shopping cart - even subscribed to an online marketing service, so that she could send out invitations and announcements about her business.

I promised her I'd help with all the "computer" stuff, and all she would have to concentrate is on making and pricing her items

The problem is, our website has been up for 3+ years now with little to no traffic.

There are all the monthly fees associated with owning the site, and she's only seen a handful of orders come through.

I've tried sending out product information to family, we've passed out business cards everywhere, done some local craft fairs, but so far have seen very little from any of it.

At this point, she's given up on the craft fairs and is ready to give up the website.

I feel responsible for pushing this on her, and would really like it to succeed.

I'm wondering - is the problem that we have such a limited selection? Is it that we have not paid for an online advertising service?

We joined our local bead society and tried to get advice, but most of the ladies there were so more experienced than us, it was intimidating!!

Please let us know what we can do to boost her sales, or if she should just close the site for good and concentrate on just making the ornaments for herself and for gifts.

(I should mention - she does get occassional commission work at the hospital she works at, but I don't know how to bring that to our website other than what we've already done...)

Thanks so much - I love the newsletter - please keep it going!

Molly Hansen
Sparkles & Stones

Comments for
Holiday Ornaments? Holiday Blues

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Home parties
by: Sherri

Hi there,
I make handmade jewelry and so far I have been very discouraged with all the craft fairs I have tried. I have a website (on Zibbet) but don't get many sales from it. I have also tried my own website, and Etsy, with no luck either.

So now I concentrate mainly on home parties. I find my sales are much better when I go to someone's home and they invite guests. People come expecting to buy something (and most do) and they have the time to really look at my jewelry, try things on, etc. I use my website mostly as a catalog, for people to preview my work before they come to the party or to order something afterwards if they got home later and decided they really should have bought the item they had their eye on.

I'd encourage you to start with your circle of friends and host a Christmas sale for your ornaments (which are beautiful, by the way!) in your home or the home of a friend. Invite friends, family, neighbors, etc, and make a nice pot of apple cider (leave it simmering in a CrockPot) to set the holiday mood. Once you've done a couple shows, you can start asking people to host their own, and hopefully create a new customer base from people they know. The hardest part is finding new hosts for your parties, but it can be done! Good luck.

Getting People To Your Websit
by: Suzan

I quite agree with Sherri.Do a home show in your own home and do afternoon hours from 2-4 and then again in the evening from 7-9.
I also make jewellery and have had a website for four months but no one knows about me.
I am always on-line trying to learn anything I can and what I am learning is that you need to learn how to direct traffic to your site, learn
what the competition is, how to use search engines etc.
This is actually a very technical thing that can be learned as in how to choose the correct words, and you actually have to research this and is is very overwhelming.
It almost seems as though it is just meant to be for some people but for most of us you have to keep on learning and asking all the time.

Use existing resources for free
by: Luann Udell

If you do the home parties, that will be an excellent way to build your client base. But you still want to offer those people a way to buy AFTER the party. So don't give up on the website, but make it more attractive and cost-effective.

To save on expenses, I urge you to reconsider Etsy to act as your website. Their templates allow for a lot of creative freedom, it's easy to use and update, and they have a built-in shopping cart. There are no fees, and the small percentage they take on sales is no worse than what you would pay for credit card sales.

Next, I would encourage you to do better on your product photography. Take the money you've saved by hosting a free shop on Etsy and buy a camera that will allow you to take good close-up shots. I just bought my first camera in ages, spent $280, and it takes amazing pics. Friends swear by models that cost even less, like $150. Either build yourself a light box or invest in a commercial version for under $50 and invest in one daylight spectrum light. (Light domes/boxes soften the light source so you get gently even light instead of hard shadows and glare.) I just bought one and started doing my own photography, and within a week I had decent images.

I would suggest you make and sell SETS of ornaments, perhaps in lots of four or six. You've gone to a lot of work to sell a single item for $7.50, and then someone has to pay almost that much to have it shipped to them.

Have you thought of ways to expand on the ornaments? Maybe turn them into earrings? Put them on a pretty ribbon or inexpensive chain for necklaces?

Rather than have a home page that so loaded with text, perhaps you could use the Etsy features to pull out an "about us" section. Use the story of how you're helping your mom--that's really sweet! Do you have a good picture of you & her together?

Last, don't open a shop on a place like Etsy and wait for people to find you. Have you sold ANY ornaments in the last year? Those buyers are your first customer base. There's still time to contact them and offer them a holiday incentive--free shipping, buy 5 get the sixth one free, free gift wrap, whatever.

It takes T*I*M*E to build even a small business. Some people luck out and catch the wave quickly, but most people have to really stay the course. If you give up (and this matters to you), you will definitely not succeed! If this venture means a lot to you and your mom, then keep working at it. But at least stop paying for hosting and such, to take the pressure off.

I apologize for throwing so much at you--take what feels right and leave the rest. :^) And good luck to you--I hope you find a way to make this all work for you.

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Submitted by: Luann Udell

Title

Comment
If you do the home parties, that will be an excellent way to build your client base. But you still want to offer those people a way to buy AFTER the party. So don't give up on the website, but make it more attractive and cost-effective. To save on expenses, I urge you to reconsider Etsy to act as your website. Their templates allow for a lot of creative freedom, it's easy to use and update, and they have a built-in shopping cart. There are no fees, and the small percentage they take on sales is no worse than what you would pay for credit card sales. Next, I would encourage you to do better on your product photography. Take the money you've saved by hosting a free shop on Etsy and buy a camera that will allow you to take good close-up shots. I just bought my first camera in ages, spent $280, and it takes amazing pics. Friends swear by models that cost even less, like $150. Either build yourself a light box or invest in a commercial version for under $50 and invest in one daylight spectrum light. (Light domes/boxes soften the light source so you get gently even light instead of hard shadows and glare.) I just bought one and started doing my own photography, and within a week I had decent images. I would suggest you make and sell SETS of ornaments, perhaps in lots of four or six. You've gone to a lot of work to sell a single item for $7.50, and then someone has to pay almost that much to have it shipped to them. Have you thought of ways to expand on the ornaments? Maybe turn them into earrings? Put them on a pretty ribbon or inexpensive chain for necklaces? Rather than have a home page that so loaded with text, perhaps you could use the Etsy features to pull out an "about us" section. Use the story of how you're helping your mom--that's really sweet! Do you have a good picture of you & her together? Last, don't open a shop on a place like Etsy and wait for people to find you. Have you sold ANY ornaments in the last year? Those buyers are your first customer base. There's still time to contact them and offer them a holiday incentive--free shipping, buy 5 get the sixth one free, free gift wrap, whatever. It takes T*I*M*E to build even a small business. Some people luck out and catch the wave quickly, but most people have to really stay the course. If you give up (and this matters to you), you will definitely not succeed! If this venture means a lot to you and your mom, then keep working at it. But at least stop paying for hosting and such, to take the pressure off. I apologize for throwing so much at you--take what feels right and leave the rest. :^) And good luck to you--I hope you find a way to make this all work for you.

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p.s.
by: Luann Udell

Forgot--is there any way you can expand on the ornament theme so you have items for other holidays? That way you won't have all your eggs in one Christmas basket! If you already do that, then....never mind! :^)

Try Zibbet
by: Anonymous

Hi,
Sherri here again. I agree with Linda - if you can get on a site where you can post your items and have it be more updated and professional, it would be great. I wouldn't recommend Etsy, though. It's well known, but it is not free. They charge to list items, and the listings expire after 3 months. I had an Etsy site for awhile, but never sold anything, so I didn't re-list.

I would recommend Zibbet.com. They don't charge to list items, and don't charge a percentage of the final price either (you just pay the PayPal fees when someone buys something). With the free Basic account, you can list up to 25 items.

Try it out - you can always decide not to use it if you don't like it, but I like it because it's easy and fast to update. Plus it will give your site a uniform appearance and make it easy for people to see at a glance what you sell. Use it like a catalog for promoting your work at home parties, and you may even get some sales from it afterwards.

If you do decide to sell on Zibbet, please use my referral link, since I get a discount off a Premium account (which I may go for eventually) if you do. That's not why I'm recommending it, though. I'm recommending it because I think it's a great site!

Referral link:
http://www.zibbet.com/BeadsIndeed/sell

Best wishes,
Sherri

Another website
by: Glenda

I had a shop with Etsy but lately I have been using artfire.com more. Mainly because for the first 12 items, you do not have to pay.

Handmade ornaments
by: Anonymous

I've been making and selling handmade items since 1984 on the west coast, east coast, midwest and northwest. I starting doing high school bazaars, fairs, festivals, then did consignment at gift stores and galleries, and have been sellng at a local outdoor market for a number of years. In my spare time I visit other craft related events. I've seen it all and seen what sells.

16 Years ago and beyond numerous folks were making holiday ornaments (much larger, more ornate, more complex than those pictured here - they sold. Along came Walmart and similar with thousands of ornaments coming in from China - so much for local handmade Christmas ornaments.

I'd close down the website, forget about Christmas related items and concentrate on great jewelry designs. Really check out what others are selling. When you get a nice collection of more professionally made, really unique items, start out again seeing how they'd sell first at local holiday bazaars. If there is interest and you are sellling, then plan your next step (approaching shops for instance). Unless you've got some outstanding items and can be found easily on a google web search, the website is a waste of time for what you're offering in today's economy.

Don't Give Up
by: Kamilah

The first thing I would say is DON'T GIVE UP. As far as the costs are concerned I would set up an Etsy store since it is low cost. If you still want to maintain your website, just use it as a gallery to show off your ornaments. Here are some things that have helped to drive traffic to my sites and maybe be helpful for you and your mother:

1. Blog-set up a blog on blogspot or wordpress and do maybe 2-3 entries week.

2. Twitter-this has helped me TONS! Also it helps you to build a network of followers

3. Monthly Email Newsletters- I use Mail Chimp and send out monthly emails to my current customers on new things I'm working on current new designs, etc; (it's sort of the "hello I'm still here & here's what I'm up to" type thing)

4. Survey your current customers-this will help you to really understand your current customers and their likes, interests, dislikes and etc; It has helped me to really narrow in on my marketing campaigns to my target market. You can set up an online survey for free on SurveyMonkey.com and as an incentive I gave my current customers a discount on their next purchase just for completing the survey.

I hope any of these ideas help for you. Just keep. Also, I would recommend getting a SEO 101 book-this will help you to understand how search engines work in driving traffic to your sites.

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Submitted by: Kamilah

Title

Comment
The first thing I would say is DON'T GIVE UP. As far as the costs are concerned I would set up an Etsy store since it is low cost. If you still want to maintain your website, just use it as a gallery to show off your ornaments. Here are some things that have helped to drive traffic to my sites and maybe be helpful for you and your mother: 1. Blog-set up a blog on blogspot or wordpress and do maybe 2-3 entries week. 2. Twitter-this has helped me TONS! Also it helps you to build a network of followers 3. Monthly Email Newsletters- I use Mail Chimp and send out monthly emails to my current customers on new things I'm working on current new designs, etc; (it's sort of the "hello I'm still here & here's what I'm up to" type thing) 4. Survey your current customers-this will help you to really understand your current customers and their likes, interests, dislikes and etc; It has helped me to really narrow in on my marketing campaigns to my target market. You can set up an online survey for free on SurveyMonkey.com and as an incentive I gave my current customers a discount on their next purchase just for completing the survey. I hope any of these ideas help for you. Just keep. Also, I would recommend getting a SEO 101 book-this will help you to understand how search engines work in driving traffic to your sites.

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In addition
by: Cindi

Hi, I really liked your little christmas pieces but I think that they would look really great as wine glass charms. I agree with the comment that sets are very appealing and help you sell more. I would look at 4-6 pieces per set.

I would also reach out to local boutique owners and see if they would give you a place to display your ornaments either for a fee or on consignment.

I have used my website also as a catalog for people to see the kind of stuff I have and see my style but I have found that most want to see items personally before buying. I have gotten a good following with return customers on the web.

Keep working and don't loose heart. As the others have said, it takes TIME.
Cindi

Thanks for your words
by: Anonymous

Cindi,

I love your words of encouragement. This year was very disappointing. My jewelry is elegant, well designed and crafted and has much higher price points.

It was a bust at a lot of craft fairs where people were looking for $10 items.

I did well at a high end craft fair, and have been blogging and doing social network marketing etc. etc. I think maybe the best result come from sending say, 15 large sized clear photos out to your current clients at monthly intervals.

I agree that a website is a catalogue. I hired a designer and go along with the home-made look.

But still, I have lost heart and I just feel devastated and depressed. My illness and diagnosis has not helped.

But I want to THANK YOU as so many people out there are acting like their business is doing so great, despite the economy and when you have a good product, it is almost insulting. So I needed this, not that I am happy to see anyone feel frustrated rather - to see that I am not alone. THANKS!

Ms. Don't call it quits.

B Sassy Jewelry
by: Chuck

After reading all of your comments, I would like to share mine. About a year ago my wife and I partnered up with a friend of ours that is a very talented artist. She has been making jewelry and Lampworking for the past 8 years. Up until the point of our partnership, she was selling her jewlery part time to friends, small parties etc. When we saw the quality of her work, we asked her if she would be interested in taking her jewelry to another level. She said yes.

So we took on the admin part of the business, created what I thought was an excellent website www.bsassyjewelry.com (please take a look) and told her to start making enough jewelry to have a good selection and inventory.

We came up with themes for our jewelry and I thought created some niche markets. To date we have had hardly any web sales. I paid for search engine optimization (SEO) but so far, that has not amounted to anything.

We have done a couple of shows, but nothing high end like a juried arts and crafts show. We now have 3 juried shows to do starting at the end of this month. I feel this will be the test of our jewelry. We have done a couple of home parties, but it's like pulling teeth to get people to show up. I think the econonomy has a lot to do with it.

I didn't think our our jewelry was that expensive, but at some of the lower type any vendor shows we have done, people look and then walk away.

So after all this rambling, please give me some feed back on our website, and any other constructive ideas. Unfortunately I signed a 3 year contract for the web site and it's only been up for about 10 months. My wife and I also have other jobs, as well as our artist partner, so that's also put a little cramp in our efforts. Thanks for listening!

Chuck

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Submitted by: Chuck

Title

Comment
After reading all of your comments, I would like to share mine. About a year ago my wife and I partnered up with a friend of ours that is a very talented artist. She has been making jewelry and Lampworking for the past 8 years. Up until the point of our partnership, she was selling her jewlery part time to friends, small parties etc. When we saw the quality of her work, we asked her if she would be interested in taking her jewelry to another level. She said yes. So we took on the admin part of the business, created what I thought was an excellent website www.bsassyjewelry.com (please take a look) and told her to start making enough jewelry to have a good selection and inventory. We came up with themes for our jewelry and I thought created some niche markets. To date we have had hardly any web sales. I paid for search engine optimization (SEO) but so far, that has not amounted to anything. We have done a couple of shows, but nothing high end like a juried arts and crafts show. We now have 3 juried shows to do starting at the end of this month. I feel this will be the test of our jewelry. We have done a couple of home parties, but it's like pulling teeth to get people to show up. I think the econonomy has a lot to do with it. I didn't think our our jewelry was that expensive, but at some of the lower type any vendor shows we have done, people look and then walk away. So after all this rambling, please give me some feed back on our website, and any other constructive ideas. Unfortunately I signed a 3 year contract for the web site and it's only been up for about 10 months. My wife and I also have other jobs, as well as our artist partner, so that's also put a little cramp in our efforts. Thanks for listening! Chuck

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