What a crazy couple of weeks. There's been a lot of learning with the start of my little Etsy Shop, StitchingCA and a lot of making.
Inventory is my number one priority right now. It seems new items must be added regularly if you want to stay in the Etsy searches. So, I'm working like a busy bee here. I'm almost half way to my goal of at least 100 items. But in reality, I'll probably need more than that.
I've added cosmetic pouch sets, cork fabric pencil cases, small pouches for your purse, mini ID wallets as well as some of my cross stitched and embroidered items. My shop objective is to make affordable products while maintaining quality. It's a challenge, that's for sure! But a challenge that I'm willing to take.
The main thing to keep in mind is that Etsy's average sale is $25. I keep this price in my head while I do a cost analysis of different items. My end price must be within a certain range for me to make the effort. If it's not, than that item is axed until I can figure out a less expensive way to make it without losing quality. This doesn't mean that I will never list more expensive items. It only means that I'm focused on a certain type of product at the moment, and will see how that goes before expanding into more pricey items.
Also, for as long as I can, I am offering free shipping in Canada. The challenge with free shipping is the 2cm mailbox slot. If the package doesn't fall freely through a slot template that the clerk tests it in, than it cannot be sent letter mail and the jump in price is drastic -- $2.07 after tax to $15+. I think from this point forward I will always look at that slot as the "slot of doom!" I mean who wants to pay $15 to ship a $25 item!?!? Not me, that's for sure. As a customer, I'd walk away. Anytime shipping costs that much, I want to be able to buy lots to make it worth my while.
I'll end with some pretty pictures of some things I've made in the last week or so.
I'm determined to keep at it and continue to make the things I love. And I will continue to share any stitchy news (although there hasn't been much stitching lately) and sewing news with all of you. If you want to check out my little shop, you can head over by clicking here or by clicking on the big orange Etsy button at the top of the page.
Wishing everyone an awesome week!
Karen
Inventory is my number one priority right now. It seems new items must be added regularly if you want to stay in the Etsy searches. So, I'm working like a busy bee here. I'm almost half way to my goal of at least 100 items. But in reality, I'll probably need more than that.
I've added cosmetic pouch sets, cork fabric pencil cases, small pouches for your purse, mini ID wallets as well as some of my cross stitched and embroidered items. My shop objective is to make affordable products while maintaining quality. It's a challenge, that's for sure! But a challenge that I'm willing to take.
The main thing to keep in mind is that Etsy's average sale is $25. I keep this price in my head while I do a cost analysis of different items. My end price must be within a certain range for me to make the effort. If it's not, than that item is axed until I can figure out a less expensive way to make it without losing quality. This doesn't mean that I will never list more expensive items. It only means that I'm focused on a certain type of product at the moment, and will see how that goes before expanding into more pricey items.
Also, for as long as I can, I am offering free shipping in Canada. The challenge with free shipping is the 2cm mailbox slot. If the package doesn't fall freely through a slot template that the clerk tests it in, than it cannot be sent letter mail and the jump in price is drastic -- $2.07 after tax to $15+. I think from this point forward I will always look at that slot as the "slot of doom!" I mean who wants to pay $15 to ship a $25 item!?!? Not me, that's for sure. As a customer, I'd walk away. Anytime shipping costs that much, I want to be able to buy lots to make it worth my while.
I'll end with some pretty pictures of some things I've made in the last week or so.
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| Cork fabric Pencil Cases with neon zippers and bright fun linings. |
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| Nautical themed ID wallet with vinyl window, change section and 2 card slots. |
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| Bright and cheerful ID wallet. |
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| Perfect pouches for your purse. |
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| Perfect Purse Pouches |
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| A whole pile of Grab & Go ID wallets. |
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| Set of Double Zipped Pouches. Made with very pretty Rifle Paper Co. fabric. Pattern by SOTAK Handmade. |
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| Double Zipped Pouch set made with Rifle Paper Co. fabric. |
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| Double Zipped Pouch set with a timepiece theme. |
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Double Zipped Pouch set in a tiny floral Sevenberry fabric.
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I'm determined to keep at it and continue to make the things I love. And I will continue to share any stitchy news (although there hasn't been much stitching lately) and sewing news with all of you. If you want to check out my little shop, you can head over by clicking here or by clicking on the big orange Etsy button at the top of the page.
Wishing everyone an awesome week!
Karen
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