My Business

I’m 5 months in, and am really starting to like what I’m creating.  I’ve also learned a lot about opening stores on various sites (Etsy, Art Fire, 1000 Markets), and building my own website.  I’ve made 11 sales on Etsy, 1 sale on Art Fire, and 1 sale on 1000 Markets.  I haven’t made any on my website, but I feel this is okay for now as I’ve really just started marketing my own site in the past month or two, and I know that people aren’t always okay with buying from an ‘unkown’ site.  I do think my website has driven people to my other storefronts, which is great!

So, all of this is to say that I’m going to be evaluating all of my stores, and will be closing at least one in the next few weeks.  It won’t be my website as I’m positive this has been a good marketing tool, and will help me in the long term. I know that four storefronts is too many right now.  So, one must go.

On top of my online presence, I’m starting to make a real effort to reach out to various boutiques/B&M stores where I can sell my totes.  I’m also looking into a few weekend craft/art fairs that I can take part in.  I’ve noticed that some of my best selling is in person, so am excited about branching out more.

Would love to hear from those sellers out there who are also evaluating their shop(s) and offline selling venues.  What are you doing to increase your presence in the world?  How do you feel about multiple store fronts?  What is your plan for the rest of 2009 to get more product out there?

Getting Tags for My Bags!

I decided to get iron in tags for my bags and totes, and I think it’s one of the gretest investments I’ve made.  It really finishes my bags/totes off and gives them a more professional look.  It also allows people to tell others where they got the bag and who made it.  To find my tags, I did a Google search, compared a few places and ended up with a great company to get them done for me.

I love to iron in my tags… it feels so great to see my logo go into a bag that I’ve made!  Between that, cards and this website, I feel like I’m a real business. 

Here is a close up of my tag.

Also, please remember to vote for the pattern you want me to publish.  Will be closing the poll this weekend.

Hope everyone is having a good week!  I’m busy and ready for Christmas and New Year’s!