I started a blog recently thinking the majority of the people who may view it are already EBW team members. I think of the this group as a support network. When I show my beadwork in person I leave a card with my Etsy address and the EBW team as a suggested search for more quality beadwork (trying to do my part in my way).
I sometimes talk to people in line at the checkout (you would be surprised how easy it is, just start fussing about everything being mass produced in China). I then say "Do you know there is a web site devoted to hand made quality items?" People are willing to pay a bit more for something that will last more than a year.
Have you checked out the latest lack of warranty on anything you purchase. How can someone put their hard earned money into anything that is only going to work for 90 days? We all do it.... I've been through 3 DVD players in 15 months. Funny my VCR that is 9 years old still works fine.
If we can get people excited about the, 100% cotton baby tees, hand made leather moccasins, pure olive oil soap, recycled paper stationary, a cloth baby doll (instead of an unrealistic plastic doll with big............lips), vegan candles. The list goes on. I think we are at at a point when people are being very careful about their money and, may be fed up with the big box stores telling them what to buy.
Besides its to expensive to leave the driveway. "Save gas and support a small buisness SHOP ETSY!!!!!" (who can make bumper stickers)?
Any other suggestions on how to promo are welcome.
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12 comments:
Thank you for speaking about the quality of the product available on Etsy!
Those are great ideas. I always try to talk Etsy up as much as I can.
Hey how about this bumper sticker.
"If you can't wait 3 days you don't Need it." Shop ETSY.com
Aloha, I loved your words of support. I know how you feel, because living in Hawaii, cost of living is very high, and going up. Your ideas are on the money. I too talk to people about the Etsy shops and all the wonderful people showing their wares. But here in Hawaii people have a tendency to purchase what they can afford, rather than what is worth more, just because of the cost of living going up. And some times people here try to make a killing on one item, that their prices are to out of the budget, so more people tend to go to the big box stores, than buy truly local. That's one of the reason I chose to have a shop with Etsy, to try to reach out on a global level, than just keeping it local. But I'm always looking out for ways to support local. I love my Etsy, so thank you for all the great support and keep up the blog, it's working. Some times people get discouraged when nothing sells, but give it time I say, everything has it's season.
Very pertinant post. I'd post this in the Etsy Forums and try to get other sellers so look too!
PJ,
I agree with you 100%. When I go shopping, especially to the bead store, grocery store or hardware sotre I always wear one, or more, of my larger beaded creations so that they will be noticed and I can tell people about etsy and all the wonderful things that can be found there. They are amazed and always ask for a card. In fact, I usually go home wearing less beadwork than I started with due to these conversations. Thanks for letting me know about your blog post.
I have always loved handmade, but have found my mindset changing since joining etsy. I've been buying handmade soap instead of my normal body wash for example. I realize I really like the idea of putting things that are GOOD for me on my skin!
I agree with you. I think that the small shop owners on Etsy is a great place to look to shop. I like to promote the other beaders and crafters around me too.
Well spoken. I agree we should all do this. I do this at work all the time I wear my creations and get asked about them tell them about Etsy and EBW and give them the sites to check out more. I love the bumper sticker idea but would also just love stickers of it. Smaller than a bumper sticker to stick on everything. Thank you.
Great post! I agree and always try to talk up not only my shop and the EBW shops, but also all the Etsy shops and how you can find just about anything and have the pleasure of buying a quality handmade item!
Good luck on your new blog! I hope that you have fun with it. Even if it is EBW members popping up here - you would surprised how many people do take a look.
I like you attitude on this - I wish more people would get the "buy handmade" attitude.
Great post! I often do the same thing in store lines. I love it when someone says, "I just don't know what to get (mom, grandma, sister, friend) for her birthday." Talk about a perfect opening!
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