I guess I’ve been having a really hard time lately.
I’ve battled anxiety and depression for year, but lately, I don’t know…. it’s just really got to me.
I work really, really hard every day. I’ve always been the creative type, so ever since I graduated college, I needed some extra cash (since jobs are hard to come by around here). I started making my own jewelry and hair accessories to sell on etsy (an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and supplies), thinking that would be the perfect way to do it. People all over the world could see my stuff and hopefully buy it so I can save up. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
In over four months, I’ve only had about 4 sales. I think I’ve made maybe… twenty to thirty dollars, but with all of the supplies and stuff I’ve had to pay, there hasn’t been much profit. I would take this as just getting started and it’ll get better if I didn’t have a friend who also has an etsy store and hers is booming. Her jewelry is selling really well and she has orders all the time.
Sometimes, I wonder what I’m doing wrong. There are times when I just want to be better at something. I don’t want to feel dejected every time I log onto my etsy profile to find out nothing has sold… the things I thought would sell so well haven’t moved… and that does things to my own confidence. It makes me feel like I’m just not good enough and that my stuff looks cheap and horrible. Then, the negative thoughts in my head go on and on about how nobody likes my jewelry or accessories. They look at it and hate it. Those are the thoughts I deal with on a daily basis. It upsets me because I just want to make people proud of me. I hate being the ‘unemployed’ one of the family… the one who has to be taken care of because I can’t pay my own bills right now. I want them to be like “oh, yeah, she makes awesome jewelry and has this great business.”
I guess I just get really frustrated because people say that they like my stuff, but I never get any sales these days.
Feb 20, 2012 @ 22:29:11
Melissa,
First of all, I’m not a crazy stalker- I found your blog through WordPress and I’m trying to make new connections to promote my own Etsy shop.
Secondly and most importantly, don’t get discouraged. It takes time and lots of marketing to generate a steady stream of sales on Etsy or anywhere. It’s hard- especially since we creative folk are prone to depression- I think it all stems from our misunderstood dreams.
And I know all too well the situation you’re in with other people paying your bills. I am searching for a job myself- a crappy part time job flipping burgers or taking orders and I can’t find one yet. So I’m putting every bit of energy- for over a month now- into the craft business and I’ve not broke even yet. In fact, I’ve only made one Etsy sale, a sale to a friend from college and a small order for one of my mom’s friends.
But things will get better. You just need to flush those negative thoughts and have fun marketing and meeting new people online.
Simply put, you need to get more traffic to your site. The more window shoppers you have that drop by, the more chances you have of someone making a purchase. So make friends with other crafters the world over, make treasuries, join Etsy teams and look into having your products featured on other blogs- anything to raise more awareness about your business. Maybe you could give away a few items to friends that will brag about it to others- word of mouth advertising is the best!
I’m a former freelance writer and I ghost wrote a book about selling arts and crafts online. I’m no success story yet, but I read every blog post or book I can find that might give me some advice on what to try next. What works for my business will likely be different than for yours- but you’ll find what works best, just make sure you are tracking your stats and don’t give up! If there’s ever anything you need advice on, I’d love to help- you can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hipearthdesigns or visit my blog. I’m also on Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop/hipearthdesigns
Feb 20, 2012 @ 22:49:08
Thanks for the advice.
You are right.. the creative types are prone to depression haha. I’m walking proof of that!
I just get really frustrated when a friend of mine goes on and on about her sales when she started maybe a month or two before me. Her stuff is like mine but I think she charges more for her stuff. Maybe that’s it.. I have no idea.
I added you on etsy and I really like your stuff. You’re very talented!
Feb 20, 2012 @ 23:05:27
The difference could be tons of factors. I doubt that it’s because she’s priced higher. Maybe she could give you some tips? Maybe your marketing efforts are not reaching as many people as she is?
I’m going to start blogging about some marketing tips on our blog, so try to stop by now and again and maybe you’ll get some advice you can use to make your shop better and draw in more customers. I definitely hope the best for you!