12.1.08

Be careful what you wish for...



Well, this about says it all...
I don't usually post about my doubts on my blog...but, at this point, I think I have the January Lulls. This is actually the first time I've ever posted a doubt on either of my blogs.

Here's the issue: help me if you can. Since November, I've enjoyed a period of growth with SusyJack*. Things have been great. But...also, since November, I've been running a promotion with Free Shipping, which ended on the 10th.

Am I paranoid, or does the fact that no etsy sales were made since the evening of the 9th have anything to do with this? Should I try to reinstate some sort of lower-cost shipping now? Sigh. I'm kind of worried. I'm worried that people only buy the items because the shipping is free. Yes, I realize I sound paranoid. But, I guess when you're new in business, this happens. Basically, I'm sitting here typing and hoping that seeing my fears typed out will help me to see that they are not really founded in much.

But...time will tell. The postal service is pricey. My credit card statement for Nov thru Jan 10th testify to that. Also, I want to be able to keep providing my customers with a tracking number/email confirmation for their purchases. Unfortunately, that amount is too much for me to swing...If I was selling things that over 40 dollars...well, I'd always have free shipping. But, for the type of items I offer, it's just not feasible as a constant thing.

Ok. Chime in here, if you have any thoughts for me! I won't ask again....well...maybe sometime again, when I'm freaking out...which might be....next week? no, tomorrow!

: )

11 comments:

Sequana said...

I just checked on your shipping policies. That would not keep me from purchasing. In fact, it's quite reasonable compared to other sellers there.

You have great looking things. It's a mystery to me why nothing's sold there since 11/9. Are you sure your shopping cart is working?

*shrugs*

Hi! I'm Wendi! said...

It may just be the time of year. It used to be that January was deadly slow for retail. That's sort of changed now - it's a huge month for big box stores that are running huge sales and that offer gift cards. But it's still really slow for all the indies out there. I'm a sales rep and I sell to both chains and indies. I really see the difference out there this time of year.
I certainly don't think it's your shipping costs - and your work is awesome. I bet you'll get a great response at Stationery Show.

rebekah said...

Personally: January is a slow month. Free shipping will only push me over the edge if I'm wavering on an item. If I love it, I will order it if the shipping is reasonable for the product. Birmingham has a pretty crappy market for handmade goods. So Etsy is my number one place.

Two Mittens said...

Hi, I'm fairly new to your blog etc, but it's lots of fun.
Your work looks great on Etsy and I'd pay your shipping no problem, and I'm in Canada!
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm on a shopping freeze for a few weeks after the holidays.
Love your valentine card!

Susy said...

ahhh. you guys are the best.
and this is what i really have found continually amazing about the handmade community (buyers and sellers alike)...that people are so willing to come to each other's aid with advice, encouragement...

...i think i just have anxiety. i had an extremely busy week, and all week i was thinking...'i wish things would slow so that i could do new work!' well....now that they are a little slower...i feel like a stranger in a strange land...

but, excited for monday, when i sit back down and figure out the next step.

thanks everyone who posted for me. all of your advice will be very helpful in the next few days while i get back to work! : )

susy

Melissa de la Fuente said...

Oh Susy,
That is an awful feeling...but, have no fear! I truly believe it is just the "after holiday lull" I see it with all my friends in retail. I would pay your shipping, no problem! No worries....Perhaps the stationary show coming up is giving you extra anxiety? By the way, can we come visit your booth there? And buy things! :)
xo
Melissa

French Knots said...

I think it's just the time of year, so many people are watching the pennies after the holidays. Your work is lovely and I'm sure sales will pick up.

lu summers said...

sometimes i wonder if stuff happens for a reason...i haven't had a sale this year yet on etsy and i was getting freaked. then i got a BIG job to do, seriously big, and instead of it being due at the end of the month as discussed, it's now due on this thursday coming...eeeekkk!
but if i was selling stuff on etsy too, i'd be worrying that my shop was empty and there's no way of being able to fill it back up and do this custom work too...so use the time wisely and QUIT worrying. you know how i love your stuff...
and actually, just realised, i've barely spent a penny this jan, just not in the mood i guess :)

Rose said...

I agree that this is a very tough time of year.

I think everyone has a case of the January lulls. We're all sort of recovering from the super-spending of Christmas and not too keen on spending any money just yet. Plus people generally resolve to spend a little less, which means fewer purchases of so-called non-essentials (though I happen to think of office supplies as essential!) such as lovely decorated paper goods.

Even mainstream retailers feel this crunch. It can feel stressful when things are slow, but I am confident that this, too, shall pass!

Anonymous said...

I think it is just the time of the year. Everyone is still in a holiday lull after words for a few months. You do great work, and I'm sure it will pick up soon!

Susy said...

awww...thanks ladies!
i hope so, too...because it's been slooooow. but, also, i've been working so hard for the past few months, the break feels oddly good.

i'm using the time to come up with new patterns...it's definitely time to breathe some life into my collection with new designs!

xx