{Art by Raw Art Letter Press}

When sales slow down, it’s time to kick it up a notch!

For whatever reason, everyone experiences slow times with their shops.  Take advantage of this time and prepare for those sales to come. You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s a few tips to get you going…in no particular order.

1. Spice up the look of your shop with a new banner that really reflects what you sell. Think of a catchy tag line to add to it. While you’re at it, make a new avatar. We’re talking “mini-makeover” here!

2. Make sure all your photos are top notch! Take a look around Etsy and notice the way bright and clear photos get your attention. Redo some of your photos while you have time, and make sure you have 5 photos of each item. Maybe you’ll be busy faster because of it!

3. Make multiples of your best selling items to save you time later on. It will also help you with fast shipping. Fast shipping helps get you more repeat business and awesome feedback.

4. Check your shop sections and make sure they’re easy to navigate. You want your buyers to be able to find what they want…and more! Don’t let them get confused and leave.

5.  Got a Mailing List?  Contact past customers with some specials or introduce them to your new products. They already know you’re great!

6. Let the descriptions of each item sell for you! If you have a little story about why you made it or how you got started making them, tell them about it! Include measurements, types of material you used, and any other detail you think they might want to know. Remember, they can’t pick it up and look at it so your description can make or break a sale.

7. Check your tags for each item. Are you using all of them. If it describes your item, use it. Don’t forget the colors!

8. Go over your shop policies, and check that you’re clear on expected shipping times and returns.  Fast shipping is always a hit, but make sure they know when to expect it in the mailbox.

9. Update your profile. Buyers like to know a little about you! You’re so much more interesting than a big retail store!

10. Update your shipping. It’s a big world out there, so shipping internationally can help. Make sure you know what to charge.

11. This is one of my favorites…packaging! Everyone loves to receive something beautifully wrapped. Make a great first impression with a note and a little creativity. It doesn’t have to cost a ton, but it needs to show you care.  Don’t forget to add a photo of your packaging to your listing!

That ought to keep you busy for awhile, and by then the sales will be rolling in again. And you’ll be prepared!

I’m sure you have a tip or two…I’d love to hear them in the comments!

~Kim

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Did you know that you can buy art from a vending machine?

I was watching an episode of American Pickers {my boys love this show} and they stopped at a building full of old cigarette machines.  I sooo want one!  I first wrote about them a couple years ago…they’re super creative and cool.  My family might think I’m crazy, but I want one!!!

Art-O-Mat sells art from old converted cigarette vending machines!

You choose your art, insert money, and pull the knob that matches your tiny artwork treasure! They are all original works of art!

There are around 400 contributing artists from all over the world!

It all started in 1997 in North Carolina when artist Clark Whittington converted an out-of-work cigarette machine into a vending machine for his photographs, and now there are more than 80 of these fabulous machines throughout the country. Each one has a different look, and is filled with tiny art at reasonable prices!

Do you have art that you would like to sell in one of these cool vending machines? Read the submission guidelines to see how it works.

To find an Art-O-Mat vending machine near you just click here for a list of locations!

Check out the Art-O-Mat shop where you can order a collection of 10 packs of art in an Art-o-carton!

Does anyone have an old cigarette machine I can have?? Pretty please!  I know it would be a bit strange, but I’d love to have one in my house all cool and quirky! 

What do you think about these?  Do you have one near you?

~Kim

P.S.  Please know that I do not support smoking just because I like the cigarette machines, but I DO support cool art sold in a creative way!

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Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, so now’s the time to make a few felt heart hair clips or maybe a brooch for your jacket!    

This My Love Heart pdf pattern is popular in my shop right now and I thought I’d share a little special with you.  It usually sells for $5.95 but… 

Buy it this week for ONLY $1.95!!

Downloadable PDF pattern includes:

• 7 pages with beautiful color photos
• Step-by-step directions
• Easy cut-out patterns
• Ideas for other projects with these patterns

You’ll enjoy how quick and easy you can make these with patterns!

This will help you create sweet gifts of your own just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Click Here to purchase the My Love Felt Heart Hair Clip & Brooch Pattern!

Have fun!

~Kim

Looking for more Valentine’s Day ideas??  Check out my list of 101 Handmade Valentine’s Day Ideas!

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