3rd month promotion

So I have received more favourites since the 2nd month promotion. But I couldn't send the coupon codes via Etsy convo without the other party starting one first (it's part of the rules). So that's no good. Big learning point for me!

On the plus side, someone from Spain asked if I could trade Autumn in my Heart for photography services, or top up cash for other items she had. But I declined after thinking long and hard about it. I didn't want to fork out cash for her items; neither does she. That's how trading works! But it's still a compliment nonetheless.

And I had milestone - received a peak of 117 views in a day. It's definitely a yay! ^ ^

So I'm into my third month now, and decided to do a more direct holidays promo. Expanding to free international shipping as well since I know there are overseas buyers!

From my Etsy shop:

"Happy Holidays PROMO!! Receive FREE shipping with your purchase from now till 30 Nov.

For US: Please enter code 'OCT13SHIP' - no minimum purchase is required.

For other countries: Please enter code 'OCT13SHIP2INT' - minimum purchase of $20 is required. 

It's the season to be jolly! Happy shopping!"

Let's see how this will go... woohoo!

What did I say about learning along the way?

So I thought it'd be nice to send coupon codes via Etsy conversations for those who have liked my item. I mean, I'd be happy to receive discounts on the things I marked as favourite!

What I didn't know was that there are strict rules for promotions:

You must not use Conversations to send unsolicited advertising or promotions, requests for donations or "spam."

If someone adds your item or shop to a Favourite List, that is not an invitation to send a Conversation to that person.

Oops. So much for trying to be entrepreneurial.

Thankfully one member (the first who ever favourite my items) gave me a friendly heads-up and shared about other channels, like creating email lists. (I think she wants to warn me before Etsy throws me out.)

After I sent out an 'Oops I'm sorry I'm still learning' message to others (more convos... haha) I also received replies like "no problem :)".

Thank God for kind souls. And I've also since changed the promo wording to coupon codes will ONLY be sent if you alert me via convo.

I think if I'm an easily discouraged person, I'd have left Etsy in my first month cos setting up something, no matter how small, seems sooooo hard!

But being the thick-skinned person that I am, I will continue trying. Yep.

2nd month promotion

Into the second month of my so-called business, so am doing a little promotion.

From my Etsy shop:

"PROMO: From now till 31 Oct, receive free domestic shipping in US when you favourite our shop or any of our items (coupon code will be sent to you via Etsy conversation)! To thank you for your purchase, we will also send you a $2 off thank you code to be used for your next purchase (thank you code expires on 31 Dec).

Have fun shopping!"

Learned to create coupon codes for the first time. So exciting... let's see if it works! ^ ^

SGUS: My small handicrafts project

I have finally gotten around to setting up my own crafts shop on Etsy.

In one's life time, there's probably a lot of things that you wonder about but never gotten around to doing. For me, it's another thing checked off my list:

1. Study overseas
2. Sell my own products online
3. Write a book
4. Speak fluent French
5. Set up a themed blog (does my California  blog count?)

Why handicrafts? Given the amount of time spent on idea generation, sourcing for materials and creating those products by hand, it's not a project that could earn me big bucks versus the amount of effort put in. I'll be happy to just break even.

But it's a hobby that I've had since young. I've always liked making things. Any materials. Anything. There's joy in creating pretty things from scratch and finding that it's usable.

There's a lot of work turning a hobby into a business. I've learnt so much the past week. I need to learn how to price the items, create an inventory list, balance capital injection vs expenses vs revenue, think about promotion platforms... I'm learning along the way.

It's a fun journey.

So, take a look if you are interested in handmade products. Will be happy to have feedback - all are welcome!



A prototype created from an old piece of clothing