It doesn't matter whether you're new to the game or a seasoned craft seller, sales droughts can affect your business at any point in time.
We've come up with 10 questions to ask yourself in an effort to jumpstart your sales. Today we'll share 5 of them and tomorrow we'll share the other 5 questions to ask yourself in part 2 so make sure you check out tomorrow's post too!
1. Do your photos make your products shine?
Your items have been listed for quite some time yet not a single sale has come your way. The number one issue I see with new or low selling crafters is their photo taking skills simply need to be adjusted. Here's our handy checklist for complete photo success:
- Lose the Weird Props: Enough with the shiny plates and tacky flowers in your photos. Use a clean, bright surface such as a windowsill and get your items snapped. If you want to use a signature prop, be sure to style it off to the side and make sure it's neutral enough to compliment every piece you make.
- Take Many Angles: Ensure you take tons and tons of photos every time, including angles from the front, back, side, close up, far away and so on.
- Delete the Baddies: Any time you snap a slighty fuzzy but 'with potential' shot, delete it fast. It doesn't have potential and will seriously harm your chances at that next sale.
- Touch Them Up Before You List: Don't even think of putting up new photos until they`ve been cropped and brightened. This will take some work but it makes a world of difference in your future selling success.
2. Is your description too telling?
Sometimes saying too much is a bad thing. Imagine seeing a must have item but then reading a weird statement from the seller like "Comes from a pet free home but my kids have played with it". Even writing something you may find cute or silly will come off as, well, cute and silly to potential buyers. Leave your description crisp, clean and to the point with a short yet inviting backstory.
3. Is your description too bare?
Just like saying too much doesn't work, saying too little is just as unappealing to a buyer. I know how it is, you snap some amazing product shots and are in a hurry to get them listed. You add a short description like "easy to wear necklace that's fun, flirty and fabulous" and go on your way. Problem is there isn't much there for buyers to dissect, such as sizing, how it was made, the materials you used and the story behind it. You CAN get all that information in without writing a novel by keeping it short and sweet.
4. Could your pricing be off?
It probably is! Never gauge prices based on your online competitors because most people are underpricing their work in an effort to grab sales. Instead, use a product pricing calculator or go to a local store and see what growing indie companies are charging. This ensures your long term success (more money to grow your business) and means you won't be making peanuts anymore.
Many people report higher sales once they raise their prices, likely because potential buyers will view your products as better quality and more coveted than other items on the market. Take, for example, mabelise, who told Etsy sellers (in the forums) that after raising her prices slightly, she got 3 sales.
5. Is the product unique enough?
If you're selling a product that isn't used year round or is in a competitive market, try tweaking the item to make it more appealing to a niche market. Etsy shop seller Sara Carr makes pencil scarves, perfect for quirky kids and adults alike. A scarf isn't something we'd normally buy year round but the originality of the item helps with sales.
Justine Smith is an Etsy success story who used her experience selling online and turned it into a full-time wholesale business. Her real passion is helping handmade sellers find success marketing their craft products. She offers tips on advertising, branding, social media and growth via email through her blog Justine's Media.
Main image courtesy of Jeremy Brooks
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