help?

On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 5:36:30 -0400, alia wrote (in message ):

It's the market. Ebay just isn't a good place to sell artisan jewelry -- there's no way for people to get a feel for what's nice, and buyers just don't want to pay anything for it.

I wish there really was a good online sales site for artisan beadwork, but so far, I sure haven't seen one.

Kathy N-V

Alia...

I completely understand. I can't allow myself to place my items on eBay, because I know the market won't bear it, and then I will become more depressed over my items. I left the group for almost 3 months because I felt so down, and so isolated.

It's hard when everything hits you all at once.

But I can completely understand, hun. and here are {{{hugs}}} for you!

Mary

Sorry to hear you're feeling low. Have you tried selling on Just Beads? I hear that people have more success there than with ebay.

Hugs

OH and I forgot to say, don't take your lack of sales personally. It's not a rejection of YOU, your creativity, or your work. It's just marketplace madness, don't let it get into your soul!

I think it would help if you get better pictures. There were a couple pieces of weaving that I was considering, but I couldn't really see them. I could see that the colors weren't my preferrence, but I could get a good look at colors and the work.

One big thing about doing beadwork, is to remember that sales don't necessarily equate to quality. A person can be a really great beader and still be able to make sales, especially over the net. To do that you need many more skills than beading. You need to know about business management, photography, copy writing, selling, advertising, and more.

Don't let lack of sales convince you that you aren't good.

Tina

Ruby Lane is a nice place to sell jewelry - at least it was when I was there. It does cost to set up, but it's not that much. There are people here who sell on Ruby Lane, and they can tell you what the market is like. Whatever you do, don't lower your prices. Take the gorgeous stuff to Ruby Lane, promote the heck out of it and work really hard at it. They are great over there. Plus, the holiday season is approaching, and things should get better. The market on eBay is so saturated, that it is really hard to even be seen there.

Also, think about joining Eclectic Beadery if they are accepting new artists.

used to run that site, but passed it on to Katfysh Jewelry, who iswonderful.

I wish you the best, sweetie!

-- Kandice Seeber Air & Earth Designs

Woman, I know exactly how you feel! Your work is beautiful, moving is stressful, and the ups and downs of the market are unpredictable. Everything WILL go OK and soon you WILL feel great and confident again!

Not much in sales now. There is now a $50 charge to open a shop, and it costs a minimum of $20/month to keep it open. The majority of shops in "Artisans' Lane" sell jewelry, and they compete not only with each other, but with shops in "Collectables". Kaytee "Simplexities" on

when you say $50 to open, does that mean they charge you $50, or is that what you have to deposit, and then use?

Mary

thank you thank you thank you!!!1 checking it out tonight...

now,i have another issue... u know i sell through auntbeep, and right now she has all my stuff. gary says i should wait at least another month, and i am rather nervous about this cause she has put SOO much effort into selling the stuff.... but i am thinking of taking my stuff elsewhere. do you think that is bad? how long should i wait? how much consideration should i give her situation of being a new seller just starting out, and how much should i give mine, being a new artist just starting out.... ???

can you make an arrangement with her and an instore sales, that her items state that they are on consignment, then when someone orders it (wants it), then you double check at the store to see if it is still available?

If you plan on setting up a website, you could place them on both sites, just make sure you update both when it sells...

mary

sh*t sooz, that is definitely worth a shot eh?

alia :D

i love you all so much you have made me feel so much better God bless each and every one of you.

This is the main reason why I am aiming to try some 'in person' marketing here in Portland.

And I have no doubt that being able to *see and pick up* the samples I brought when I did my 'recruit new students' demo at Micheals was the deciding factor for the people who weren't sure whether they wanted to sign up.

They not only got to see the sparkle, they got to weigh the pieces in their hands, check the finishing details, etc. All the things that someone who isn't sure about a purchase *needs* to do, in order to feel confidence in their decision. And all the things they -can't- do if they are buying online.

Deirdre

Agreed. And if you can figure out how to build skills in those other things, that can only help. Not just with selling beadwork, but with figuring out how to move from where you are to where you want to be in other parts of your life as well...

Deirdre

Alia, personally, I think you should move on if the situation isn't working for you. Aunt Beep needs to advertise - I have never seen her store anywhere other that when you mention it. Ruby Lane is much more well known, as are other venues. You need a place that is visible to the public and caters to the type of audience you are looking for. People who have money to spend, and enjoy spending it on gorgeous hand made unique work. If it doesn't cost you too much money, you can leave your stuff with Aunt Beep a little while longer, but if you need to sell quickly, I would move on. After all, she is selling your items at prices that are way too low, in her eBay store. Here's my advice - Get a decent digital camera if you can. If not, use a scanner and learn how to adjust the settings on your photos so that they are clear and bright. The photos in the eBay store are too small and don't show the detail of your pieces. Read through the Bead Notes

taking note of any tips onphotography and marketing that you can.Once you have good photos, spend the $15 that it takes to open up a RubyLane store. Work on your store, and at the same time, read their forums.There are a lot of wonderful people who give great advice there. Do marketresearch - look at what others charge, look at their stores, etc. BrowseeBay in the jewelry category to get an idea of what your competition will belike. Ruby Lane has a section that allows you to put things on eBay forauction - advertising both your auctions and your Ruby Lane store. Thisbrings traffic to both places.If I still made jewelry, I would still be selling at Ruby Lane. I hear theyhave made some changes since I have been there, but I think it's still agreat venue. Their target market is people who love art, high end crafts,antiques and high end collectibles. I think that's a great audience foryou.Okay - enough rambling - good luck!!-- Kandice Seeber Air & Earth Designs

that sounds really good. i am nervous that she would say no, but it is a very good suggestion and i will keep it in mind. thank you :)

Oh, wow - prices have gone up since I was last there!

-- Kandice Seeber Air & Earth Designs

Which Michael's are you teaching at? Just curious - I've been to most of them in that city. :)

-- Kandice Seeber Air & Earth Designs