Etsy Small Business Tips: Christmas Sales

Etsy Small Business Tips: Christmas Sales

This post will focus on solely Christmas Sales for Etsy Small business owners.  Feel free to apply this to any ecommerce site. 

We are now reaching the Nitti gritty there are exactly 13 shipping days left for the Christmas Rush.  You want to pull in those last few sales, but you have had sales in the past and no one uses your coupon code, matter of fact there is no one in your shop.  Let’s grind out the next 13 days and see if these changes can pull in some extra business.

1 – Double Sale

That’s right scary but true do a double dip, offer that extra incentive for your buyer to purchase from you and not the next guy.  With the world wide web being well as big as the world you need to step up to the plate to amount to the other competition.  Sad but true, if you are not a power seller just yet chances are you need the boost of a double sale.

Example:  Free Shipping Off Every Order!

Or

Spend 50.00 Get an additional 10% off

Spend 100.00 Get an Additional 15% Off

Spend 150.00 Get an Additional 20% Off

Scary but true offering discounts starts to make you count on your hands and toes how much your profit is dwindling.  That’s where your wrong, if you are properly pricing your items with a decent profit margin, overhead, packaging, cost of materials, and labor you should be able to swing this type of sale no problem.   Bottom line people love choices especially when saving money.

2 – Liquidating Merchandise

In the process of this sale you will do what you love most besides creating and that’s selling.  Get rid of merchandise to refresh your shop with newer material, and now you will have the income to put back into your business.  Now were starting a pattern, selling! 

3 – Tagging your Sale

You can use sites like Etsy On Sale to add tags in one batch to your items such as sale, Christmas sale, free shipping etc.  When you want to stop the sale you can then remove that tag,  and it will remove them in one batch.  There is a fee for this service but if you never used Etsy on Sale you get four free credits.

You can also put your shop on sale without any promo codes, it will automatically reduce prices by dollar amount or percentage.

Click link below:

http://www.etsyonsale.com/sellers?referralCode=CAWDYS7X43

3-  Promoting Sales:

As part of the Team Etsy Entrepreneurs Holiday Challenge 2011 we are inviting 16 shops to promote one item of there choice to a holiday sale team treasury.  Your item will be featured and in the description of the treasury will state All shops featured in this treasury are running different promotions feel free to click and take advantage of the holiday sales.

All team members participating must post this treasury and promote for the next two weeks by blogging, tweeting, facebook, or share with other promotion teams.

We did a similar challenge in the past that brought a lot of views to our team members.  If successful we can repeat challenge for other holidays such as Valentines Day, Saint Pattys Day, Easter etc.

Link to Etsy Entrepreneurs:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7978/etsy-entrepreneurs

Happy Sales,

Michelle

DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew Review

This is a complete review for the DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew.

Price: 40.00

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Online Shops

Why I like it:  I have normal to dry skin, I occasionally break out due to bad eating habits (greasy food).  Most moisturizers are too scented, too greasy, or too thick for me.  This oil free formulation is fantastic a lightweight almost whipped like texture.  There is virtually no scent, and absorbs within 30 seconds of applying.  Ideally this would be great for oily skin, but it does not irritate or break my skin out.  I never get shiny with this moisturizer and it truly sinks in.  You can over apply and it will still continue to sink it.

I apply this with jojoba oil in the winter and summer to avoid dry skin issues.  I would imagine if you had extra shine from oil this wouldn't add to the issue.  If your looking for moisture with no bells and whistles this is for you. 

Packaging:  Is a love, very hygienic the pump is air tight, you waste absolutely no product.  I've gone through about  5 bottles so I know when it runs low.  But you can easily run out due to the opaque white bottle.  The pump has no clogging issues and easy to control.

Price:  I really hate buying this every time I am running low I try to seek out a cheaper brand but I cant seem to find the right alternative.  For 40.00 its a bit steep for having no real benefits other than moisture.  But I will repurchase until I find a more cost effective solution.  If price is not an issue go for the gold!


Overall thoughts great product good for a basic no fuss mouisturizer with a hygienic packaging and a high price tag!  Hope to find a dupe soon!



Mac Midnight Blues Fluid Line Review Mac Me Over Collection

Mac Midnight Blues Fluid Line Review

Collection: MAC Me Over

Price: 15.00

Sold Out @ www.maccosmetics.com

Find on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=mac+midnight+blues&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Color:  This color in pan shows a bit lighter in photo.  This is very close up in great lighting, this is a deep blueish green with finely milled sparkles.  The sparkle is not offensive and barely noticeable.  This is a great color very rich and fall appropriate.  If you are looking for something more jazzy than your regular black liner, this is a great way to incorporate color into your collection.  A deep blue green lays beautifully on the lid creating the perfect deep color.

Staying Power: All Mac Fluidliners in my opinions are alright when it comes to longevity.  Every color I own I love the color more than the formula.  Mac does a great job in bringing makeup lovers a truly unique range of colors.  But the fluid lines always wear off a bit throughout an 8 hour work day, they are not smudge or waterproof.  I would still recommend these fluid liner with a good base like Too Face Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay Primer Potion. 

Applying:  Easy to apply with a small liner brush, the consistency is beautiful and smooth.  A great way to introduce liner into your makeup routine.  These are not recommend on the eye lid, especially the colors with sparkle/glitter.  The ones without glitter are very long wearing and pigmented on the waterline.

Overall:  A great colored eyeliner to have in the collection, not to bright or bold.  Office appropriate, a great alternative to black, and as always smooth and creamy.  If you love Mac Fluid Lines than this is a great addition.  Not a must need product, but again a great alternative.

Handmade Soap Haul From Monkey Barsoaps

I recently sold my jewels at the lovely Astoria Market at The Bohemian Beer Garden In Astoria Queens on 9/25/2011.  One thing I love about attending fairs or vending is you get to meet the artists face to face.  There passion, knowledge and product truly stands out beyond any computer screen.

I met Johnny Scarlet owner and creator of Monkey Barsoaps, anything beauty related I gravitate to instantly.  He was interested in buyers wants and needs, and I appreciated his attentiveness in regards to ingredient concerns.  Packaging was hands down my favorite of any soap company I have purchased from, I have bought so many brands.  Monkey Barsoaps offers quality soaps handmade in the USA.

I purchased 3 bars of soap :

1) Oatmeal Milk And Honey - 6.00 a bar

Anything honey is my ultimate favorite this has a warm sweet smell.  If you are a lover of anything honey this is your bar, with oats for gentle exfoliation this makes the perfect bar to get smooth and clean.

2) Hoegaarden Bars 6.00 a bar

This bar smells of fresh citrus delightfulness, this bar has a really nice clean smell.  Not overpowering and pine sol like, this bar has the perfect hint of invigorating lemon like scent.  I love soap that makes me feel clean smell clean and awakens me on a overtired morning.

3) Guinness Soap: 6.00 a bar

I have always been intrigued with beer soaps, but I really never had the guts to go and purchase online with out a good ol scratch and sniff.  While I attended this event I was able to smell the dark sexy scents lingering from this bar.  This is a unisex smell I feel its not for everyone if you love sweet food like smells this isn't for you if you want something clean yet sexy this is the scent.

All photos are my own
Review will be up shortly for these soaps!

Visit this shop: http://www.monkeybarsoaps.com/

Gift Guide 2: Scarf Lovers

Gift Guide 2: Scarf Lovers

With the fall vastly approaching we start to unpack our fall fashions and creating wish lists on our favorite sites.  Scarves are a great accessory that spice up an outfit, it can completely transform your look.  Take a simple sweater and make it jazzy in one two three.

Which led me to this weeks gift guide: scarves!  A great guide for you or if your in need of a gift for a special someone!  I really tried to offer a variety of colors and styles to suite any ones needs!

Gift # 1:  Bows of Love:

Image Belongs to  
http://www.etsy.com/shop/victorianbird?ref=pr_shop_more

Etsy Seller: victorianbird
www.victorianbird.etsy.com

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59954460/grey-scarf-with-white-bow-print

Price: 31.03$

I love this scarf a great unique structure with buttons and bows.  This is a little bit rock n roll meets punky meets cute, a fantastic find for that unique individual in your life.  This seller offers other apparel from skirts to shirts to scarves!

Gift # 2: Painting Inspired Scarf

This image belongs to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnlyScarf?ref=seller_info

Etsy Seller: OnlyScarf
www.OnlyScarf.etsy.com

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79162516/digital-print-linen-scarf-shawl-monet

Price: 110.00

This scarf is simply breathtaking with swirls of color this is a piece of art for the neckline.  Bold yet subtle a great way to incorporate color into your wardrobe if you tend to stick with basic colors.  This seller is a newer etsy shop yet they seem to be offering quality products with a eye catching presentation.

Gift # 3: Chunky Infinity Scarf

Image Belongs to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JarvisGift?ref=seller_info

Etsy Seller: JarvisGift
www.JarvisGift.etsy.com

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66945442/infinity-scarf-copper-extra-large-chunky

Price: 40.00

This scarf makes me want to fall asleep in it, a cozy chunky cowl neck infinity scarf.  These are so versatile you can wrap then into a cozy neck bundle or leave it long and drapey.  Either way this seller offers a variety of colors and styles with a fully stocked shop for this coming season!

Gift # 4: Silk Scarf

Image Belongs to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KavitaKriti?ref=seller_info

Etsy Seller: KavitaKriti
www.KavitaKriti.etsy.com

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72501761/indian-handpainted-luxury-silk-scarf

Price: 46.00

A silk scarf is a great addition for any scarf collector.  You can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, a great piece to incorporate for the office.  Silk is an elegant fabric for scarves the texture and lightweight provides luxury and comfort all in one.  This seller has a very Moroccan feel to her collection!

Gift # 5: Unisex Scarf

Image Belongs To: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/necklush?ref=seller_info

Etsy Seller: NeckLush
www.necklush.etsy.com

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/37375365/scarf-necklace-necklush-circle-infinity

Price: 74.00

This seller offers a ton of necklace like fabric scarves, fashionable, colorful, and unisex.  A great gift for both men and women.  This seller has fantastic photos and has been featured in a variety of magazines for there brilliant work.  A great unique quality gift that can be treasured for a lifetime!

Enjoy until next time!

Weekly Jewelry Listings!

With another week flying I have managed to upload some really creative pieces.  Some elegant and classic others retro chic.  This week was a very jam packed week full of creating, experimenting, and photographing!

My all time favorite listing:

Retro Time:

This necklace captures my moods loud, funky, and daring to wear.  Loving this piece its vintage, retro, and truly unique.  Matching Earrings are listed below

Visit Link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79916857/vintage-plastic-retro-chain-necklace?ref=v1_other_



Matching Earrings:

Visit Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79987492/vintage-plastic-retro-chain-earrings


Venturing into a different world we have the chic elegant side of my designs.

The Bow Earrings:

Such a sparkly sophisticated design.  A great earring for a night our or great for a bridal party simply gorgeous!

View Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79857027/pink-glass-crystal-bow-earrings


Link For Black Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79918491/black-glass-crystal-bow-earrings


Organic Style Bridal Jewelry:

Bridesmaid Necklaces:

These are a great buy you save when you purchased bulk for party favors, friends, or bridesmaids.  These are have a nice organic feel, a very textured fresh water pearl to give it that bridal elegance.

View Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79770028/wedding-bridesmaides-pearl-necklace-set


Vintage Brown Floral Earrings Featuring Tourmaline:

What a great earring mixing vintage lucite floral brown beads, with petro tourmaline finished with sterling silver.  A great way to mix the old and new!



Swarovski Star:

How could I not throw in a simple sparkling star.  I carry a few styles of swarovski pendants in my line, I loooooooove the shine on the crystal color.  This is mesmerizing with shimmers of yellow, green and blue inside this star swarovski necklace.


I have been experimenting with some new materials this week.  I have so many plans with my line going into the fall season.  I cant wait to update my fellow MeShe lovers with all the new exciting additions.

Peace n Love

Shelly

Gift Guide 1: Ballerina

Gift Guide 1

(Image belongs to birthday central)

I figured it would be interesting to do a weekly gift guide.  Featuring different gifts for all types of friends and family.  The fashionista, the punk rocker, the minimalist, beauty guru and more.  I will be featuring 5 or more interesting items that perfectly fit that special day. 

Todays Gift Guide:

Gifts For The Ballerina:

Do you have a acquaintance, friend, lover, mother that dances, danced or thinks the should be in the ballet.  Here is the perfect grooving guide for you!

Gift 1 - Ballerina Art

Etsy Seller: Ballet Art

http://www.balletart.etsy.com/

Item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76735190/the-ballerina

Price: 28.00

I think this is a fantastic gift for a dancer this print is simply stunning.  This seller has so many prints for the ballerina in mind.  Whimsical, colorful, emotional and  unique.  I would purchase this for myself because it is just elegant and romantic. 

This Image belongs to http://www.balletart.etsy.com/

Gift # 2 - Ballerina Jewelry

Etsy Seller: http://www.patricia8anderson.etsy.com/

Item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76941948/ballet-shoe-charm-sterling-silver?ga_search_query=ballerina&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6270005

Price: 32.50

This Image belongs to http://www.patricia8anderson.etsy.com/

This is a great everyday wearable gift for a ballerina.  This seller can customize the necklace with a personal saying, name or initial to make it truly from the heart.  This is a great simple piece that any style bold or simple can love.

Gift # 3: Ballerina Edibles

Etsy Seller: http://www.lorisplace.etsy.com/

Item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74676548/ballet-slipper-cookie-favors-ballet?ga_search_query=ballerina&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5433381

Price: 41.99 for 1 dozen

This Image belongs to http://www.lorisplace.etsy.com/

Whats better than a present that not only looks fantastic, but tastes fantastic.  These adorable ballet cookies look simply scrumptious.  With beautiful detailing these cookies are a great way to personalize a gift, these could be great for party favors, or gifts for that trophy your dance studio won.

Gift # 4: TuTus

Etsy Seller: http://www.tutuschic.etsy.com/

Item:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/69730829/chocolate-mocha-newborn-tutu-sewn-and

Price: 65.00

This Image Belongs to http://www.tutuschic.etsy.com/

How could I not include the one and only tutu!  A great gift for the dancer that is now going to be a momma!  This seller has a variety of gorgeous clothes that suit any ballerinas style.  Tutus for toddlers, or feminine romantic bodices for women.

Gift #5: Ballerina Headband

Etsy Seller: http://www.littlewhitedresser.etsy.com/

Item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/68354263/blush-spring

Price: 33.00

This image belongs to http://www.littlewhitedresser.etsy.com/

When we think of ballerinas well at least I think of a bun.  This seller has oodles of headpieces with a  romantic elegant feel.  A great gift for a dancer that loves to add to her costumes.  These are wearable for events such as weddings, baby showers, or simply dress them down with a fashionable outfit!

NYC Day Trip

A few weeks ago me and my lover decided we wanted to make a trip to NYC. The great thing about being in Long Island or any where in the tri state are is your only a hop skip and train away. He packed his backpack, and I Packed my over the shoulder handbag. Grabbed some Bacon Egg and Cheeses and we were off.

We sailed smoothly with one transfer, if you take the train often enough you start to see same back yards, swimming pools and trampolines. It reminds me I'm on my way.

We arrived at Penn, walked outside and headed downtown. Within minutes we were wishing we wore shorts or something breezy, anything but dark denim. We walked all the way down to Soho and In Between.

I wanted to just walk and enjoy the city, the weekend, and my hard earned cash. When we arrived in the Soho area we stopped at a few stores to window shop, bought a fabulous Spanish inspired dress, and walked for hours. The great thing about going to the city with no plans is sometimes you just enjoy the atmosphere, lots of people, NY fashion, the occasional bum, and random street fairs with fresh cut watermelon! We spent hours stopping in new shops trying to discover the undiscovered and enjoying one another. We stopped at a local bar to grab a drink and a quick bite to eat. I'm trying to recall the name, but it had great bar appetizers, the potato skins rocked my socks.

I indulged in a Mister Softee Cherry Dipped cone and headed back up town. We came to the city to shoot some pictures for my loves youtube/facebook fan page. He makes beats, so anywhere with some graffiti we would shoot, we got some awesome pics. (www.youtube.com/augiebeats)


Image belongs to http://www.livingfreenyc.com/

As we walked up town we discovered this interesting gallery of different prints with swarovski crystals adhered to the prints.

Our feet were in pain, once you cant feel your legs or you have blisters its time for a break. So we headed back to Penn. We really wanted Gshock watches before we left so we hit the streets, until we found out treasures.

By this time we were beat, but I did make one last stop to LUSH. And I pick up a bunch of bubble bars, salt scrubs, and lip balm:) One foot in front of the other and we were back on the train headed home!

Promotion Tip #1 Paypal Survey

Promotion Tip # 1

I want to post quick tips to share with fellow Etsy sellers to assist them with utilizing all tools available on the web. Quick easy tips that any seller new or old can use!

Paypal Survey:

This is a feature I just found out about, and would like to share with fellow team members. Paypal offers a way for customers to tell you how they heard about your shop, Google, friend, face book etc. We spend all this time and money into marketing our shops with different venues. At the end of the day we want to streamline what brings the traffic in.

Log Into you Pay Pal account:

Under the My Account Tab go to the profile tab

Click More Options

One the left hand side click My Selling Tools

Click Custom Payment Pages

Change the tab to options

Check Add A Customer Survey Box

And simply fill out.

This is free, and takes five minute to implement. Although doing some research, it is not a feature generally used by the customer during checkout. It is generally overlooked, but I have some additional tips on my blog to engage the customer to fill it out.

Another way to make customer aware of survey, is include instructions how to do so in your message to buyers. (In Etsy under your account info & appearance)

TIP* Guide them to the correct place!*

It is the first line in my Message To Buyers:

For special coupon code please fill out our survey during PayPal checkout. Let us know how you heard of our shop! I will email you exclusive code!

Want to keep it simple try this:
Let us know during checkout how you heard of our shop, find our customer survey in PayPal checkout.

A helpful seller in the EETeam www.flowerthyme.etsy.com gave us additional information on how to set up survey notifications! This way you are emailed when someone fills it out!

My Account
More Options
My Settings
Update Notifications
Check Email box for customer survey!

Again this is just one more way to streamline our business, promotions, and marketing tools.

Please join EE Team on Etsy for additional business to business support:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7978/etsy-entrepreneurs

Follow my blog for business tips, and fun product reviews!

Jojoba Oil Product Review

Skin Hair Nails All In One Oil Product Rave!

Product Review: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

Purchased @: Whole Foods

Price: around 4 or 5$

What Can You Use It For? Just about anything and everything under the sun, the one great thing about this product is that it serves so many purposes. A great staple to have in your home. You can use this on your skin, hair, nails, serves as a moisturizer, mask, makeup remover, hair treatment, cuticle oil.

What I use it for: Mainly I use this product for my skin, I started using retina cream good for sun damage. It is a prescription cream from the dermatologist, one major side effect is peeling and dryness. This side effect can last a few days to a few months, I didn't want to waste three months peeling to find a solution. So I read online of products to use in conjunction and shabam jojoba oil was one of them. So I purchased and started using over my retina cream at night and what a difference.

I have used this for four months every day and night. Oil sounds scary but this oil mimics a natural oil produced in the skin that is too large to clog the pores. Can it break you out yes depending on your skin type I have normal to dry skin. But it has worked for many with acne prone skin, the skin can go through a stage of purging. But for me I had no breakouts due to this oil, it leaves my skin so smooth and glowing like no other product.

Application:
Night I don't use any other moisturizer I only use this I look a bit shiny but when I awake my skin is hydrated and luminous. I use about three to four drops.
Day: I mix one to three drops in with my DDF oil free moisturizing dew and it gives me the glow, and hydration my skin needs.

Overall: A great inexpensive product that truly delivers natural moisture to the skin. Dessert Essence is a pure oil that is cruelty free and no animal testing of raw materials or finished product. I am not a dermatologist and this may not work for all skin types but what a great product to try that wont break the bank.

Revising Descriptions

Revising Descriptions:

Ok one of the many tasks on in my One Month Challenge is revising all of my shops descriptions. Now I feel I have figured out an informative way to describe and list my items with as much useful and necessary information as possible, without overwhelming the customer. I read tons of forums and Etsy newsletters and finally I am happy with my current revisions.

Again we will always be updating and revising our shops but if you are thinking of starting a shop or already have one there’s no time like the present to set up a clean informative description for your buyers.

The current layout I am going with for my descriptions is as followed: I broke it down into sections to explain my reasoning behind this layout and the link for this piece is http://www.etsy.com/listing/73493153/lime-green-chalcedony-drop-vintage-brass
This way you can view the final layout.

**This is an example, alter and change for your specific needs, find a unique way to make it yours**

**Take your time but again use your Google calendar to set a goal date to finish your revisions by I am currently in the process of changing all 82 items I have for sale.

Section One: Description
- Shop Name – repeating your shop name in the description for a way to implant your shop name into the buyers mind. The more they see it the harder it is to forget. Your selling your item but also your name.
- Materials – What materials, ingredients, fabric etc are being used, Google is going to recognize the first 2 sentences of the description so make it count. If I am searching Lime Green Chalcedony Earrings your visibility has just improved.
- Enticing Adjectives – Have fun use rhymes, quotes, out of the box words to express the item at sale. Horrible at writing use a thesaurus to make your words pop off the screen.
- Origin – Include the origin of where you may have gathered materials or inspirations.
- Weights/Texture – The customer cannot touch your item; explain the weight, feel, textures, and tastes.

These MeShe Design Earrings feature a key lime green chalcedony faceted briolette drop, wire wrapped with vintage brass. A handmade earring that is simple yet delivers a beautiful soft lime green. This color bursts with personality and brightens any complexion. A great gift for any green lover, If you prefer a fish hook earring back feel free to contact me upon purchasing.

Section 2: Detailed Descriptions:
- This is optional I choose to do this to better inform customers of material there buying; maybe if you sell handmade clothes you can talk further about washing and drying instructions of fabric.
- I feel is allows customer to see you want them to be as knowledgeable as you are when it comes to the material

Chalcedony is the Astrological Sign for: Cancer & Sagittarius

Chalcedony is considered a member of the Quartz family, color ranging from transparent, translucent, or opaque. It occasionally contains a small amount of opal.

Chalcedony balances the energy of mind, body, emotions and spirit. Alleviates hostilities, irritability, and enhances generosity.

Section 3: Tag Line
**Again with branding yourself including your signature statement, let the customer remember you!

Wear it, feel it, love it, own it - Meshe Designs

Section 4: Materials Listed and Measurements:
- Some people hate reading descriptions and prefer items listed clear and easy, this is great in addition to Section 1.
- Listed should not be your only way of describing product it won’t come up in the search engine as efficiently.
- I also include all material that my description may not
- List Measurements again they cannot touch or feel the product, so paint a picture and minimize reasons to hesitate buying right that moment.
- More information = less convos from buyers because you already included vital information. Which in turn allows for a more impulsive sale

Materials:
♥ Lime Green Chalcedony Faceted Briolettes
♥ Wire Wrapped
♥ Lever Back Earrings
♥ All Other Components Are Vintage Brass

Measures:
♥ With Ear Wire: Approx: 1.5"
♥ With Out Ear Wire Approx: 3/4"
All Measurements are Approx.

Section 5: Refer another Item
- This simply gives the customer one more reason to stay or make an additional purchase.
- All big name online retailers give you suggestions based on the item you are currently viewing. There not multi million dollar companies for no reason.

Love This Stone:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71635559/lime-chalcedony-simple-briolette

Section 6: Link your policys:
-You want every customer to know your terms and conditions as far as shipping, and returns. Don’t assume they know where to find it, guide them!

MeShe Designs Policies & Shipping Info:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/meshedesigns/policy

Section 7: Gift Wrap
-Let the buyer know you offer gift wrap, one more reason for them to hit the checkout button.
-Customers Love Eco Friendly!

99% Eco Friendly Packaging, Gift Wrap Included
All Pieces Are Cleaned Prior To Shipment

Section 8: Contact Info
- They may be new to Etsy and know how to contact you; again you just saved a sale.
- Some people prefer email so I throw it in there

Any Question Contact Us:
Via Etsy Conversation
or
meshedesigns [!at] yahoo.com

Section 9: Facebook/Twitter:
-Allow your customers to be updated 24/7
- People Love promotions and you could have a new fan followed by another sale!

Visit Our Fan-page For Promotions:
www.facebook.com/meshedesigns

Sections 6, 7, 8, 9 I copy and paste work smarter not harder!

Again this is my layout make tweak it to fit your needs.

Don’t feel overwhelmed with all these tips just take it with a grain of salt and evaluate. Could your descriptions improve, and increase sales by increasing your buyer’s knowledge through descriptions?

One Month Challenge:
I encourage other fellow small business owners to participate in this One month Challenge to better your business. A simple practical way to enhance site appearance, viewers, sales, and overall better our everyday task management. I had an idea or maybe a million; on things I would like to do for my business, improvements that needed to be made, promotions that needed to run you catch my drift. But I found with all these tasks that needed to be started or completed in conjunction with everyday business maintenance I was not managing my time properly. This is a great challenge for new business owners, veterans, or entrepreneurs in need of a serious over haul. This is a simplified way to really outline your tasks into a format that fits your schedule not mine because all business needs are different. Remember you can alter this method to something that fits your needs this is just the tasks and format I am following.

Step 1 - Sign up for Google Calendar
www.google.com
Click on the more tab and you will find calendars
Google Calendars a great free way to organize your daily tasks and events.
Similar to Microsoft office without having to buy or downloads any extra programs.
If you are signed up for Google Analytics you can access the calendar feature under the same account name.

Step 2: Write down your specific needs for your business
Really sit down on this one and think of all the day to day tasks that YOU DO or SHOULD BE doing in order to run a successful business. They don’t all have to be done on the same day now just write them all down!

For Instance:
List 2 Items per day
Blog Three times per week
Renew twice a day
Update Face book/Twitter
Create 3 new pieces
Pictures for 5 pieces
Order Supplies
Pricing New Merchandise

Now List all the tasks you would like to incorporate maybe promotions you want to run or people you need to contact shows you would like to attend, business meet ups you get the idea:
* This list is not everyday tasks, this second list shows you new projects,promotions, or business opportunity's you would like to incorporate into your monthly challenge.

Run Face book Ad
Feature/Review Seller on your blog
Retake Pictures
Revise item descriptions/tags
New Banner/avatar/cards
Approach Brick and Mortar stores for consignment/wholesale accounts

Step 3 – Create a 30 day Calendar that fits all your to do’s into a schedule.
Tip 1 – Be practical
-don’t shove 12 tasks in one day if that day you work another job, have the dentist appointment, picking up joey and Janie from soccer at 2 keep it practical
- don’t overwhelm yourself you will end up getting discouraged
-don’t think about what you wont be able to get done think about what you can get done in a day -If you don't finish a task on one day you may have more time the next and keep notes in the calender, the beauty is you can move the events alter and add at any time.
-don’t have too many ideas and not enough time

Tip 2 – Keep your schedule consistent
-Keep your main business needs consistent meaning Mon Wed and Fri you always list 3 items and take all your pictures.
-Have everyday tasks filled out first then go ahead and plug in your extra projects you’ve been sitting on all year! It will be more clear as too whats priority and what is optional.

Tip 3 - Entering tasks/events:
When entering in a task or event you simply click one on the day and time you would like to enter in the
I love the event option because you can create notes and use the repeat button, which allows you to repeat a task what ever days and times for however long you want to repeat that particular event.
You can play around with the calendar features it takes no time to get the hang of it, and how you want to operate the features.
Play around with the features and modify the calendar to your liking.

Step 4 – Follow Through
-Make sure you really stick to your 30 day challenge to see a improvement, and conduct small studies. When renewing record how many views your item had at the beginning of the day and then record how many at the end. These things can all be plugged into your Google Calendar or any calendar program.

Taking 30 minutes to fill out this calendar just set a months worth of goals that you can alter and tweak for the following month. You can track your views from google analytics, sales,hearts,treasury features at the beginning of the month to the end and compare to see if any of these methods are working for you.

So hear we go and periodically throughout the month I will be blogging about my experience and I encourage others to share tips and tricks and there journey on the one month challenge!

Lush Haul..Bath Melts..Bath Bombs..Bubble Bars Yummy:)

Products Purchased & Free Samples

Heart with red stripe is the front of the Heavenilli Massage Bar

Free Sample and I plan on purchasing smells like a lavender chamomile creation of relaxation!

Gentle Lentil is interesting a solid shampoo I need to give it more time interesting.

Heavenilli Massage Bar

9.95 for 1.9oz

Great for massages or dry skin when rubbed in the palm of your hand turns from a solid to oil.

If you don't like a greasy oil type product this is not for you, I find it sinks in and gives a beautiful sheen. Smells lovely to me but smells are a very personal and particular thing. Vanilla, jasmine almost chocolaty smell to it.

MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment Bath Melt

7.95$ 3.5oz

I really love these products they don't create any bubbles, drop it in a full hot bath let it soak and dissolve. Step in and bam soft milky waters soften the skin with a luxurious feel when you step out wanting more! Smells like lucky charms marshmallows yummy and low fat ;)

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar

7.25$ for 3.5oz

I like this one not in love but I would repurchase. This product creates bubbles but not like a club foam party, just a soft layer of bubbles. Crumble it into your bath and bam it softens the water and creates bubbles, I mixed this with the marshmallow bath melt. This smells like a bubble gum vanilla treat. I prefer the bath melts for softer skin.

The Comfortor Bubble Bar

9.95 for 7.5 oz.

I havent tried this puppy yet I will edit when I do but It smells similar to the other candy scents and it is the biggest product of all I purchased.

Honey Bee Bath Bomb

6.40$ for 6.3 oz

Ok this is Holy Grail for me I love buttery honey vanilla scents the best. This is divine if you love honey I washed the kids I believe this is your other half then. Drop it into your bath and it fizzes up slowly with a aroma like no other honey toffee sweet deliciousness. Leaves the water a yellow color and softens the skin I don't want to ever leave my bath. I want a bathroom basket full of these! Note it does leave a small brownish residue on the bottom of your tub when you drain it due to the mud in it, really not a big deal just clean your tub when finished!

Another Shot of Honey Bee

So I have a serious addiction....Handmade soaps and bath products, sweet honey smells and Delicious candy coated bubble bars are making my mouth water for a hot bath as we speak.

I went into NYC a few weeks ago for a jewelry supply spree, and whenever I take the train I think of where I'm going to get a few treats for myself. Whether that be food, clothing, jewelry supplies, or LUSH!

I stopped and said I'm caving in and purchasing some goodies, well a few weeks later I used all my stock up and found taking a shower just wasn't the same. So I made an online order @ www.lush.com. These are the goodies I picked up I am in love so far this is not a review just a haul below the images I will put all information on prices and names.

If you are a bath lover and love soft supple skin, you need to give this company a try. I love there company moral, handmade, minimal packaging and quality fresh products. Check out www.lush.com.