Etsy Small Business Tips: Christmas Sales

Friday, December 9, 2011

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:


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:

Happy Sales,

Michelle

DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew Review

Monday, November 28, 2011

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

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Mac Midnight Blues Fluid Line Review

Collection: MAC Me Over
Price: 15.00






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

Wednesday, September 28, 2011


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

Saturday, August 27, 2011

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

Circle Infinity Scarf Necklace -  kelly green with print - Necklush

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!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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_

Vintage Plastic Retro Chain Necklace, Neon, Vintage Chain, Vintage Brass, Handmade Necklace

Matching Earrings:

Visit Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79987492/vintage-plastic-retro-chain-earrings
Vintage Plastic Retro Chain Earrings , Neon, Vintage Chain, Vintage Brass, Handmade 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
Pink Glass Crystal Bow Earrings, Swarovski Crystal, Sterling Silver, Elegant, Handmade Earrings

Link For Black Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79918491/black-glass-crystal-bow-earrings
Black Glass Crystal Bow Earrings, Swarovski Crystal, Sterling Silver, Elegant, Handmade 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
Wedding Bridesmaides Pearl Necklace, Set of Four, Organic Stye, Vintage Brass, Handmade

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!

Brown Floral And Tourmaline Earrings, Sterling Silver, Flower, Vintage Beads, Handmade Earrings

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.
Swarovski Star Crystal Necklace, Vintage Brass, Star, Wire Wrapped, Handmade

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

Saturday, August 13, 2011

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
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


Price: 32.50


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

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

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

Price: 33.00


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!