Hello, to all my faithful readers! Today, I will give you some shop updates!
Update Number One: What's up with the feedback situation?
Well, if you read back a few posts, you'll see that I've been dealing with my first and only, unhappy customer on Etsy! She finally contacted me about how she wanted things resolved. I complied immediately and issued a full refund for a necklace I remade for her (to her specification) that broke. The exchange (through etsy's kiss and make-up) was supposed to provide both of us with some satisfaction. I was to receive a reversal of the negative feedback she left my shop (without the benefit of any chance to make things right, before she left it) while she got her refund. Well, as I just told you, I immediately issued her refund after hearing from her. Now, weeks later, I still have the negative feedback (and I'm sure she will not remove it at this point).
What you need to know is that I contacted etsy for support in this matter and their response was that they will not mediate any kiss and make-up bargains. Essentially, too bad, Carol's Jewelry Orchard. So, I've learned that there is no seller support on Etsy in these situations. Listen carefully, fellow etisans, If you are dealing with an unreasonable person; you will have unreasonable results. This is very disappointing to me. Essentially, my shop (with over 170 positive responses at the time) is being held hostage to a person who had a feedback response of 4. Time to move on. And I am. I will not dwell or write on this subject again.
Shop Update #2: Taking my jewelry in a different direction.
I've been busy trying to find some niche for myself in the glutted etsy jewelry market. In my opinion, I've done fairly well in the etsy jewelry marketplace over the last two years. However, I find it increasingly important to be able to market my jewelry. This is difficult for me, as I make such a variety of eclectic items. It would be so much easier to market if I found the piece that really have someone "searching" for them and I figure out how to tag them right for the search. So, I've making making lists.....lots of lists....to figure out what pieces I'll continue to make and sell and which pieces will no longer be offered. I've got some of it figured out; the rest, of course, is still a work in progress.
Shop Update #3: Blogging and posting.
I really enjoy my blog. I had the most consistent readership when I was blogging twice a week. Sundays.....an article of my choice (not always jewelry) and Wordless Wednesday posts on Wednesday. I am going to return to a similar format. I love the promotional frenzy team blog day (Wednesday) and the response my blog receives from that but I don't have a consistent readership the rest of the week. I like having my readers check in and read more than once a week. So, I'll return to what has worked for me in the past. And make no mistake for those that are just starting to blog; it will drive traffic to your shop!
Shop Update #4: End of my personal six month trial of Facebook marketing is approaching.
In January, I opened a facebook page;
I have enough followers (or people that like me) to have a shorter URL now. Please feel free to visit and like me there, if you are able.
I'm still not sure I like this form of marketing. There are two reasons for this;
1) You have to have a personal page to get a business page. Thus, my friend are still bombarded with my self-promotion.
2) I have not had one sale related to being found on Facebook.
However, I do get some traffic to my shop from Facebook (4-7% per google analytics). Traffic is always a good thing! :) But, I will be re-evaluating the effectiveness of facebook as a marketing tool for Carol's Jewelry Orchard.
Well, this post has gotten long enough. In short, I am in the process of re-evaluating my shop and the direction I want to take with my jewelry and the manner in which it is sold. I still love my craft; it's just time for a little searching and experimenting. Thanks for stopping by! As always, comments are more than welcome!
'Til Next Time,
Carol
Look forward to an upcoming post on Pearls, Classic Beauty!
