| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 21 2013 : 04:31:58 AM
Good morning!
I make soap, candles, etc. i'm sure some of you already know that. I feel my products are very good, and i always do well when i attend fair/festivals.
I started this business in 2007. with no real money to do any serious advertising, i feel i'm stuck in a rut. i have tried all the free ways to advertise i can think of. at times i've been able to pay for advertising, such as in a paper. i'm on forums, facebook, twitter, and i sell from my website, rarely on ebay, just listed on etsy 2 days ago.... after a 5 yr absense from it. etsy seems great but i think there may be too much competition on there. there are SO many soapmakers who sell on it.
in 2009 i lost my full time job and clean houses here and there. i have some regular summer clients and the money is excellent, but i dont want to do that forever. living in a small town, there are not many jobs. luckily my husband works for the town and already has 20 yrs in....and he covers most of the bills.
sometimes i get in a mental funk and feel useless. i want to do more but feel i've hit a brick wall. i want my business to bring in more money but at this point i honestly do not know what to do to make that happen. i know the economy is not great, but when i go to fairs people buy....so i figure it must be just a matter of getting the 'name out' more.
some of my products are in a couple of shops, but these business owners only want to buy one of this, and one of that....etc another wants consignment...so i dont know what the answer is. another business owner in CT wants my products UNLABLED so she can put her label on it. THAT doesnt help my product at all, and I decided i'm not going to do that anymore. (she loves my products but wants HER name on it...?! makes no sense for me to do this)
my friend says to go to more local businesses. i've done that. some show interest but then never do anything. there are only so many gift shops out here, which mainly cater to the tourists who come once the weather turns nice.
i know i must get over my shyness and 'sell my product', but i get anxiety. i know i must get over this and i intend on trying hard. i want to be more successful and ease the burden on my husband.
is it really necessary to go to local businesses to sell your products?
i just read story about a homeless guy who lived in his car, and decided to start a soap business. nows he makes A LOT of money! i thought...what am i doing wrong?
how do you all get the word out? whats been most successful for you?
thanks
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| britchickny |
Posted - Feb 24 2013 : 08:26:22 AM
That's awesome and I love her idea of slicing them like fresh bread.
ANGIE
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
http://www.pinkroomponderings.blogspot.com/
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Feb 24 2013 : 06:00:16 AM
update!
a local farmhouse decor shop ordered 14 batches of soap! i just delivered them friday. i didnt want to say anything sooner until i knew she was serious (she called 3 weeks ago) and i had to make the soap. i've had other inquires but they never followed through.
I'm so excited and she seems super nice. a customer even bought soap before i left! she seems to LOVE the soap! she wanted soap loaves because she's going to lay them on vintage bread boards and cut them as the customers order them! how cool is that?
you can see the soaps i made for her here (for some reason my business FB page loads slower than my personal page): https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nature-Maiden-Soap-Candle/322488009503?ref=ts&fref=ts
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Feb 04 2013 : 01:49:40 AM
Judy I wish you all the best!
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden
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| Farmer Judy |
Posted - Feb 03 2013 : 9:32:29 PM
I just today had the library order me a book called Esty-prenurship. It's all about making Etsy a successfull part time business. I had a site on etsy and did not sell anything in 6 months and just pulled it all down. Now I am re-energized and am going to try it again. Good luck to you, they say there is always darkness before the light.
God bless,
Judy
Farmgirl #3666
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 3:34:02 PM
thanks :)
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden
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| beccaroo |
Posted - Jan 31 2013 : 2:56:11 PM
Thank You for the input. My mom and I came up with that name.
Connie- I like your web page also. I really would like to learn to make lye soap, but just don't have the room for it right now. When we get our tax return, I think I might just be heading to you for a few things.
http://oshundeart-com.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/OshunDeArt
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OshundeArt
beccaroo
#497 |
| Dorinda |
Posted - Jan 30 2013 : 4:50:30 PM
Rebecca, I like that name. I think you should do it. I think it is a fun name to say.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 30 2013 : 4:27:31 PM
Rebecca,
I like it, and I think because it's unique they might remember it. I think I would.
I also liked your facebook page :) your other website is taking a while to load. (hope it's not my computer). your etsy store looks nice too.
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden
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| beccaroo |
Posted - Jan 30 2013 : 3:56:03 PM
I have also thought about the car magnet. I can't decide if my business name is just too hard for people or not. It's called Oshun De Art. Oshun is the goddess of creativity. What do you think?
http://oshundeart-com.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/OshunDeArt
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OshundeArt
beccaroo
#497 |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 28 2013 : 02:08:47 AM
Dorinda those are great tips. ive been thinking about the car magnet idea.
Tara. i've advertised in the local paper before, but havent done it since. the local paper did do a story about my business once.
thanks girls!
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden
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| Sweet_Tea |
Posted - Jan 27 2013 : 5:04:33 PM
When I opened my business, I got the newspaper to do an article. And Joined the chamber of commerce...
But, what has been the best is our local magazine.. I put a 1/4 page add in there every issue... And it's cheap to advertise.
Does your town have any local papers/magazines, maybe even the farmers market bulletin?
Farmgirl Sister #2974
~ http://notsosweettea.blogspot.com/
"The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears"
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| Dorinda |
Posted - Jan 27 2013 : 12:12:24 PM
Connie We advertise all sort of ways. We do pay for most of our advertisement. But some are pretty cheap. We advertise on restaurant menus. We pick out the popular Mom and Pop restaurants. Most of their advertisement are reasonably cheaper. We have an ad in the orange-peel gazette. Which is a popular small paper here. Not the big weekly paper. This goes out every 2 weeks. Oh and also on the bang sticks they use at the high school football games and the little plastic footballs they throw out into the crowd. Post a few business cards any where you can where other businesses let you post for free. Like on bulletin boards in restaurants and grocery stores, or gas stations. If they don't do it there start asking if you can set out a little business card holder with some business cards in it for your business near their cash register. You will be surprised how many businesses say yes. Of course you can't beat word of mouth. We get a-lot of business because my husband is a friendly talker. Make sure you give a business card to all of your customers at the fairs/festivals. Get caps and t-shirts with your business name and logo on them . Wear them every where you go. Set a bowl of free candy out at the fairs/festivals or conventions it really draws the customers. Everyone likes something free. You can have a magnetic sign made up to put on the side of your vehicle with your business name , phone number and Logo. If you don't have a Logo get one. this is a one time advertising purchase. Make it something funny and attracting at the same time. People love humor. Phone book of course. The older generation does not like using the computer they still like looking it up in the phone book. We also advertise on the bags at the locally owned pharmacy here. Don't forget to brag about your business and what you do to everyone.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 27 2013 : 11:24:53 AM
Thanks Angie I got it and I just replied. I appreciate your time and advice :) your awesome!
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ - FOR SALE: Vintage Sewing Machines, Parts, Crafts and more.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden
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| britchickny |
Posted - Jan 27 2013 : 11:14:23 AM
Connie, I just sent you an e-mail.
ANGIE
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
http://www.pinkroomponderings.blogspot.com/
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 24 2013 : 02:26:08 AM
thanks Kim! I'll do the same :)
my etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturemaiden i originally opened the etsy shop 5 yrs ago, then left and re-opened it a few days ago.
...but where i sell mainly is my website: http://www.naturemaiden.com/
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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| jollyquilter |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 8:07:17 PM
Connie....put your etsy shop in your siggy here and I will go and show it some love. Lots of folks have me in there circle and if I heart your shop or items it will show up in their activity feed. You may get some traffic at least and I would love to see your shop.
www.StuffByKim.etsy.com
http://fiberandflea.blogspot.com |
| beccaroo |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 12:18:58 PM
I say that if they have approached you than you should really think about it. I had gone to one consignment shop and she was really excited about my products. The bad part was that she only wanted it during a certain time period. She had told me that she knew what sold around what time of the year and she didn't want the stuff just sitting around if it wasn't going to get any business. When it was around the time that she thought would be a good selling time, I was moving and would not be able to take care of the inventory. She went through a lot of my samples and told me what she thought about each and what the customers in that area would like. She also wanted to help me figure out pricing since she wanted to make sure I was making a profit and covering her cost. I really wish I could have worked with her more, it just wasn't the right time. So I say if somebody is interested and is will to work with you, really give it some thought. If you don't have a big contract that you have to sign, then you can always pull out if it is not working for you.
beccaroo
#497 |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 07:16:15 AM
Rebecca, i wish there was a free class or something we could take, LOL. I havent done consignment, but one of the local historical shops has approached me twice about it. I'd rather they just bought the products out right. Someone told me the other day I should do it, i havent ruled it out....just giving it some thought. Do you think it was worth it? I wish you the best of luck too!
Connie :)
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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| beccaroo |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 07:00:23 AM
I'm having the same trouble. I was staying in a small town and finally found a consignment shop to sell in. I've sold a few things in there, but only a few months was it enough to actually pay for the booth. Then, I moved over 3hrs away from that place, so my mother-in-law has been watching it. I have not been able to put anything new in there because of being so far away. I had to sign a 6mth contract with them, and it is finally up this month. I looked into doing consignment around here, but because it is a bigger city, they are twice as much than in a small town. I just don't have the money to put up for a booth. Having 2 small kids and little money just doesn't cut it. I have sold a few things on Etsy, mostly custom orders. I know how you feel. I have to figure out something also to get my business up and going so I can bring in a few extra dollars. Just have to find a way to "Get Your Name Out There." It is really HARD! I hope things start looking up for you.
http://oshundeart-com.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/OshunDeArt
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OshundeArt
beccaroo
#497 |
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 05:12:28 AM
I do send free samples with orders, I also offer samples to friends. I just listed some items on etsy as another avenue of 'getting it out there'. I do believe in my products, and dont want to give it all up. I was making a list of local businesses yesterday to approach in the spring, but my past experience tells me not to bank on that too much. I do have a few of my products in a couple of local stores, but not in any great capacity. i'm trying to amp myself up mentally and try with a new approach and hope for success. i wish there was magic answer, LOL
I'm doing it all myself, every aspect of it, which i dont mind, but i wish i had a salesperson out there pushing it all :) it would be great to delegate some tasks to others. maybe someday
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 05:06:20 AM
I look forward to that Angie, thanks
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
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| britchickny |
Posted - Jan 23 2013 : 04:54:13 AM
Connie, I have some ideas.(I work in advertising) I have to go to work but will check back later. Hang in there girlfriend.
ANGIE
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
http://www.pinkroomponderings.blogspot.com/
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| jollyquilter |
Posted - Jan 22 2013 : 8:48:34 PM
Connie....just keep on keeping on. Each failure puts us closer to success. i sell on etsy and some times it is slow and other times it is so busy I cannot keep up. When I started making my product there was none of it on etsy and now there are several artist doing what I do. But I still get the orders and you will too. Come up with something that the others do not have. Think rustic, woodland, eco friendly, natural. I used to buy soap from a lady who made it in loaf pans and would merchendise it on a cutting board, she would slice it with a big knife and wrapped it in brown paper. It was goats milk and oatmeal and such as that. Was the greatest and she got sick so I ran out and had to start doing it myself. Just saying try to find a niche. I would pay more for her bigger bars, because of the way they looked and smelled and felt when you used them.
www.StuffByKim.etsy.com
http://fiberandflea.blogspot.com |
| Joey |
Posted - Jan 21 2013 : 3:44:32 PM
Connie, It's hard,isn't it, even when you have great product! I used to have a very successful scrapbook business and I have always heard that everyone needs to hear your message 8 times before it sinks into their heads and you are the first one they think of when they want/need whatever you are selling. 8 TIMES!!! So hang in there. Maybe if you offered 1/2 bars free to everyone who refers someone who buys 3 bars of soap. Maybe talk to the local schools about a fundraiser..everyone needs soap. Put a bar in the teacher lounge for them to use. I don't know what to do for soap, but for scrapbooking I came up with some catchy phrase that worked for THAT business and followed up with why they needed MY product. Do you make a "guys" soap that you could drop off at the auto repair store. etc? Not sure that any of this helps, but I really want to encourage you to hang in there. It's a hard business. The other thing that motivated me...mybusiness bossused to say that she would give a good prize to anyone who gets 50 "NO"'s in a row. If someone says "yes" you have to start over. She put a little square in our team report with 50 "NO"s in it and we had to cross off every one we got. She says she has never given away a prize..and I know I couldn't get 50 "NO"s no matter how I tried. It just kept me moving forward. I wish you luck. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
