I stand corrected.... and other thoughts

Well if you read my last blog you saw that I questioned that the fans from the link love movement really loved my shop or were just seeking large numbers. This blog was motivated from another shop who observed that their fans numbers were moving during the day, up and down. I, too, had noticed that same sort of movement and knowing that I don't overly update to the point that I feel like I am being annoying ;) I was thinking that some had become my fans just temporarily.

I will say that since link love I have made two sales in a week and I have nothing to attribute it to other than great exposure. I haven't add any new items, or re listed any more frequently than I normally do. I know, I know two sales in a week is not a rush!!! But when you are struggling to get noticed it is a reason for celebration! So on the Link Love subject I stand corrected, and as I said in my last blog, I WELCOME all fans, no matter why you are here! The more the merrier. For whatever reason you fanned me, I hope you will stick around, comment, like, and suggest me to your friends.

Now the other thing I have on my mind with regards to crafting, sewing, Etsy and the like.

It is this, Handmade is NOT Cheapmade. This is driving me crazy! I see time and again on Etsy's Alchemy request for items where the ideal price is grossly understated.

I can't attest to all mediums, but buying hand sewn items is generally not cheaper than buying at a chain store. One of the big reasons for this is the cost of fabric. The fabric that we buy is in a smaller volume. We don't get the by the bolt price, even though most of us would love to have bolts of fabric! Typically we purchase in small volume from a local retailer whenever possible. Along with fabric, there is buttons, elastic, zippers, liners, and all those together will cost more than a factory produced item. All that without factoring in the cost of the labor to produce. I am sure that the challenge that seamstresses face are similar to those of other artist who create all the amazing items you can find on Etsy or other handmade sites.

When you shop handmade do it with these things in mind. You are creating true Economic stimulus! Handmade artist are producing their items locally and general stimulating that local economy. You are getting an item from an artist who is passionate about what they create and about your experience with their product. Your returning business and referrals to your friends are what drives their future success. They are invested in you! If a mega store loses your business, there is always another customer to replace you. With handmade, if we lose your business, we have lost a lot! While we hope to provide you with a product that is a value, it will not necessarily be a "deal" compared to the retail market.

I love to see all my blog followers and I encourage you to comment my blog, tell me what you like, give me your opinions! I want to hear from you!

Stop in and see me soon!

Jennifer

http://www.facebook.com/jenjiestuff
http://www.facebook.com/mrsclaussewingroom

http://www.jenjie.etsy.com
http://www.mrsclaussewingroom.etsy.com

http://www.twitter.com/jenjie73

Link Love...do you really love my link?

How many of us have been riding the Link Love train? Don't know what I am talking about? If you have a Facebook Fan Page there is a movement out to increase your fans. Discusssion pages are being created for us all to share the url for our fan pages, etsy shops, blogs, twitters, flickr, or what ever else you may have to promote your business.

It is so much fun to click on all the links, see all the beautiful shops and learn about the great artist that create the items. I have become a fan of an obscene amount of shops, I think I am currently at about 370 or so. I know that is a crazy amount, but I am truly fascinated by what people create and what they have to say about what they create. Even in my spare time I search for how to's, tutorials, other blogs on crafting. So for me it is a real desire to be a fan. But is everyone who fanned my site in the last 2 weeks or so truly my fan?

I saw a post by another shop yesterday who said, "my numbers are moving, I gain a fan and lose a fan", she wondered if the people who had become her fans were really interested in fiber. She sales amazingly beautiful dyed fibers, but how many people really use them. While there is a large "bucket" of knitters, crocheters and felters out there, are all her fans really interested in buying her product.

I have to wonder the same thing, I have had my Jenjie shop for over a year now and my sales would be considered dismal by most. Although I am excited by every sale. I have over 200 fans on my Facebook page for this shop, I know of two sales I have made to fans. Now don't get me wrong I am truly grateful for even two sales, and for every single fan. But like my friend in the fiber arts I wonder if some are clicking just to click..........However, on the other hand, if you clicked and added me maybe I will create something that will spark your interest after all!

So I will just go on creating things that I love and I hope you will love, and hopefully my fans will come to love my items and find something they just have to have. I look forward to more and more fans, however I can get them :)

Today I am creating a new T shirt design that my one of my dear friends suggested last night, a reverse applique design with a wine glass design! I am so super excited about it I can hardly wait to get downstairs and make it.

And if you haven't fanned my page, come on down! I have a link love page too, so share you links!

Jennifer

http://www.jenjie.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/jenjiestuff
http://www.mrsclaussewingroom.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mrsclaussewingroom