The Etsy Frustrations

Having your own small online homemade business isn't easy. In fact, it's downright difficult.  I've had my store on etsy for awhile now, but I haven't seen much success. I know people who have their own store on there and they have orders all the time. I'm lucky to get one order a month. Does it get me down? Absolutely.

I work really hard on my jewelry and accessories. I've put quite a bit of money and effort into finding cute flowers, ribbon, and designing jewelry that I think some people would love. I know it's tough out there. I know all too well about that. The economy sucks. I'm an unemployed college graduate who is trying to earn some extra cash.  But, with that, I also know that people are buying stuff out there. I have friends and family who are selling stuff internationally and all over on their etsy stores.

So, what am I doing wrong?

I'm really not sure.

My stuff is not expensive. It's gifts you can buy for your daughter or sister. I put coupon codes so people can save even more. Currently, I have free shipping on all of my items and will ship anywhere with that in hopes that maybe that will convince someone to buy something.  Has it happened? Nope. Not at all.

So, I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. Maybe my stuff just isn't nice looking to people. Maybe I just can't compete with all of the fancy etsy users with their expensive products. I don't know, but it's enough to frustrate people.

In other news, I made some mini hair bows the other day.  After burning my thumb several times on the hot glue gun, here are a couple of photos of the end results. I used the camera on my iPod, so the photo quality isn't the best. Sorry about that.

They're not finished quite yet, but that's what I have so far. I'm thinking about bundling five of them together and selling the set for five dollars or so. I'd like to know what you think! If you're an etsy user and have some advice, please let me know. :) I'd appreciate the help. And if you're a lover of hair bows, hair accessories, and handmade jewelry, please take a look at my shop and see what I have to offer. I do have that free shipping coupon (use code shipmefree1 at checkout). 

Why I Like To Make My Own Jewelry and Hair Accessories

There's something really fun about making stuff yourself. No matter what it is really.  I grew up watching my mom make beaded jewelry for herself to wear and then she ended up selling it in flea markets and small shops nearby. She loved to do it and I guess I'm just carrying on the tradition.

I think more people should buy handmade items online.  You know that there's so much love and care put into making those products.  Personally, I make sure to put a lot of time into what I make.  Even if it's just a small hair clip, I make sure it's the best hair clip I can make. 

If you make anything (whether it's jewelry, hair bows, clothing, make up, etc..), I want to hear about it! I love to exchange stories of how something gets made.