Running With Scissors - Buyer Requests

I'm going to tell you a little secret. I'm going to risk the chance that my buyer will see this and find out I was having fun at her expense. I have had some real odd requests in my days as an online seller, but this one tops them all. Sorry buyer, but this was... well... not really thought out.

 Request went something like this: "I work in a bakery and we have to wear red Aprons. I love this Apron a would really like it, but could you make it with a red background instead of white?"

But seriously, how do you respond to something like that? I mean this is rare vintage, 20+ year old fabric, and stated on the listing. Did she think I printed the fabric myself? Did she think at all? OK, so not to turn down any request, because that's not good for business, and laughing in the face of the buyer is not good either, I made a suggestion.

I explained that I did not make the fabric and that the fabric was vintage and already printed with a white background. I suggested that I could color in the background with a red fabric marker, but for labor, it would be around $100 extra, or she could get a red fabric marker (or two or four) and color in all the white on the apron in herself.

She didn't even have the courtesy to reply back with at thank you for your time. I guess she decided to find an all red Star Wars apron somewhere else.

It wasn't the first time I've had requests to change prints on fabric, it was just the silliest of the requests.

So here is my question? What is the oddest request you've gotten from a buyer? I'd love to hear your response to this one. And if you're worried about your buyers, just leave me an anonymous comment.

Putting it Together - Prepping for the Rush

November to Mid December is the Busiest time of the Year for many of us! I hope you are ready.

With busy lives shoppers turn to the internet to complete their Holiday shopping. Be prepared for the rush.

Business Cards: I always include a few business cards so buyers can share. I include a card from my less visited shop with a coupon code printed on the back as a Thank You for shopping in my primary shop. Business Cards are a Great way to promote you business.

Never think they are unimportant, because buyers might stick them in their wallet or purse and pull out to share with friends. I buy from Vistaprint because they are very reasonable and I can afford to give away a few with each purchase. Many sellers buy Moo Cards and I have bought from Overnight Prints too, and their quality is very good.

You don't have to be all business either. This is my business card for My Flower Jewelry Shop.

Packaging: Make sure you have enough materials for packaging in stock. You don't want to be caught short handed, especially if you order packaging on line. Remember, your supplier will be busy too.

I like to combine local and internet materials. I buy my jewelry boxes from Paper Mart, my packaging supplies on eBay, because most sellers deliver quickly, and my tissue and ribbon at a local dollar store.


I put my jewelry in hand stamped boxes made of post consumer recycled paper. My Aprons and Housewares are Wrapped in Colorful Tissue with Ribbon Ties.

Newspaper makes a Great wrapping, but not for fabric or anything else that can transfer the ink onto. Don't be afraid to recycle, especially if your items are eco friendly. Scrap or clearance Fabric makes nice wrapping too, especially with pinked edges. Walmart is bringing back fabric and even has 5 yd bolts for $5 that's a lot of wrapping material.

Gifts: It's nice to include a little gift. Many people include candy, but I prefer not to eat candy that has been shipped with a gift myself, so I'm not sure that that is the greatest thing so send.

I sometimes make refrigerator magnets of my Jewelry Business Card. That's why I made a quote that they might like to keep. I also have pencils printed with my shop address. I get them made at Oriental Trading. They are reasonable and a practical gift that keeps reminding the buyer where they shopped. Oriental Trading also has lots of other reasonable fun gifts.

There are also a LOT of neat things on Etsy, Artfire and even eBay that can be bought in bulk and used as gifts or packaging. That way you can support other sellers too. I use envelopes that I bought from Piping Hot Papers for business cards for special purchases.

This shop also has little matchbook notepads and other great little gifties.

So stock up your supplies. It's going to be a long and fruitful Holiday Season. People will be so tired of tightening their belts that they are going to want to let loose a little and have some fun.  So sit back and enjoy the ride.

Posted on Artfire - Etsy Fees Vs Artfire at $9.95

Posted in the Artfire Forums I didn't think this was a controversial or negative post. It was just a little bit of brain boggling math that I thought I would like to point out to the sellers that think Etsy fees are cheaper than the proposed $9.95 minimum fee that Artfire will begin charging.

For those of you who aren't involved or have the time to wade through forums here is my post

"Sorry, haven't the time to read through all of these to see if it's been mentioned. $10 a month for Artfire VS Etsy "reasonable" fees. If you want to have your items seen on Etsy, most people list/relist one item a day @ $.20 so that's $6. Many list/relist at least 2 a day $12 then if you sell there are fees as well. How in the World do any of you think that it is cheaper to sell on Etsy? My fees were $50 to $100 a month there. If you are paying less than $10 a month at Etsy, you are not selling anything, I can guarantee it. If you are making an average of $6 minimum wage (give or take in your state) for a 40 hour week $240 X 3.5%, you would be paying $8.40 in fees above your listing a WEEK. So if you are working Etsy as a business, the minimum you should be paying is $45 a month. That is just making minimum wages.

Brain hurting yet. I know mine is. Again, if you are actually paying less than $10 a month at Etsy you are wasting your time selling there, because it's not working for you."

I'm not even saying which is the better deal, because I sell a lot on eBay and the fees are even higher and the buyer expects to pay less. I had an offer of $8 for a $39 apron, when my materials alone are more than that, let alone fees. Etsy fees are higher, but so is the traffic right now.

I guess the wasting time thing wasn't too nice. But at $10 a month, with Etsy fees, you are not selling anything. I never had a month at Etsy where I payed less that $10, even in a slow month at a slow shop. However, most of us don't make above minimum wages at any of our venues. I know I don't. Just Saying...