Coupons and Discounts to Increase Online Sales

Sales on my two Etsy sites have increased each year; but progress has been slow.  This year, my goal is to not only increase the number of sales, but also to increase the number of repeat customers.  So, I'm offering a discount targeted to browsers who leave items in their shopping carts and a different discount to people who browse the sites and favor items.  In both cases, browsers visit the sites but do not purchase.  I am still offering a "thank you" discount to people who do shop in an effort to develop repeat customers. In the meantime, I'm closely monitoring statistics to track the number of sales and use of discount offers.

Custom Order Machine Embroidery

I do a fair amount of custom embroidery work- not monogramming- but embroidery designs that have special meaning for customers or the people who will receive their personalized gift.  It was scary at first; but I quickly developed a process to deliver completed projects that meet customer expectations.  Here's my process.

I do prep work before accepting a custom order.   First is to understand what the customer wants.   Then, find an appropriate machine embroidery design.  Sometimes, it may be necessary to research the subject-- what is it, what does it look like, etc.  At this point, I decide if I can produce what the customer wants.  If I find an appropriate design, then my creativity comes into play-- determining thread colors for authenticity, recommending thread colors and placement of names or text, and necessary computer work.  It may be necessary to speak with the customer, provide photos of available designs for customer selection, or provide photo of the computer set-up work.  I usually summarize everything for customer agreement.  Then all agreed upon specifications are included on the order form for payment.  After prepayment, I begin stitching and provide a photo of the finished project to the customer before shipment or delivery.  Roughly a quarter of my embroidery sales have been custom orders of 1-48 pieces each.  So far, I've had good results with this process.  

Lace Jewelry

Since I began creating machine embroidery items, I've always wanted to try making lace jewelry.  I finally took the time in January to experiment.  So far, I've completed seven pieces which are being promoted primarily as wedding, evening or special occasion jewelry.  Items may be custom ordered in other colors, with or without beads.  Visit my Etsy site-  www.sparetimebyyvette.etsy.com.

       

It's a New Year

It's been a long while since my last post.  The holiday craft shows are over.  I've recovered, been replenishing inventory, making a new product line, and been busy with a major project. In this new year, my resolution is to keep in touch more often.

So, the major project.  I have two Etsy sites.  The first site has just under 150 sales. The second site which is 1 1/2 years newer has just over 300 sales.   So what's the problem.  I realized that there's a significant difference in the quality of the photography on the two sites.  I'm reading that good photos attract customers that lead to sales.  So, I've been busy re-photographing almost all items on the first site.  It's time consuming; but, I'm about 70% done.  I'll let you know if sales improve.