How are your sales?

[Emmarose]

Hi guys, I am just wanting to know for peace of mind, how everyone is doing with their Madeit sales? I am interested to learn, as I myself, have only had a few. Is this because my items are not pitched at the right demographic here? Are my prices unrealistic? I suppose a lot of my products are slotted into a particular genre, but I notice that the baby & kids section is being updated more than the other categories.... So I welcome any suggestions at this point. If you prefer, please send me a private email, if you do not wish to share your sales stats with others. I also have a new store at www.wahmania.com.au and am considering listing stuff on Etsy, what do you guys think?

[thelittleorchard]

Hey Emma,

I have had 4 sales through made it, including one to Samm (and is just me or are Samm and Wendy missing?).

2 of my sales were unexpected. By that I mean they were things I had double listed (I could eaily have made the same again if both sold at once, though that is a very unlikely possibility). So both were on etsy, hardly got a view at all, then they sold here.

The other sale was one of my caterpillar pincushions.

My etsy shop is my main shop mainly because it gets the sales (I've had 20 sales through there in 6 months, but most of them in the last 3 months, as I didnt have much in shop for the first 3 months).

I plan to list a lot more of my goodies on here, but I have so far concentrate on Etsy. Though now that my store there is about to reach 80 items (which is what I plan to hover my items at) I am going to put more energy into my made it shop.

Etsy is very different though. You have to renew frequently to get seen at all and that costs 20c per item. I have been pretty lucky to only renew maybe 5 items a week and all the rest are adding new things. Listing on Etsy is 20c per item plus 3% when sells. Here, if you list once a week in most categories you are still on the front page of that category next week.

I think made it just needs the word out there more, and everyone who uses the site can help by telling peoples etc.
I would love to be able to have this site bringing in most of my sales. Then is all in Aussie dollars.

Also if you are going to join etsy make sure you are comfortable with shipping international, you wont have much luck there if you only aim at aussies unless you are doing a lot of external advertising.

I dont know if you have had a look at it, but my etsy is www.thelittleorchard.etsy.com (i think).

[bottledupemotions]

Hi Emma,

I find that sales on madeit is a lot more slower than on etsy or even from my website. This is because madeit is still relatively new compared to the amount of members on etsy.

Nevertheless, it means there is fewer competition and you can really carve out a niche market.

As cliche as it is, but persistence is the key. You have a nice site by the way so keep up the great work and the sales will start rolling in. :)

Good luck!

[Buggz]

Emmarose, I have a store on another site, and my sales have been extremelly slow since Christmas time. I only started in October and I was very happy with how it was going, but now it is so so quiet.

I had a go on Etsy too, but there are so many products on there!

I am wondering if the whole economy thing is affecting peoples sales. The interest rated rises seem to be hurting many families, so maybe people are thinking twice about buying things?

[thelittleorchard]

I also think we should all keep in mind that we will be the made it originals! Sales will start to pick up for everyone the more exposure the site gets etc...

I also think there are lot of ppl struggling financially who cant really afford to buy a lot at the mo. I know I am super poor at the moment, and rather than buying bits and pieces here and there I am having to pay for my holiday (I really need a holiday and have saved for it for a while), business cards I'm getting done, a new mattress (I wont tell anyone how old this one is, people will throw up!), and a new sewing machine.

My sister threatens to buy things here so I have to get her to actually do it!!!

[Emmarose]

yeah guys, I know times are tuff. In our household my hubby, who is the 'bread winner' is looking for work. Parlty the reason I launched myself into this project. (no sympathy required) I am happy plodding along, it's just that to me, sales represent a positive reinforcement that I'm producing stuff that people would like to own......... Perhaps I need more variety (as Beloved keeps telling me). I plan to keep supporting Madeit thru thick and thin as I still truly believe in what it represents - Aussies creating awesome handmade, high quality, unique pieces. Just got to 'hang in there' I guess.

[Dabanaj]

Just popped in to see how sales are on Madeit, I have two shops on Etsy, one does quite well, the other a little slow. Thought I might try the slower one here first for some more exposure, only opened it here on madeit a couple of days ago, only have a few items listed to test the waters.

Still trying to work stuff out, are there any way to monitor views here?

[Imaginart]

Hi Dabanaj,

Unfortunately views on our items will remain a mistery to us sellers at the moment:(

I must admit I have been doing much better elsewhere than Madeit:o It could just be my customer niche isn't here. Not sure:confused:

Hope it's going well for others:)

[sketch]

Hi Guys,
I joined madeit very soon after it started and so far I have sold 1 cushion cover, 2 bags and 1 set of placemats. I haven't tried etsy yet as I want to support Australian small business. I think Bec has done a great job with this site and want to support a little Aussie go-getter.

Visit me at: http://sketch-jones.blogspot.com

[ZippyZippy]

Hi Everyone
I opened my shop over Easter and have had 5 sales so far. One I never recieved payment for so relisted the item, really only 4 then. I have not tried etsy yet, was thinking about it,there just seems to be sooo much stuff. I would prefer to use an Aussie site.
How exiting is it when you recieve a message telling you of your sale!
Jacqueline
ZippyZippy

[Emmarose]

Wow everyone! This is great feedback, and it gives me incentive to keep adding more products to my shop, as I need to 'diversify' my product range a little more! Cheers then, and keep letting me know how sales are going. I love to hear about people doing well.

[boxofglory]

I haven't had a single sale on this site... I don't mind that much though, it's still fun.

[Imaginart]

Yep it is fun here. I think if I could see the number of views for my products that might help me cater for what product of mine attracts more interest on this particular website??? Maybe then I could focus on particular products and make sales that way.

Or maybe not. Hmm, just thinking...

[missmarisa]

Last year I had lots of sales here on madeit. It was such a boost for me as I had never sold anything from my etsy shop and i found it a little depressing especially when others seemed to be doing so well. Now when I say "lots of sales" - I mean about 6 or 7 which was pretty awesome for me. And I had a couple of repeat buyers which was a real thrill. I also sold one or two items on mintd...
This year though - I have been seriously slack and haven't sold anything - although I also haven't listed too much and I'm hoping thats the reason why!
But I think madeit is tops. Its not as overwhelming as etsy and its Australian. What could be better?

Hope everyone out there is well,
x

[truth.be.told]

its good to hear everyone else is kind of having the same thing happen. i had a few sales when i first started but next to nothing since, not sure if its my work or the way my shop looks itself? if anyone has any feedback that would be great!
but i love madeit, i was going to set up an esty shop but i think for my work it would just get lost and be almost counter productive!

jess

truth.be.told

[heartstrings]

Hi there, I am a new member - about a month now I think. I think the site is fantastic, and the quality & variety of products is amazing.

It is great to read that there are sales out there!

Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck here however, & feel a little disheartened with my madeit. I wish I could see how many times people have looked at my items, like some of you mention - it would be a good gauge....

I do have more luck elsewhere (not sure if we can mention) & that is where I usually sell but the fees are going to be more expensive soon.

I wonder if my goods are not suited to this site, although there seems to be a good diverse range in my category (baby & children). If anyone is interested in giving me feedback on my items I'd be happy to hear it!

Sorry I am a bit green - what is an 'esty' shop? If you don't mind me asking?

Best regards
Donna

[thelittleorchard]

Hey Donna,

Etsy is a US based site with sellers around the world selling handmade, supplies and vintage. Its a bit different from here, and a bit different from Ebay I guess (I dont use ebay so not sure). thelittleorchard.etsy.com is mine. If you like the look of it and want to sell there read the terms, pop on the forums just for a feel for it first. It is a very hard site to be visible on, I try to add items or relist there at least 5 out of 7 days to get the traffic. Though I recently had some free exposure for my eyes in a jar as they were a "related item" in a Storque article.

One thing ebay sellers mention is that etsy just doesnt get them the sales that ebay does. I would assume this is prob reflected with made it too. Also made it is new and just getting more exposure, so it is a little slow, but I am getting more sales the more I add.

[annalaura]

Because Madeit is a newish site I think that also why sales are still low, but as it grows and we tell people about it then more people will come here to shop. Although it might be disheartening don't think that your items are not right for the site, the more variety the more people will come. I just keep plugging away knowing if I work at it the benefits will come.

[karasmith]

I agree with Anna. It doesn't hurt to keep your items here at Madeit and go try a few others. I have had some good sales, and some of my more expensive bags on Madeit last year, so I am not going to give up hope. I sell best via my own website and nothing seems to compare to it.

Keep spreading the Madeit word!

[Polyclarific]

I would love a bit of feedback. I have sold just one item on madeit so far, think I've been on here for at least a year now or longer. I'm not so much discouraged as baffled.

Anyone have any ideas as to why I haven't really sold a lot on here?

[zedembee]

I haven't sold anything either, so I would also love a bit of feedback on my shop. I'm thinking the lack of sales is partly because Madeit isn't widely known (yet)? Will take time I guess.

[Emmarose]

That surprises me Amanda, your stuff is wonderful! I am finding the items I sell here baffling, for example, my little lumpy's (group of 3 toy 'balls') have made me a few sales, but my artwork has no interest..... I have neglected my online stuff recently as I have had a few markets that have taken my time. But from now on, I am going to really get 'stuck in' to adding products to my online shops.

Also, I have been handing out my Madeit postcards wherever I go, including leaving some in coffee shops, can't hurt?

[Black Eyed Susie]

How did you get the postcards Emma? That's a great idea.

I've sold about 6 or 7 things here since January and it's been good because they always give me a nice surprise and seem to come when I'm quiet on Etsy.

I have to admit I haven't concentrated much on this site though and should list more items. I think the fact that you can't tell if anyone is looking is a bit discouraging but I do like that I don't get buried in the mass of kids clothes like on Etsy.

http://www.madeit.com.au/madeit/supplierdetail.asp?rsSupplierID=10483
www.blackeyedsusie.blogspot.com

[Polyclarific]

I'm not sure why I don't get sales on here. I do get sales on Etsy so thats good but I like madeit so don't want to give it up! I recently gave up my mintd store though.

[Emmarose]

Bec from Madeit gave me the postcards as part of a start up pack. I now what you mean, I need to breathe some life into my shop here, there is not much left! Hopefully as we get to the new financial year, things will pick up everywhere.

[moore taste]

I've sold a lot more on etsy than on here but then again I haven't been on here as long or listed as many things.

Since the cost to list is higher than etsy I list 2 items for everyone I sell unless I'm listing a more expensive item at which point I only list one.

It would be great to know how many people are actually looking at my items to get an idea of the kind of things people are looking for here. If I could do that I'd list more of that particular type of thing.

I've sold over 80 items on etsy but it has been incredibly slow since Christmas and many of my sales come from people I meet on the etsy forums and in chat.

I have just received a madeit promotional pack so I'm going to start leaving madeit cards as well as my own business cards around the town and see if that helps at all

http://mooretaste.etsy.com

[Polyclarific]

Mooretaste - where did you get the promo pack from?

[thelittleorchard]

I have been having more success here lately than Etsy. So I am considering slowly moving all my inventory over here, except for the items that sell there.

I currently have about 40 items here and 90 at Etsy, and in the past few weeks I have sold triple here than what I have there...although things have slowed a lot recently, but I have also slowed in making and adding products.

So I can really see the link between adding more and selling more.

[bottledupemotions]

I've been getting more sales on Etsy (not a HUGE amount). Most of my sales have been from my website as I've established a good presence with search engines.

I'm not sure if bath and beauty products are popular on MadeIt?

[superminx]

I sold one thing around christmas time. I feel very unloved. Would love to see the front page change more often just so we can all get a bit more exposure.

I probably need to do more promotion, but I don't want to until I have more stuff... but it seems pointless to make stuff when I don't get positive feedback on it... it's a vicious circle.

I think everyone's work is lovely and it's hopefully just a bad time of year.

andi.

[Emmarose]

I feel your pain Andi. My store is somewhat empty at the moment too. It's hard to feel inspired and creative, when the feedback/sales aren't happening. Chin up, we're all in the same creative boat.

[bottledupemotions]

Count me in on this boat! :)

[rancho]

Hello fellow artisans,

I am only new this month to Madeit and was very VERY pleased to find an Australian equivalent to Etsy. (And I'm sure we will make an equivalent!)

I must admit I love Etsy but also find it overwelming at times and I feel like a little fish in a big, big ocean. (HOW DO those people manage to sell 1000plus things in one year??!! That is my DREAM!.)

I have two shops on Etsy (murtlesmoof, ranchodelulxe) and now one here on Madeit. I have sold a few things on Etsy but am finding it very slow at the moment, especially after Mother's Day. I think we might have to consider ourselves as retailers (horror) and look at the retail year in events - Mothers Day, Easter, the Big Christmas, etc. and not get too down at slow times.

Also I think we have to believe in and stay true our own work and not someone elses sales/success. I can't pick what will sell or when! But I know with every sale I get inspired to keep listing!

By the way...I found out about this site in the latest Real Living Magazine. So thank you Madeit for continuing this publicity - it's really working.

Michelle
rancho

[shazzasknits]

Hi there everyone, I am finding things slow everywhere at the moment. I have been on Etsy since October 2006 and have pretty consistently sold 2 - 3 items a week, that was until June:( and then they died off terribly over there! It usually slows down for knitters but I only sold one item the whole month of June which has never happened to me before:eek:
I have sold two hats in the couple of months that I have been here but obviously would like to sell more but I will just keep promoting this site and see what happens.

I have seen madeit in a couple of magazines so that is positive because surely there are readers who come and check us out???

I think it will take off eventually when the rest of this country work out that buying quality items from people like us is way better than buying from the retail chain stores;)

[boxofglory]

Well, I am still yet to have a sale on madeit... but I wasn't listing anything for a while cos of uni... maybe now that I've started listing again I might get a sale... here's hoping.

Etsy slowed down for me when I stopped listing too...

So list, list, list, I say!

[Emmarose]

I am trying to list more items on Madeit. Maybe volume speaks numbers hey Kerry?

By the way, I have listed another tote bag, which I am totally in love with! Hope someone snavels it up. I have named it the 'Ali Daisy' tote. Ali J gave me the red daisy fabric in a 'flat pack swap' some of us took part in recently.

Check it out
http://www.madeit.com.au/proddetail.asp?ID=6156

[zedembee]

No sales for me yet either :( but then again I haven't listed for a while. I need to buy more madeit credit in order to list more but I must say I am reluctant to right now since I have no way of telling whether anyone is looking at my stuff, or even whether anyone else on the site is having any success. Hopefully I will feel a little less disillusioned when some stats are implemented.

[shazzasknits]

It would be lovely to know if anyone is actually looking at our items. And yes listing is definately the key to selling on Etsy, here it isn't that bad because our items don't get buried so quickly!

[thelittleorchard]

I had a stack of sales on madeit and now they have dropped off again. So I am listing listing listing, with no sales.

My etsy sales have dropped as well.

Figures, 4 etsy sales for june, 4 madeit sales for june

So far 2 etsy sales for july, and 1 madeit sale for july.

I have started using madeit as my main site, basically cause as the silly season gets closer (when I work crap loads) I would rather be shipping within Aust as its easier. I think sales are low for everyone at the mo. but I am patient and imagine perhaps tax returns may inspire some spending.

[Emmarose]

Wise man say "great product can only be bettered by great advertising"....... Just a thought.

[sketch]

Hi Guys,
I was getting a few sales on here, however, it all seems to have dropped off lately. I have had a few people try and get onto madeit and had heaps of problems with looking at the site. Hopefully once all the site issues are worked out our sales will increase. I have listed things lately and that hasn't helped at all. Petrol and interest rates are keeping everyone away I think.
Sales for me are 4-June, 7-May.
Di

[milasmum]

I have not started selling on here as yet. I am contemplating it though. It seems things have slowed down for you.

As an observer the first thing I noticed is that I cant see your past sales. As a shopper I like to be able to not only see feedback, but how many sales you have made plus more examples of the items you sell in a gallery.

I think this site would benefit from incorporating in these ideas. What are your thoughts?

I dont know if the business owners of this site are active on this forum but is this an option?

[oddsnblobs]

it took me ages to make a sale here but it has been picking up, i think i am selling around an item every 2 weeks or so. i wish it was more but the site is still so new. You guys are right, Bec has done such a great job. it is so nice to know that aussie designers can sell here knowing that we wont be taken over by other countries... i dont mean that in a harsh way but it takes us aussies a while to really get out there without getting pushed over :P

Keep up the great work guys! fingers crossed that christmas helps sales!!