Here is an article I found on Etsy by Sparklerama. So, it is not original with me but I do think it is well written and worth the read if you list items for sale on the internet or are considering this. It's always good to step into the shoes of your clients and this will help you do that.
20 questions YOUR BUYERS are asking!!
Sparklerama says:
Etsy is full of amazing and beautiful things.It would be a shame if your beautiful work didn't sell because your description of the item left your customers scratching their heads.
This is a list to jump start your thinking when you write your next item description. Remember that your customer cannot see the item in person. Don't assume that the qualities of your item are obvious to your customer or that your photos say it all. (I have seen more than one item that I couldn't even figure out what the item WAS!). You might even consider describing your item as if you had no pictures for your customer to look at. Really make them feel like they are right there with your item.
This is not an all inclusive list and some questions may not be appropriate for all items or sellers. This list is just to get you thinking about some of the things your customer might want to know about your fabulous work.
1. What IS it? (It may be totally obvious to you what the item is, but it might not be obvious to your customer).
2. What color is it? (The color on your computer monitor may not be the same as mine).
3. How big is it? (As a buyer I don't want to guess if that painting will fit over my fireplace or if those earrings are going to hang past my shoulders).
4. What is it made from? (What materials and techniques are used?)
5. How do I care for it? (Can I wash and dry that wool sweater?)
6. Who should buy it? or Who should NOT buy it? (Is it appropriate for pregnant women? Children? Pets?)
7. What is it used for? (Is it decorative? Does it have a function? Both?)
8. What does it feel like? (Is that scarf soft to the touch? What's the texture like? Is that necklace very heavy?)
9. How does it work? (Does it slip over my head? Is there a clasp? Do I tie it around my waist?)
10. Why is this one better than the one in the next shop? (What special skills, materials, or ideas do you use that make your item the best?)
11. Do I get everything in the picture? (I see 12 items in your picture, do I get them all? Only one? Does that lovely bauble in the background come with it or is it just for display?)
12. Will it fit me? (When I shop in a brick and mortar shop I might try on 12 things and find only 1 that fits well. I am taking a BIG chance on buying clothes online. Please make it easier for me by offering extensive measurement and sizing information. Don't assume that your customer will know what you mean by "small" or "Large")
13. What if it doesn't fit? (Am I stuck with it? Will you exchange it? Who pays to ship it back?)
14. Is it ready to use? (Is that painting ready to hang? Do I need to frame it first?)
15. How does it arrive? (Is it gift wrapped? Is it ready to ship or is it made to order?)
16. Will I get the EXACT item in the photo? (Is it a stock photo or do I get the exact item?)
17. Is it gonna stink? (Does that vintage item have a funky, musty odor? Does the seller smoke while he creates that item?)
18. How do I know it's "vintage"? (What kind of research did you do to determine how old that item is? Is it marked? Is there a date on it? Are you experienced with vintage and antique items?)
19. What do those fancy terms mean? (Don't take for granted that your customer knows what a cabochon is or what giclee or gocco means.)
20. Can I live without this item? (Chances are your customer can easily live without your items. It's your job to SELL it to them. Let them know why owning this item is so wonderful. Are they gonna feel like a princess with that lovely bracelet? Is that platter not only functional, but makes a wonderful work of art? Is that item the perfect gift for hard to buy for people? Does the item evoke certain emotions? Tell us what's so great about it!)
Hope this was helpful! :)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Promoting Business at Shows
The more shows I do, the more I learn. Well that's a good thing isn't it? It's very important to be able to identify with your clients and adjust to their needs.
The first major thing I've learned is that it's not all about sales. Now maybe for many vendors, it is about the bottom line. For me, it's important that place my business before the public in a variety of avenues. Print and internet advertising are necessary but so is physical presence. And for me, working long hours in my studio, it's a welcome opportunity to have conversation with the public and feel their pulse on visual art. It's at these gatherings that people tell me what their interests them.
Home shows, rural fairs, art shows, studio tours and Christmas Craft shows are all quite unique. At a Christmas show I will basically sell small seasonal items, but also take medium priced pieces that could be enjoyed year round. At an art show, I love to introduce new and creative ideas. The prices tend to be more upper end. At a studio tour it's nice to be able to demonstrate with a project that you're working on, promoting custom work. It's also a great opportunity to promote classes as many people who do artisan tours are creative themselves. Fairs and home shows are good places to show some custom ideas to give people ideas and to plant the seed for a personal project for their home.
Shows are a networking opportunity with other small business owners. What a chance to meet and share ideas with other like minded (and some not so like minded) people. Vendors are mostly there for the length of the show and sometimes if you do a number of shows you might greet them on a regular basis. Get to know them, ask questions, introduce other entrepreneurs.
And most liberating for me, I've learn to relax and enjoy the shows. Sometimes it can be stressful packing and unpacking, especially when your product is glass. But try to enjoy the setting up and each aspect of the show. I personally don't do alot of them however there are show seasons. I found by the time the last show came, I had a good idea of how to load the van and set up the booth. Well, better late than never.
The main purpose for my shows this season was to help people dream of possibilities. I took exhibits that helped them to see what could be done. Pamphlets for custom work and classes always graced the end of the tables along with my business cards. One day I actually ran out - try not to let that happen!
Have you done shows with your artwork or craft? Let me know, I'd love to hear your ideas.
The first major thing I've learned is that it's not all about sales. Now maybe for many vendors, it is about the bottom line. For me, it's important that place my business before the public in a variety of avenues. Print and internet advertising are necessary but so is physical presence. And for me, working long hours in my studio, it's a welcome opportunity to have conversation with the public and feel their pulse on visual art. It's at these gatherings that people tell me what their interests them.
Home shows, rural fairs, art shows, studio tours and Christmas Craft shows are all quite unique. At a Christmas show I will basically sell small seasonal items, but also take medium priced pieces that could be enjoyed year round. At an art show, I love to introduce new and creative ideas. The prices tend to be more upper end. At a studio tour it's nice to be able to demonstrate with a project that you're working on, promoting custom work. It's also a great opportunity to promote classes as many people who do artisan tours are creative themselves. Fairs and home shows are good places to show some custom ideas to give people ideas and to plant the seed for a personal project for their home.
Shows are a networking opportunity with other small business owners. What a chance to meet and share ideas with other like minded (and some not so like minded) people. Vendors are mostly there for the length of the show and sometimes if you do a number of shows you might greet them on a regular basis. Get to know them, ask questions, introduce other entrepreneurs.
And most liberating for me, I've learn to relax and enjoy the shows. Sometimes it can be stressful packing and unpacking, especially when your product is glass. But try to enjoy the setting up and each aspect of the show. I personally don't do alot of them however there are show seasons. I found by the time the last show came, I had a good idea of how to load the van and set up the booth. Well, better late than never.
The main purpose for my shows this season was to help people dream of possibilities. I took exhibits that helped them to see what could be done. Pamphlets for custom work and classes always graced the end of the tables along with my business cards. One day I actually ran out - try not to let that happen!
Have you done shows with your artwork or craft? Let me know, I'd love to hear your ideas.
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