Featured Seller - Flapper Doodle

What part of the world are you in?

New Jersey

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer Service is very important to me. I try to include a little free gift with each order, along with a handwritten, personalized thank you note. Every time I get an order, my heart just lights up with joy, knowing that somebody out there likes my art enough to pay for it! So when I pack their order, I want to try my best to let them know how much their order really means to me.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

A really nice woman who knew me from my outdoor art shows wanted to purchase some prints from my etsy store-- but had never used etsy or paypal before. Rather than taking me up on my money order/check offer, she was determined to learn how to do the transaction on the internet. I sent her step by step instructions, and stayed online near my computer while she proceeded through the checkout and registration process in case she needed help. She was so incredibly excited when she made it through! She said I helped her finally make it into the 21st century. I was so proud of her!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I think that my illustrations are unique from others because of their style and subject matter. I don't know how many other people have drawn 1920's flappers playing hula hoop!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I'm self taught, so lots of trial and error! (oftentimes more error than trial..)

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd love to spend more time painting and drawing, and I would love it I had enough etsy sales that I could cut back on the number of outdoor art fairs I have to do.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

The art. If you concentrate on sales alone, it's really easy to get depressed, and second guess your artwork. Just ignore the sales, and keep going. Having a cute, affectionate cat to comfort you when sales are slow helps, too!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?
I have a blog (http://www.flapperdoodle.blogspot.com), post my images on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/kategabrielle), and constantly renew my items on etsy. I've also started a new advertising campaign called "Six Degrees of Flapper Doodle." In each order I send out, I include a little packet that includes Six Degrees instructions & a sheet with 6 lines on it. Each time a customer gets six friends to sign up for my mailing list or blog, they get a free mini print! Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Have a very unique, well crafted product, and take good pictures. If you are selling original 2D artwork, have good high quality scans or photos taken in natural sunlight with no timestamp.

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR BLOG READERS*

Enter code MINIFLAPPER in the checkout, and get a free mini print of your choice with any purchase of an 8" x 10" print. Please indicate with mini print you'd like.

Thanks for sharing your artwork with us Kate! We've never seen artwork like yours before and it is quite interesting. Black and White prints are so popular and classic, coupled with a lovely vintage spirit, we have no doubt your prints will sell very well!

Visit Flapper Doodle at http://flapperdoodle.etsy.com

Featured Seller - Kristen Stein Fine Art

What part of the world are you in?

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Suburbs.

What does customer service mean to you?

I think customer service is incredibly important. In addition to enjoying the artwork, the customer wants to enjoy the entire purchase experience. Every element that makes up the transaction will leave a lasting impression on the buyer. So, you want to make the transaction as perfect as possible. This includes notifying the buyer with shipment information and carefully and professionally wrapping the item for shipping.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Oh my.... I've had so many wonderful customers....it's hard to choose just one. But, if I had to choose one, I'd probably say that it's the customer for whom I created several original pet portraits of her beloved dogs. At the time, she knew I was pregnant with my first child. She sent me one of my very first baby gifts....a beautifully woven cotton blanket which my daughter adores to this day....now 4 years later. It was such a thoughtful gift and really touched us.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

This is a hard question as I would need to know what the other sellers are doing differently from me. I suspect that we are all very passionate about our craft and doing what we can to be successful, so...in that respect....I'm probably not all that different from the other sellers. I just love what I do and try to do it to the best of my ability.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Friends, family and fellow artists have all be instrumental in helping me hone my skills as a seller and an artist. My husband has listened to me reason through my different selling 'strategies' and offered lots of great advice over the years. Sometimes it is useful to just have another 'set of ears' to help listen to ideas. Granted....there's a lot of trial and error and a bit of risk-taking involved and not every project ends up being successful. But, I think you can also learn a lot from your mistakes.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I took one art class in high school and an elective class in college. But, I think the desire to draw, paint and create is truly in my nature. My parents are both very creative people. My father is an extremely talented woodworker and my mother is great with photography, silkscreening and other crafty items. It just seems like second-nature to me to be expressing myself in this way.

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd love to be doing exactly what I'm doing while also trying to help my business grow. As I am relatively new to the East Coast, I'd love to be able to expand my business to some of the local boutiques and galleries in the area. In addition, I'd love to be able to work on some sort of wholesale business or licensing of my artwork, graphics and illustrations.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

The artwork itself is very motivating. Even if it isn't moving as quickly as in previous months, it is still a wonderful feeling to be creating something from a blank canvas. It's tough when sales are down, but there is almost always a kind email or word from a potential buyer to let you know that your work is appreciated.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?

I advertise my website online and I use the social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter. I often offer discounts for multiple purchases, free shipping offers and special rewards for returning customers.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Do it! If you love what you do and the work makes you happy, it will likely bring joy to other people as well. Try your luck and see how it works for you. You never know until you try. The business cycle can get frustrating...especially in the slowest of times....but continue to create according to your passion, and eventually the market will upswing again.

You are correct Kristen, this business is a lot of trial and error. A lot of hard work and dedication. That's why we love showcasing artists like you! We know what it is like and we love promoting wonderful new talent. Thanks so much Kristen for sharing your beautiful artwork with our readers!

Check out Kristens online store, located at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5192173 and check out her wide selection of: signed prints, photographs, fine art tiles, pendants and gift certificates. Prices range from $10-475.

*SPECIAL PROMO* FREE USA SHIPPING for a limited time only!

Featured Seller - Works In Progress

What part of the world are you in?

I just recently moved to the Lake Norman area in North Carolina. I had spent the previous eleven years growing up in Maryland.
I miss it sometimes and I am still getting adjusted to my new home, but on those hard days I just look out the window at the beautiful lake and remind myself that this is a new beginning for me. Plus, the weather has been much nicer! ;)

What does customer service mean to you?

Making sure that you create a good product that your customers will enjoy and you do what you can to ensure that it all arrives safely and in a timely manner. Also that your items meet your customers' expectations based on what you wrote in the descriptions and then the accompanying photos. And if for some reason a customer is unsatisfied, you work with them to resolve any issues.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Someone bought a pair of my pearl cluster earrings and loved them! She left very sweet feedback and sent me a nice message saying how happy she was with her purchase. That kind of thing always makes you feel good about what you are doing! :) And since I am still starting out with my business, each sale is so important in building my brand and I am very happy with each one!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

My youth. People are always surprised to find out that I have taken all of this on at age 18!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

In school I was always a hard-working student, and good grades were very important to me. The discipline I learned from that help me now to manage my time and my business effectively. I have also always been a very observant person and my attention to detail definitely helps in my creations and my art.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I really loved my art classes in school and I have always enjoyed the creative aspects of projects. Mostly though I am self taught and I have learned a lot from my own research and not necessarily from a class. Right now I focus on my art photography, but in school all my classes were about drawing and painting. I did take a computer graphics course where I learned some editing skills that I continue to use today. And I use the lessons about composition from my drawing classes when I am taking photos. It’s important to be able to take what you have learned and apply it to new things and extend your lessons into real life.

What is your goal for the next year?

I would like to focus on expanding my enterprise and really start to make my mark on Etsy. I also hope to steadily increase sales and continue to create quality pieces and jewelry that I myself would like to wear. One big goal for me is to make the front page of Etsy; that would be a dream come true!




What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I just have to remember that especially right now in this economy people are not shopping as much, that this is true for a lot of sellers and it isn't just me and it doesn't mean I do not have a good product.


What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?

I use various social networking sites to help promote my shop and get my name out there. I often venture into Etsy chat too and give out my handmade business cards to the people I meet. I also wear jewelry I have made for myself out and about, so people can see my product. And then if anyone comments on them, just hand out a card! :)


If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

It would have to be the need to be patient. There are so many sellers and shops out there in all the online venues that it is easy for yours to get lost among them. So you just have to stick with it and never quit promoting and working on your shop. Success doesn't happen overnight and we all need to remember that. Rome wasn't built in a day! ;) So you also need to make sure that you have adequate time to be able to devote to your business, otherwise it might get pushed aside in favor of more pressing matters.

Admin Comment: Wow! Kelsey you are wise beyond your years my dear. I wish I knew that I wanted to get into running my own business when I was in high school, it would have definately helped guide my choices for college. Remember to celebrate and never lose your creativity and artistic talent! Your designs are beautiful and we are so thrilled to have you as our youngest Featured Seller on "I MADE THAT!"

Please check out Kelseys shop, Works In Progress, located at http://worksinprogress.etsy.com for a beautiful selection of handmade jewelry pieces, as well as art prints.

Featured Seller - Marieisabella's Little Shop of Creatures

What part of the world are you in?

I live in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

What does customer service mean to you?

It's making sure your customer is 100% happy with their purchase, if there is a problem I will fix it:)


What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

It was my first sale, the look on their face of how happy they were, was the best memory.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I really care about my work, the moment I start on a piece, I put my heart and soul in it.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I did attend college, that helped me perfect my skills and there I was able to create art that I wouldn't have had the resources to make otherwise.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

Yes, I received my Bachelors in Art, my concentration was in Ceramics.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal is to add more items to my store and offer a wide variety of items, from jewelry to customized stuffed animals.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I just chat up in forums and meet new people in the chats, making new friends in etsy is a great way to promote and support others, in return they promote and support you! If I end up trading with a seller for a wonderful item, that it was a good week!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I promote in the forums, on my blog and offer sales. Also I talk about my art at work, and get a lot of new clients that way as well.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Open up shop and don't have too high of expectations, you might not get a sale for months but work at your shop, promote it and eventually it will pay off. Rome wasn't build in a day! Don't give up, if anything you are expressing yourself and your talent, and that in itself is worth the effort.

Please Visit Marieisabellas Little Shop of Creatures! You can find her works for sale in her etsy store http://marieisabella.etsy.com. Also check our her blog www.marieisabellasart.blogspot.com

Featured Seller - Lunatique Art

What part of the world are you in?

I am hiding in the woods in America's midwest...

What does customer service mean to you?

Absolutely everything, it is essential to the art business.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I have been fortunate that in such a short time I have had so many memorable experiences. My absolute favorite though, was a very young girl who walked past my booth several times at an art fair. Each time she shyly peeked in. Finally, pulling her dad in with her, she gathered the courage to step inside. She pointed out a work and told her dad that she "had to have it", it was the "one". I was so tickled that out of over a hundred exhibitors she was so drawn to my work that I practically gave it away. She was so thrilled with her first ever art purchase and she wanted her dad to take a picture of us. It was adorable and I was proud that a child could feel so connected to my work.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

More than anything, even the sale, I want to share my work and I want people to appreciate it. I am so grateful when someone does appreciate it that I could nearly give it away... but I have to eat...it's unfortunate, but apparently essential to survival. I strive to channel my emotions through the creative process and for me it's more about expression than technique. I want them to love their work and feel something in it that makes them want to have it.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I learned many techniques in classrooms throughout the years but developing a personal style and creating strictly for fun are two fundamentals that I feel make me successful today.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I have taken classes throughout the years and will more than likey take more in the future. It's important to continue to nurture and grow your skill.

What is your goal for the next year?

My major goal is to improve my skills and create many new incredible works.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

My art family. My friends within the art community inspire me and motivate me through their works and activities.

We loved your answer to the most memorable experience with a customer, what a great and touching story! Your pieces are divine! We hope we can help drive some traffic flow to your store so that everyone can enjoy your beautiful artwork.
We also want to mention that Lunatique Art offers FREE SHIPPING to her clients in the United States! That's a fantastic deal, take advantage of this great offer.
Please visit Tina Liebermans Lunatique Arts Studio by going to http://lunatiqueart.etsy.com, or check out her dot com site at http://lunatiqueart.com

Featured Seller lamiadesigns

lamiadesigns

What part of the world are you in?

North Carolina

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is number one to my business and building a business. I strive to please the customer in any way.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

My most memorable experience with a customer is of one while working in a corporate retail store as a manager, a frequent customer came in and said I always made her day and brought a lot to her visit.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling
similar items?

I feel like all my items are one of a kind and I go above and beyond to please the customers. I always strive to leave a little goody or free gift in their package and if they are not pleased I will do anything to make it 100% wonderful.


How did you learn the skills that make you successful
today?

I learned most of what I know from my mother and also being educated in design in College.


Do you have any formal training in your craft?

No formal training but have studied and done a lot of research as well as bought professional machines to help me present a high end professional product.


What is your goal for the next year?

I hope to have my website fully functional, loaded with product and making sales consistently.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I just keep creating. I have to do a lot of creating to keep my creative juices flowing it keeps me positive.


What do you do to attract new clients and encourage
re-occurring business?

Top notch customer service and wonderfully displayed product.


If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is
considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Always follow your creative heart. If you are passionate about it and feel you want to do it as a career- GO FOR IT!

Thanks for the interview Stephanie! All the best to you in 2009!

To check out her products, please visit http://www.lamiadesigns.etsy.com/