Featured Seller - twobadbananas

Your first name, and your store name?

My name is Cat, and my shop name is twobadbananas.etsy.com.

What part of the world are from?

I'm from York, a beautiful historic city in England.

What does customer service mean to you?

Well, I want anyone who buys anything from me to be as excited and happy about it as I am (which is pretty excited!). I want to be helpful and friendly throughout a transaction, and I want them to know how pleased it makes me that they like something I've made enough to spend money on it. I always add a handwritten thank you and a little extra something to my parcels.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Definitely Mary, who runs her own jewellery shop (heatbreakjewelry.etsy.com). I met her through etsy, purchased items from her, and her from me. She is so friendly and such fun to talk with, I had a great time preparing her order for her, and I was so thrilled when she left her feedback saying how much she loved her jewellery. She told me she changed her shirt as soon as the parcel arrived so she could wear my necklace, and that she cut the stickers off the parcel and saved them. Making Mary happy made me so happy, I was grinning all day!

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

When you read my listings I try to make my items as interesting and personable as I can. I'll tell you what music I was listening to, or what tv programme I had on in the background as I made each particular item, and even sometimes what snack I had in the middle of my crafty session! As for my fruit and vegetable characters, I've given them all names and personalities, a task I enjoyed a little bit too much, I think. I'm a geek at heart!

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

As a very strange child! I played with Sylvanian Families, but it worried me a lot that there wasn't really enough food to go round a village full of woodland creatures (as I said, strange child!). My Mum bought me fimo so I could make food for them and I never looked back. I took a break from creating anything at all whilst I was at University as my time was taken up with being in Pantomimes, running the Archaeology Society, oh, yeah, and my degree ;) Now I work full time in a shop, so I think that also helps me when it comes to knowing what designs will sell, and how to communicate with my customers.

What is your goal for the next year?

Next year? I'd like to be completely free of my student debt, and have saved up enough money to learn to drive. Then I can start going to craft shows and displaying there. As regards my etsy shop, it'd be nice to make 100 sales. That'd be a cool landmark :)

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

As I'm new to etsy so my sales haven't really taken off yet. I'm still excited when I can tell people have viewed my items! But I take great heart from real life reactions people have to my jewellery when I'm wearing it. It reassures me that there is a market for the things I make. I just remind myself that selling online is a different kettle of fish to selling in a shop, and that things will pick up for me.

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

This is like my secondary hobby at the moment! Well, I'm being featured in this blog, and in a giveaway on another blog soon. I've made a facebook fanpage (tinyurl.com/twobadbananas) and when I hit 50 members I'm going to start running promotions just for my fans.

I've just started using twitter (twitter.com/twobadbananas) although I am wary of being a spammer so I'm pretty easygoing with it. I also have a blog (twobadbananas.blogspot.com), and a webpage (twobadbananas.com), both aimed at making me more recognisable.

I'm also in the process of running an ad on Craftcult, and I sell in a bricks and mortar shop, and am hoping to expand to one or two other shops soon. I've had business cards printed which I give out to people who I chat with when they admire my jewellery, which I try to wear nearly every day.

This is the hardest part for me, wearing jewellery I've made over things I own, as I'm a bit of a jewellery fiend! Also, I pop a card and a home-made twobadbananas badge in with all the goodies I send out to my customers, so hopefully they can help spread the word for me.

Lastly, I make my friends and family a lot of jewellery, because they promote for me without even knowing they are doing it half the time! I'm hoping that my excitingly decorated parcels, extra goodies and unusual designs, combined with my friendly attitude, will foster repeat sales for me.

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

Be prepared for a lot of hard work! I thought I went in prepared, and I am still shocked by how much of my free time promoting takes up. I think I spend more time online nowadays than I do creating jewellery, which is sad, but necessary. But it's worth it. It's an amazing feeling when someone buys something you've made. Go for it!:)

Do you have a current promotion or contest you'd like to share with our readers?

Yes! Readers of this blog who purchase any item from me are eligible for free postage when they mention "I Made That Blog" in the Notes to Seller box. Just convo me to sort it out.

Thank you Cat! Your shop is so cute and fun! We've chosen our favorite piece from your shop to showcase on our blog, the Babooshka, Babooshka Necklace, available for only $11 USD!

Please check out twobadbananas for other terrific cutesy finds to add to your accessory collection!

Featured Seller - Jewelry of Lav

What part of the world are you in?

Sunny Shining Singapore, (at least for most of the year)

What does customer service mean to you?

It means taking time to understand my customer's needs and requirements and using 101% of my creativity, energy and time to meet their needs and requirements. It also means becoming friends with my customers & be their approachable jewelry designer.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There are too many to be mentioned. In fact, many left wonderful and encouraging comments and praises of my jewelry after their purchases. Some even send me Christmas gifts and encouraging cards when I was feeling down due to personal reasons.

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

I guess it would be my after sale service. I love to give my earlier collections new lease of life, even if they have been subjected to years of wear and tear. As long as my customers send me a note or email to request for such a service, I would gladly provide, with no service charge required. Customers need only pay for new parts used.

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

Actually, a lot of things I learned are from trial and error. I make PLENTY of mistakes and also learn from them.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal is for Jewelry of Lav to continue its steady grow in its online and offline presence. More specifically, as my customers are mainly from Asia, I hope to bring Jewelry of Lav beyond Asia to the different corners of the world.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Firstly, it's my passion for making things beautiful, and in this case, my jewelry beautiful and unique. I'm inspired a lot by beautiful things. So, the more I look at my jewelry and my lovely supplies, the more motivated I become in creating pretty jewelry pieces that tell beautiful stories. Secondly, my customers' feedback and praises of my jewelry keep me motivated. Well, I keep a list of all the lovely positive comments from all my customers and would look at the list to give myself reasons to push on, especially in the current time of economic crisis. Lastly, it would be my children. In order to stay at home to take care of them, I know I have to make my business successful, at least successful enough to allow me to not have a full time work outside home. :)

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

I offer various promotions, discounts and offers and most important great service and after sale service.

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

Find out more from accomplished ones and understand the time, financial resources and commitment needed, to assess if this business is truly for you. If possible, learn from a good teacher to avoid making unnecessary mistakes and to jump start your business. Most importantly, believe in yourself, and believe in miracles!

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR BLOG READERS - JEWELRY OF LAV*
Mystery gift for buyers who spend a minimum of $50 USD and mention this blog!

Terrific interview Lav, thank you for taking the time to speak with us and share your beautiful collection with our readers. We just love the bursting colours and beautiful selection of pieces on your website. Please check out http://jewelryoflav.com/ for more unique jewelry pieces.

Featured Seller - PolishedTwo - Pottery Shard Jewelry & Whimsical Accessory Designs

What part of the world are you in?

I live in sunny Austin, Texas -- known as the Live Music Capital of the World!

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service means creating a happy buyer experience. It means providing a well-crafted product and showing your appreciation for the customer's choice of your art.

It is often the little added touches like this that keep people coming back for more handmade items-- it feels good to buy them!

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I have several repeat customers that check back with me monthly and buy new items, but my most memorable recent customer is one that pretty much designs the jewelry herself. Its fun: she gives me the specifications, points me in the direction of the supplies to use, and tells me her ideas. She leaves the handiwork to me and I've made her lots of custom items this way. In fact, the best thing about it is that she really planted the seed of some new ideas for my designs through these special requests. I've ended up incorporating new materials into my jewelry based on some of her suggestions.

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

I'm not sure if it is my marketing, my packaging, or my customer service, but one thing I do hear from my customers is that I have the fastest turnaround time on shipping. People buying from Etsy shops often buy from several sellers at once. I've had customers say that my packages are the first to arrive. With hundreds of thousands of jewelry makers on Etsy, this is just one way that I've work hard to set myself apart.

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

I am mostly self-taught. I love to accessorize and was especially in love with the unique jewelry I could find at boutique stores, but I've been doing crafts my whole life so I always had the mentality of "I could make that!" When I moved to Austin about 10 years ago, I researched materials and tools and attempted to make my own jewelry. My first attempts were pretty elementary, but I took a basic class from a jewelry-making friend and my obsession began. I also subscribed to some beading magazines and picked up a few techniques along the way, but now I can generally figure things out on my own through trial and error.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for next year is to incorporate more vintage elements.

I do a lot of estate sale shopping and sometimes incorporate little antique treasures into my work, but I'd like to do more of that in the future. I have a box I've been collecting and its full of all sorts of enameled metal flower brooches and pins from my estate sale hunts over the past several years. I'd like to add a new line to my collection that incorporates these flowers into one-of-a-kind necklaces.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

When sales are slow I have time to work on new designs, but it is also the best time to push harder on marketing. There are so many ways to market yourself and many methods are free--but they take an investment in time to really work. If sales are slow, I know that I always have more marketing to do. It is also a good time for me to assess my supplies and see what I need to order and stock up on before the next sales rush.

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

The number one thing that I do is add something new to my Etsy shop every day. If I am home, I am listing new stuff! This works for several reasons: I get more visibility just by listing something and staying at the top of searches. Also, people start to recognize the "style" of your items and photography as they're shopping on Etsy, especially when the style is consistent. And previous customers come back to your shop and constantly see new things to buy.

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

I would say, "Do what you love!" You are going to invest a lot of time in trying to sell your craft, so make sure it is something you are ultimately passionate about.

Thank you Tracy for sharing your wonderful work with us and our readers. We agree, turnaround time is very important in this crafting business. Its tough completiting especially in jewelry making as there are many terrific and talented artists like yourself. We know this first hand from selling jewelry supplies in our etsy shop, one of the most frequent compliments we get is fast shipping/ turnaround. Getting the property to the customer quickly and safely makes for repeat customers, which you've already discovered in your own shop!

We love your use of colour and your nature inspired theme, especially with summer coming up! Please check out PolishedTwo Jewelry on their website located here: http://polishedtwo.etsy.com/

Featured Seller - Japonicas

What part of the world are you in?

Beautiful Asia, Garden City - Singapore

What does customer service mean to you?

It means everything to me! I work towards providing a service that exceeds my customers' expectation :) Many of my customers are very touched by my sincerity and have became my very good friends and supporters.They are the reason I keep creating :)

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

There are too many to mention! I have met countless wonderful people who are heads over heels over my creations and keep coming back for more! We become such good friends that we even went out for drinks several times! :)

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

I set very high expectation for myself, my products' quality and presentation, as well as the customer service that I provide.I push and challenge myself to produce works that impress even myself. :) My passion is another reason that I have overwhelming ideas which set me creating new pieces all the time.I gathered that everything boils down to be able to do something that I truly enjoy. :)

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

I suppose that I am still far from being successful. Japonicas has only emerged 4 months ago and there is still a long and tough road ahead.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

Well, I have never attended any jewelry making classes. It just came naturally and I perfected the skills along the way.There is always room for improvement though, and many new interesting techniques to learn :)

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal is for Japonicas' faithful supporters to multiply in strength. Sales will be much stabilized with the recovering economy.I will have fixed bazaars and events to meet more people, stable online hit rates and orders as well as regular consignments and wholesales opportunities with boutiques.
A couple of wishful dreams; to have Japonicas in huge malls and to be able conduct jewelry making workshops in my home :)

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

When things look deem and spirit is low, my burning passion keeps it going :) The encouragement and support from my loved onesare just as important!

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

Well, be open to possibilities and conscious to opportunities. Try getting as much exposure as possible, even if it would mean venturing into unfamiliar grounds. You never know until you try :)
Always exceed your customers' expectations in terms of quality, presentation and service. They will remember you for sure :)

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

Know what you can do best, believe in it and keep the passion burning :)

Admin Comment: Thanks so much Jet for this great interview. We were really impressed by your beautiful, feminine pieces and we know your business will flourish over the next year. Passion and determination are key. You have to love what you do and it is clear you have found your calling!

Please check out Japonicas at http://japonicas.etsy.com as well as http://japonicas.com

Featured Seller - Baubles, Bangles & Beans

What part of the world are you in?

I live in the northern part of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, in a large town sandwiched between mountains and the seashore.

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service means being courteous, being prompt with sending my jewelry, and taking pride in what I send.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

My very first customer was recovering from a life threatening illness, and yet she was so kind, generous and supportive to me. I will never forget her selflessness and encouragement. A lot can be accomplished with just a small act of kindness. I will never ever forget her.

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

I 'm sure the other sellers who make coffee bean jewelry also love coffee, so we are all probably similar in that way. I use only Fair Trade coffee beans (several varieties), and make real down-to-earth styles. I'm very casual, and make earrings that I myself would be comfortable wearing. I absolutely love making these earrings...and I get to experience that wonderful coffee aroma the whole time I'm working!

Admin comment: We've never heard of coffee bean jewelry until now, but what a unique and interesting idea! We love coffee, we love jewelry! Who doesn't really?

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

My family is wildly artistic (my husband is a writer/artist, my daughter is an award-winning fine artist, and my son is an award-winning photographer) and I just had no niche. I happened to mention one day that I was thinking that I'd like to make jewelry out of coffee beans, since I love coffee so much. The next day I came home from work and my family surprised me with a gift of earring findings, a bag of coffee beans, some beads and two "How To" books. In all honesty, and no matter how corny this may sound, it is my family that makes me successful. Without their love and support, nothing else would matter to me.

Admin comment: We love hearing stories of supportive friends and family, it creates a more positive and artistic environment for your skills and talent to bloom!

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

No, I have no formal training whatsoever.

What is your goal for the next year?

My hope for next year is that many, many people will be happily wearing earrings from Baubles, Bangles and Beans!

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

My daughter is my best cheerleader. She's always encouraging me and is incredibly supportive. Plus, I happen to love the challenge of making earrings with coffee beans!

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

I post new designs at least once a week, and try to send a little something extra with each sale.

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

I would advise a new vendor not to get discouraged, especially if they love what they are doing. Plus, take the opportunity to meet some of the many wonderful people in the Etsy community. Many of the artists are so supportive of each other that it just increases your confidence in what you are doing.

Admin comment: We found that too, the etsy community is chock full of fantasticlly supportive folks who are always willing to answer a question or offer advice. We love featuring talented etsy artists, in fact that is the reason we created this little blog!

We love Baubles, Bangles & Beans etsy shop, at the time of this post they have 74 coffee bean earrings for sale, that is quite the selection! Prices are very reasonable at $8 - $10 USD and what a unique gift idea for that woman you know who has to have the latest style!

**SPECIAL OFFER FOR "I MADE THAT" BLOG READERS

Buy 2 pairs of earrings and get 1 pair FREE - Use promo code: DECAF **

Check out Baubles, Bangles & Beans at www.baublesbanglesbeans.etsy.com