Featured Seller - RosaleenDhu Designs

For your shopping pleasure, we are happy to introduce...

RosaleenDhu Designs

http://rosaleendhu.etsy.com/

What part of the world are from?

Right between Los Angeles and Disneyland!

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service means remembering that customers are people too, and not just potential sources of income. From brainstorming to shipping, I want to try to think of what will make my customers the most happy while still maintaining reasonable business practices.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

I think my most memorable customer with this shop was the lovely woman at the table next to me at my last convention. When I was setting up, she asked to see one of my scarves, and ended up being my first sale of the show. And over the next three days, I think she bought 4 or 5 more! And her friends bought another three! Fellow sellers are NOT competition. They're potential customers. ;)

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

Honestly, my items are pretty unique. There are some sellers out there who have animal scarves, but none of them do the neckwarmers that are my bestsellers, and the animal style is pretty different from my long ones.

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

I learned sewing through osmosis. My mother used to make all of my dresses for church and picture days, and I can remember making a doll quilt when I was about 5. I learned to be fearless about crafting in Girl Scouts, and that's also where I learned a lot about sales. By the time I got to high school, I couldn't rely on just being really cute to sell cookies. Being in retail for nearly ten years taught me a lot about the importance of presentation and customer service.

What is your goal for the next year?

I've got two big ones! The first one is to be more organized with my paperwork and record keeping. Taxes were not fun at all, and I want to make that whole process less painful. The second one is to come up with a product line that's a either less seasonal or more Summer-y.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I've got some pretty big shows I do spread out over the year. If etsy is slow, I can focus on preparing for those. If I don't feel like I need to work on show-prep, I use the slow time to develop new designs or learn something new.

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

I probably don't do as much to attract clients as I should. I renew or list items at least a few times a week. I post in the forums on etsy. I'm part of the California Crafters Club of Etsy Team. I have a blog. I have a DeviantArt account. I wear my own product when the weather allows.

I don't really do anything specificly to attract return business. I just do my best to offer quality product and excellent service, and I think that goes a long way. Most of my return customers mention being really pleased with the quality of my sewing. I do include a handwritten thank you in every package, and I like including small gifts 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?

No matter how carefully you calculate things, a successful shop will take over far more of your life and your house than you expect. It's not a bad thing, but be ready for it, and start planning the excuses you'll need to give the rest of your household now.

Thanks Máire! Check out RosaleenDhu Designs at http://rosaleendhu.etsy.com.

Prices range from $20-35 USD

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 - 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

Featured Seller - b u d

What part of the world are you in?

Greenville, SC

What does customer service mean to you?

Everything. I want the entire experience of shopping at b u d to be joyful. I'm thankful that of all the shops they could order from, they choose mine, and I try to extend that gratitude in any way I can. If they have a question, I'm eager to answer it. If they'd like a custom piece, I'm happy to offer it. If they need something altered--if it's possible--I'll gladly do it. They are the only way my shop can succeed and I want them to know just how important they are to me. I don't just want them to be satisfied. That's not good enough. I want my customers to be happy.


What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

Since I'm so new to this, most of my customers have been loved ones offering support, but I got my first order from a total stranger while I was out of town one weekend. I felt horrible, because I had failed to put up a notice before I left stating that I'd be away. To be honest, I thought the chances of me getting an order would be slim to none, so I figured I'd just put up a quick notice when we got to our destination--just in case. You can imagine my surprise when I signed in and saw the order! I emailed her right away (well, actually, I probably high-fived my husband first, but that's here nor there...) to let her know of the situation and to apologize for my error, then I quickly put up the announcement. She was very gracious about it and told me she was in no hurry. Her order was my top priority when I got back, of course. I had so much fun wrapping up her package and sending it on its way!

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

Color. I'm pretty quiet in nature, but when it comes to design and self-expression, I'm loud. I just let color speak for me. Bold colors and interesting combinations are my way of injecting some happiness into life. When I'm creating a piece of jewelry, I'm truly content. My heart is smiling while I'm making it and I like to imagine that people smile when they see what I've made. :D

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

Experimentation and a willingness to figure out how to make things work.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

No. "Formal" would not be on a list of words that best describe me. ;)

What is your goal for the next year?

I'd like to see my shop grow, of course. I am very much happy with the pieces I make now, but I'm always looking to improve upon my skills and would be so pleased to look back, a year from now, and see even a small difference in the way I execute and display my pieces. I am contemplating adding art for the home to my shop since my first love is drawing and I always have ideas running through this scattered brain of mine.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

I don't let anything get me down. If sales are slow--which they are right now--I use the time to create new items to list and freshen up the pictures of items already listed. I get so excited looking at my little corner of Etsy and seeing when people have looked at an item or marked it as a favorite that I will always be motivated. It also helps to have support from my husband and the cheers of my biggest fans, my mom and dad.

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

I make sure my store looks cheerful and inviting. I try to always have a Treasury up. I enjoy featuring the other talented artists with whom I share space and it's a fun way to get to know them. That's about all the self-promotion I do at this point. I encourage recurring business by first making a quality product and then including some sort of discount coupon they can use on a future purchase.
If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be? Stay positive. If you feel you have a truly great product to offer and you've taken the time to make your shop look appealing, someone is bound to notice.

--EXCLUSIVE DEAL ONLY FOR "I MADE THAT" BLOG READERS!--
Special Promotion for "I MADE THAT!" readers: From now through April 1, 2009, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders to anywhere in the world. Just mention NOTBEES in the Notes to Seller section at checkout and I'll refund the shipping charges right away. Thank you for shopping at b u d! :D
We LOVE b u d! Her designs are so unique and bursting with colour! Shes a wonderful, positive spirit truly dedicated to her customers and we know her shop will take off and sell out. Check out b u d designs online at www.budpnq.etsy.com

Featured Seller - Gastu

What part of the world are you in?
I'm in Iceland.

What does customer service mean to you?
Customer service is one of the most important thing if you want to be good seller. It's all about happy customer, and that's in priority for me to make them happy. Than you will also find out that more and more people are buying from you just because of what they heard from their friends ..

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?
I've just started Etsy business, but I've being running leather craft storein Reykjavík cityfor about year now and I have few memorable customers.
For example one that was sadly quite drunk (I'm in downtown) and he hadhis backpackwith him,all of a sudden he had emptied the bag and showedme purse that he had in the bottom. He told me to keep it because it wasso beautiful that I had to sew one like that my self! I told him that I wasn'ta "copycat" and than he mentioned that I shouldn't act like I was "inventingthe wheel" in the handbag business.....Luckily he haven't been at my storesince that day.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?
All or most of my items includes fish skin leather, that is very unique leatherthat is made here in Iceland.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?
It took few years until I was satisfied. I have been learning through theInternet and with books. Today I run courses sewing leather handbags.And in the last months about 130 women have already learned how to sewtheir very own bag.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?
No - not yet. I learned building engineering, but decided not to work asengineering when I finished. I think I have found what I like to day in myday job - and as my hobby...

What is your goal for the next year?
I am hoping that my design only (with great help from Etsy) can be my onlyday job. Now I have to put all my hours in showing the world how great thefish skin is.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?
That my hearts are racing.. My family and friends.Then I also use the time to make treasury or promoting in the Forums,and they motivate me by telling me what they feel about my products.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?
I send personal message(convo) to all my customers, i also sendhandwrittenthank you note sometimes with more than one business cardalong. I have decided to send gifts along with some of the orders. Whowill get it is just decided by what mood I'm in that minute..Giving doesalways makes me feel so good!
I spend all my hours talking about Gastu and Etsy, I show it off on my Facebook profile, and than I have sent letter to all the media here inIceland hoping that they are interested.

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

You have to do what you feel like, don't hesitate if you think that's the right thing to do.I would say jump for it and welcome aboard.
**We were looking through Gastu's store and we noticed a similarity in the items we clicked on,the shipping was $0! We love little perks like free shipping!
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us!
Visit GASTU at http://gastu.etsy.com/!