Can't seem to sell... someone help me please

[SpunkieDoodleBows]

I've only been making bows for about 8 months now and I know that's probably got a lot to do with it. But I really am starting to get frustrated. I launched my website in November. Now, granted, it's not a "click and buy" site, which I think might be my problem. I ask them to send me an email or give me a call and I can walk them throught the ordering process. I've not made ONE single sale off the sight since NOvember. I do good, sometimes great at my shows and I do have repeat customers through custom orders. But nothing offline.

I've set up an ebay and an etsy account but not a whole lot of luck there either. I guess my question to you guys is.... what is it. are my prices too high, do my bows look really bad...do I just stink all around... I don't know.

I've put so much money into doing the bows and I'm just not seeing a good profit, if any, on them. I don't want to quit making them, because I enjoy doing this, but If I can't start justifying them money, DH is going to start pitching fits...

And for those of you who have the merchants websites, who do you use to host. again, that's another big investment for me not to know if I'm going to see any profit....

I guess I'm just frustrated ?!?!?!


Page 1

[geboraco@sbcglobal.net]

Originally Posted by SpunkieDoodleBows

I've only been making bows for about 8 months now and I know that's probably got a lot to do with it. But I really am starting to get frustrated. I launched my website in November. Now, granted, it's not a "click and buy" site, which I think might be my problem. I ask them to send me an email or give me a call and I can walk them throught the ordering process. I've not made ONE single sale off the sight since NOvember. I do good, sometimes great at my shows and I do have repeat customers through custom orders. But nothing offline.

I've set up an ebay and an etsy account but not a whole lot of luck there either. I guess my question to you guys is.... what is it. are my prices too high, do my bows look really bad...do I just stink all around... I don't know.

I've put so much money into doing the bows and I'm just not seeing a good profit, if any, on them. I don't want to quit making them, because I enjoy doing this, but If I can't start justifying them money, DH is going to start pitching fits...

And for those of you who have the merchants websites, who do you use to host. again, that's another big investment for me not to know if I'm going to see any profit....

I guess I'm just frustrated ?!?!?!


Page 1

One thing I noticed is that your photos are very slow to load, and i have DSL. Those who use dial up could be sitting there for a long time.

Another: the lime green font hurts my eyes to read. I am 26, and don't need glasses. Those who do have seeing issues may not want to try to read and would move on to the next site.

I like the banner and the stripes, but I would change the plain pink background to white, because it is hard to read.

When I click on payments and transactions, it asks for a password..?

Check your text because I noticed some typos. I would say the biggest problem is the slow loading photos.

Ok, these are just some suggestions, but basically get the word out to as many people as possible. You know those spam emails with silly photos, etc.? Maybe send a store email and have your friends email their address books, and ask that they send them, etc. Make your friends and family be your cheerleaders.

[snsbowtique]

I know how you feel. I haven't had one single sale from my website alone. I get them from message boards, email, etc.

[dlizious]

hope you girls get lots of sales soon!

[funybuny]

Yes your pictures are very slow to load. Also, not having an actual checkout is going to turn off buyers. I personally don't want to bother with emailing someone an order when I can go to another site and have it done in seconds. If you are wanting to sell from your website - then I would put in the extra money to get a good one with a shopping cart started. If not, then focus on your local shows, Etsy, etc.

If you are wanting more local costumers, maybe try getting a simple printed catalog together. Give them to friends and family to pass out at work. Hang flyers at grocery stores, library and and even check with the schools. There are lots and lots of options out there, you just have to stick with it and promote away

[BELLASMEME]

Originally Posted by SpunkieDoodleBows

I've only been making bows for about 8 months now and I know that's probably got a lot to do with it. But I really am starting to get frustrated. I launched my website in November. Now, granted, it's not a "click and buy" site, which I think might be my problem. I ask them to send me an email or give me a call and I can walk them throught the ordering process. I've not made ONE single sale off the sight since NOvember. I do good, sometimes great at my shows and I do have repeat customers through custom orders. But nothing offline.

I've set up an ebay and an etsy account but not a whole lot of luck there either. I guess my question to you guys is.... what is it. are my prices too high, do my bows look really bad...do I just stink all around... I don't know.

I've put so much money into doing the bows and I'm just not seeing a good profit, if any, on them. I don't want to quit making them, because I enjoy doing this, but If I can't start justifying them money, DH is going to start pitching fits...

And for those of you who have the merchants websites, who do you use to host. again, that's another big investment for me not to know if I'm going to see any profit....

I guess I'm just frustrated ?!?!?!


Page 1

MY FRIEND & I HAD A SPACE AT CALICO FORT NOT TOO FAR FROM YOU I THINK (?). WE MAKE JEWELRY , BAGS , & BOWS . HOW DID YOU DO W/ YOUR BOWS THERE?(JUST CURIOUS) I COULDNT GIVE MINE AWAY LOL......I THINK I SOLD MAYBE 6 ! I WAS SO AGGRAVATED , I THOUGHT ABOUT NOT TAKING THEM TO OUR SHOWS SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY HAIRBOW VENDORS NOW !
LISA

[ManicMittens]

i cant get your page to load at all.

i dont have a shopping cart built in to my site either but it doesnt seem to be an issue for me.
slow loading pics will be an issue though.

[Miranda]

Originally Posted by geboraco@sbcglobal.net

One thing I noticed is that your photos are very slow to load, and i have DSL. Those who use dial up could be sitting there for a long time.

Another: the lime green font hurts my eyes to read. I am 26, and don't need glasses. Those who do have seeing issues may not want to try to read and would move on to the next site.

I like the banner and the stripes, but I would change the plain pink background to white, because it is hard to read.

When I click on payments and transactions, it asks for a password..?

Check your text because I noticed some typos. I would say the biggest problem is the slow loading photos.

Ok, these are just some suggestions, but basically get the word out to as many people as possible. You know those spam emails with silly photos, etc.? Maybe send a store email and have your friends email their address books, and ask that they send them, etc. Make your friends and family be your cheerleaders.

Ditto everything she said. I also think she found your biggest issue, when you click on payments page you get a pop asking for a password. So unless you have the password and sign in name you will never be able to open the page to see how to pay.

[Amber427]

I have dial up- and I get really frustrated with slow loading pages. I don't even bother. I also agree with the lime green- I can't see it at all. It just turns into a large blur.

[SpunkieDoodleBows]

Originally Posted by BELLASMEME

MY FRIEND & I HAD A SPACE AT CALICO FORT NOT TOO FAR FROM YOU I THINK (?). WE MAKE JEWELRY , BAGS , & BOWS . HOW DID YOU DO W/ YOUR BOWS THERE?(JUST CURIOUS) I COULDNT GIVE MINE AWAY LOL......I THINK I SOLD MAYBE 6 ! I WAS SO AGGRAVATED , I THOUGHT ABOUT NOT TAKING THEM TO OUR SHOWS SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY HAIRBOW VENDORS NOW !
LISA

Lisa,

Yes, I remember you. My friend that I set up with actually got a necklace set from you in exchange for an outfit??? right???

I did pretty well at Calico Fort. I cleared around $200, but I also, after not doing good the first morning, I did a sell of Buy 3 get 4th free. Plus I did great with M2M bows for her outfits.

I have sell signs made up and ready to set up, if I see that my prices are going to work for that particular show.