I Gave Myself A Year

I gave myself a year...I started my 1st shop on Etsy April 1, 2008. I told myself if, within a year, my shop was doing well...I would keep it up!

I am happy to report...I will work even harder this year on both of my shops! http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ .

I've had lots of ups and downs, excitements, disappointments, learning experiences, etc.

I learned real quick that sellers on Etsy are very supportive of each other. When I've had problems or questions, my Etsy friends are right there to lend support or answer my questions! You know who you are...and so do I..and I thank you! I've saved convos from way back when I first started, from Etsy friends who've helped me out!

In the past year I've learned so much. I've read more books than you can imagine on vintage glassware, china, Fire King, Pyrex, etc! That's another way Etsy has helped...my vintage friends(no, I am not saying they're old..they sell vintage too!)...have helped me out so much with their vintage knowledge!

Packing..shipping!! Wow!! That's been quite a learning process too! I have my trusty USPS scale so as I am listing an item I can weigh it and get a pretty accurate idea of the cost for shipping! I love packaging up my sales so when the customer receives it, they feel like they've received a gift! I use pretty pink tissue and ribbons; I've always loved wrapping gifts (my Mom was thankful at Christmas time that I loved wrapping so much!)!

Marketing...well, that is number 1 to me! You need to get your name out there....there are all sorts of ways to do this. www.flickr.com/jenscloset www.twitter.com/jenscloset and more! My goal for this year is to figure out google! I love looking at the google analytics, but it still confuses the heck out of me!

I am quite serious and sincere when I say that there is not one aspect of being a shop owner that I do not like! wait...okay..there's one...waiting in the post office line (which I don't have to do too often since I can usually create my shipping labels at home..love that!). I love the customers, I love what I sell, the packaging,...oh and I do I love the feedback!! That is the icing on the cake!

I could go on and on and in the next few days, I will..to celebrate my 1 year anniversary!

Thanks to everyone that has helped me...I do appreciate it more than you'll ever know!

Best wishes to you all!

Jen