Etsy EBay Bonanza Ecrater Poshmark Mercari Marketplace Platform

 

Etsy EBay Bonanza Ecrater Poshmark Mercari Marketplace Platform with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to all who are visiting!

Been thinking about, and trying to feel what platform is for me to sell on. There are so many choices out there. Trying to choose one, or which ones you would like to use can be confusing. Everyone says sell here, sell there, no this one is better, etc. You need to choose the platform that will benefit for you, and what you sell.

I started years ago with EBay. Back then it was fun, and I looked forward to listing things there. Things started changing, and honestly I was changing too. From EBay I moved onto Bonanza, Ecrater, Artfire, and I did land on Etsy where I spent more time there too. 

Things are changing again with Etsy. Fees, rules, how they are charging the sellers, advertising fees that are forced upon you according to the money you make. I was fortunate enough to be able to opt out from that. If you offer free shipping, advertising, and so on its suppose to help with your position of how you are found in searches. Honestly with what little bit I do I have been seen more by my internet actions than what Etsy has done. 

So many places, so many ways to put things together for you to sell. Using a platform you pay fees with, place that you could pay monthly plans with, and many things to consider. Maybe you wish to do Big Commerce where you can work with Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram being in same place. You could consider Shopify, or maybe Square Space too. Then there are ideas for your own website.

So, now you need to consider the shipping company or companies you would like to use. Trying to use the best rates possible with shipping costs being an issue for some right now. If you do some of your sales yourself you need to have a payment processor for completing transactions by collecting money paid. 

Wow! It can be overwhelming can’t it? I have a friend who has a store at EBay, she does well, and enjoys what she does. She has also been using Facebook Marketplace, and doing pretty good there. Less hassle, less fees, and rules to abide by. If you offer items for sale there you should also consider offering shipping with your items too. People notice a difference with sales there by offering shipping which makes it better. I also just found out that if you have an item to sell for over $500 on the Marketplace they do not permit you to offer the shipping. Why I don’t know, but I do find it odd. Some are able to get around that by noting their price for $123, and explaining their asking price is actually XXX amount. 

I’d love to have my own website which takes a little money for that. So, till then I use Etsy a little bit, I show things with my Blog/Site that I have, and I have been picturing items that I will be offering at Facebook Marketplace for sale. Wish I could do more, and be speedier about it too. Unfortunately, there isn’t much support from home to do these things. So, working at my pace, and time I have for me is limited some days. 

I apologize if the posting I offer today seems kind of short. I have been feeling a little under the weather today. Nothing serious. I think yesterday caught up with me riding around looking at properties for sale, checking some areas out for living, realtor in the morning being given information and ideas to look for, etc. Over did it a bit I think, and the weather changes aren’t helping a lot either.

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Stop on by anytime, say Hi, share something if you like, and hope you enjoy the visit too. Till next time take care everyone, and be safe. Toodles . . . . 

EBay Etsy Poshmark Shopify Mercari Bonanza Selling Platforms

Etsy EBay Poshmark Mercari Shopify Bonanza Selling Platforms with LilacsNDreams. Websites, domains, webstores, and there is so much out there to think about, and choose from!

I, along with many other sellers, sell their vintage collectibles, repurposed, handmade, crafts, home decor on Etsy along with other selling platforms as well. Recently Etsy put a notice out to us about Advertising, the cost, and pretty much in a nutshell we are being forced to pay for it. For those who make $10,000+ for the year will have to pay like 13%-15% of that along with the other fees we normally pay Etsy to use their platform for selling. Roughly about 25% and more will be paid if your item sells because of one of the ads. Now, for those who sell less they have what they call outside advertising which 13% will be charged along with our normal Etsy fees that are paid. For this you are suppose to be able to opt out of it, and this is the category I fall into. I have tried numerous ways to opt out of this deal following instructions I found. The system says the link is not working, or I get 1/2 way through the list, and I cannot get any further. I have tried different ways to contact support which I get told link does not work that I click on. I have read I have till March 28th to decide, and I also read I have till April 10th too. 

I am not happy at all with this! Many other sellers are in an uproar about this because of being forced to pay for advertising that is not wanted, the cost, not being given the choice to decide, etc. So, I like many others have decisions to make. Stay at Etsy, and deal with it, and most won’t be making any money for their time. Another idea that many are sharing is to move onto another place, and keep just a few things with their shops at Etsy. It’s ironic that at the same time EBay is making some changes that sellers are not happy with there either. Shopify got wind of some of the issues because many sellers at Etsy received emails with offers that they have too. 

It’s very upsetting being forced to pay for something you don’t want to use. We lost a little more control of our shoppes after working to get them where they are at now. Like I had mentioned in a group I get offers for Google Ads too. I don’t accept the offer. But, it is my choice, my decision that I am making myself for my Shoppe. 

Moving to another platform. Where to go, looking at pros and cons to different sights, cost, exposure that you would get there, getting your own webstore, getting your own domain, and many different things to consider. 

Last Sunday I spent the day with a very good friend of mine. A little thrifting, lunch, and discussing about stepping a little outside our boxes. She sells on EBay, I sell on Etsy, and maybe it’s time for us to change things a little bit. Not only the places we sell, but adding some items into what we normally sell. She showed me a few items she sold, prices, and offered some ideas to me from what she has learned. I am going back a little bit to when I first started selling on eBay years ago. Along with some of the things that I sell now I use to do fairly descent with purses too. So, I am going to start adding that in along with different pieces of clothing. 

Right now I am going to put some things at Poshmark which will be a collection of purses I have accumulated. Along with that I am going to start selling clothes items too. Their selling fee is the average of what is usually dealt with. They pay the shipping, and for these items the shipping will not be as heavy. I won’t have to use bubble wrap, and packing peanuts that I normally use. 

I’ve also looked a little into Bonanza. They have been around for awhile. I use to sell a little bit there a long time ago. I looked a little more into them yesterday. They have 3.5% fees paid with sales, they give you the option of advertising with different plans to choose. They showed a chart, and the smallest fee they showed was with the selling fee plus advertising, and it was like a total of 9%. Most places charge at least a 10% fee for sales made, and that’s only sales. No advertising, or anything else. Also, you can have a webstore with them for a fee of $25 a month. They offer more payment options than just Paypal. They had some things to consider, and think about here.

As for the advertising? I’ve gotten this far without it. I have spent a little time here, and there with promoting myself through different social media channels. I try to include back links where I can, and use hashtags where it’s permissible too. Trying to save cost, but also trying to be effective with things that will help me with exposure as well.

So, I have some ideas. I’m looking into things, researching, reading up on what others have to say and offer, testing a few things out, etc. If you have anything to share I’d be happy to hear from you as well.

LilacsNDreams will still be around, and doing what I have always done with selling online. If I feel it will be an issue adding in clothes, and purses I always have my domain for LilacsNDreams Shoppe that I can use for that if I have to. Everywhere I go, every platform I use, and anything I do I will keep you updated. Just look for LilacsNDreams because I’ll be around some where. 

Thanks for visiting with me today, and hope to see you again soon. Again, any ideas you wish to share are welcomed here. Thanks again everyone! 

Etsy Poshmark Ebay FB Marketplace Websites Used For Online Sales

Etsy Poshmark EBay Own Website For Online Sales

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Happy to have you stopping by! How many of you sell online? If you are selling online are you using Etsy, Poshmark, EBay, your own Website, FB Marketplace, or maybe another place not mentioned. So far I am using my Shoppe at Etsy, and once in a while I’ll put something at Poshmark. Years ago when I first started selling online I started with EBay. I usually sold vintage collectibles, sometimes home decor, and then over time I started adding in some repurposed, restyled, DIY, handmade treasures. 

Season is changing, holidays are approaching, advertisements are being done on TV for some of the venues, and I’m reminded I need to get to work. I have made some items that need to be posted with my Shoppe at Etsy I love the seasons, the holidays, and I enjoy occupying my time making things for the home to display too. 

If you are selling online what preference do you have for a venue? Which one have you had more success with? Would love to hear the ins, and outs of your experiences shared with us. 

eBay is eBay, and is the well known one to use. I enjoyed it when I first started, and later on decided it was time to move on. I tried a few places out with one of them being Etsy. That is one Shoppe I have hung onto over time. They are known for handmade products along with vintage collectibles too. I’m anxious to list items I have made, and really get back into the swing of things. I need to hurry up, and finish projects for the home I am working on. I also need to better focus on doing my listings instead of being side tracked by all the products that others are offering. I love what others share which helps me with ideas of my own, and maybe keeps me a little busier roaming around than I should allow it to...LOL! 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! I enjoy the visits, comments, messages left to me, and look forward to you stopping by again. Take care till the next time everyone! Toodles . . . . . .

Repurpose Restyle Reuse DIY Upcycled Vintage Collectibles

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Repurpose, Restyle, Reuse, DIY, Upcycled, Vintage Collectibles. At some point we all find ourselves intrigued with these things for the decor we use in our homes, remodeling our homes using some of these techniques, some of us like all of this because it is our way of surviving and making money with it, or maybe it is just because we like it. Some of us do it for pleasure, some do it as a past-time, and some do it as their business. How did you get started with this? When was it you acquired the taste, and desire for these things? Have you been doing this a long time, or is it still kind of new to you?

I have had these thoughts over time...when I have time to think to myself, and what is suppose to be my alone time during the day. For me I think mine honestly started during my childhood years. I always enjoyed working with my hands. When I was on the farm with my Grandmother I would play with the sewing machine, I would use her tube paints to make designs with towels and materials, I would go out to the old hen houses and organize things out there with windows, paints, and design some things out there. Over time my Grandmother would give me little things here, and there that involved some sort of craft. I would use it now, or put it with my things for a later time as she would tell me. 

So, I got older, things changed a little bit, and I focused more of my time with vintage collectibles. I had collection books to help me identify pieces, some things I collected myself, I was learning a little over time of how to research a few things, and then came Ebay where I eventually started to sell things. The Ebay thing was from a little help of a close friend, a little nudge from her, and she was already selling on Ebay herself, and felt it was something I would like to do. In fact, that is how LilacsNDreams evolved, and has been with me ever since during my sales, creations, and over time. 

Like many others over time I had the urge that there was more than just selling on Ebay. So, I ventured off a bit into other places like Bonanza, Artfire, Ecrater, and Etsy. During this time of searching for what I felt like I was missing I noticed how I was becoming more interested with the crafty side of things. I was in awe of seeing work done by others of what they were offering. Some of the things that were being done, and how neat some of it was too. Little bit of glue, little bit of paint, this piece could attach to that piece, and how some of the vintage collectible pieces could be brought back to life! Oh, and how neat some things were that had been created, were made from a little bit of this and that, and the possibilities were endless! So, selling on Etsy was one place that I landed that open some more doors for me since they do things just a little bit different than Ebay. 

I still love my vintage collectibles. A lot of glassware really. The creative side of me, working with my hands, seeing things differently and what they can become really sprouted during this time. It has become a passion of mine. I love seeing what others offer when I roam around the internet, visiting stores where others show their creations, seeing things in a way that others offer them from their visions, and so on.

It's something I have been slowly working my way back into doing again. I was headed that way a few years ago, and due to some circumstances a long break was taken. Once we get moved into our new home - it's a working progress, I get organized one more time, I will have more time to myself, and I truly cannot wait to get back into doing all of this again. I'm excited!

So, how did you get started yourself with repurposing, upcycling, restyling, DIY, and etc? Was it something you have always done? Was it something that you acquired over time? Also, is this something you do yourself, or maybe you find these treasures completed to bring home so that you can adore them with all of your collections. Sorry for all the questions everyone. Curiosity gets the better part of me sometimes. 

Thanks for stopping by LilacsNDreams. Hope you enjoyed the visit, and feel free to share as you wish too. Take care till the next time everyone. Toodles . . . 

       

Happy Easter Everyone!! Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Vintage Collectibles, Repurposed, Handmade, DIY, Recycled, Reused, Restored, and etc. LOL! I have a lot of interests, and I hope that they are things that you will be interested with too. 

This has been a very long time for me, and again I apologize for this too. Without telling you a long story of everything there were circumstances with health, and some serious family issues that had kept me away from everyone. I have been very excited to get back to my site here, but also was nervous to do so as well. It has been a while, things have changed over time, my interests have grown a little from what they use to be, etc. Many times I have wanted to jump in here, and instead I would research a little bit more, read a little bit more, take some more notes, take a few more notes, read a little bit more, and you get the picture. I just want to make this right so that you have a good place to visit, maybe some day do some shopping on one of my pages, place to read about some of the same interests that you have, maybe learn a little something now and then, and of course I love to hear from everyone and have them share along with us all here too. 

Over time I was able to make sure to keep the domains I wanted to use for my pages here with my sight. If you ever get a chance with some of your extra time just google LilacsNDreams to see where I have been, and what I use to do. Better yet, just put in LilacsNDreams.com, and stop by here to visit, read a little, say Hi, and share some things with us too.

So, for right now you will see me a lot on my first page, my home page here. I will slowly be working with my other pages, changing, revising things a bit, etc etc. Nothing drastic, but more like updating and just making it a little bit better. I have been over thinking this really, and it's time for me to just jump in, and start doing what I know to do. I'll learn along the way, and of course have a little fun with it too. 

The other page that I will be offering with my site here is my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page. That one will be slow working as I would like to see things in order a little bit more before I jump into it. But, eventually that will be my page where I will offer items for purchasing with vintage collectibles, repurposed, handmade, DIY, Reused, Restored, etc etc.  Would be much easier shopping there then heading over to one of the market places that is used for selling, signing into them, etc etc. That is a little ways off right now, no need to dwell on it at this time. It will come together in time.

So, for now my main focus is to visit with you all here. Get on a weekly schedule of postings here for everyone to visit with, and hopefully have you share a few things too. I have some things I am working on with crafting....or actually waiting for some good weather so that I can do some painting....and will be happy to share with everyone too. 

I'm excited for the new fresh LilacsNDreams, and I hope that you will be too. I hope that everyone had a great Happy Easter, and could enjoy the day. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I will see ya'll again real soon! Take care till the next time!

Toodles, 
Kim ~ Lilacs  

Taking Money to Make Money in Business

Taking Money to Make Money in Business

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Today is about that good old saying we all know only so well "It takes money to make money" 

Your business start up account can be a stressful thing when starting your business. Many of us pull from our own personal accounts to do so. In doing this we have the feel of guilt, and not to mention the worries too. You will often ask yourself if you are doing the right thing, is this business worth it, am I being selfish using this money because I am doing what I want to do, and so on. 

Often we will ask ourselves if we are plan for our futures. Many of us will answer with a yes! With this thought we have personal goals, we have dreams, and we plan ahead too. How many of us actual visualize, and focus with our business future?

There had been article with an inspiring question of "if you were given $20,000 to invest with your business, what would you do with this?" Wow! How does one start with a list of things. It would help to think long-term. It helps to have a detailed picture of what you want your business to become one day. Savings doesn't just happen for people. It comes to those with careful planning, and with some budgeting too. 

Sit down, and spend some time with the thought of what you would do with a $20,000 investment. You will find it will be a list of not only what the wants are, but what you are needing for your business to grow and expand. Once you have your list prioritize it. You know which item do you need first, second, third, and so on. 

Since income can be unpredictable you might find yourself holding back with your goal setting. In order to better help you consider "what if you had $20,000 to invest, and a guaranteed salary of maybe $50,000" That might open the doors, and clear away some fear and hesitation with your thinking. Redesign a website, find a substantial location to house inventory, maybe use same location for shipping from, and notice how your thinking starts to change right? When you look back over some of your ideas you might also realize that some of them are doable within your current situation now too. It is important for you to think past your current limitations. By doing this you can open up your plans for the future. 

There are plenty of ways to get some money if you wanted to. Getting a personal loan, maybe take out a small business loan, and there is Kabbage which is a lending service to specifically fund small businesses. For Kabbage you have to have a proven income of $1000 a month to be approved. 

A saying by Grandpa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is: 

     "There's plenty of money out there. There print more every day. But this ticket-There are only 5 of them in the whole world, and that's all there's ever going to be. Only a dummy would give this up for for something as common as money. Are you a dummy?" 

This makes you think about business, and how often times we hesitate to invest in ourselves. Money is considered common, and the chance of creating something out of nothing and building your own career. Well, there is nothing common about that. 

This series regarding business will soon be over with. Remember to visit with Lisa a Market Your Creativity. There she shares things in full, and shares experiences she has had along with things she has learned to help her.  

As some of you may have noticed my posts are just a bit off of schedule, and I deeply apologize for that. I want to note to all of you that I am dealing with an internet issue. Hopefully it will be resolved in full soon so that I can get back to things fully. Having my posts here for you all to visit at LilacsNDreams, and to get back to work fully with my listings in my shops with Etsy, Ecrater, and over at Ebay too. Links for those can be found on the right column that you can just click. 

Thanks so much for sharing time with LilacsNDreams! I wish you all a wonderful day with all you do. See you again soon!

How to Sell With Market Places You Choose

How to Sell With Market Places You Choose

Have you chosen the market place you would like to start selling with? There are many options available out there, and you will have to choose what feels good to you. Make sure you research them a little bit before you sign onto one. 

Etsy is for handmade, upcycled repurposed, vintage, art, and supplies. An alternative to this is Artfire. Etsy has really taken off from where it started back a few years ago when there was just 400,000 active sellers which it is now up to more than a million, and counting. Other alternatives to look into would be Ebay, Amazon, Storenvy, Indiemade, Zibbet, Ecrater, and there is plenty more to consider. It depends on the type of products you intend to sell, if you want to sell straight out, or if you prefer auctions like what is offered at Ebay. Some will be free to list, some will have small final value fees, some will offer different payment processors that you can choose to offer with your shops, and many other things. 

Once you have chosen the place you would like to start with, and have set up shop with your shop name, policies, shipping, and etc. You will then want to get started with pictures of your products for you listings. Make sure that your pictures are bright, crisp, and clear. With good pictures your products will be noticed. Remember that the photos are a very important part of your customers first impression when they visit your shop. 

Next you will want to work on proper listings for your products you are offering. Remember as you do this that the customers cannot touch the product you offer. So, you will have to describe a physical experience for them. If you do not take the time to list your products properly then the customers will not give you the sale. 

Don't make your listings like they are going to be on craigs list. Customers won't go for that. They like to have the descriptions in full so that they do not have to spend all their shopping time asking you questions. Instead welcome them into your shop just like you had a physical storefront. When they click on your picture they want to feel that you have taken the time to respond to their interests. 

This is all a part of building your shop. With the early stages of your shops you will have time which is on your side for you to do things with. You could start a blog with the same shop name, or if you already have a blog maybe you would want to use that for your shop name. Use Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram. Set up some social media accounts, and spend some time establishing those places as well. As you get busier you will be able to choose the places that are more enjoyable, and that you find benefit with too. It's all a part of building your small business. 

Think about one of your favorite places that you like to visit, and shop with. Remind yourself of the atmosphere, and the surroundings it has that you so enjoy. This is what you would like to incorporate into your own shops so that your customers will want to take a part of your business home with them.  As your business grows you will refine things along the way. 

Keep in mind that the market place you choose is just a starter home for you to build with. Also, do not be disillusioned by business takes off the minute you open shop. It takes time, many things to learn, mistakes will be made, but it will grow with patience and work of it. Visit with Lisa at Market Your Creativity to learn from her experiences that she shares with everyone. 

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams in learning some ways to start our online businesses. I enjoy it, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day everyone!

MarketPlaces For New Businesses Starting Up

MarketPlaces For New Businesses Starting Up. Having a Back Up Plan is good too.

Starting a new business we generally choose a marketplace, or a platform to start with. We are nervous starting out, it takes so much work, there is so much to learn, we have to know so much, marketing needs to be done, SEO, and there is really a lot to consider. So, when starting out you try to go with a platform that does some of this work for you. 

For handmade, upcycled, repurposed, vintage, supplies, and so on many sellers will start with Etsy as they are growing, and becoming known. There is also Artfire that some sellers will use too. Don't forget Ebay the big one that is still around after all these years, and Amazon too. It just depends on what you are selling, and the exposure you are looking to have for your products. Using recognizable sites adds an extra dose of reputation, and accountability to your shops. 

Many are not sure who to trust online, and that is understandable. When shopping sites like Etsy, Ebay, or Amazon people know that they will have a place to report fraud, non-delivery, and offer feedback too. Keep in mind when building your business from scratch that using a recognizable website will add instant credibility for you too. 

What you need to understand is that when using marketplaces you do not truly own your small business with them. These marketplaces own the shops that they host, and they do reserve the right to manage them however they feel fit to do. You are paying them rent to use their platforms to sell your goods. When you use these places you agree to their contracts, their terms, their rules, and their policies. So, it is always good to have a back-up plan as mentioned. 

Honestly, think about it. If your shop was closed by one of these marketplaces due to violation of rules, copy rights, infringements, etc without any warning - What would you do?  What would you lose? Think of all the hours, and time invested into your shops. So, if you are serious about your small business you will want to look at these marketplaces as a starting point for you, not a permanent home. 

I would recommend that you have a domain for your business as soon as possible. You can use the domain for the platform you have chosen to start with. Build your reputation with the domain directed there. What is good about having a domain is that it can be redirected at any time, and you are not losing out on anything. This is a part of that back-up plan you should have for the "just in case" something happens. 

Yes, it is good to start with a reputable marketplace. Find one that is organized for a new business with low inventory. Make sure that it is clean, simple to use, feels comfortable for use by you....everyone is nervous first starting out, does the proper job of show casing your products, your brand, your reputation (feedback, previous sales, followers, admirers) 

Many feel that when they first start they should have their own websites right away. It takes a lot of work to set up a site, build your reputation, work with SEO for visibility and to be found, and etc. With you learning a new venture it is good to start out simpler so that you can learn with it. Using a marketplace is a way to start for your customers getting to know you, learn your brand, your business, and what you have to offer. 

Most places you can start your shops free today with some of your products, and your pictures. Once you open shop hopefully you will have some user friendly tools to use that you can play with, and learn from. Also, with some of these user friendly sites it is nice to have tools that show you anayltics of views you receive, traffic, sales, income received, keywords being used to find you, etc. These kind of stats can help you see what marketing efforts are working for you, and what is not working for you. They are good to learn from.

Once you have worked with a platform you will come to a point that you are out growing the place. This is why you want to have that back-up plan working so that you can start to move on, expand, or if an issue arises with the marketplace you are able to move on. Having the domain looks good on business cards too. When you decide to move the domain can be redirected, and customers will always be able to find you by using that domain too.

Remember to visit with Lisa at Market Your Creativity. She has had more experience with some of these issues, and she is sharing them with everyone to learn from. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams today. Have a Happy Hump Day everyone! See you again soon. 

Packaging Your Products You Sell to Feel Special

Packaging Your Products You Sell to Feel Special 

Welcome to LilacsNDreams with the topic today of Packaging Your Products You Sell. This is something that we all deal with at some point, we all started some where with this issue, some of us have found ways that work for us over time, and some of us are learning as we go with things, right?

Packaging your product is an important part of selling online. This is the first time that you will be making an impression with your customers. Packaging can actually help you turn one sale into many more with customers too. 

When we all ship we worry about getting our products to the customers in a timely fashion, that the package is intact, and that it was properly packaged to get to them. For those who do shop online consider your past experiences you have had with this. So, when your packages showed up to you were you Wowed, or impressed by it? Was this experience what you had imagined it to be? Or, did the arrival of your package, and seeing it disappoint you? Keeping this in mind you would like to impress your customers as they receive their packages, and have them be wowed by it too. 

Over time you will always look for ways to improve your packaging. Of course making it cost efficient, but making the customer happy as well too. This can mean a lot to your business. Keep an eye out for new, and improved ways that you can package. Search around to get some ideas of packaging, and what others do that seems to be successful. Another good source to search around with would be at Pinterest too. 

Try to keep the outer appearance of the package neat, clean, and presentable. Something to consider when doing this would be your shipping to, and return labels. Maybe on your return address labels you could consider having some made with your logos, use the fonts you generally use with the branding of your business, and etc. Some might do the ship to label by hand. For a faster, and more convenient way you can also print with your computers too. This is the way I use as you can print your labels with Paypal, from ebay, etsy lets you print labels, and you can also go to the USPS site to do this too. 

Now, depending on what you sell will also determine the supplies that you use to ship with as well. For smaller items using padded envelopes is good. For bigger, and bulkier items using boxes is generally used for a more safer, and secure delivery. Some will use ribbon, tissue paper, bubble wrap, peanuts, insert invoices with thank yous written on them, include a thank you card, include your business cards, and etc. 

Over time you will continually strive to improve, and to personalize the shipping experience for your customers. The next time you receive something in the mail, and it makes you feel good, excites you, and you are pleasantly pleased. Then, ask yourself how can I apply these same elements to my own packaging for my customers. 

Remember to visit with Market Your Creativity to read more detailed about some of these steps that are being shared. Follow with her, and see some of her visuals that she shares as well. 

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and see you next time. I wish you all the best. Have a Happy Day . . . . Happy Hump Day Everyone!!

Checking and Testing Your Chosen Product Marketability

Checking and Testing Your Chosen Product Marketability

Is what I want to sell good enough? Is what I want to sell marketable? Is what I want to sell even a wanted product? Many questions will flood you as you consider taking your next step with your passion. Don't worry if you do not have any kind of a storefront set up yet. That will come, but make sure to take some notes along the way. Get a few ideas of some things before you get started. 

There are ways you will learn that you can kind of test the marketability of your product that you have chosen. Also, there are ways to help with your visibility, and with the search of some of your existing products that you might have now too. 

One of the first common things to do when checking out the competition is to use google searches. Type in your craft, your product, or your service to see what comes up. Keep in mind this is something that your customers will also be doing when they search. When you see some of the competition come up as you search take note of some of those first hits you see. See through the customers eyes what is being advertised to them. Sometimes when you search like this you are going to see some direct competition, or maybe some of them might be business role models for you too. 

Besides using Google you will want to further your searches with maybe some of the other market places to see what similar ideas are being offered. Check with like Etsy, Ecrater, Big Cartel, Ebay, Store Envy, and etc. With some of your research among the search engines you used, you will also see different market places from them too. Make sure to make some notes to yourself. 

Do Not get discouraged when researching, and you find a lot of results for the same product. This is good because it shows you there is a market for such a product, and that it appears to be in demand too. Just remember that your individuality is what makes the difference. 

The key to overcoming such a saturated market place is that you must learn to advertise outside of all of that, and get people to see the individual brand that you are offering. See it as all those people not knowing about you yet.  

Another good thing is that with a trending product this will give you an opportunity to recruit some new customers for you. If you see something that explains what your product is, how it can be made, if there is some history with it, and etc. Use it to your advantage again. Try to find a way to incorporate that into working for you. Find a way to make it a commercial, or maybe an advertisement for you without violating any copy right laws or infringements. 

A few ways that you will see others mention that get used are as follows. 

• Cost Per Click Advertising you will often hear about. Many of us use Facebook, and we click to "like" someone, some thing, a page, or maybe some kind of trend too. So as you see followings grown maybe it is a time to consider the pay for click advertising to get some of that attention for you, and to grow customers for you too. 

• BLOG on your trend! This is one I myself truly believe in, and will talk about. Social networking is becoming bigger, and bigger. Predictions are for 2014 that it will be an advantage to use Social Networking with the things that Google does, some changes they will do as they normally do in the spring, and etc. You blog to get traffic, and it lets the customers get to know you a little better too. Therefore when someone does a search with Google, or maybe yahoo for certain keywords they can very well find something you blogged about. With blogging work on using some good keywords, and tagging too. This helps people to find you. Don't forget you can share links to your items as well too. If you use pictures from others on the internet make sure to give them credit, mention them, or at least link back to the place you got things from. 

• Tweet to people about things. This is where using that hash tag (#) on twitter works. The hash tags, like keywords, will help you draw the right crowd of like-minded people too. 

• Tagging your listings by remembering to do this. Make sure to use words like "inspired by" or maybe "styled like" and things like that. You don't want any kind of trouble, or to mislead people about how the product was made. These people are the customers you are hoping to be doing business with. Just be honest. Having pieces that are alike, have a similarity, and etc are common in the handmade world of things. You have your own style that you are trying to get people to see. 

Whew! Slow down a little bit, right? LOL:) Sorry, but sometimes I get a little bit passionate about some things when I share them, and I can carry on too. I am trying to share this in more of a break down, and carry it out over the next days, weeks, or however long it will take me. 

I appreciate you taking the time to visit with LilacsNDreams. Thanks for dropping in, and hope to see you again soon. Take care till the next time everyone. Toodles . . . . 

Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You

Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You!

Here we are one more day closer to Christmas, and for me it is getting scarey with trying to get everything done. I have a simple project of painting a square border around a piece of wood so that I can complete my ideas with it for a christmas gift. I have the wood wrapped in plastic sitting here looking at me along with the primer, and the paint. So, what's my problem that it is not done yet? Once I get that done that is the most time consuming part of it. So, why haven't I done it yet? LOL:) Maybe we could figure it out together. 

Anyway, hope this finds you all having a great start to your Tuesday! Wishing you a super Happy Day. See you all again soon. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays

Wow! Where is the time going because it sure seems to be rolling right along now, don't it? All worried about Christmas, food, gifts, wrapping, cards, and then to be reminded right after that is the new year already! I think after the Christmas celebrations I will be ready to celebrate bringing in the New Year. What about you?

Besides trying to do all of this for Christmas I am also downloading pictures, editing pictures, and trying to get some listings done for my shops as well too. Got some vintage collectibles, upcycled repurposed, wedding home decor, and things are being added to my shop at Etsy, working on Ecrater, and also putting things into Ebay too. Time of year for everything. Working on getting inventory down, making room, so after first of year I can get organized again. Then, starting working on some new pieces again too. Making my lists of things to fill up with again, and you know. All of that fun business stuff.  Oh, and a reminder if you see something you like, are interested in, contact Me. I would be happy to invoice you myself with Paypal.

Anyway, I do hope everyone is moving right along with all their festive holiday preparations. Will you be celebrating Christmas day, or will you be celebrating from that day till New Years eve maybe too. I always worry about people having a place to go during these holidays, if they have someone to share it with, and most of all hoping no one is alone during these times. 

Depending when you are doing your get togethers there is still time to shop, get things mailed, and as some will also explain to those receiving....it's on it's way. Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping

So, did everyone survive the Thanksgiving weekend? Some spent time with family, friends, and some also spent some time maybe vegging in front of the tv doing their own thing around the home. Whatever you did I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. 

How many hit the specials with Black Friday? To this day I have not once attempted shopping during Black Friday. Don't take me wrong I enjoy specials, I enjoy really good deals, I love working with people, but I have a hard time dealing with shopping and very rude over ambitious shoppers who take the fun from shopping during this time. Now, for Cyber Monday I could see me doing this. I enjoy being online, and as mentioned I do enjoy shopping. 

Whatever you did during these special shopping days I hope you enjoyed it, and are still enjoying the specials that you can find. Better yet.....I hope the shopping has been fun for you, and you got what you were looking for....and them some extras too. I mostly enjoy shopping during this time of year for others, and being able to give to some a little bit of what they want too. Special the grand daughter. Watching a child's face during this time of year makes it more fun, and all the more enjoyable too. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that you enjoy any Cyber Monday shopping you might be indulging in as well. Don't forget to search online for some of those special gifts you are looking for, or checking out some of the shops offered by many with their treasures of vintage, everyday, upcycled, and handmade goods being offered with Etsy, Ecrater, Ebay, and so on. Check the search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo and just put in some words of items you are interested in. There will be choices there for you to further view, and shop with.

As always thanks so much for sharing some time with LilacsNDreams, don't forget about viewing my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page right here with the tab above, ask any questions by contacting me at LilacsNDreams@yahoo.com with a subject noted so I can quickly refer to your questions. Hope to see you all again soon. Have a most Happy Day!

Vintage Purses Handbags For Use and Collectibles

                         
                               Vintage Handbag and Purses

 

                 Vintage Blue Faux Snakeskin Purse Handbag

 

                    1940s Vinyl HardSide Rounded Handbag

Vintage Purses Handbags For Use and Collectibles too.

Your vintage attire of dresses, skirts, shirts, pants, and etc is not quite complete unless you add some accessories with it also. What better accessory to use than a vintage collectible purse handbag, right? Above is just a very few of them being noted to you. Upon a more extensive search you will see that they are still popular in todays times, and are often sought after by many people too. 

At Wikipedia I found this version for purses, handbags, and some vintage bags noted to everyone. A handbag, also a purse or pouch in American English is a handled medium to large bag that is often fashionably designed, typically used by women, to hold personal items such as wallet/coins, keys, a mobile phone, books, a pen and paper, cosmetics and jewelry, a hairbrush, contraceptives, or pepper spray. 

The term "purse" originally referred to a small bag holding coins. In British English it is still used to refer to a small coin bag. A "handbag" is a larger needed accessory that holds items beyond currency , such as a woman's personal items and emergency items to survive on. American English typically uses the terms "purse" and "handbag" interchangeably. The term "handbag" began to appear in the early 1900s. Initially, it was most often used to refer to men's hand luggage. Women's accessory bags grew larger and more complex during that period, and the term was attached to the women's accessory. Handbags are used as fashion accessories as well as functional ones. 

Like I tell many people I am carrying my mini suitcase with me, and it gets quite heavy at times too. I need my pens, notebook, wallet, checkbook, coupon organizer, address book, perfume, and in my zipper pouches of course some lipstick, lip liner, little mirror, some facial powder, and well....you know.....a mini suitcase. Only thing not in it is a change of clothes, and shoes.

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope you enjoyed your vintage purses and handbags visit. Hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day!

Websites Blogs Venues Market Places For Online Sales

 Website, Blogs, Venues, Market Places For Online Sales

Hi! Welcome to LilacsNDreams Everyone! Ever get into one of those funks that you know you want to make a change, not sure how much change you want, and if you do change things what is maybe the best way for you to go? I, like many others, do Online Sales. Not only do I deal with different venues/platforms, but I also like some of the social networking with it too. 

I use Etsy, Ecrater, Artfire, and sometimes Ebay too. With changes that keep happening with different places, the rules, how they do things, the expenses, how visible you are in searches, and of course dealing with the search engine changes too I often wonder if I am better doing things on my own. If not completely on my own, what is it I should do? What is the equation so to speak that one should follow?

Like many others over time I have signed up with different platforms to sell with. Some have done well for me, and some is like you are non existing. Many of them take work with titles, descriptions, keywords, links, and working with SEO. Seems like you do what you know to do, what you are told to do, and then something changes. When those changes happen there go your views, the traffic gets lower, and along with that comes low sales also. So, how does one get through this?

Many of us do have, or wish to have our own websites. I know those take a lot of work, and can become spendy as well. You do more work with them with SEO, and trying to place in search engine searches than you do with some of the platforms already set up by different places. Then, if you use the free websites like weebly you can hear good, and bad about them as well. Some have websites with a blog included. There are some that use wordpress, and you often hear good about that too. For me wordpress is good I understand, but it is also kind of complicating to me. I have also seen some use blogger blog as their site, and do sales with them too.

Often people will use their blogs, show their merchandise they are offering with links back to where you can buy them. Doing this you avoid having to deal with a shopping cart on your site. At least for a little while till you build more, and move on. The same is with some of the social networks too. The popular one is Facebook of course. That is one place I have not been the most active with. Some of the social networks allow you to show your goods with the links back to the shops you have them in, or you can offer to sell right from there. One place that has been doing this, and is growing is The Vintage Village where they have also been working with another addition called Vintage Rising. Vintage Village is for those dealing with vintage, and antiques while Vintage Rising is for items that are not quite vintage, crafts, handmade, supplies, and things like that.

So, what do you think a person should do? If you deal with Online Sales what is it that you do for yourself, your business, your brand that you have found to work? I have come to kind of a stand still myself, and have been thinking things through more than I have working with my shops. I have more pieces to list, have taken pictures, have revised the pictures, etc, and etc....I have things sitting out to work on as well making some new pieces too. Unfortunately, I am being slow with it all lately. 

Would love to hear from others on what they are doing, what they have found to work for them, some ideas, some suggestions, and a lil bit of this and that. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams. It is Wednesday, and a Happy Hump Day to all! Enjoy, and see you again soon. 

Fall Home Decor Done Simple Not Complicated

                         Easy Fall Decorations Ideas Inspiration

                      DIY Fall Home Decor

                     Fall Interior Decorating Made Simple

Fall Home Decor Done Simple Not Complicated

Yes, it's Fall Autumn time, and was curious is everyone is ready for it? Have you decorated for this changing season of leaves, pumpkins, halloween, and cooler weather? So, if you decorate for fall do you decorate a lot, do things outside, inside the home, or do you make it simple?

Fall decor, or any home decor really does not have to be complicated. You can create warm, and inspired items with just a few things really. A simple candle in a bowl surrounded with some chestnuts, and berries sometimes is enough. So lovely, and so adorable too. Perfect time to be thrift store shopping for some electic bowls, some fall colors, leaves, vines, and etc. 

I have not done much for fall myself, or for Halloween....which I generally do. I am thinking ahead for Christmas because that is the one time I decorate everywhere. In the home, the bedrooms, the bathrooms, and of course outside too. Not too much, but just a little bit here and there. I am wanting to change things a bit this year, do it simple, a little bit of old with some of the upcycled pieces that I have done too. What fun don't you think?

So, how have you decorated so far this season? Were you able to do anything, find some inspiring ideas, or maybe you are waiting for the next following season. Whatever you have decided I hope you are having fun with it, and finding some inspiring ways to help you with your decor.

Thanks so much for sharing your time at LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Have fun with your fall home decor, and may you enjoy all your decorating with your homes. Hey, it's always fun with help others who need it too. Till the next time everyone. Toodles . . . . . . 

Monday Blogging With LilacsNDreams

Monday Blogging With LilacsNDreams

Hi, and Welcome to everyone! It's Monday again, and I hope everyone survived the weekend. It sure has cooled off here, but it has made it quite comfortable here as well. I was gone for a couple of days this weekend. Had the iPad with Me, but my nephew some how took it over using it. So, I just let him have fun. Nothing special this weekend, no thrifting, no junking, no treasure hunting, just simple days of relaxation that is sometimes needed. 

So, what are your plans for the week? Will you be creating anything, shopping, looking for some vintage collectibles, doing any listings, etc. I hope to get my week started with revising of listings I have with Etsy, Ecrater, and Ebay. Simple adjustments, but it takes time with all the places revising. You know changing pictures, adding these words, removing these words, adjusting my shipping prices, and so on. 

I wish you all a wonderful week! Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and see you all again soon. Happy Monday to all of you!