Monday, October 14, 2013

Etsy Holiday Bootcamp - Week 2 Part 1 - Inventory

Here is the week 2 part 1 email from the Etsy holiday boot camp program


Hi there,
Now that you’ve fleshed out your primary goal and key dates, it’s time to stock your shop with wonderful, gift-worthy products. We hope you’ve been making inventory (or acquiring the most fantastic vintage pieces) and ordering supplies for some time, but it’s not too late to start. This week is the perfect time to evaluate your inventory.
How do you decide what to order, buy and create? You have a ton of information at your fingertips. Download your Inventory Planning Guide to begin organizing that data and making decisions.
Start by using your Shop Stats and sales information to review 2012 and determine your growth in 2013 to date. Have orders and revenue increased over the year? At what rate are sales increasing or decreasing? If the year continues at the same rate, what will your sales be this November and the first half of December? What other information can you collect to determine which of your items sell best?
Tip: Speed up the process; check out an online percentage calculatorto make your calculations a snap.
Now you can make an informed plan for production and inventory management. Remember, the more items you have listed, the more chances shoppers have to find your shop. Review your inventory plan and ensure that it puts you on your track toward your seasonal goal.
Extra Credit:
Exchange Boot Camp tips in this Etsy Success discussion.
Sign up now for this Friday's online video workshop, Merchandising Matters. Etsy’s merchandising pro, Emily Bidwell, will share insider insights and interview successful seller, Tamara Bavdek, of This Ilk, about holiday merchandising strategies.

Part 2 coming soon!

xox Krys



Etsy Holiday Boot Camp - Week 1 Goals

I thought it might be interesting to share the highlights of the Etsy Christmas Boot camp with the team. Think of this as a condensed version of everything you need to know from the Bootcamp program in case you didn't sign-up in time or at all! Some of these will be shorter when possible, some will longer, because everything in the email was too important not to share!

You will find great articles, worksheets and fun tips and tricks to get sales!




Week 1 – Set a goal

Assignment # 1: Use the worksheets below to plan out your goals and set dates to them.


Discussions # 2: share your progress on social media with #EtsyHolidayBootCamp and also use the team’s tags #promofrenzy and @promofrenzy so that etsy sees what an involved team we are!


Lesson 2:
Assignment 1: Holiday checklist: consider adding these following points and preparing for them when making your Holiday Calendar Check List from Lesson 1:
Make a shipping action plan. Publicize cutoff dates for shipping internationally and domestically before major holidays.
Order extra shipping supplies or introduce seasonal packaging.
Launch a new product or product line. (Read Grow What You Know: Prepping for a New Product Line for advice.)
Update your listings and tags.
Participate in a promotional sale on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Reach out to a blogger for a possible feature.
Sell at a local craft show.

Assignment 2: Before shopper traffic picks up, practice a new productivity method. Here are a few that are tried and true:
1.
Decrease procrastination with the Pomodoro technique. Use a timer to focus chunks of time on specific tasks like packaging or responding to convos. You might be surprised how quickly you can burn through your to-do list.
2.
Block out time for catch-up days in your calendar. Don’t plan anything; when the day arrives and you find you’re up-to-date on your calendar and task list, enjoy the free time, relax and rest. A little behind? You’ve got the day to catch up.
3.
Write everything down. Use a notebook, planner, whiteboard or sketch out a mind map. Let your to-do list do the work to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4.
Break tasks into small, actionable chunks. Need to update 50 listings? Decide you’ll edit 10 each day for a working week. Be specific about numbers, dates and quantities whenever possible.
Tip: Team up with a fellow seller for support. Chatting while you both update your listings, wrap up packages or tackle tedious tasks can make work a little lighter.
Readings and discussions #3:
Share your experience in this discussion on holiday goals.

That is it for this week! Check back in next Wednesday for more assignments to help grow your business!

xox Krys from the PFT

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

October Birthstone: Opal

October Birthstone : Opal
Birthstone Color: Multi-colored 

Libra 
Astrological sign of Libra The sign of the Scales
Dates: September 23 - October 23 

Peruvian Opal Earrings
Peruvian Opal Chalcedony jewelry, Amazonite,golden pearl, clay floral on Vintage brass filigree dragonfly gold earrings - The DragonFly Gal

Alternate Birthstones of Libra: Peridot, Agate Aquamarine,  Tourmaline and Sapphire

October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain.  The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel.  Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love.  One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.  

Opal bracelet
Opal Bracelet - Multi Strand Fire Opal with Wirework in Fine Silver

Ancient monarchs treasured Opals, both for their beauty and for their presumed protective powers.  They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and to protect the eyesight.  These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties and to ward off nightmares.  

The Opal dates back to prehistoric times.  It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed.  As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock, forming Opal.  This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence.  Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.   

Opal Crystal Earrings
Dangle Earrings Opal Crystal Galactic

Most of the world's Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia.  Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. Quality Opal is very expensive, made more so by the caution that must be exercised in cutting, polishing and setting it into jewelry.   

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.  And the powerful energy radiating from this fiery gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion!

Opal Heart Necklace


Positive characteristics
Charming 
Perceptive 
Diplomatic 
Pleasant 
Refined 

Negative traits
Frivolous 
Flirtatious 
Indecisive 
Insecure 
Deceitful

SPECIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS Very heat sensitive, clean with warm or room temperature soap and water. Avoid wearing gem where it will get rough treatment. 

by Linda Blatchford, Jewelry Designer
http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

October Holiday and Theme list!




Halloween is the obvious choice, but we all know Etsy like obscure holiday themed treasuries!! So here we go with some new ones this October!

October, 2013 Bizarre and Unique Holidays


Month:
  • Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
  • American Pharmacist Month
  • Apple Jack Month
  • Awareness Month
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Clergy Appreciation Month
  • Computer Learning Month
  • Cookie Month
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Eat Country Ham Month
  • International Drum Month
  • Lupus Awareness Month
  • National Diabetes Month
  • National Pizza Month
  • National Vegetarian Month
  • National Popcorn Popping Month
  • Sarcastic Month
  • Seafood Month
Weekly Celebrations:
  • Week 1 Get Organized Week
  • Week 1 Customer Service Week
  • Week 2 Fire Prevention Week
  • Week 2 Pet Peeve Week
  • Week 3 Pastoral Care Week

October, 2013 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
1 World Vegetarian Day
2 National Custodial Worker Day
2 Name Your Car Day
3 Techies Day
3 Virus Appreciation Day
4 National Golf Day
4 National Frappe Day
5 Do Something Nice Day
5 International Frugal Fun Day - first Saturday of the month
5 World Teacher's Day
6 Come and Take it Day
6 Mad Hatter Day
6 Oktoberfest in Germany ends, date varies
6 Physician Assistant Day
7 Bald and Free Day
7 World Smile Day
8 American Touch Tag Day
9 Curious Events Day
9 Emergency Nurses Day- date varies
9 Fire Prevention Day
9 Leif Erikson Day
9 Moldy Cheese Day
10 National Angel Food Cake Day
11 It's My Party Day
11 Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day
11 World Egg Day  - second Friday of month
12 Cookbook Launch Day
12 Old Farmer's Day
12 Moment of Frustration Day
14 Columbus Day - second Monday of month
13 International Skeptics Day
14 Be Bald and Free Day
14 National Dessert Day - take an extra helping, or two
15 White Cane Safety Day
16 Bosses Day
16 Dictionary Day
17 Wear Something Gaudy Day
18 No Beard Day  
19 Evaluate Your Life Day
19 International Newspaper Carrier Day -date varies each year
19 Sweetest Day Third Saturday of month
20 Brandied Fruit Day    
21 Babbling Day
21 Count Your Buttons Day
21 National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day find a recipe, too.
22 National Nut Day
23 National Mole Day
23 Tv Talk Show Host Day
24 National Bologna Day
24 United Nations Day  
19 Sweetest Day Third Saturday of month  
25 Punk for a Day Day
25 World Pasta Day
25 Frankenstein Friday - last Friday in October
26 Make a Difference Day-  fourth Saturday of the month, neighbors helping neighbors.
26 National Mincemeat Day
27 National Tell a Story Day - in Scotland and the U.K.
27  Mother-In-Law Day - fourth Sunday in October
27 Navy Day
28 Plush Animal Lover's Day    
29 Hermit Day
29 National Frankenstein Day
30 National Candy Corn Day
30 Mischief Night
31 Carve a Pumpkin Day - no surprise here
31 Halloween
31 Increase Your Psychic Powers Day

source: http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/october.htm

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Promotional Frenzy Team On Etsy - All Star Members Part 2

Last week, we featured some really great shops who are super active, and complete way more than the required activities each week.  This week, we wanted to take some time and recognize a few more teamies who also do more than what's required.  We LOVE to see teamies being active, and working hard to promote one another.  This team is all about "you get what you give," so here are some teamies who give A LOT!  Please take some time to show them some Promotional Frenzy Team LOVE!!

1. Fused Glass Jewelry and Stained Glass from Greenhouse Glassworks
Stained Glass Candle Holder




RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360827/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379675788708048897
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8048268
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/jWAnb6oZiyo

Wine Bottle Stopper with Fused Glass
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360907/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379678150541590528
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8048402
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/gLAqVydPZDD


2. Fabric, Notions, Patterns and Handmade Gifts from GabbysQuiltsNSupplies
Quilted Square Table Topper
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360964/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379681179433066496
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/1784639/1399152186
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/BmLoZ4Y6ppc

Assorted Fall Leaves Hanging Potholder
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360978/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379682201803046912
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7496373/1399158646
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/5Cgrrqq97vX


3. Home Decor, Jewelry, Accessories, and Fused Glass Art from GlitterBirdGlass
Blue and Green Patterned French Hair Barrette
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360990/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379683541593751552
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7760087/1399166800
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/bh14HKga7km

Green Glass Business Card Holder
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361006/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379684605692874752
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7887183/1399173714
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/UQaTWwXJKtZ


4. Pencil Shaving Flowers, Woodwork, Vintage and Unique Gifts from GinasCornerCrafts

Vintage Homer Laughlin Virginia Rose
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361032/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379686180503052288
Wanelo: wanelo.com/p/7415902/1399184302
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/MTWSe2mKDJb

Vintage Pitcher w/ Glasses Set
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361083/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379687837177622528
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/5655852/1399191104
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/cHRHLN8jz7Q


5. Crochet Slippers, Plastic Bag Holders, and More from CrochetbyCharlene

Crochet Mini Christmas Tree Skirt
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361109/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379689073582952448
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8049057/crochet-mini-christmas-tree-skirt
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/YcW7pEURpBc

Crocheted Ruffle Scarf - MultiColor
RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361132/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379690304061710336
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8049159/crocheted-ruffle-scarf-multicolor-rust-olive-green-and-brown
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/RnEbCxy9jxD


We are so thankful to have so many ACTIVE and wonderful teammates on the Promotional Frenzy Team!  The effort and time that each member takes is what makes our team one of the BEST on Etsy, plus all the promoting gives ALL our shops such awesome exposure that we'd be hard pressed to get on our own.

THANK YOU to EVERY SINGLE Promotional Frenzy Team member for helping to make our team so awesome!

PFT Leaders!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Promotional Frenzy Team On Etsy - All Star Members Part 1

The Promotional Frenzy Team is all about promoting!  We believe strongly that if you give a lot of effort you will receive a lot in return.   So today's post is the 1st of several posts that will highlight our most active members.

These members are highly active, making sure to do 3, 4, and 5 activities a week!  And we want to make sure that their dedication is rewarded so please take time to promote this post and to promote their shops!

1.  Unique Kitchen Appliance Covers - Patsys Patchwork







Red Rooster Toaster Cover 
RT: twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/377240112746070016
Wanelo: wanelo.com/p/7282492/red-toile-rooster-toaster-cover
G+: plus.google.com/u/0/104629151189551840701/posts/WCpJu4uKHuv 



2.  Fine Art Photography, Cards, Pendants  - NewCreatioNZ








































We are thankful to have these ACTIVE members on our team.  We appreciate you taking the time to do the check in so that we can have one of the most powerful teams on Etsy.

We hope this will bring in some good traffic and promotions for you all.  Please stayed tune for MORE posts like this.

PFT Leaders!











Tuesday, September 3, 2013

September Holidays and Themes




Fall is on the horizon and September is chuck full of holidays that are new and different!! check them out!! Teddy Bear day is my top pick!! ;-)

September, 2013 Bizarre and Unique Holidays


Month:
  • Classical Music Month
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Fall Hat Month
  • International Square Dancing Month
  • National Blueberry Popsicle Month
  • National Courtesy Month
  • National Piano Month
  • Chicken Month
  • Baby Safety Month
  • Little League Month
  • Honey Month
  • Self Improvement Month
  • Better Breakfast Month

September, 2013 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
1 Emma M. Nutt Day, the first woman telephone operator
2 Labor Day First Monday of month
2 National Beheading Day
3 Skyscraper Day
4 Newspaper Carrier Day
5 Be Late for Something Day
5 Cheese Pizza Day
6 Fight Procrastination Day
6 Read a Book Day
7 Neither Rain nor Snow Day
8 Grandparent's Day - first Sunday after Labor Day
8 International Literacy Day
8 National Date Nut Bread Day - or December 22!?
8 Pardon Day
8 National Pet Memorial Day -second Sunday in September
9 Teddy Bear Day
10 Sewing Machine Day
10 Swap Ideas Day
11 911 Remembrance
11 Make Your Bed Day
11 No News is Good News Day
12 Chocolate Milk Shake Day
12 National Video Games Day - also see Video Games Day in July
13 Blame Someone Else Day - first  Friday the 13th of the year.
13 Defy Superstition Day
13 Fortune Cookie Day
13 National Peanut Day
13 Positive Thinking Day
13 Uncle Sam Day - his image was first used in 1813
14 National Cream-Filled Donut Day
15 Make a Hat Day
15 Felt Hat Day - On this day, men traditionally put away their felt hats.
15 National Women's Friendship Day - third Sunday in September
16 Collect Rocks Day
16 Step Family Day
16 Mayflower Day
16 Mexican Independence Day
16 National Play Doh Day
16 Working Parents Day
17 National Apple Dumpling Day
17 Citizenship Day
17 Constitution Day
18 National Cheeseburger Day
19 International Talk Like A Pirate Day
19  National Butterscotch Pudding Day
20 National Punch Day
20 POW/MIA Recognition Day - Third Friday of September
21 International Peace Day
21 International Rabbit Day - Fourth Saturday in September
21 Miniature Golf Day
21 Oktoberfest, begins, date varies
21 World Gratitude Day
22 Business Women's Day
22 Elephant Appreciation Day
23 Checkers Day
23 Dog in Politics Day
24 National Cherries Jubilee Day
25 National Comic Book Day
26 Johnny Appleseed Day
27 Crush a Can Day
27 Native American Day - fourth Friday of the month
28 Ask a Stupid Question Day (one of my favorite days)
28 National Good Neighbor Day - Always September 28, previously the 4th Sunday in month
27 Native American Day - fourth Friday of the month
29 Confucius Day - Try your luck. Get a Fortune Cookie.
30 National Mud Pack Day

source: http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/september.htm