They Call It "Dropping the Ball"

I know I've more or less dropped off the radar screen of late. I offer apologies to anyone who was counting on me--November's pace was absolutely insane.

I knew I was busy, but I didn't know just how wild things had been until the end of the month when I was able to take stock and realized I had had nearly 60 sales in one month--and many of those orders included more than one item. Not only did I sell, wrap, package, and ship all those purchases, but I also listed a massive amount of new items. That meant taking and editing photos, writing descriptions, weighing and estimating postage, answering inquiries, and promoting like a maniac.

Etsy...it's my full-time job with part-time pay! 

If it sounds like I'm wallowing in cash here, I'm not. My profit margin is modest. I got into selling vintage stuff on Etsy for other reasons, and I've stayed with it because it's fun. It's my kind of "social network", and an excuse to do what I love--prowling thrift shops and garage sales. But I can see if I ever hope to get back to my own creative pursuits I am going to have to cut back--way back--and soon!

Frankly, I expected to see a sharp drop-off in sales once December hit. That was how it was last year. But so far the orders have kept up, though it's early days. There's bound to be a lull soon when delivery time gets short and mail order isn't a feasible Christmas shopping option, but so far, "It's deja-vu all over again!" to quote Yogi Berra.

I've been trying to analyze what is different this year. Of course, the economy has to be considered, but I've also made two major changes this year. I've learned to take better photos and edit them on Fotofuze, so my items get chosen for more treasuries and thus get more exposure. I also joined Epsteam this year. It's the largest team to which I've belonged, and it's very active in promotion. (Well, let me put it this way--it's as active as you are willing to allow it to be. It does take involvement to get the benefits.)

Anyway, I feel like a dog chasing its own tail these days. Or a hamster in a wheel. I'm running like crazy, but I'm still in the same place. So pretty soon I'm going to put the shops in vacation mode and take a long sabbatical.

Okay, this is getting really boring and I will cut it short. I will, however, give you the SALE CODES, in case you see something in my shops you want. Be sure to type the code in at checkout!

MelmacParadise:  Coupon code is JINGLE. It's worth 20% off any order of $8.00 or more.

MyPalPeppy: Coupon code is THANKS. It's worth 15% off any order of $8.00 or more.

Sale ends December 5.

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Now for a bit of news. Remember those Freakies magnets I showed you in a couple of recent posts?

 http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2013/11/sheer-trash-roadshow-identity-crisis.html

 http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2013/11/solved-sheer-trash-roadshow-mystery.html

Yesterday I sold them! FOR $60!!! Scrounging pays off!!!
What a thrill that was. My mom will never believe it. Hey, I barely believe it! Adventures in Junking...  It's what keeps me going.