Handmade Business Mistakes 😲 4 Things I'll Never Do Again ❌

[@CreativeHiveCo]

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[@iamkim.kimiam3032]

Excited to watch the other videos. This was very informative as I lost job during this pandemic and since I have always wanted to start my own craft business I am trying now especially since I may have to also be home to home school my son since schools may not open here. Thank you so much! Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated!

[@PropertyVlogsUK]

Hi there, when you talked about removing the butter and when you use your products as examples, it would be good if you put pictures of your products as a viewer it wouldn't be overkill and I think it would be subtle way of advertising your products :)

[@ChrisetteDesigns]

When people dislike my custom order starting price, I ask them how much they think brands like Calvin Klein would charge if you wanted them to make you a custom piece! Great video and I couldn't agree more about craft shows!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Ha!! Brilliant. I love that!

[@ATouchofLiz]

For me Craft shows work as I live in a small town. The craft fairs that I always go to one is like 10 minutes walking distance the other 20 minutes from my home, so it’s easy because I don’t have to spend a lot of money. I also love it because my sister in law also crafts (different stuff) and gets a table beside me and it’s like a day out. It relaxes me, I love meeting new people, I love the praises I get and if we’re outside and it’s a lovely sunny beautiful day even better! It’s therapeutic.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Craft shows can be great for in-person connection and sales! The problem with them is that the income can be inconsistent depending on the weather, number of shoppers, overall promotion, etc. If you are online then you have a wider audience and a chance at more consistent sales.

[@jordanwhite5470]

"I will never do a Custom order again . . . " yep. I used to do a lot of it, until I realized that the 10+ emails back & forth, along with the design/redesign time just didn't make any additional money, & in fact cut into my profit.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This is so true, Jordan! Unless you have a really easy to personalize product - something you can fit into an existing template, say, then it just becomes to much.

[@verushckacizzelle7403]

your channel is literally saving me

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, I'm so happy to hear that these videos are helpful to you, Verushcka!

[@theotherlindsayrickman]

Returns/refunds, something a handmade or vintage business can not afford, that’s my guess! I’ve been at it for 20 years and everything you are sharing here is GOLD, thank you very much. Now I’m gonna check out your jewelry! 🌞❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I really appreciate that, Lindsay, and I'm happy to hear that you liked the video!

[@kathleenworkman3884]

You explain clearly; create a relationship with your listeners, and provide superior advice in a relatable way that results in people listening all the way to the end..

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Kathleen! I appreciate that so much! 💖

[@beccaw74]

I'm so glad custom orders were included on this list! I've run into problems with them as well when its come to completing custom orders. I crochet stuffed animals, and a customer put in a custom order for a highland cow that i agreed to. My brand/business has nothing to do with cows or farm animals, and I actually want to focus more on fantasy creatures. However, because i accepted this custom, I now have a bunch of yarn that I dont typically use for anything, and a crochet pattern that i will likely never use again. Something that i think I'll implement in the future is giving an option to choose what color something is made in, but not really doing a custom design. They can choose products that I already offer, and not something new.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally hear you! Custom orders can be tricky. Sticking to your brand and core offerings with color variations sounds like a smart strategy!

[@starvingartistscollective]

This video is excellent information!! I had a pottery business and much as I liked meeting customers at markets/craft shows the weekly grind and totally unpredictable income wore me out. Same with custom orders. Ceramics is labour intensive, colours can change in the firings and the process has a long turn-around time so I never made back anything like what it cost me to make. Yes, with the blogging too. Thought that if people knew the 'story' of the product they would respond better to buying it, but it took up a lot of time. Medical issues and not working now. Have not developed an online store so thinking this is the way to go for me if I re-evaluate my product offerings to suit the necessities of shipping. Thank you so much for your channel, have been learning a lot in your informed, clear, uncluttered presentations. TFS!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

So funny that we share so many common experiences! Your "story" comment about blogging is so true. There are some businesses where that can really help it but for most people it's really tough to figure out what our "story" is. We just fell into making a craft that became our passion! Sometimes there is no plot or climax. And I've seen way too many people struggle to figure that out. I think your new online shop will be great considering you're doing your due diligence to research and plan out your products so you don't make life hard for yourself! Lmk if you ever have video topic suggestions. I'm always open to hearing ideas!

[@thecreativekloset391]

The information that you have given has just stopped and made me think for the first time about my next step. I have gone through every one of your Never again's. Thank you. Great!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear you're being more thoughtful about your strategy! You'll always be more successful with a plan than without one 😊 Happy to have you in our community!

[@sweetesthoneybee]

I’m so glad I found you! I’m from Singapore living in Illinois. Just started doing craft shows. It’s dead but my Etsy would sell a few stuff. I had to buy a tent and all the set up booth stuff. I’ll do it going forward for fun but it’s like a Carni life. Move in, pack, sell, pack, move out. It’s exhausting.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It definitely can be exhausting. If it's profitable and you enjoy it then it's fine but when it's draining it can just become a big hassle.

[@NicoleNightfall]

So, craft shows/ trade shows/events are a Catch 22, in my opinion. Considering my products are niche, I aim toward markets that fit my niche. I know I'll do well in these, versus a generic country craft show where the locals might throw holy water at me over even coming anywhere near my table. However, I think the greatest value comes from growing an e-mail list, a social media following, or future customers through these events. Even if I come home shorter than I thought I would in profit, I know the people I've met who followed me on social media will buy a product in the future or offer me some sort of free advertising by word of mouth, or even liking my images.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes! I love your comment so much! I experienced this as well... people may not buy right there and then at the show, but I did notice my online sales from locals increase over the years as I did more shows. 👍

[@erica6039]

Totally agree about craft shows! We only keep doing shows where we make at least 10x the booth fee, it’s just not worth it if we don’t make that much! My plan is to stop doing them in 2-3 years as we build up other parts of the business. Thanks for another great video Mei!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's a great craft show rule to have! You're not removing them completely from your business, but you're being conscious of which ones are actually worth doing. 🙌 Do you have favorite shows you can recommend?

[@erica6039]

Yes! We do really well at Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, PA and Central PA Festival of the Arts, at Penn State. They’re both very close to us and we have family who live up there, so bonus! We actually make more than 20x the booth fee at those two. 👍

[@CreativeHiveCo]

@@erica6039 WHOA! Nice! Thank you for sharing 😍

[@terriwild6121]

New subscriber! Love your videos so far ☺️. I've been on Etsy a long time (since 2009), and selling at fairs and markets all that time too. Finally looking at moving my eggs out of the Etsy basket...It's scary, but I'm gaining the confidence with every video of yours I watch. Keep it up! You are so relatable and I love that you share things that haven't worked in the long run, and (as you say in many of your other videos) to focus on your own brand. It just dawned on me that I have been driving traffic to Etsy for 10 years and not my own brand 🤯

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad to hear that you are going to take on your own site, Terri! It's true - so much of your traffic could be re-routed to your own brand, and now that you've discovered that, it's time to act. You can do it!

[@lauriesuzanne8848]

Yet another superb set of suggestions with excellent detail. Mei, you continue to offer great wisdom and always presented in a highly intelligent manner! You’ve no idea how grateful I am. Thank you. My best!🙌

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You have no idea how much your comment means to me, Laurie! Thank you for brightening my day and showering me with your generous, kind comments! You inspire me to keep making more videos! 😊

[@erinnlamattery5075]

Blogging is such torture for me, I'm glad to hear someone say 'I'll never do it again!'

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are definitely not alone, Erinn! Content creation is REALLY hard work!

[@viggycat8592]

Oh God, I have to blog?! Nope! Waste of time! I will scroll past a blog to get to the meat.

[@BicWalker]

Erinn LaMattery I am dyslexic so it’s really hard for me to blog that’s why I create videos

[@ExiArts_HristoHvoynev]

I also did not have great success with blogging. I did it to share different and deeper stories of my days.

[@helenemarchand1860]

I will never give it even a single try, we are makers, not writers and time is money ! On top of it I believe that reading a blog is distracting, it takes our potential customers away from the sight of our products !

[@tinafranz9383]

Thank you so much for all the information you put out there for us! I specifically loved this video because now I know that I was right about my intuition!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy it was helpful for you, Tina! Thanks so much for watching!

[@thepragmaticexistentialist]

I am so glad you mentioned that blogging is not helpful for handmade businesses. I was considering it, but I wasn't sure if it would be worth my time and energy. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

There are definitely people who have monetized their blog, but if it's not a passion, I wouldn't worry about it!

[@mindakahn9964]

“I could do that.” Then you should. Everyone should. But do you know how much materials cost just to make one painting? Are you going to buy M Graham paints and silver brushes? Arches paper? Cheaper to buy from me. Over it too.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Those types of comments are so frustrating, Minda! Those people are definitely not your target audience.

[@cl5619]

Your lipstick, shirt and pegboard are all color coordinated very well

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Loll! Didn't notice that. Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️❤️

[@RealWizardry]

I’m surprised you would never do blogging. I’ve found it pretty helpful. Having said that, the ROI isn’t as high as other SEO tools. I’ve used blog posts written by myself and others. You’re right that the conversion is low though.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I actually have blogged, a lot!, and I still maintain my blog but I don't use it as actively as I did in the past. creativehiveco.com/blog

[@ej6134]

You're a joy to listen to

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Ohh! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it! ❤️

[@alsosean]

You've got amazingly helpful content. Thanks for all the effort you've put into these videos! I've been going through your videos as I consider restarting my crafty business. I completely agree with your points about craft shows and custom orders. Perhaps it depends on what you make but they didn't work for me either. You're 100% right about custom pieces. They always take more effort and its always a challenge to fully meet customer expectations.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It typically ends with more frustration, which is kind of the opposite of working for ourselves and doing what we love!

[@SewGrannySew]

A fellow Minnesotan who knows the cold struggle🤣😂 I find you are 100% on point! Thank you for a few new tips! Subbed😉

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Lol! I'm in LA now and definitely not missing the cold. 😂 Thank you so much for subscribing! ❤️

[@ramonakearns2101]

Thanks for sharing the resourceful tips

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome, Ramona! I appreciate you watching!

[@YashoShasho]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Makes all the difference!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! I'm so happy when it can help someone else out!

[@MarkoPola]

You read my mind on all these things. Great advice to any handmade seller. I remember doing lots of vendor events when I started my handmade business 14 years ago. I was so exhausted and never got the return I needed for my time and Investments. So now I just think of them a marketing and public feedback events like you mentioned. But I can spend my marketing money more efficiently with internet ads. Another thing I don’t do anymore is buy advertising space in places like magazines and community spaces. You can’t get a clear picture on your ROI like you can with internet ads.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You've really got great insight into your business Marko Pola! Internet ads can be a great investment, and you like said - they are trackable!

[@AprilDesignsSMD]

OMG I'm so glad you said Blogging! For a while it seemed like every video, email or facebook post about small business I watched kept going on and on about blogging. Something I knew I would fail at. I'm glad I never bothered.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

If you know it's not going to work for you, then it's best to not do it half-heartedly. Sounds like you know yourself and made a good choice!

[@rentfrommycraftroom5633]

Keep up the good work in helping us do it right. Continue not to let anyone from keeping your eyes on the prize. You are doing great

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate you watching!

[@paolocruz7917]

I started my online handmade accessories made of natural crystals several months ago and now i have consistent sales from barely selling anything for the first copuple of months. I really feel the custom order problem, especially when some buyers request for a custom order made of material that is not on my stock or too pricey for a particular design piece. I already put a lot of effort of creating, designing, and deciding what stone will be the best for the piece. It is waste of time and energy to go and get a particular stone or material and only use a fraction of it just for that specific customization request. I will swear i will only limit customization on size. If its not on my inventory, then i will decline the request for customization.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I totally agree! 💯

[@rosanneducharme5486]

Im really enjoying all the valuable information on your videos. Thank you once again for sharing this valuable information with us.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! ❤️

[@ozsomenurse]

Fantastic information and speaker! Straight to the point and complete!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

SOOOO appreciate you saying that. Thank you. 😍😁🤓

[@herminehishek5148]

Thank you so much for sharing your priceless experience for handmade craft business❤❤😊😊 I am a beginner and your program helped me a lot🙏🙏🙏🌸🌸🌸🌺🌺🌺🌺💐💐💐💖💖💖💖

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww. Thank you so much for the kind words, Hermineh! Your comment really made my day!! ❤️

[@chunkyclaydesigns]

Here’s a custom order story for you guys. I did a custom order for a small home-based spa business for a customer appreciation event. The project: twenty pairs of handcrafted polymer clay earrings, in variety of designs, done in mint theme (brand colour). This order took me a handful of weeks to produce and I was hustling hard! And because I was making such a variety of styles, I underestimated the time frame for completion. Lessons I’ll take with me for next time include: setting a realistic turnaround time and being transparent with the client about it so they’re not checking in to see if it’s ready. I would also charge more next time! That’s a whole other discussion for another time. 😂😊

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for sharing your custom order story! And great takeaways from your experience! ❤️

[@MelissaBrantley-i1k]

You give great advice and information

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! ️❤️

[@theoldlady2317]

This video is quite informative. Thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww. Thank you so much for watching! ❤️

[@skytechbits]

At least you have family support. Some of us have to do 100% of everything alone which is why we work at craft shows. It helps us network with other vendors because we are alone. People who have family support i found usually do not know what it's like to not have anyone at all. You are one of the lucky ones out there who has that support no matter what risk you take. I'm glad you have people who are there for you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad that you've found support in what way you can and I appreciate your perspective. I don't think many creatives have family support. The constant "when are you getting a job?" or implied statements that I'll never make it was abundant in my experience. I know what it's like to have no friends. I moved to a country where I knew literally no one and had zero connections. Making friends was never easy for me. I was the black sheep growing up in my family and in school. I got the support of family when I proved to them I could be successful. And I made friends by actively reaching out, starting meetups.. I know the pain! I almost went crazy not having anyone to talk to for years when I was starting out. Thank you for sharing your perspective!

[@TiffanysBunnyGang]

SEO isn’t difficult to do once you learn how to implement it on your listings. With all of the valuable & free resources on KZbin anyone can learn.

[@jos3402]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Jo! ❤️

[@bushrakhanam8823]

Thank you for sharing these tips, I am going to show my jewellry first time in a fair, I have saved your video for few months but watched now, that is realy informative.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's awesome, Bushra! Good luck on your 1st fair! ❤️

[@clarencekayeestefanio7749]

thank you so much again. your videos really helps us handmade makers and sellers keep it up plss

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I really appreciate you saying that! And I will! 😊

[@modernlywild]

Your videos are giving me liiiife. Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@kerrygearin3910]

Sooo helpful ☀️Thank you for sharing your experience ❤️💎❤️🦋🎼🦋❤️☀️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Kerry! ❤️

[@shadowartist8892]

Thank you for the advice about the blogging. I was thinking it was necessary to get people to my website but now its a no brainer that its a waste of time.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy that it helped to hear that! For some people, it's just not their thing and that is ok!

[@G.G.8GG]

You are great, clear and complete in your presentation. What a joy and a help. Thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for the kind words, Esther, and thank you for watching!

[@robinswaytoday]

Hi, You have provided some valuable information on building our business.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad this was helpful!

[@InRealLife824]

I'm not convinced about the blog. I make homemade granola, and I feel like the recipes and kitchen tips I provide encourage people to purchase from me. I feel like if all I do is promote my products, customers are going to get tired of me... But, you're right, it takes a lot of time.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

If you love it and it brings you sales, then keep at it! But if it becomes a drain or isn't bringing in sales traffic, then you have to evaluate if you could be spending that time doing different marketing that could be bringing you more sales.

[@lisabowman8953]

Love all your info

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@bigbaby5990]

Great video Luv!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@littleravendesigns5587]

Thank you so much for your videos, I been watching KZbin videos about sales for a wee bit now and I swear yours is the more realistic advice! I been changing my type of sales, still doing caricatures but trying to expand and do more illustrations and creative works. I also want to do tutorial videos!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's great to hear! I'm so glad that the videos have been helpful to you. Thank you so much for watching! 💗

[@rechelleestorba6354]

One of my favorite channel on YT. Thank you so much for always worth watching content! ♡♡♡

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww, thank you so much for saying that, Rechelle! That makes me so happy to hear!

[@SheilaCrowder-ki2co]

Great information

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Sheila! ❤️

[@frezzeryt1500]

Yes i had to sub I have no idea why you don’t have more subs. I made my online selling and it’s going on super. Especially now when we are in quarantine I have to sell online. Thanks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad that you are doing well right now, Melina! Great news!

[@kellykilleen1515]

Ty so much!! 💕💕

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching Kelly!! ❤️

[@analisboaphotography]

Hi Mei! You're saving my life here. I'm a Surface Designer planning on opening my own brand. My goal is to print my designs on fabric so I can make tote bags, backpacks, wallets, all of that (for now I'm just focusing on tote bags). I'm having trouble finding a manufacture that will print minimal and not cost me a liver (most places I find are charging $23-30/meter), I was wondering if in your course A Sale A Day has a list of manufactures that would do minimum for a reasonable price Best!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Ana! We don't have a list of resources like that, but we do have have a community forum where you can ask questions like this of the other creatives in the group.

[@eltagoosney6752]

I have watched a couple of your videos and do find them informative. My problem is my age. I don't really understand a lot about social media. Have you got a video for dummies. Lol. All the information I've seen is so beyond me. I know I could get over my fear of selling if I have an idea of a first step that I understand somewhat. Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Elta! This playlist on social media might help: kzbin.info/aero/PLd52Nr4SNc0mZPys2EJAGJH0YvhKvktiu But you can also join my facebook group, which is filled with helpful creatives who are great to bounch social media questions off! facebook.com/groups/creativebizmarketing

[@bgthompson8075]

Thank you, blogging is something I would never do. Don't like writing. Also some recipes I've looked up is full of words, just the recipe please.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's a good thing to know about yourself, bg. If you aren't into it, it will show and that's not useful to your business at all. (YES to the recipe novels!)

[@cynthiahicks1909]

OH gurl- I hear ya!!No custom work- I have NEVER nor would I ever consider it- they don't want to pay and then they don't like it or complain about the most trivial horrible thing. Most customers are wonderful but there are those few out there- I had one lady bring back a necklace that she had for 15 YEARS!! Oh, do I have the stories- I'm an old timer in the biz.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

15 years?!?! Wow, that's a first! And it's true - most customers are wonderful and it only takes one or two unfortunate custom orders for you to decide it's not worth it.

[@gretchenmartinez1658]

Thanks for all the insight

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching!

[@stardresser1]

That's blogging crossed off the list...THANKYOUSOOOO MUCH!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Haha, so happy that you're happy!!

[@shea.life.4.umorgan736]

I am just getting started and your videos are so helpful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks so much for watching!

[@audreyhaskins6996]

Great Information! Thank You!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching, Audrey!

[@robertcarey8294]

Great advice , and you are so easy to listen to , a lot of you tubers put me off once they open their mouths or play loud annoying music , keep up the good work and many thanks !.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for your kind comments, Robert. I really appreciate it, and thank you for watching!

[@MeyTribe]

Shucks, number 4... I am going to be blogging for my next venture on Shopify... And now not sure if it's good or bad... I wanna do printable planners, calendars, and also selling BUJOs with my own designs, and thought about blogging about what a bullet journal is, how it helped my with managing anxiety... etc. I did a Google Trends research and keywords research and thought it was a good thing, but now I'm starting to think it over. (Side note: I have been blogging for 6 years in different platforms, I know my SEO writing, and I do it fast... so maybe that would be a good choice?)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

For some people, blogging is amazing and they love it and get a lot out of it, and if that is you I say go for it. If your next venture is writing-based (planners and BUJOs!) then it fits nicely together. And since you have been blogging successfully, it sounds like it will work for you. My point here was that you don't NEED it to be successful like it's been stated before. 😊

[@chunkyclaydesigns]

I haven’t don’t a craft show. All the costs involved give me a headache just thinking about it. The likely hood of breaking even is slim.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Craft shows are fun but can definitely be costly and tiring.

[@chloebishop814]

Thanks for such an honest video. This springs so close to me, It's been interesting this year. I made a big effort sorting out my seos, and everything on my online stores I listened to your last video I dont just have etsy I have folksy and Facebook, I've made my first sale to America this year also and made 50 online sales in 2 weeks just selling my earrings. I think it would have been a struggle making these sales on a market stall and for the price I sell my products. It's been interesting and nice doing online Facebook markets from the comfort of my home. Markets are long days. Half the events are not advertised enough by market retailers, and are only interested in making money from vendors. Take a packed lunch...... the amount of money we have spent on coffees and lunch cuz we didnt take a tea flask. A card machine is a must. I get so up set going to markets and there attualy flee markets or "carboots with second hand tat"So your there trying to sell your £20/60 + products and people dont wana Pay the price. 😣 Research in to a local market before you go is a good I'dea go first see what it's like befor paying for a stall. It's a tedious long day if you do a stall for £30-60 and you can barely make that back. My wose pet peeve is other jewellery makers not pricing there stuff properly. So when they get to your stuff they dont wana pay the right price when they want something much cheaper, that's up to the customer is suppose but it doesnt give a true story to the price of hand made. Yet these same people are happy paying the price of brands like pandora 🤷‍♀️ I use my Facebook page to "blog" briefly what I'm making that day or night so people see the time it takes to make my item and gain an interest in to the product then they buy when its listed. In the new year I plan on doing a blog of the history of jewellery and fashion. Making my own head piece, necklace or bracelet and explaining a bit about the persons who may have wore it and the time period. While having pre made stuff ready to go on my etsy/folksy shop. I still have a long way to go though. But geting there. Thanks for your advice

[@CreativeHiveCo]

All of what you said about markets is so true, and pricing is always a huge issue. Makers need to really value their work! It sounds like you have a great plan for 2021, and I wish you the best of luck!

[@kawaii_princess_castle]

I learn very much with your videos and your experience!! I love them!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for watching!

[@juliediers2003]

You’re the best!! Thank you, as always!!! X

[@CreativeHiveCo]

😘😘😘

[@kiamurray6915]

Your videos are so incredibly informative! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Kia! I appreciate you watching!

[@thejarfancystudios4638]

I’ve just subbed! Thank You for sharing this! I’ve been looking for a way to “step down” from Etsy!. I’ve been with them since 2013 and have made a “somewhat profit”and even come up with my own product that was a made to order that was in high demand but took too much work and was backed up! The fact that you cannot answer to people’s feedback which in my case was ONE PERSON who ruined sales for months! She wanted a refund AND KEEP HER ITEMS WHICH WAS OVER 100 dollars worth of beautiful handmade art I had worked really hard on! I’m so frustrated with their confusing new rules and shipping that they made mandatory for us to pay while we have to offset the cost of our items to make up for it ! I miss the old Etsy and don’t know where all these confusing apps are coming from ...Etsy “patterns , Etsy “square” etc..I have pages on Facebook and would like to just start selling that way and you tube only ! Do you have any advise on how I can turn my FB pages into clickable sales? Or comments on what the customer wants using pay pal? I love what you had to say and you are very smart and Handmade business savvy! ANY ADVICE ... ILL TAKE IT!!!! The Jar fancy /Leeann 🙏🤷‍♀️❤️⭐️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Leeann! I hear you, Etsy has changed so much over the years. I'm so sorry to hear it hasn't treated you well. Thank you for subbing! If you stick with me you'll learn a ton! I have some videos here about Facebook/social media kzbin.info/aero/PLd52Nr4SNc0k230RnuK7y-BO5SmNIhhmp

[@margaretswann6805]

Thank you for your videos

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you like them, Margaret! Thank you so much for watching!

[@knittingpoppy]

Thank you, so interesting, I've just starting watching you & finding your videos very helpful:)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yay! Thank you and welcome to my world :)

[@garriv777]

Good advice, thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you!

[@jenniferknight1511]

Great tips!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lorenasanchezvillalobos8225]

Very good video. Thanks so much!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it, Lorena! Thank you!

[@basemadominique7789]

Hi mei I do Craft and I sell them locally Lately my customer they wanted me to ship it for them nationwide and I really don’t know how to do the PayPal I don’t know all these things can you do tutorial with that thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Basema! Thank you so much for the suggestion!! ❤️ If you live outside the US, this blog of mine might be helpful for you: www.creativehiveco.com/3-tips-for-selling-your-handmade-products-online-if-you-live-outside-of-the-usa/ As with PayPal, in the meantime, you can reach out to their Customer Support for any questions you have in terms of how to get started with them, etc. Here's the link to their Customer Support for your quick reference: www.paypal.com/ph/smarthelp/contact-us Good luck and congrats on your sales!! ❤️

[@ExiArts_HristoHvoynev]

Love you! Awesome videos!!! 👌👏👍😀🏆🥇🎉🎯🎱🧶🧵🖼️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate you watching!

[@ExiArts_HristoHvoynev]

@@CreativeHiveCo My story with Etsy is very similar. I am super happy that soon enough I will have my own website. ❤️

[@tja1123]

I 100% agree on the craft shows ~ even when i have made 10 times booth rent, it still is not worth the time/effort and all the "soft" costs. I do however still do custom orders ~ most of my business is custom/personalized.............

[@CreativeHiveCo]

"Soft" costs - I LOVE that term! Totally describes all the extra stuff I talked about in the video. Custom/personalized- I do think there's a huge demand for personalized products! If you're making it work for you, keep doing it! Sounds like you've got a good thing going on!

[@ktholendesigns7830]

Wish I had seen your channel before I subscribed to wordpress for the year! Next year we are going shopify! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I think you'll definitely be happy with Shopify!

[@Miffny]

Liked and subscribed . Thank you for your advice Mei your videos and advise are priceless. My small handmade polymerclay jewelry business is selling but Etsy is just so hard and slow

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you Miff! I'm SO happy to hear that! These videos take so long to make so reading comments like yours means so much to me. What kind of jewelry do you make? Etsy is a tough space to be in, but so is online business in general!

[@Miffny]

@@CreativeHiveCo Hi Mei , I make polymer clay jewelry and some acrylic resin but I'd love to only sell my polymer clay jewelry as it's my true passion. . I have only had 27 sales in 2 years on Etsy I don't know what I'm doing wrong Mei .

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Good job on this video my friend. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a blessed weekend. Dale

[@CreativeHiveCo]

And you as well, Heartland! Thank you for watching!

[@ArtisanSunsetSoaps]

Soooo helpful. Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're so welcome!

[@zizibressa4251]

Very helpful. Good explanation Thank you for sharing your experience

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Zizi!

[@TheKit2000]

Thanks Mei.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank YOU!

[@haileybobbitt6651]

The Gilmore Girls thing got me! My mother used to own and run a handmade jewelry business, and she would stay up and watch Gilmore Girls while making new products.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww! It's the best!

[@larysagrzegorczyk5890]

Hi I like your advices, very helpful. Thank you. Ps. I like GG too, I rewatching Greys anatomy now while I do my products and videos like yours 😉

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching larysa! I'm so happy that you find my advices helpful! ❤️❤️ Great series to (re)binge-watch on ❤️❤️ Good luck with your business!! 🎉🎉

[@kelseyw.2441]

So helpful. I just subscribed thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you Kelsey! Welcome!

[@castielhellios156]

u have been a great help! thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much for watching!

[@LittleSteamMrs]

Hi Mei, just wanted to say a thank you for your very informative videos! I've only just discovered you today in light of the latest Etsy shake up.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi L! I'm glad that you found me! Thank you so much for watching!

[@nickolenaturcotte3540]

This an awesome video thank y

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it, Nickolena! Thank you so much for watching!

[@sharonleyland4955]

What is an SCO??

[@CreativeHiveCo]

SEO - search engine optimization. Basically making sure that your website or products are set up to best be found in searches.

[@1111guru]

Thanks for the great info

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Judith!

[@arianneriley4824]

I'd imagine that local craft or specialized craft show events (or community events) would good to start and continue with. That's what I'm to start with when I start my business. However, there probably won't be many events for the rest year and maybe longer.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Craft events can bring you a lot of sales at once, but they also highly labor intensive. Here's some pros and cons to doing craft shows: www.creativehiveco.com/34-pros-cons-craft-shows/

[@hannastocksick7395]

I agree: custom work sucks! People have no clue how much time consuming it is!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That is so true Hanna! Thank you so much for watching!

[@jeffiemaxwell6248]

I have never watch any of your videos before but I am going to be watching all of them I do a lot of handmade crafts and art and didn't know how to go about doing anything to promote them or to get them out for sale I haven't really learned much yet from you but I see that if I watch all your videos I'll have a much better chance of getting my product out there I do not do anything copied or reproduced everything is original so I haven't no way of doing like wholesale but I appreciate all your help and I hope that I can ask questions later if I need be

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching, Jeffie! Feel free to ask questions, or join my Facebook group and have thousands of creatives there to help you out! facebook.com/groups/347318245463423/

[@sylviecarter1]

Great video, thank you. What is SEO?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Search engine optimization is working to increase the visibility of a website on a search engine like Google.

[@PatientFarmer]

Yep. Most craft shows I could barely cover the cost to attend. 😑

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Which definitely means it's not the show for you! I'm going to be doing a live workshop here on Wednesday! If you're subscribed, hit the bell to be notified when it starts!

[@PatientFarmer]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thanks for the heads up!

[@kavitabhandariarts205]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Kavita!

[@KathyJurek]

Totally agree on the art/craft shows. Though Im doing one a year because it’s not bad and there is a niche audience there. Re blogging, I am using it for SEO and to show visitors that my site is active. Being a visual product, I post a picture and link to products in my shop and slip in a keyword or two. Then I can have another pin for my website. I do accept custom orders which has really helped my business but my products are fairly easy to make. 😉

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's great if you can find a good show to keep doing every year! Can you tell if your blogging is bringing in search traffic? I do love the Pinterest + blogging combo of marketing. That can be very powerful.

[@pumpkinthecrestie6420]

Corona disagrees with your plan 😂😒

[@bijouxartjewelleryundkunst4429]

@@CreativeHiveCo I used to like Pinterest before but I am beginning not to like it. If you pin a few things a day nothing will happen and exactly nothing will happen too if you want to pin something you want to promote that you make for sale. As soon as you open your own boards and attempt to invite people to collaborate, Pinterest can at anytime block your ability to follow anyone then by disabling you to invite people to collaborate with your boards and worse block your ability to follow. Then "if you don't behave again" by pinning what you make to the boards you created and other boards too, which you are there for exposure reason and not there to have fun pinning beautiful pictures, what one day can happen is you can get an email that your account was suspended for spamming or for trying to outsmart their algorithm or in other words for trying to promote what you make simply put. And you know what that means when this happens? That means that all those hard long hours, days, weeks of hard work you did, that now is all gone. Gone. And can you appeal it? Don't even bother as it will be a waste of time trying. Pinterest doesn't want to help artists to promote their handmade work. No. Pinterest wants people to pin pretty pictures of things that they otherwise could not see or have. Yes Pinterest can give you some traffic to your website but the problem is that it's most likely from an audience who do not actively live the life of what they are pinning as anyone can get on the internet including teenagers, people in 3rd world countries, people without income etc.. who will very unlikely do anything to support what you do. Nope. I doubt it's the high income women who sit on Pinterest and pin those pretty pictures. Those high income women go to those places.

[@michelleseges9047]

Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! I totally agree with you on the SEO tip.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm really glad you found the video helpful! I really appreciate you being here!