It's OK If You're NOT Making Sales Right Now

[@rcheeks8963]

January is quiet, yes, but it’s a relief really, have a rest and catch up a bit on neglected jobs. Or build stock for the season if you have the energy.

[@KimBliss]

Yes! I've been re-visiting my product photos because they were in direct need of a tidy up, especially after Etsy tinkered with the image ratios. It's the little (but important) jobs like that I'll be focusing on while it's quieter. As you say, the perfect time to catch up!

[@susanjacquier5358]

Absolutely 😍. I've been stocking, cleaning out, reordering new materials etc. I actually don't mind after the Christmas/ post Christmas 'rush'. It gives us time to prioritise.

[@Isabelle-ez4hj]

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[@fantasticmio]

With the intention of bringing others hope: my business is doing really well right now. Last year, I sold an average of 1.08 patterns per day, and last January it was an average of 0.86 per day. So far this year, I'm at 3.07.

[@KimBliss]

This *IS* hopeful, thank you for sharing. Here's to those average daily orders going up too! 😀💚💚

[@annspires8380]

I like the logo in photographs and on all online content. It can act as a watermark to keep unscrupulous individuals from copying and stealing your content. Don't apologize for protecting your hard work!

[@KimBliss]

After I filmed this video, Etsy unleaded Gift Mode onto the world and it doesn't appear to favour products with logos. At least not as an added element to the image. I might have to rethink things! 😁

[@LadyValkyri]

I never anticipate any big or small sales in January. People have overspent on the holidays. By overspending I mean spent ANYTHING. I use January to try to prepare February Valentine's Day items. Folks who have sweethearts may want to buy a small, simple remembrance for them. So January is sore finger month for me! No shoutings at you. Love & hugs (Edit to say perhaps you can print & frame your logo, then hang or place it in your product photo so it's there, but not obtrusive. It doesn't HAVE to be added digitally... Ok, hugs.)

[@KimBliss]

January is a good month for dropping down a gear and prepping for busier times. Look after that sore finger! 👍💚

[@gillianmcmurray]

Excellent advice, Kim. I'm one of those people who usually has a good January for sales. Not this year though 🙄 However, I watched a video recently where the lady suggested keeping an achievement jar - a jar where you place little notes of the small wins that you have in your business. I am doing that this year. I'm using a pretty little notebook but I'm writing down everything business related that is positive just so I can see that things are still moving despite the difficult time. I do think it's helping 😇

[@KimBliss]

I did this last year and I hugely recommend it! I lost count of the amount of times I read my list back and was surprised at how much work I'd done over the year and how much I'd achieved. It's quite eye opening to how easy it is to gloss over these wins and forget about them so good on you for doing it. It'll bring a smile to your face I can guarantee it. 😁💚

[@gillianmcmurray]

@@KimBliss That's good to know. Thanks 😁

[@phyllissherman6176]

My worse Holiday season too 😢 Fingers crossed. Trying to be positive and work on some new ideas .

[@ninetiesperson7980]

Thank you for the video. I do all I can to provide a very good product, present everything to the best of my ability and dispatch as quickly as possible. I value these things most.

[@KimBliss]

And I'm sure your customers do too. 💚

[@cjdragonsplanet3509]

It was recommended to put the same object, eg. a rock, crystal, whatever you have that is unique and fits in with your brand in place of your logo since Etsy does not like it and watermarks are easy to remove.

[@KimBliss]

Ooooh now this is a bloody good idea!

[@susanjacquier5358]

I actually like having a breather right now. Christmas was busy, had family staying and they helped me with packing. Now I can restock, re-evaluate what works ( or not) and prepare the basics ( post bags, packaging, 'add on gifts ' etc. The whole buyer community is struggling right now...I can't expect them to buy atm, while trying to recover financially from Christmas

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

Lovely chat. So nice to know that we aren't alone. And you are very good at comforting us. Huge hug. Sales are down. I am sure not for everyone. But amongst vintage sellers I know we have been commenting. Sales are like waves, as you say seasonal. But even knowing, we all worry that it won't rise up again. So having a community really helps. We have to have hope, or why bother?

[@KimBliss]

Exactly. And it's good to share when it happens, as you say. I'm still optimistic that this year will pick up and dare I say, be better than last? But it will take time and we can use this quiet start to work on our businesses in preparation. I was editing product photos today and having an early spring clean of the shops. Now's the time!

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

@@KimBliss You go girl! I'm restoring my mini medieval manor (tiny house) here in France. Should be scraping and painting. But I'm listening to you whilst embroidering a cushion cover. It's called me time 🙂

[@KimBliss]

I love this! 😁🪡

[@MargotMichelle55]

Thanks Kim things have been slow for me but I have a handmade up cycled boho clothes niche so I think that’s always a bit harder with all the cheap clothes out right now, love your words of wisdom 😊 I will keep plodding along

[@KimBliss]

Do! People are getting more and more informed about fast fashion and we need folks such as yourself who can give pre-owned clothes a new lease of life. When I made clothing, January was always my slowest time of the year. Summer was one of my busiest so I'm sure things will pick up. Keep on keeping on, Margot. You're not alone. 💚💚💚

[@stitchingwithmygirls]

This does help Kim. We have had a crazy month here, and personally, I am glad that there weren't a lot of sales for me to deal with right now as well.🤷‍♀️🥰

[@KimBliss]

I hope all is well. There's plenty of year to go yet. 💚

[@zarasmomproud6539]

Similar situation in USA. For example, the prices/ costs have gone up, especially in grocery stores. Personally, Im still trying to accept the new cost of boxed cereals, i.e., almost $1.00 more.

[@KimBliss]

It's scary isn't it because it all adds up! 😬

[@SheeaunMusic]

Great fun as always, and of course useful and interesting. I am always sad that they end so soon. I could sit crocheting for hours listening to you chat about Etsy and running a shop on there etc. Thank you Kim :)

[@KimBliss]

Thanks, Amanda. I'm glad I can keep you company while you crochet. I need to pick up my hook again, it's been a bit neglected lately!

[@SheeaunMusic]

for me it's addictive, but I swing between that and hand sewing epp quilts lol @@KimBliss

[@ssg8051]

Kim, the depth of your thoughtfulness and forethought, your intellect are all always evident in these videos. I also want to acknowledge your courage in sharing the content that you share here. Brava. Once again, I concur with your advice to sellers to embrace and use due diligence with regard to communication with prospects (and customers, for that matter), aka ask for permission. Case in point: ThredUP lost my business primarily because their team had to gall to upload a photo of one of my [already deleted, BTW] wishlist items onto a feed on my husband's computer. What!!!! I have no idea how that even happened. That's not just cheeky, it's insanely invasive behavior. We should ALL stop accepting such behavior as normal or natural. It is not. So, thank you again for the many insights, and humor, you provide to viewers like me. Cheers, Ardith

[@ssg8051]

P.S. Profile your target customer(s)! Don't assume you know until you go through that exercise.

[@KimBliss]

Thank you Ardith. Your comment made me well up a little! I'm so glad you enjoy the podcast and aren't put off by my waffling. Thank you. 🥹💚

[@ElainefromPenguinPlaceCrafts]

Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone! (And thank you for keeping me company as I work on a little lamb from scrap yarn!)

[@KimBliss]

Aw I love lambs! We're coming up to lambing season here in Wales and I'm hoping there will be some in the field opposite my office so I can get distracted by them as they run about. 😁💚

[@hollyweaver7292]

It’s always better to be safe than sorry with someone’s personal information.

[@KimBliss]

Agreed. 👍💚

[@dararowland8749]

Thankful for this episodes because it's nice to know I'm not in alone and acknowledging that it is tough out there. Negative comments regarding ripping off the intellectual property of others without permission and filing taxes are made by people who feel it's fine to rip others off (lacking any creative cells themselves usually) including not paying their fair share of tax. To their detriment.

[@KimBliss]

Agreed. That video was seen by a lot of 'business bros' and I didn't take their comments personally. 😊

[@dararowland8749]

Ha, very interesting about Etsy and personal logos. Without knowing it, my logo is front and centre. Honestly this was originally a placeholder until I got my new banner designed, but I've let my Etsy run down in stock while I think about whether to stay or go.

[@MariaBurgess]

My shop was ignored for several months. I picked it back up and am currently redoing titles and tags and adding new product. We are in the middle of some serious weather issues and football finals in the US. People are paying off holiday bills and gearing up for Valentine's. These things are a constant each year. Thank you for your info, always!!

[@blissessentials524]

Sales have been slow, I get more sales in April and may beat time of the year for me

[@KimBliss]

Yeah seasonality definitely plays its part for many. I've seen a lot of folks who have only recently started their businesses and they're not aware that it's normal for there to be peaks and troughs in terms of sales. If your sales pick up around April time then this will be the perfect time for you to drop down a gear and prep. Here's to a good year ahead!

[@marleenab5677]

The shopify kerching always makes me jump. It's like if a kerching was a cat meow, the shopify version is the meow you get when you accidentally step on the cats tail. 😶

[@KimBliss]

You get a kerching/cat wail? Mine is just this very loud beep and every time I think I've broken something. 😄

[@Hannah-FleursDeMontagne]

Always appreciate your sit down and chat videos, thanks for keeping me company and feeling a little less alone :)

[@JLJCoastersPlus]

Love your chats, well done

[@KimBliss]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-vq7nt9pc3j]

Girl friend, if you need to make a doom and gloom video, you got for it. You are human and we don’t need any more Barbie life is sparkles all the time person out there. You are wonderful. Thank you for being real. You’ve helped me feel so much less crazy.

[@KimBliss]

Thank you. And I'm glad the videos have helped too. 💚

[@tampaliotti5953]

keep being you, the truth hurts, i am on your side.

[@falcieridesigns]

I opened my Shopify website last March. Last week I made my first sale. I was beginning to think that there must be something wrong with my checkout process, but no. It's just me. I am still getting sales on Etsy but I want to transfer it across to Shopify at least in part. I felt sooooo elated by that one sale. But times are tough. Last year was hard. 2024 is not going to be better. It's going to be more of the same and at least I am prepared for it. I can't control the economy or the world so I just have to roll with it.

[@KimBliss]

It might start to ease up this year, we're supposed to be over the worst of it at least. Of course all this depends on there being no more nasty surprises lurking in the months ahead. We can hope. And congrats about that sale! It can take time and as you say, things are challenging, so you're obviously doing something right! Celebrate that. 💚

[@susanwoodcarver]

As usual, you were delightful, and had pertinent information for us. Sending you hugs.❤

[@KimBliss]

Thank you Susan. 💚💚💚

[@TheAlexisBrownChannel]

Thank you for this video. I’m an Etsy seller as well and I’ve going through the wringer psychologically. I try my best to not stress or worry myself out about my shop, but sometimes it just happens and it takes over my brain and I get slightly depressed. I opened my shop in 2021 and I made two sales, but then I made a lot of drastic changes to my shop. I deleted several listings because I wanted to focus on selling bundles instead of individual products. I sell digital thank you for your order card templates that I make on Canva. I’m still selling my bundle, but I’ve now uploaded 108 listings to my shop and I haven’t made one sale. So, I’ve been uploading one listing a day and patiently been waiting for the day I make that first sale again. So my fingers are crossed. ❤🤞❤🤞❤️🤞

[@KimBliss]

It can be so tough when things are slow. Maybe use this time to dig into your analytics and see what search terms people used when they find you. This can give you an idea of what products you could lean into to get more views and hopefully sales. Either way, hang tight, it's a tough time right now. 💚

[@TheAlexisBrownChannel]

@@KimBliss That’s something I already do a lot. I think I have to keep adding listings. I’ve been using ads, but not overly using them.

[@annspires8380]

Comparison; I've been watching several small business channels on YT and they are using TT. In the recent past, the last several months, merchants using TT have had sales soaring. Then several of them mentioned in their videos how customers have been charged ridiculously low prices by TT an example would be $1 for a $45 item. Why and how do you say?? TT is giving "discounts" to consumers and paying the merchant the full price. What??!! This of course can not go on for long and pretty soon all those soaring sales will come crashing down. My concern is that some of these merchants are making capital investments in materials and machinery to keep up with demand and as soon as these "discounts" disappear so will the sales and cash flow. So please please consider the source of these soaring sales and plan accordingly.

[@frameyourworldco]

Always sharing great content Kim! Thanks for the chat. Sitting watching this whilst drawing 😀

[@EmbracingImperfect]

Don't let them get to you, I get called Karen all the time 😂 great video as always, lots of good points, especially liked the reminder that people are on different platforms for different reasons. I've been intrigued with pinterest as a possible place for me to post for awhile but need to do more research. Thanks for the realistic and hopeful chat. ❤

[@KimBliss]

The irony is that all the Karens I know are the best people, (present company included). This is what happens when you annoy the business bro wannabes I guess. 😄 Good luck with Pinterest by the way. I've been meaning to try it for the longest time too, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. One day! 😊

[@rcarol9986]

I’m diversifying a bit, it is helping my business, thank goodness 😊 Kim, I love your cup! I am working on my ideal customer, so hoping I can understand her a bit more 💕🌸 I do think things are turning around - sending handmade positive vibes out there for all of us 🥳🥰

[@KimBliss]

Way to go! Understanding my customer took time. Some parts are easy like demographics etc, but it takes time and effort to get to know them on a deeper level. But stick with it, it makes everything so much easier! 💚

[@makeitaten8000]

I LOVE it when you "digress" and will start a drinking game. Whenever you apologize for doing it, I'll have a drink. 😂

[@KimBliss]

That'll make for a cracking hangover! 😄🍻

[@mrs.quills7061]

Hi Kim! I just wanted to say in regards to the stupid comments-often anything relating to business, taxes or finances gets nasty and toxic comments. I used to watch some financial podcasts on here and I’ve never seen a more toxic and unhealthy community. I think because it’s a touchy subject for people, it causes them to just lose it. Money can make them feel overwhelmed, dumb or just like bad people, so they lash out and project that onto innocent people like yourself. I’ve gotten called a boomer here and on tiktok when I’ve told younger artists to be careful about selling fan art. There’s always going to be people too who don’t want to be told what to do even if what they’re doing is illegal. You can’t and won’t change those people, especially when many don’t actually get punished for their bad behavior. So, they swat you off like an annoying little fly or try to make themselves seem bigger by being rude. In regards, to the doom and gloom stuff, I think it’s another projection of fear and insecurity, but collective overwhelm we’re all dealing with. None of us have properly processed the pandemic, nevermind the cost of living, wars, violence and unrest, etc. so I think for some they just can’t deal with it and lash out because they don’t want to hear it, even though that’s reality. None of this is to dismiss or discourage you from speaking up, just hopefully putting their mindset in perspective can help you with comments like that. I used to get very angry and upset and now I pause and look at it with a bit of sympathy. People who write things like that aren’t happy people, nor are they mentally well, so I ignore and delete and just hope that one day they find what they need for a better life. A therapist would be a good start, but a lot of people can’t afford that either. Also, don’t feel bad about the decisions your country made, as an American we made a far worse decision years ago too and it impacted things on a global level. Everyone still talks about it and mocks us online. Keep on keeping on Kim, and try not to let other people damper your day. Humans have been and gotten through far worse. Maybe if you’re struggling with online sales, you could look into selling at a craft fair or online market? I’ve found that they’re doing quite well even though things are quite 💩 at the moment. Even local conventions have seen record numbers the past year or so.

[@KimBliss]

Aw thank you. 💚 Don't worry about me though love, I'm not as bothered by these comments as I used to be. You learn very quickly that everything people put on the internet is a reflection of what's going on in their own world, so I just ignore/delete/block as appropriate and move on. 😊💚

[@latishabrown851]

I needed this reminder. Thank you❤

[@KimBliss]

You're very welcome. 💚

[@tampaliotti5953]

i think your awesome, your personality is addicting..

[@thomasbredewold]

Thanks Kim, this is refreshing

[@KimBliss]

You're welcome. 👍

[@dawnmarie240]

Hello 😊 do you have a video on how to research analytics that you mentioned? Also… I create learning resources for parents to use with children (mainly phonics) but my resources are also for teachers. Is this ok? Or should I focus on one or the other? Hope this makes sense and thank you for talking to me while I get ready for work 😊

[@KimBliss]

I can't see any reason why you can't sell your learning resources to parents and teachers alike. A lot of other platforms who provide learning resources such as Twinkl do exactly this. Don't stress about niching your products down too much, otherwise you could niche yourself into a corner. 😉

[@russellgibbon8621]

Very good . . . thank you!

[@blissessentials524]

*best😊

[@danielajohnson177]

Dear Kim: you make a lot of sense!!! Thank you again for a very informative video and for your calming and soothing presence - you have a gift there! How would you find out who you are attracting on Instagram? Thank you dear, until next time ❤

[@KimBliss]

Aw thanks so much. With regards to finding your audience on Instagram, you would need to have a look at your analytics. You can only do this with a business account but if you have a personal one, it's easy to switch over. It'll be in the settings and if you want to make your account personal again later then again, it's an easy switch.

[@smallbizjen]

My main concern is that I am not young or pretty. I hope people will still want to hear what I have to say.

[@KimBliss]

I would argue that the internet is too samey and we need to see different faces, different backgrounds, different ways of doing things etc. There are so many people like you online, desperate to watch videos by people who are like them. I for one would love to see more handmade creators who don't have a kawaii inspired studio, messy hair, grey hair, wrinkles, hot flushes (this is a me thing currently) but you get my drift. KZbin does not belong to people under 30. We have a place here too. 💚

[@smallbizjen]

@@KimBliss If I were in the UK, I would give you a big hug. You truly are a sweet woman and I enjoy watching and listening to your videos.

[@KimBliss]

💚💚💚

[@fijaystudio]

wait, don't project makers just make their own project bags? I think people buying presents for makers would buy your project bags. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the biz bros and the get rich quickers

[@donnab2810]

As a maker, i do not make my own project bags. I have a very bad habit of not making things for myself and/or can never decide what to make. It is so much easier to buy one from a fellow small business owner and support them. At least i know I'll have something besides just an idea to "make one some day".

[@fijaystudio]

My problem is that because I can do it, I won’t buy it!@@donnab2810

[@carolinesweeten6542]

Ooh... I spy a new coffee mug ☕️😁 I do like it's shape and colour 🩷🤍 Another great video 👌 I like your no nonsense approach and find I always take away information from these chats. I didn't realise you could get analytics from Instagram - is this available to anyone with an account, or do you have to have some sort of a business account like on Facebook? I look forward to hearing your podcast on monitising / running a business on KZbin when you get around to making it 😉

[@CricketsBay]

Instagram Analytics is only available for Business or Creator accounts. It's easy to switch to a business account though. It's at the bottom of Instagram Settings. It doesn't even require additional information.

[@KimBliss]

What CricketsBay said. 😁☝️

[@JohnLee-mk1tj]

😁👍💯