Well I made it through the launch of my website and my first sale. In some ways, it went better than I expected. In other ways, it was completely different. I learned oh so much and this next shop update will go a little bit differently.
The biggest learning curve I think was just in the way I was listing items. I want to do that differently. I haven't completely nailed down what will be done differently, or perhaps how to nail it the second time. But I feel like I have a better grasp on how to be efficient with that process. I also got a lot of good feedback from you all about what you would like to see included in the details. I'll be a bit more thorough this time.
I learned also, that my model for shipping isn't going to work for me. While I would like to be as good a recycler as I can, I realize now that completely creating boxes from other boxes isn't efficient at all for me, and doesn't really provide for consistent or safe shipping options. I will continue to work through all of the packing material I have though. I imagine that will remain a constant for a while as I now have wonderful humans saving their own material for me as well. This time I am working on ordering consistent sized boxes that will allow for consistent shipping costs for me.
My other reason for wanting more consistent shipping costs was because I don't want shipping to be yet another thing you have to mentally calculate to the price of what your purchasing. I HATE having to pay for shipping when I order online and I really don't want to invoke those feelings in you all when you're looking at what I make. So I won't be charging for it anymore. Hazzah!
I'm still working through some kinks on the backside and still working on tweaking the look of some things.... like the website which is getting a completely different look. I'm also thinking about adjusting my product shot setup to be a bit tailored.
It's all such a process and I'm sure this blog post will be completely boring for most who read it, except for the part on shipping. I'm writing it a bit with the intention of just sharing my journey with others who are on a similar path. So this one is for them.
Cheers to the holidays. They are fast approaching. Lots to do.
Not only are your designs beautiful, but it’s wonderful to see how thoughtful your business model is. Thank you for sharing your process and your art.