Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

One Dog~One Human Soul

“Look at me and you will see my dogs heart.  Look at my dog and you will see my soul.            
~Wayne Shaffer

I found this quote online awhile back and made a note of it.  Then I got looking at my last post that I did with the pictures of my dogs.  If you missed it, click here.  Have you ever gone back to a photo and changed the editing a bit?  I find it interesting how it can give the image a whole new meaning.  Don’t get me wrong, I love each and every one of my dogs, but Hardy has one unique quality that stands out.  When he looks at you he truly is looking deep into your soul.~ 
P.S.  I’ve got some more recycling projects to share with you this weekend.  And yes, it has to do with a Christmas project that I’m starting now. An update on my 30 Day Challenge post.  And let’s talk Etsy.  How do you get your business name out there?  More details later.  The dogs have already left the office to go “night-night”.
~Jennifer

New Business Cards

The time has arrived to get some new business cards.  My advertising budget is low, so I had a specific amount in mind that I could spend.  First I checked to see what I could get by shopping local.  Sad to report that the local vendors were way too expensive, so I relied on the internet. Vistaprint was running their ad for 250 Premium cards for $10.  I’d be silly to pass that up.  I’ve shopped with them before so when I logged in they gave me some upgrades for returning.  Sweet!  The deal got even better.

TIP:  Do you give your customers an upgrade for returning to your shop?  It can simply be an upgrade in shipping, freebie item, coupon for next visit, etc.  A little something to show them how much you appreciate their business.

Using my previous cards as a reference, I was looking forward to taking a different approach with the cards.  Actually, I should of done this a long time ago.

During my shop makeover I was studying a LOT about branding your business.  It was time I included my tagline on them.  Simple and to the point.  I also used an image in which people can connect to with my online shops.

I removed my address and phone number.  Seriously, I was making it to easy for the stalkers.  I can easily write the number on the back if the recipient needs it. Instead of listing all of my URL links I only included my blog address.  The blog landing page will display tabs of where else I can be found on the web.

Please note:  What works for one make not work for another.  I am in no way promoting that this is the best way to create your cards.  I only offer suggestions from what I experience in hopes that it can help out another business owner.  If you have any (suggestions) please add them below in the comment section.  Comments also reassure me that I’m not speaking to the wall.:)  Thank you.

Are you new to my blog?  If so, I personally “thank you” for stopping by.

~Jennifer

Etsy Business Tip: Reserved Listing Images

“Our tip involves advice, not money.”~Hardy

We’ve all heard these sayings at one time or another.

~If it’s yours put your name on it.
~If you don’t want anyone else to have it, put your name on it.
~You say someone took something that belonged to you?  Well, was your name on it?

I’m sure you can agree that although the statements are very common, at times they don’t hold much weight.  While shopping on Etsy for some supplies, I found what I was looking for, but I needed a smaller quantity of what the seller had listed.  I’ve purchased from this shop before so I asked for a reserved listing of a smaller quantity.  She was happy to accommodate my request.

A reserved listing was created with my name on it. She sent me the link and when I clicked on it I saw one simple statement.  This item has sold. Are you kidding me?  So, as I was the chuckling to myself over the fact that someone else bought my listing a convo came into my inbox.  The seller was notifying me that someone else had purchased “MY” reserved listing and she will list another one right away.

Of course the other buyer didn’t receive the products.  Instead they got an email simply stating they made an error.  Overall, the situation created a little extra work for the seller who had to create a new listing, cancel the original one, and email the person who made a mistake.  And it put me in a bit of a tizzy (my new word this week).

My muse was wide awake and we came up with an idea.  When creating reserved listings use an image other than the product itself.  Therefore, other potential buyers won’t be able to see what is being held for someone else.  And hopefully avoiding temptation to add the item(s) to their cart.

In a recent blog post I shared with you that I was giving all of my online shops a makeover.  If you missed it, click here.  With my card shop I include all three of my dogs within the branding concept.  No one is left out and each of my fur kids play a part in the business (other than looking cute behind the lens).

Hardy has residency in the shop banner.  Disco and House work in other areas of the shop.  Therefore, we came up with these images.

I upload them when I have to create a reserved listing.  Will this tip prevent others from buying reserved listings?  Hopefully, but we’re only human and we all make mistakes.  I like to think and work in a proactive manner.  Are you with me? 
We all love business tips, right?  Feel free to pass it around and prevents others from having a…..well you know, tizzy!
~Jennifer