.:The Internet Home Business Magazine for Moms & Dads:.

Giving great customer service - Win a bottle of Amy Butler’s yummy Sola Soak!

 

Almost everyone is a customer of someone. My customers buy bag making supplies in small amounts from me, and I buy supplies from manufacturers and wholesalers in great amounts. Now it’s true that MOST of my suppliers give me sh**ty service - unfortunately this appears to be more the norm amongst wholesalers and nothing (hopefully) to do with me being the customer!! (I’ll be looking at ways to try and overcome problems with suppliers in a future post). But luckily there are exceptions (funnily enough almost all of them happen to be women) and all of them provide a very personal and warm service. From a business point of view they understand how important it is to take the time, and maybe spend a little money in treating their customers like VIPs. Because your customers are VIPs! Without their support and their word of mouth, you are sunk (if not sunk than you are at least not going to fulfill your potential to become a growing business).

As a retailer of bag making supplies. I try to provide good service that I hope is memorable. If my customer service is memorable there is a better chance that when a new customer needs bag making supplies again they will hopefully think of me and my shop again, or if they attend sewing classes, or have sewing buddies, they might recommended my shop to others. When I am a customer, bad customer service makes me see red, and I will always make a fuss if an assistant doesn’t say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, or even acknowledge me (even if it makes me look really uptight and I blush like a beetroot!). One of my fave shops in London is John Lewis which isn’t the cheapest department store, but the service is so helpful and polite, that to me it’s worth paying a little bit more to be treated pleasantly (shopping in London is REALLY stressful and most service is rude, so to be treated nice is lovely). Here are some things that I do in my own shop to try and provide memorable customer service. How about trying some of these yourself?:

  • I hand write a little thank you message in every one of my invoice sheets
  • In the weekdays I post orders on the same day that I receive them to cut down waiting time for customers (who don’t want to wait; they just want to sew!)
  • I pop in a sweetie in with the order for the customer to chew whilst they are sewing :)
  • I wrap everything with great care, and use good quality packaging
  • I usually end up gossiping with customers who phone with their orders (I MUST cut down on this a bit!)
  • I try to give full and helpful answers to email inquiries be they sewing or product or craft business queries (I’m not as fast as I would like, but then I’m the only one who can answer the emails!)
  • I believe in getting personal with my customers, if that is also what they would like.
  • I sometimes pop freebies in with the orders if I have any lying around the office
  • I also do things like this! I am writing a blog on how I go about running my business and how you can too. I also write my other blog which is more about me and how to make bags. Hopefully the information contained within these blogs is helpful and entertaining. If yes (please say yes!) then this is another way to provide good customer service. Readers of these blogs may not yet, or ever become customers, but IT’S ALL GOOD, and what goes around, comes around…

I’d like to contrast ways in which (I as) a retailer gives good customer service with how one of my favourite suppliers give great customer service. A fine case in point is the lovely Amy Butler. I have been selling her gorgeous bag patterns in my shop from the very beginning and in that time Amy has taken the time to be warm, friendly, and helpful. I’m sure that will remain a good reason as to why I will always stock her patterns. It’s widely known that Amy is talented and successful, but even better, it is also widely know that she is lovely with it. Here are some of the things that she and her company have done to provide good customer service to me (a retailer):

  • She replies personally to emails swiftly and she likes to be personal too!
  • Her company dispatches patterns swiftly
  • I am always updated about any new releases and I am sent copies of new patterns hot off the press.
  • Amy is very supportive of businesses that carry her products - in all sort of ways.
  • Not only does Amy send retailers samples of new products, she asks you if you would like them first! Which brings me to the other half of the reason that I’m writing this post…

Amy has designed the Sola (evening garden) fragrance for a environmentally friendly wool and delicates soak wash, and she kindly sent me a bottle (thanks Amy! OXO). Soak is the most gorgeous wash for your lacy undies (if you’re that kind of gal - I am on occasion!) and your precious woolies that you’ll ever use. I have used this yummy soak before as I’ve been given a bottle of this very flavour as a pressie (thanks Lauren! OXO) . It’s dead easy to use, you just soak your clothing in a solution of this stuff for 15 mins, and then dry (no need to rinse). What I like most about it is that your clothes smell just wonderful, I go around sniffing the cuffs of my cardi the whole time…bliss! I was very tempted to keep this for myself, but no that’s not good karma… So I am going to give this new bottle of Sola Soak away to one lucky draw winner.

Try Amy’s limited edition Sola on your clothes; it will make the boys think ‘Mmm…!’ This wash is a fabulous way for Amy to expand her lovely brand don’t you think?

To be in with a chance of getting your hands on a bottle of this lovely wash/perfume for your delicates, leave a comment this post by:

  • telling us what crafty things you sell, OR
  • what are you planning to sell in your craft business, OR
  • if you don’t have a craft business what is your fave handmade crafts shop?

I will draw 1 lucky winner using the trusty random number picker in a weeks time, 2nd October. Good luck!


I’m sorry but I can’t reply to comments in draws, but I do love reading every single one of them :)

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  • And the winner of the bottle of Amy Butler’s Sola SOAK is… And here’s another FAB Amy Butler Giveaway
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  • Pricing your bags, or other crafts to sell.

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    Comments

    1.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 2:05 pm, Casey said:

    Oh! This is a great post; just as I’ve been brainstorming ways to improve my customer service! Thank you!!

    I’d love to be entered in the drawing… so I’ll answer one of the questions you posed (or rather, the first two!). Right now I sell a combination of vintage finds and handmades at my Elegant Musings Shoppe (http://elegantmusings.etsy.com), and am looking to focus more on the handmade aspect over the coming months, because honestly that is what I *love* doing! I have been doing some massive thinking/idea gathering, and have made a long list of ways to make my shop a more cohesive whole and what products to focus on/introduce. I plan on focusing more on my plush, accessories and introduce a line of vintage-inspired garments. I am just so full of ideas right now–I feel like I could burst! lol.

    Just wanted to also add a thank you for writing these blog spots! As a new business owner, everything can be a bit daunting at first, and your tips have been quite helpful! Keep it up; I look forward to each new entry..

    2.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 2:29 pm, futuregirl said:

    I sell handmade crochet handbags and patterns for hand sewing felt octopi.

    3.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 2:32 pm, Christine said:

    I sell handmade cards, stationery and a bit of art too. I’m enjoying your new blog, lots of great advice so far :)

    4.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 2:37 pm, anne said:

    Little Red School House in Lansing, Michigan, has a large selection of crafter’s booths plus a yarn store right in the middle! What could be better?

    5.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 2:51 pm, D said:

    I love Sweet Sparrow on Etsy!

    6.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 3:05 pm, Nubiancraftster said:

    I have to say I love Amy Butler too!!! I love all her patterns and enjoy the creativity and the website. Ummm…my favorite crafty shop is jennifermorrisbeads.etsy.com. She make the most lovely handcrafted jewelry!!

    7.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 3:05 pm, lyndsey-jane said:

    I have just started to sell hand-dyed and hand-painted yarn on etsy. I love to the dye the yarn and really like that other people like the end product. Bought a friend some Soak when I made her a pair of handwash only socks and really wish I’d got some for myself at the same time.
    Reading your blog and visiting your shop has inspired me start sewing, I should be getting my sewing machine in about 6 weeks as a birthday present. I plan to make bags with it at first as well as being able to line my knitting bags nicely.

    8.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 3:06 pm, Tuesday said:

    Oh, fun fun fun. I sell handcrafted items on etsy. Mostly hair pins there right now, but in the past I have sold diaper bags, purses, totes, among other things. I Have been working at home in this capacity for about 6 1/2 years now…some years more productive than others…right now it’s slow for me because my littles need me more ;)

    9.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 3:13 pm, Johanna I. said:

    I don’t have a crafty business yet, but hope to someday. I’m still figuring out whether my business will focus on my own creations or on enabling others to be creative.

    What’s my favorite handmade crafts shop? How can I pick just one? I’ll just tell you one that I recently added to my Christmas wishlist: I’ve been eyeing the personal and wearable jewelry from Hazelnut Cottage on Etsy.

    Thanks!

    10.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 3:40 pm, Tiffany said:

    I am planning on having a business that sells luxury fibres and fleece as well as personally hand dyed fibres and yarn. It will start out on the internet and I envision having a store one day where I can have classes and sell coffee and books too.

    11.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:01 pm, Anna Chadwick said:

    I make handmade cards, bags, nousehold goodies and personalised embroidered items. I’m in the process of setting up my own little shop and I love your ideas. Great stuff! x
    BTW I love lush products (eco friendly, hand made and kind to bunnies!)

    12.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:12 pm, Bella said:

    Ohh, actually a tough question! Right now I don’t have my own shop, virtual or otherwise, since I am in grad school, work full time, and try to fit in a life. BUT, I dearly hope that when I’m done with school I can put all my creative energy to some lucrative use! I love sewing bags! I also love papercrafts–cards and stationery. Honestly there are few crafts that I don’t love or haven’t tried. I hope that soon I’ll be selling!

    13.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:19 pm, Sara said:

    i don’t have a crafty business, but i love shopping on etsy for odds n ends for my projects. you can find such great deals on buttons in bulk and i’ve purchased fat quarters of Japanese fabrics to use in quilts and other craft projects.

    i guess i’m more likely to buy items to aid my craftiness than a handmade item.

    14.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:20 pm, Verna G. said:

    I don’t have a crafty business yet, but plan to in the near future. I plan on selling handmade paper goods (cards, journals, albums, and such). Eventually I would add on my own artwork as well.

    15.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:28 pm, analilia said:

    hello! i’d like to be entered in the drawing! i don’t sell anything, yet, but i love making lots of different things that it’s hard to decide. mostly i like making things for my children, so soft toys, aprons, blankets and other baby items. i also have many favorite handmade craft shops, but two of my favorite are the black apple on etsy and soulemama, also on etsy.

    16.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 4:50 pm, Coralee G said:

    I am new to the sewing world and am loving that, but I have been selling wire jewelry for a little while now. This is mostly through word of mouth at this time, but I will be doing a home party sometime soon. Crafting for me, is mostly a hobby and a way to give personalized gifts and I don’t think I’ll ever focus on the selling of my crafts. I am incredibly flattered when people do buy my stuff.

    17.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 5:24 pm, Laura said:

    I don’t know if this stretches the definition of ‘handmade crafts’ a bit, but the best service I’ve gotten in crafty stores is from Janet at Lanetz Living (lanetzliving.net). She sells vintage sewing patterns, and her site is addictive and easy to use. She’s nice and helpful when you contact her - once I accidentally mailed her a check with no signature, and she nicely went ahead and mailed my patterns along with the check that I needed to sign.

    18.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 5:36 pm, gatorgirl said:

    I love, love, love etsy! So many beautiful and unique things in one place.

    I don’t sell things, but enjoy buying handmade items that I can’t make myself.

    19.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 6:01 pm, LAURA said:

    I’ve lots of plans but can’t really start anything until next year when I’m down to 1 full time job! Purses of course and items along those lines. I’m hoping to be living on a catamaran by the end of next year and would love to think I could continue with this kind of enterprise. If so, I will be blogging about sailing and sewing!!!

    20.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 6:08 pm, Stefanie said:

    I create handbags. I am currently changing the direction of my products to have a little more of a Zakka feeling. IE more Linen and less bright bold patterns. I am having fun with it and cant wait to roll out the new stuff!

    21.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 6:17 pm, Marlana said:

    I found this from your U-Handbag blog, it’s great! I just started selling handspun yarn yesterday at http://stitchingforsanity.etsy.com. I’ve already made my first sale!

    22.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 6:47 pm, French Knots said:

    I am just setting up my business selling handmade gifts, mainly for children. I design each item and make them myself using vintage and recycled fabrics and often incorporating embroidery too. Your posts are really useful as it is the marketing and selling side that seems more challenging.

    23.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:00 pm, Elisa D. said:

    As you will see from my website, I make all different things. I try to sell my handmade, felt gift card holders or envelopes to local stores. I make them for any occasion by incorporating fabric or other items. Your posts on marketing and selling are priceless. Thanks.

    24.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:02 pm, Eilis said:

    I have purchased so many wonderful things from Etsy since I first discovered it last year…it’s my favorite place to browse for crafts of any kind!

    25.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:11 pm, Lindsay Rendall said:

    Really great blogs Lisa. My etsy shop http://clothcat.etsy.com is currently selling felted and sewn accessories (really need to get my ar*e into gear though and make some stock to go into it). I’ve also just restarted my jewellery designing/making couse (had a year off while I had my son) so I’m hoping to be making some silver jewellery to sell as well.

    26.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:12 pm, Lindsay Rendall said:

    p.s. for those of us that don’t win the soak, do you know where you can buy it in the UK - sounds yummy!

    27.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:12 pm, Elisa D. said:

    Hello! This is Elisa D. again. When I made my comments, I failed to mention my website to your readers: http://www.elisascustomcreations.com
    Thank you again for your blog.

    28.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 7:33 pm, Helen said:

    Hi! Really enjoying your new blog, and uhandblog as well, of course! I have recently opened a shop on etsy, selling bags, aprons, scarves and other handmade things: http://www.angharad.etsy.com

    29.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 8:05 pm, Loulou said:

    Hello,
    I sell handmade 100% naturals soaps wich I make with the cold process method with essentials oils and no chemicals. I am an totes making addict, I do not sell them but give them away trying to get people aware of the environnement.

    30.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 8:25 pm, Kari said:

    I sell cashmere button bracelets and tsumami kanzashi flower snaps in my Etsy store - Crafty Ginger.

    31.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 9:50 pm, Akhila said:

    Hi Lisa,
    I just cannot thank you enough. For your shop, blogs, inspiration, friendliness, enthusiasm… - name it! With all this I really got the handbag-making-bug since I started making bags about 1 year ago. To be honest, Amy Butlers pattern (found at your shop) also helped with inspiration - so now I cannot stop.
    So with an ever stream of inspiration and lovely products I find in your shop, I now design and make handbags that I sell on my very own (finally up and running) web-site: www.akhila-handbag.com. It is so exciting.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    32.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 9:51 pm, Donna said:

    I wait eagerly for every post on this blog. You have been very helpful. I am setting up a small craft business at the moment. I will be selling sewing patterns (mainly bags) that I have made.

    33.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 10:19 pm, renee said:

    I’m working on getting a craft business together. I’m working on baby and kid themed fabric googies as well as unique kids totes and accessories.

    I’d love to be entered in the drawing!

    34.
    On September 25th, 2007 at 10:39 pm, Sarah said:

    I’m a recipient of your great customer service… my favorite is the yummy candy you slipped into the package. What a treat! I’m just starting my own business selling bags. :)

    35.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 2:05 am, Amy said:

    I have recently began to sell hand embroidered hair clips at myzoebug.etsy.com. It is gaining popularity and I am having so much fun with it!

    36.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 2:06 am, Miss Sassy said:

    I have a business but sell items I don’t make. I like your suggestions for running your business and incorporate many of them myself. I always give free items with my customer orders, no matter how small. I feel that timely communication and shipping are so important, especially for new online buyers who are worried about ecommerce. That is why after 4 years of selling on eBay, my feedback is still 100% (though I recently closed my eBay store to spend more time with my family and sewing).

    I hope to sell items on eBay and Etsy that I have made. What, I’m not sure, though!

    37.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 3:31 am, Ros said:

    At the moment I don’t have time to make and sell anything but in the past I’ve had stalls at various craft fairs selling bags, purses, embroidered felt pictures, hair accessories etc, etc, etc. I’m easily bored so I like to make a variety of stuff!

    That’s such a cool idea to put a sweet in the packages you send out. I must order something and try it…

    But on customer service in general - I’d say visit America. They just do it better there.

    38.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 5:59 am, Myam said:

    I sell handmade bags, too. I also slip in freebies with the packages before I ship them. :)

    I also make time to make dresses for friends. But only when I have time. It’s not easy being a seamstress. :D

    39.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 6:21 am, Jennie said:

    I just started a business, making clothes fitted exactly to the customer.
    I’m hoping everything will go well so I can start a craft line, aswell as making one of a kind, unique clothing.

    40.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 7:38 am, Anne said:

    Hi Lisa
    I’m in the process of setting up a website. I hope to sell funky, retro and vintage style fabric i.e. Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Michael Miller, Alexander Hendry, and Moda. I will follow that with my messenger bags/laptop bags in funky, retro fabrics and tote bags.
    Love your blogs Lisa, they are brilliant, full of ideas and inspiration. I spend far too much time on here, but its addictive. I also love Pinklemonadeboutique, how fabulous are those bags? Wow, just love them!

    41.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 11:03 am, Jacqueline said:

    Hello Lisa,
    Jacqueline here, from Soak (creator of Sola with Amy Butler). How are you? We now have mini-soak single use samples of Sola and our other fragrances. If you’d like to try the other ones, or have samples for inclusion/ care of your beautiful!! handbags, let us know!We can also send other fragrances for draws in the future.
    Have a great day.
    -jacqueline@soakwash.com

    42.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 12:25 pm, Ana Hribar said:

    Everytime I recive a package from U-handbag I say to myself that this is the way that I am going to do business. Little thank you notes and candys and good packaging with printed logo. I love that and it is a great way to make a costumer feel very special.

    I make bags, purses and other accessories and sell them at two little shops that sell crafty work made by young designers.

    I had a great succsess with coin purses made with U-handbags internal 3,5” flex frame. You can weiw them at www.fensismensi.com/purses.html.

    P.S. I’m allways thinking of ordering at U-handbag, because it is so easy to order and the package arrives very very quickly, and the quality of products is always beyond expected.

    43.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 2:08 pm, jennifer : themakelounge said:

    Hi there - My business, The Make Lounge, offers contemporary crafts workshops for busy Londoners using eco-friendly materials.

    We also have an accompanying blog, Make London (http://www.makelondon.com), which is a collection of things to make, see and do in (and around) London.

    44.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 2:18 pm, Suzi said:

    I’m have a tough time narrowing down my ideas of what to sell! My first love has to be embroidery and I currently make cards for friends and family, but am aiming to get an online store up and running before valentines days - so looking for all the advice I can get!! :-)
    Suzi

    45.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 4:11 pm, Lisa Stormes said:

    This sounds like a dream right now… wish it could be real…

    46.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 5:41 pm, Isabelle said:

    Wonderful post! I agree completely with your view of customer service. I’ve sold embroidered baby shirts, totes, pillows, quilts… I put my blog address above but have a shop on etsy: http://frenchtouch.etsy.com.

    47.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 6:39 pm, Alicia said:

    While not necessarily selling my services, friends take me out to dinner in exchange for my embroidery - I embroidery on anything they can give me, towels, baby clothes, bags, etc.

    48.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 7:21 pm, heidi said:

    I love your new blog (and, of course the older one too).I take custom orders for hand bags and do one craft show per year. Right now my shop is just the right size for me (a full time working mother of two). I get an excuse to do some sewing during the evenings, and I can self fund all of my fabric purchases. People contact me through my blog at http://myhappyturtle.com.

    49.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 10:30 pm, holli jo said:

    I don’t have a craft business yet, but I hope to. I haven’t decided what I want to do. Not sure if I want to sell supplies, an item I make, or a combination of both. I’m into crocheting big time - so it would be nice to incorporate that into it.

    We’ll see. Anyway, thanks for getting me thinking!

    50.
    On September 26th, 2007 at 11:03 pm, Lynn said:

    I too agree with your view on customer service. I don’t sell anything (yet), but I love etsy for all the handmade stuff. Oh and I love Lisa Leonard’s jewelry too! http://lisaleonard.blogspot.com/

    51.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 12:48 pm, veronica said:

    oh, I hope I win!

    52.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 1:10 pm, elan said:

    I’m using some of your ideas already & plan to use more. Thanks for the great blog. Found you today following links out of Ravelry. I sell knits and knit patterns & soon kits. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5083201

    53.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 4:17 pm, Meredith said:

    Love the tips!

    I’m hoping to open an Etsy shop after the holidays with handmade goods, especially crocheted goods like cozies. :-)

    54.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm, Carol said:

    I don’t currently sell crafty items, but I have sold vintage and retro items. I am thinking of a fiber related business like handspun yarn and possibly another separate business selling knitted and/or sewn purses (for which Amy Butler fabric is perfect).

    55.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 10:05 pm, Barbara said:

    I’ve had a crafty business for a while now making personalised baby blankets, quilts, Christmas stockings etc. Like many other people I am deeply into making bags at the moment too. As a really tiny, small business I agree about the customer service thing. I love creating and spend most of my spare time sewing. Recently discovered blogging and etsy. Who knew there were so many fantastic crafters out there! I love this new site as well as uhandblog and your generosity of spirit.

    56.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 10:41 pm, Jason said:

    Currently I sell bags and pouches. I prefer to use organic and deconstructed kimono as I don’t like pesticides and chemical sprays. In a few weeks I also hope to have some t-shirts on my Etsy shop too.

    57.
    On September 27th, 2007 at 11:44 pm, DBrown said:

    I sell both vintage brass style jewelry and sterling silver jewelry in my etsy shop.

    58.
    On September 28th, 2007 at 12:22 pm, mimi said:

    I have a very young craft business also making handbags and you have been such an inspiration and a mentor to me even though we have never actually met. I have begun to implement the things you have blogged about in promoting businesses.

    I am pleased to say that I have my first meeting with a lady who owns a bridal boutique in a town nearby who is interested in stocking some of my bridal and mother-of-the-bride bags. I’m seeing her on friday. I have a week to grow a thick enough skin for her to say “Sorry, don’t like them/not what I was looking for/you’re rubbish/you call that stitching” or anything else along those lines. Then again, you never know, she may well love the whole lot and buy it off me there and then!

    (I ll settle for sale or return though!!!! ha ha ha)
    thanks lisa for such good advice, and for being such a great, reliable supplier.
    mimi
    X

    59.
    On September 28th, 2007 at 8:43 pm, Tammy said:

    Awesome blog. I just found it while surfing. I would love to be entered in your draw.

    I have loved making all kind of crafts since I was a little girl. I’ve been a am a soft sculpture artist since 2003 and make adult collectible teddy bears. I sell them on Ebay and my website. www.beckoningbears.com

    Crafting feeds my soul !
    ♥ Tammy

    60.
    On September 29th, 2007 at 2:40 am, Surviving said:

    I sell stitchmarkers.

    61.
    On September 29th, 2007 at 12:45 pm, Julsey said:

    I sell handpainted yarn at my etsy shop. Its empty now though…getting back to the dyepot SOON!!!

    62.
    On September 29th, 2007 at 1:48 pm, Karen said:

    Wonderful post! Thank you! As always, you’re informative & fun.

    I had a b&m for 20 years (an 1881 General Store & Cafe) and have only recently joined this wonderful online malay. I started out with the intent to sell only my quilts. I truly did. As the months go on, though, I find my interests … AND my customers’ requests … far too varied to be restricted in that way.

    So I chose a word, two actually, and work all my items into those two: “comfort” and “lovely”. It’s become my shop’s signature and its one defining test. So ~ what does ThreeFrenchHens.Etsy.com sell?

    Quilts ~ Comforts ~ All Things Lovely

    63.
    On September 29th, 2007 at 5:37 pm, michelle said:

    oh, i hope that random number generator picks me! Thanks for the opportunity!

    64.
    On September 30th, 2007 at 3:55 am, Lovie said:

    I wholesale to a lovely website called Inspireco. Whatever I dream up the lovely owner Amy buys. Right now, we are working on something really really special and hope to have it for sale in November

    65.
    On September 30th, 2007 at 10:34 pm, melissa said:

    i sell many beautiful chicana wonders. i specialize in making jewelry (of all sorts), i make many things inspired by anything to do with my loves as a chicana…..frida….tacos…folklorico….mexica…

    66.
    On September 30th, 2007 at 11:00 pm, Rebecca said:

    Wow, Sola sounds spectacular. I hope I win! I haven’t started selling yet, I have to build up my inventory. I make small tapestries and elegantly designed stands or hangers for them, so once they are purchased there’s no worry about how to present them. To take the strain off my shoulders (from hunching over the loom — they are palm- and hand-sized weavings, nothing larger than a paperback novel) I crochet, knit, and embroider. Much of the crocheting and knitting is felted, and then further embelished. Sometimes it’s a bag, sometimes it’s a plushie, sometimes it’s a wrap or other wearable! Often it’s a gift. I’ve also been recycling old fabric (sheets, clothing, table linens) into other objects. It’s fun and a good challenge to find a new purpose for disused items. Often these “new” things (quilts, plushies, newer clothes) will be auctioned off for charity. My bike team has just raised over $43,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and my crafting was one of the ways I was able to contribute. Our next event will be a Relay for Life in the spring. I’m already planning for that!

    67.
    On October 2nd, 2007 at 2:46 pm, Donna said:

    I’m in the changing what I do right now. Previously I made fleece kids ponchos supplemented by fleece blankets but so many people are doing the fleece thing and fleece takes up so much room. Right now I enjoy going to craft fairs and browsing etsy.

    68.
    On October 2nd, 2007 at 2:52 pm, Missy said:

    How great is this giveaway! I, too, am crazy about Amy Butler but had no idea she had created a soak!
    I design and create children’s clothing, I use vintage patterns and inspiration and vintage or vintage reproduction textiles in my designs. My website - http://www.laniepaige.com. I am joining with a dear friend, Liz, to design and create a new line of simple, classic separates for girls - http://www.sweetfunkyvintage.com
    Missy

    69.
    On October 2nd, 2007 at 3:42 pm, Katherine said:

    I’m so happy I found your blog. (Thanks to a visit at PinkLemonadeBoutique). I want to sell items I sew online and am in the product development stages at the moment, so I appreciate the information I’ve been reading written by you and the interview with Lisa Billings. Thanks so much!

    70.
    On October 3rd, 2007 at 12:06 am, Liz said:

    I sell personalized gifts for moms, babies and kids and handmade clothing. I have recently discovered your blog and LOVE it! So helpful. Please enter me in the drawing!

    71.
    On October 3rd, 2007 at 4:29 am, Carrie said:

    I think I’m just making the deadline to enter the drawing! I don’t currently sell any of the crafts I make. A handmade craft-business I bought from and like is Sticky Wicket craft kits.

    Mentions on other sites...

    1. How to describe your handcrafts to BOOST your sales - Features vs Benefits | CraftBoom! on September 27th, 2007 at 10:23 am
    2. And the winner of the bottle of Amy Butler’s Sola SOAK is… And here’s another FAB Amy Butler Giveaway | CraftBoom! on October 4th, 2007 at 11:38 am

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