Selling Online

[Ziggy P]

What sites do you have the best success with? Thanks for the 411. Zig

[Clear Black]

Most ecommerce sites are saturated with similar type products. Whichever you choose I would suggest doing your best to "stand out" and make your product as unique as possible.

 

Most sell on Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, etc etc. Then I think there is square space ? And of course your .com sites that YOU own. Many here have their own .com ecommerce so maybe they can chime in with some help. I hope to also have one someday but only do fairs and physical sales, no online. Havnt grown to that point yet but Im still in early stages so baby steps

 

Good luck!

[TallTayl]

Etsy and my own site (which generated wholesale customers). it takes a LOT to stand out. 

[Candybee]

If you want your sales to be from your website these days you have to have a strong media presence. So sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. can link to your website and vice versa. I find more customers ask me for my facebook page than my website. You can also sell on Facebook so to get started that may be a good choice.

 

For me, the bulk of my sales come from craft shows and markets. I use my website as a platform to showcase my product and advertise it on my sales brochures, signs, business cards, etc. But most of my customer interaction is on facebook and from there they can click on my shop now button to visit my website and check out my product or shop.

 

I use Square for my website. The same Square I use for taking credit card charges. You can create a website through Square and its free unless you add on services like customer rewards. Its a simple one page website but it fits all my product including my event calendar so it works out perfect for me without costing me a penny. Plus I have the advantage of a built in shopping cart that uses Square and I get my money in my bank account the next business day.

[Ziggy P]

Thank you for your advise. It really is appreciated. I do feel good about having a product that stands out, but didn't really realize the amount of candle makers out there. I have facebook and twitter, and will look into the Square space. We haven't went to any craft shows or festivals as of yet, but we will get there. The candle lovers I talk to are more into the scents than presentation of the candle. 

[TallTayl]

My business .com site supports my in-person customer base in the off season. Etsy gathers new faces I would otherwise never meet.

 

 There is no substitute for old fashioned in-person sales and marketing. It takes a while to find your niche and voice, but persistence often pays off. I have rebranded several times to find my best fit. 

 

Good luck!