What am I doing wrong?

[good girl designs]

I make bags. My website is ************
I have done 2 local craft fair, one last saturday and one today. I havent sold anything at either fair. Please can someone tell me what I am doing wrong?
I think my bags are great and I dont understand why nobody has bought any at my last 2 events.
Constructive criticism would be gratefully received.

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[Glitz and Glamour]

Can't comment on your prices as I am not a handbag girl. I just stuff money in my pocket and go, but you site is great. Modern and very well laid out. Don't give up after 2 fairs, we have all been there, did you hand out your details to the people at the fair? Maybe they will come back to your site at a later date and order from you there. How long has your site been up and running. I have had mine going for about 9 months and only had a couple of sales, mostly directed from facebook. Keep at it you need to keep advertising and you will get there eventually.

[good girl designs]

My website has been up and running only for about 6 weeks. I had one sale after I did a fair last month(the same one as I did today).
I am mainly doing farmers markets and craft fairs(joint) but these are the first two events where I havent sold anything. I did my first event in November and have attended regularly.
I feel realy despondent.

[sparklyshoes]

Hmm, just looked at the web page and its really good, but perhaps you could work better at the pics?

The close up's could be closer up. It took me a while to figure out that it wasn't just 'plain' fabric, but strips sewn together and it wasn't really mentioned anywhere in the text. So on that if I was looking as a customer I was wondering on the pricing v's product, not really being aware of the time you obviously have put in. (does that make sense? Just come back from surrey and drinking a cup of tea with proper milk *bless the rellies*)

I've done two fairs this year, one I sold nothing, the other just coered te cost of the table and parking! BUT I have hadsome good leads from those two fairs, and picked up contacts of other fairs that seem good. I even have had someone contact me for a commission...so I think its luck of the draw?

Have you thought about etsy/misi/folksy etc??

krysia

[owllovespanda]

Personally I just couldn't justify spending £29 on a bag right now and I imagine alot of people are the same, maybe things will pick up a bit in the coming months as it is quiet this time of year

[good girl designs]

I agree about the pictures. I just dont know how to get better ones. I have already re-done them all after advice from the Blackburn Enterprise Trust.
I will put something on the wbsite explaining how the bags are made because, you are right again, there is a lot of work in them!!

[sparklyshoes]

Can you figure out how to do those hover over close ups? Like in the next catalogue, when you can hover over detail and it'll pop up big like? (not that I know how too?)

Or just take a real close up of the fabric as one of the pics? And perhaps some outside in natural light, it might pick up the detail better??

Don't forget that whilst you have a website, you have to drive people to it, advertising, blogging all that type of thing.

I found what I thought would be great fair, but actually it was pants. But seeing it for what it is is one thing, and making it work for you is another. I am not doing that fair again in that area until tourist season kicks more than old coach tours... But thats what its all about, and I haven't exactly done loads of fairs.

[Lilac Moon]

Hi I'm no expert on websites, I've only sold 2 things from mine and it has been running a year,,,really must look into it. anyway, craft fairs take time,,,,it can take time for your items to be recognised as handmade even if you keep telling visitors that. you really need to treat your first few fairs as promotion and make sure you hand out loads of fliers / business cards, it's all about getting your name out there.

It is hard work but please keep at it and dont give up. were both your fairs this year? I had my first one yesterday , Jan and feb. are not good months for selling, peeps are still recovering from christmas, I use the time to build up new lines and book the years events. ignor the fairs where i did poor, book the ones i did well at and look for alternatives. as a result I have several establishwd fairs where i get repeat customers and some new ones.

yesterday was a new one and i also came away with a booking for another new fair in November.

so if at first you dont suceed dont give up.

sorry for going on a bit..:p

[Bath-Bomb.Com]

I'm not really a handbag kind of girl either but I did look at your website and have some suggestions that I think will help make it a bit more user friendly...

I loved the bright colours and that definitely gives the visitor an idea of your product, which is a good starting place...I think with handbags (as with my products) you are kind of selling a lifestyle..so your site and your images should say something to the people the bags are for - or to make others aspire to be like the person in the images (if that makes sense)....

For improvements on the actual website I think some of the following would help:

* You don't have any pictures of products on your home page - bear in mind you have 3 seconds to engage a visitor who is just browsing...imagine you walked into ASDA and all you could see were racks and racks of literature that you had to read before they would let you in the 'back' to see the goods!!! Put a little bit of 'blurb' - make it snappy (90% of people won't read it) and make it sound interesting...and then slap a really good picture so that people think OMG I want to see more.

* When I click on the PRODUCTS, it's more writing..I have no idea what the difference is between the different categories and there are no images to help me - some kind of scrolling gallery might be an idea...

* Same with the product pages - the images are much too small...impossible to see what the bag really looks like...if you aren't limited by how many pages you can have on your site I would suggest you have a page per product and make the image as large as possible...

* I was a bit confused by PRODUCTS and SHOPPING - can you change the title of the shopping cart view to something else? I think a lot of people may click on SHOPPING and think you have nothing in your store!

* Testimonials - if you don't have any, it would be best to remove the link...

* If you're an online trader you really do need to have your contact details (not just a form) on the website - many people won't buy from a website that doesn't comply to this bit of the Distance Selling Regulations...also, since you make a bespoke product, people are likely to want to speak to a human being about what they are interested in :)

Sorry if all that sounds critical (or negative) it isn't meant to be personal -- I hope it's helpful and if you need any help with resizing images or anything like that, give me a shout...

Good luck :)

[alibear]

It also took me a while to work out that the bags were made from a strip of fabric, so i agree with previous statements of bigger/clearer pictures and perhaps a page describing/talking about your unusual technique?

As far as craft fairs go, not that many people will shell out more than £20, I am not suggesting that you lower your prices! I think you are priced about right or even perhaps a little too low given the time they must take to make. However, I think it would be a good idea to make some smaller items using the same method that you can sell for £5-15 like small purses, clutch bags, makeup bags, notebooks/address books (with the fabric covering) , scarves and so on. A variety of price points will encourage people to part with their cash if they like your style but can't afford the more expensive pieces.

My 1st craft fair I took my handmade sterling silver jewellery to all priced at £25 (an absolute bargain - should have really been selling at £45+) I sold 1 piece all day - gutted - but at least I didn't walk away with nothing.
My second craft fair (exact same place and time of year etc) I took a range of items starting at £3.50 and going up to £25 and I walked away with over £200 - during the credit crunch. I put it down to the range of prices and products - it gives more of a 'shopping experience'.

Hope that helps.

[good girl designs]

Thank you all very much for your input. It's a massive help and I will act on it as soon as I can.;)

[good girl designs]

Just to say thank you to all of you above for your input. I spent most of last night making changes to my website and although I havent finished yet I think it looks miles better. I hope you will take the time to check it out and let me know your thoughts.
thanks again.

[Bath-Bomb.Com]

Wow...what an improvement...it's looking really good, and much easier to see what you do...

well done and hopefully it will bring some sales your way:)

Do you Blog? It's well worth you starting a blog and featuring your latest creations and describing some of your techniques...

[AliCat]

Just seen this post and agree with what others have said - I didn't see your site before your changes so can't really comment on those.

I am not really a handbag person (tend to have one which I will use until it falls to pieces then get another one) so don't know how your prices stack up against others. Does anyone else make bags using the same or similar techniques as you do? If so, how do your prices compare? If not, you need to really push that as you have a unique selling point. I couldn't see anywhere which said how much your shipping costs were (although I may have just missed that) which I would want to know before placing an order as to the customer it simply bumps up the price of their purchase compared to what they would pay going into a standard shop.

I agree that you should remove the testimonials link until you have some to show. Also, can you combine your two 'contact' pages. It seems uneccesary to have two - you could add the text from your 'contact us' page after your form so that visitors have the option of how to make contact.

You have some links at the bottom of your site - General Terms & Conditions and Returns Policy which have nothing but a heading if you click on them. These need to be written otherwise it looks unprofessional.

My website was running for over 6 months before I got a sale from it (and I still don't get that many directly through the site) but I give out lots of literature to advertise it when I am at shows - I can get through over 100 cards in a weekend but it is important that everyone knows where you are and how to buy your bags apart from at a fair.

Don't give up - it is a long process with websites and they do need constant promotion both online and offline. Start a blog and get the word out as much as you can.

[good girl designs]

I dont know of any other websites selling bags made the same way as mine.........
I have an appointment with the Blackburn Enterprise trust on 9th April and im hoping they can help with 'general terms and conditions' etc.
I am also waiting for a couple of customers to email me a testimonial so as soon as i get them I will put them on.
I see what you mean about the 2 contact pages... it does look odd. I will have another go tonight and hope you will all let me know your thoughts.

[good girl designs]

:confused:Well, I attended a craft fair today, and yet again, I havent sold a thing. THATS 3 FAIRS IN A ROW!!

Surely, after all the good feedback I get from people, someone would be prepared to part with their cash??

I had to go out for a while for a cry............. I dont know what to do.:confused:

[nicksyb]

I Love your bags! Especially the pink bucket type one.

I didn't even see that they where made out of strips so that is well worth putting on your website and your tags/labels.

With regards to craft fairs etc, I personally wouldn't spend that amount on one bag. Just because I can't justify it to the hubby ;)

How about making a cheaper range for the craft fairs? If you think about it most people will go to these events with 20 -30 quid and want to pick up a few things, so if you aim for a lower price band of products then that might work.

Just my opinion though, from experience I normally have a tenner in my purse when going to any fairs/car boots etc.

[chakra calm jewellery]

Hiya
I know what you mean about the fairs. Im struggling too. I sold stuff but it only covered the cost of my table so no profit though I think was due to the limited number of people there.

Where abouts are you based as I am thinking about setting up a craft fair myself.

I looked at your site and I think its really good. I dont think your prices are wrong. You need to think abnout the amount of time it takes you to make each one and the products you use and weigh up if the price fits. If you think you can bring it down then do but if your prices matches your time and costs then leave as is.
You'll get there in the end with the sales. You just need to be in the right place at the right time.
Im keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Tash

[good girl designs]

I live in Blackburn.
After the fair I did last weekend at Haworth my sister is really considering organising one herself. It seems like a lot of work to me.
And I love making bags especially when I meet someone who feels as passionately about them as i do.

Its great to get feedback from other crafters about my website etc.

[Melissa]

Hi. I LOVE your bags! Also I do not think they are priced to high for what they are and the time they take to make! It maybe worth you targeting galleries rather than craft fairs though.

[good girl designs]

Thank you. I love it when someone can appreciate the work that I put into each bag. I feel so passionately about them , I just want everyone else to feel the same!!

[ejralph]

I think your bags are lovely - from what I can see of them. I am sorry you haven't had any sales - but I think everyone gets slow periods.

In respect to your website - I agree with what others have said. You need to get good, large images of your product onto your front page. Your banner of the girls walking along is good and funky, but images of your own product there would be more likely to encourage people to stay I think. So far when I look at the page, I just see these graffics and huge letters with "Good Girl" and have to scroll down to see anything else.

From your front page, I have to click 4 separate times to finally get to a decent sized image of any of your products and that is just too many clicks if you want to get the "passing trade" on the internet, if you know what I mean.

Also, for me , the red underlining on the links is really off-putting for some reason. Red to me, seems to indicate something malfunctioning or dangerous. I know this sounds silly, but my initial reaction was that the link was broken and I shouldn't click on it! But that really is one of those things that is almost certainly just me and a hundred, billion other people would just say "huh?, no, don't agree at all!"

Your bags are so lovely - but I really feel that the photos and lighting isn't showing them off to the best potential.

There are loads of sites online that will give great advice on how to shoot photographs of products - in respect to lighing, photo-editting etc. Just google something like "photographing stuff for ebay" and I bet you would find a few.

In this day and age, people expect great photos online.

Lasty - have you thought about trying online sales venues such as etsy? I am sure it would be a great "second iron" to have in the fire for you.

Don't lose heart though - it takes time to build up a clientele. I don't think your prices are too high at all - you just need to find the right market for your work and it may be that you cannnot do that with local sales events and need to look more to marketing yourself online.

But none of that happens overnight - anyone sucessful at selling their stuff online will tell you just how many years they have been plugging away at it - marketing themselves, building up a clientele etc.

Good luck with it all!

[Hels1]

Your bags are lovley, having made a few simple bags I cant imagine how much work goes into yours. They are priced reasonably. In my experience people who go to craft fairs very rarely have that amount of money on them, I have seen and heard many people say I would love ths but don't have enough money. Some go to a cash point and come back most don't. Could you maybe create a range of purses or some girls bags so you have some cheaper items.

[Tonic Studios]

At my first job I was a trendy, young, enthusiastic designer. I spend weeks preparing a range of products which looked perfect, the sort of stuff you would see on a home makeover TV show - I presented them to the head of one of the UK's biggest retail chains. I was working for a big manufacture at the time so thought it would be a shoe in..... he said 'never underestimate the poor taste of the british consumer'...then picked nothing.

I agree with the comments of the people here, people with taste and the eye for something new will buy them but you do need a lower price, more mundane version IF you want to do shows. It may be there are just no the right shows or the right people buying them. Try a £15-20 bag even if it kills you to do it and see what happens.

[Floobynooby]

I cant comment on the craft fair because I try and avoid them, but I wouldn't worry about not having any sales on your site after 6 weeks. If you are working hard to promote it then I would expect a few months before you start to get any kind of quality traffic to the site. You can try a bag or 2 on ebay to get an idea of the kind of price people are prepared to pay and set a reserve so that you don't sell them short of making a profit.

[good girl designs]

Hi all!
I have new pics on my website and would like a 2nd opinion. I think they are great, show loads of detail etc. But it would be good to know what other crafters think....... Constructive criticism gratefully received.

[wood-u-like]

You probably need to make a range of products at different prices and styles untill you hit on a winning formula. Consider doing a range of shows and markets rather than craft shows. You need a good web site with lots of product and with well taken pics. You may also consider retailing to up market boutique style outlets.
Regards LC

[Not Just Handbags]

Hellloo from a fellow bag maker! I have had a look at your site and am loving the colours and construction of your bags, however, a fellow bag maker knows how much care and attention you have put into them but that isn't coming across on your site.

Firstly pictures are the bain of my life I am no Annie Leibovitz and it takes me ages to get a half decent picture, lighting is key, you may need to move to various places around the house where it is right. Mine is on a chair by the back door!, took me ages to find that out. The other thing is try and keep your pictures uniform.

If you want sales you are going to have to promote, promote, promote, my sales have only started coming in and I have been promoting like a maniac since Christmas!

If you want online sales you are going to have to use every online tool for promotion at your disposal i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Craft Juice, Forums etc, etc. Also, I started off with a website and didn't get very far I then kept my site, however, I opened online shops such as Folksy & Etsy that link through my site.

You could do with a page on your site explaining how much work goes into your bags and maybe a couple of pictures taken during the process this will get over to people why you are charging the price you are. For the amount of work I think your prices are spot on but you need to get this across to your customer.

So don't lose hope it takes a lot of hard work, patience and a fair amount of banging your head on a keyboard, or that might just be me? lol If you want to chat feel free to pm me or email me as I love chatting about fabric and bags and if I can help I will Elissa x

[good girl designs]

Oh cool! Thanks Elissa,
I could talk about fabric, bags and the like for hours on end!! I will update the site over the weekend with a bit about how they are made. As for twitter and facebook, I have never used them and wouldnt know where to start. But I will, again, look into it.

[poppydesign]

hi

I would suggest like the others have done to get your homepage more inspiring - your bags are really lovely but when a new customer lands on your website they only see some graphics of females at the top and large text with your company name. You should try and get some lifestyle images of your bags and use these on the home page - even with a simple digital camera you could could go out say into a field with bluebells (or a stream) and take shots with your camera - all you will need is the natural light.
Perhaps your local business gateway/links could help with marketing and web design grants (they usually recommend designers in your area) to get a better website for your products.

Good luck
Joanne

[prem2pram]

I agree with what has already been said, however I would like to see a page (How our bags are made) that shows the process of making one of your bags, that way customers can see just how much loving care goes into each bag.

Also publishing articles on places like articbase (http://www.articlesbase.com) will help improve your web presence, just remeber to include your web address in your bio and on any articles you write. Do not publish the same article to more than one site as this will produce dupliccte content and won't help at all.
(http://www.articlesbase.com)