posted November 08, 2011 06:43 AM            

I am setting up a shop at an online market called Dawanda, it's a German version of Etsy. but i get freaked of all the procedures and what-ifs. i think i need both constructive advice AND encouragement...!!

i'm selling handmade jewellery, and the prices range from economical to expensive. they are one-of-a-kind and unique. i didn't find anyone else making stuff like this, so i thought it was my advantage, but while i hesitated for a year i am now seeing similar stuff popping up... but it can just be that i didn't see them before, it doesn't matter, i think it's a bit in fashion, the style, so all the better. (if anyone wants to "evaluate" and give me honest opinion, i can post pics of my work i'm a big Sagi girl, i can handle truth)

once i have the shop up for running, i'll just bombard the heck out of everyone i know with email and Facebook page to spread the word... but i am SO scared of the technical part... i get irrational fears.

-will people like what i make, are they original enough?
-are they too unique what if no one thought they were wearable and worth paying?
-what if i mess up and fail to ship sold-items on time
-what if someone is nasty to me
-what if the parcel gets lost

irrational. i can come up with a hundred what-ifs like this, and most of them it's either i cannot do anything about, it might just happen to anyone who sells things, or otherwise i have to take measures to prevent etc... i know it in the head, but it's the scared-me trying to sabotage it all...

also, i'm wondering what it takes to start up my own web shop on my website. this one i really have no idea how it might work. anyone do that? is it too complicated?

posted November 08, 2011 07:03 AM            

Second of all, losing parcels etc. is rare esp. if you use normal post office procedures. I used to sell my old books via amazon and I never had an issue with them reaching their destination even when I was sending them overseas. Of course it's good to have some type of insurance so as if something goes really wrong (which might happen once in a blue moon to any of us) you are covered. I'd suggest you go to amazon marketplace and see how some sellers take measures against such cases. Follow their lead. It's a very similar thing to what you are doing.

On another note, you seem to be in urgent need for confidence in what you sell. Well, do this ASAP: call everyone you know in real life who is in proximity to you (neighbors, friends, family) and invite them to a "party" at your place during which you will demo some of your products. See how they react. Do they like them? Would they be willing to pay for them? Ask them! These are YOUR folks, so you can be honest with them and explain that you need to feel their real interest in your products and then just listen!

Lastly, I wish I could help you! If you need someone to tweak your site or for advice on web programming, I'm your woman. Email me at gmail (username same as here).

Best of luck and again KUDOS!

posted November 08, 2011 11:28 AM            

this party idea, it crossed my mind... but at the moment i'm a bit fearful with being around many people. that would be exactly what my "normal self" would be doing, but i had terrible experience with people in the last few years and i have not overcome my trauma... i did invite 2 of girlfriends who i am not terrified of , the idea was the same it was just that i cooked too much food for 3 small ladies. lol... they thought my stuff is pretty original and they really liked a few of them. one girl may buy a pair of earrings.

another factor is that unfortunately my friends are all very poor. they cannot really come from the perspective of paying for something just because they think it's great. they were like, "i could imagine someone buying them" but that was as far as they could judge. this, i just have to see by trying. i'm just going to kind of let things roll after i do all i can on this.

posted November 08, 2011 12:05 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by lechien:

i have a general fear for these sites... just irrational fear...

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posted November 22, 2011 03:45 AM            

I remember that you've been through a lot before, so I know you'll be able to handle this really well too.

I don't have words of wisdom regarding online sales, but am happy to provide input if you'd like to post or send me a link to the site.

posted November 22, 2011 08:40 AM            

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Remember, love can conquer the influences of the planets....It can even eliminate karma.

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