Shop Talk

My online shop 31:13 has been 'live' for three weeks now. I have been pleased with the way things are ticking over.

Thankyou to everybody who reads this blog, who have sent good wishes, or sent in orders. There has been a steady trickle...and Steffi at the Post Office is getting used to me turning up on my bike with a parcel or two.
It has been interesting to see that I have had orders for all the different items in store - and I couldn't say which is most popular.
I am glad I had a good amount of stock prepared before the launch. I have spent a few evenings stitching birds, but not had to do a lot of 'replenishing' of my supplies.

Publicity is something I am still working on.I put an ad in all the Facebook groups to which I belong, and I must thank Kezzie for her lovely blogpost. 

I had a set of business cards from Vistaprint, with the logo, and once or twice recently when people have asked for my details in other contexts I've been able to pass these to them. I'm not sure if the Methodist Ladies who want me to go and speak at their church will end up buying juggling bags though...

Bizarrely, out of the blue, somebody messaged me on Sunday "Angela, many years ago at a conference, you taught us to make paper flowers. I made a lot at the time, but now I've forgotten how to do it. Could you send me a video or something, please" I replied that had she been in Norfolk she could have come to my workshop - but I sent her a copy of the basic instructions, and a link to the shop suggesting she could buy a starter pack. No sign of an order yet! 
On Sunday at church, my friend's niece was visiting. She too is a fanatical crafter and has a shop - we had a good chat -  when she gets home she is sending me details of her online presence. 
Despite saying "I'm not going to do any Christmas Craft Fairs" I have booked a table at the Residential Home next to the Surgery. It is just round the corner, and I can get there easily - and it will be warm and comfortable [not a draughty school hall] and my SumUp card reader should work with their WiFi. They asked what I was selling, and said that low priced items are always popular. That's on Saturday 9th. 

So I am very happy - it is fun, and not proving onerous. And I feel I am making good use of my creative skills.

But for the next few days we will be very busy with other things. More details to follow...