eCommerce 1.3

The next online task for me is to decide if I need a new ETSY store, the one I already have started for the images isn’t really suitable for the new ‘project spooky’, they always advise an ETSY store should be focused, have its niche, and any products should be variations or complimentary to the main products. This isn’t. So there you go that’s decided I need a new ETSY store

So in order to keep the project moving as I have a small blocker in printing out and testing the master mould I’ll be moving along the project online, as one door closes etc, and as with any project and the reason I run multiple projects. Its not just for variety, which is good, but as one projects or part of gets a blocker then you keep busy and make progress elsewhere. Its also good to have multiple projects for variety. If interest wanes in one project you can advance another, plus its nice mentally to have variety and a balance. So some projects are physical and creative, maybe more ‘hands on’. Others are online, more cerebral but also suited to winter months or rainy days when other activities may be restricted

So I’m going to claim my ETSY store name, probably look into a domain as well so I can later pivot to an eCommerce store of my own and as ever not be totally reliant on ETSY. This is another good idea, to keep your online presence flexible, to not rely on one source and put all your eggs in one basket. YouTube can put your channel on hold, remove monetisation, Adsense can be removed or revoked, ETSY can receive complaints, true or false and close or suspend your store. They need to protect themselves and the rest of their community so you, important to the collective as you are, are also the most expendable. Also any complaints, copyright strikes and de-monetisation can take weeks if not months to sort out and fix. For a small business or side hustle this is damning, not just for lost revenue but also the inconvenience and bad press you will get with your customer base. They could be left with unfulfilled orders, or may wonder why you’re suddenly suspended and re-consider any further purchases

So now I’m looking at creating a new brandname, domain, banners, icons and writing out my bio (or ‘about’ info). So as usual this is best done quick, best done, then refine, improve and make better as you go along, don’t overthink it, don’t plancrastinate and spend so long muddling over the detail and planning you never get started. So I’m knocking up a quick banner using an online banner maker, making an icon for the bio/shop info or any correspondence , marketing etc. The bio I’m also kicking up quick but will take a little more time

The bio is important as especially on ETSY people like to buy from people. I also want to get over the eco friendly and up-cycling aspects as this is a fundamental part of the project, one of the driving forces behind it and I want to ensure that comes across and is a core part of the stores values. I’m also looking into eco friendly packaging, eco bubblewrap, recycled or at least recyclable boxes, envelopes etc. There is no point in creating an eco friendly product and then encasing it in single use plastic to ship around the country, that would be silly and a discerning customer may be quick to point out the hypocrisy there and that I’d rather avoid, again I want eco friendly values at the core of the this project. Looking at other projects I’m doing I’m also keen to look into those and ensure the same values are kept there also. There could be a good cross-pollination of sustainability and shared resources here so I’ll keep that in mind