Tuesday, January 19, 2010

{yeow! big news}



Big news, folks. BIG, exciting news :)


If you follow me on twitter you may know I've been interested in adding a second shop for a little while now. I decided to go ahead with this for many reasons, some of which I'm able to share with you below. I have been so, so, so very impressed with the commitment you've all given me: more than 70% of my Etsy sales are from blog referrals {either my blog or someone else's}. This is a huge compliment to me. Thank you so much :) I know this change may be hard to accept, so I ask of you to please visit my new shop and take a look around.

Be sure to read my little Q+A session below :) I want to make this an easy transition for you. And feel free to leave your comments for me to read.





Why am I adding another shop?


#1 reason: because I want to be wise with my business. To keep up with Gussy and some behind-the-scene projects, I've been working a lot. Gussy is growing fast and I couldn't be more excited. Despite that excitement, however, it seems that Etsy is more and more expensive to me as the seller. Since most of my shop traffic is from blog referrals I am confident the sales will follow me, despite the move. Also, by making wise financial decisions I'm able to offer you new Gussy products more often. See? It's a win-win for everyone.

Etsy is a great community to be a part of. It's helped to bring Gussy to where it's at today and I am by no means "dropping Etsy". I have nothing negative to say about the site, just positive wants and needs for Gussy.



So, what is the new shop URL?
You can visit Gussy at www.maggiewhitley.bigcartel.com


Is it easier {from a buyers perspective} than Etsy?
I think so! For one, you don't have to create an account to buy. Secondly, I still accept PayPal, so you know your money is secure. I believe the check-out process to be smoother, as well.


What are some other perks?
I can offer you shop discounts EASILY! For example, right now I offer a 15%-off discount if you sign-up to receive my newsletter. {To sign-up, look for the orange Bravenet box on my blog -- it's in the right sidebar.}

When I have sales, you can easily type in the special code at check-out and Big Cartel will automatically adjust your order to reflect the discount. No need to wait for a PayPal refund. In the end, it's less work for both of us :)


Will you ever have more than 6 items for sale?
Hah! Yes, I can have up to 100 items. It's always been my policy to list items that are ready-to-ship. This means once you check-out, all I have to do is package and ship your order. There is no downtime for either one of us. So for now, this is all I have available. You may also visit my Etsy shop for more ready-to-ship items. As soon as I have the time I'll be adding more to my new store.


Are you going to delete your Etsy account?
No, not for a while. For one, I still want to be part of the Etsy community. Secondly, I want people to be able to find me. At some point I plan on having more items in my Big Cartel shop. As things progress I'll be sure to fill you in on the details.


Look for this button on my blog to direct you to my new shop:





16 comments:

btsoi. said...

Wow! Your very own store! I'm sure it'll be just as successful as your Etsy store. One day if I actually start selling my cards, I'll have to consult you on how to set my own store up!

Meredith said...

Cool!!! Good for you!!! You are a smart business lady!!! Have you looked into getting your bags into shops?? I need to tell you about a few places in MN that you might check out. Not sure it would be the right fit, but it could work!!!

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Wow, Gussy! That's pretty exciting. Congrats on the move, and I'm sure your customers will follow wherever you go! {unless it antarctica. it's a little too cold for me there.} ;)

Now, as a fellow Etsy seller and an always curious person...Are there the same kind of fees on Big Cartel? How does that differ?

Meg said...

That is BIG news! I a mso happy for you, and I would go where ever you needed me to go to get me a Gussy! Thanks for the B-day wishes, you are a sweetie!! Once again you have continued to inspire me with what you have done and continuw to do, you are just amazing....have I said that too many times??? (0;

xoxo~Meg

Two Little Tots said...

Wonderful! So happy you did this...now I think I must do the same soon! Way to GO!

wishful nals said...

good for you! very exciting :)

Valerie said...

Congrats!! Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! This is awesome for you & Gussy!

Allison said...

Very cool :) I've never heard of that site before - will have to check it out!

I just opened MY etsy shop last week :) Working on getting my inventory up...

I'm hosting a giveaway on my blog to promote my new shop right now, if you'd like to check it out ;)
http://allison-and-paul.blogspot.com/2010/01/grand-opening-giveaway.html

Lindsay - Pen and Paint said...

Miss M'am...very good. BC is great. I have visited there before. Wishing many more gussied up sales :)

Heather @ Life Made Lovely said...

Way to go Gussy!! That's such exciting news!! Congrats on all of your success...it is so well deserved!

gina said...

Very exciting! Good Luck. The Vintage Pearl started at Etsy and now she is her own .com -advertising in Real Simple magazine!! Yeah for the American Dream!!

Chacoy said...

Congratulations! You have to do what is best for you and your buisness;}

Heather @ Glitter and Gloss said...

So excited for you!!

Anonymous said...

Exciting NEWS!!! I've never heard of that and am pretty sure it will soon be an addiction for me just like etsy! Thanks for sharing and GOOD LUCK!

Love said...

so happy you let me know when you stopped by via the vintage pearl. LOVE it here and look forward to visiting your shop & reading more here! so nice to meet you!