1 00:00:00,270 --> 00:00:04,220 Gift biz unwrapped episode 65 Customers. 2 00:00:04,220 --> 00:00:04,940 If you don't have them, 3 00:00:04,940 --> 00:00:05,420 guess what? 4 00:00:05,450 --> 00:00:06,470 You don't have a shop. 5 00:00:06,830 --> 00:00:08,300 Hi, this is John Lee, 6 00:00:08,300 --> 00:00:10,490 Dumas of entrepreneur on fire, 7 00:00:10,490 --> 00:00:13,040 and you're listening to give to biz unwrapped, 8 00:00:13,040 --> 00:00:17,780 and now it's time to light it up. 9 00:00:17,780 --> 00:00:19,340 Welcome to gift biz, 10 00:00:19,430 --> 00:00:23,300 unwrapped your source for industry specific insights and advice to develop 11 00:00:23,300 --> 00:00:24,440 and grow your business. 12 00:00:24,770 --> 00:00:26,240 And now here's your host, 13 00:00:26,390 --> 00:00:27,440 Sue Monheit. 14 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:36,140 Whether you own a brick and mortar shop sell online or 15 00:00:36,140 --> 00:00:37,640 are just getting started, 16 00:00:37,940 --> 00:00:41,540 you'll discover new insight to gain traction and to grow your 17 00:00:41,540 --> 00:00:44,210 business. And today I have joining us, 18 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:45,200 Jennifer beat. 19 00:00:45,860 --> 00:00:49,100 Jen runs three online vintage shops on Etsy. 20 00:00:49,430 --> 00:00:52,850 The first one opened in 2008 with a nice mix of 21 00:00:52,850 --> 00:00:54,050 vintage products. 22 00:00:54,290 --> 00:00:55,460 Several months later, 23 00:00:55,460 --> 00:00:59,300 she niched down and started a vintage milk glass shop. 24 00:00:59,540 --> 00:01:03,440 And soon after that of vintage China shop Jen's passion for 25 00:01:03,470 --> 00:01:07,220 objects with character and history started when she was little and 26 00:01:07,220 --> 00:01:08,750 would visit her great aunt. 27 00:01:08,750 --> 00:01:14,600 Esther aunt Esther had eat beautiful over 250 year old homestead 28 00:01:14,600 --> 00:01:15,140 in rye, 29 00:01:15,170 --> 00:01:16,400 New Hampshire. 30 00:01:16,400 --> 00:01:20,060 It was a gorgeous home filled with many antiques. 31 00:01:20,060 --> 00:01:23,810 Jen is also currently a proud member of the SD vintage 32 00:01:23,930 --> 00:01:24,920 team and the besties team. 33 00:01:25,340 --> 00:01:29,330 She's also a proud mom of three Catherine Mark and Lindsey 34 00:01:29,690 --> 00:01:34,820 and Lindsey just had a brand new baby Oliver whom she 35 00:01:34,820 --> 00:01:36,590 absolutely adores. 36 00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:37,760 Wow. Jen, 37 00:01:37,760 --> 00:01:40,040 there's a lot going on in your life nowadays. 38 00:01:40,100 --> 00:01:41,270 Welcome to the show. 39 00:01:42,710 --> 00:01:43,250 As I was saying, 40 00:01:43,250 --> 00:01:43,580 there's no, 41 00:01:43,580 --> 00:01:46,460 we like to start off our conversation by getting to know 42 00:01:46,460 --> 00:01:48,590 you in a little bit of a different way. 43 00:01:48,590 --> 00:01:52,550 And that is by having you describe a motivational candle. 44 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:56,870 So if you were to picture the perfect Campbell that symbolizes 45 00:01:56,870 --> 00:01:58,010 what you're all about, 46 00:01:58,340 --> 00:02:00,560 what color would the candle be and what would be the 47 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:03,740 quote? My candle color would be red. 48 00:02:03,980 --> 00:02:06,470 That's the color of fire fierce and bright. 49 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:09,530 And my quote on the candle would be go for it, 50 00:02:09,530 --> 00:02:10,340 just go for it, 51 00:02:10,370 --> 00:02:12,080 whatever your passion is, 52 00:02:12,140 --> 00:02:12,830 go for it. 53 00:02:13,070 --> 00:02:16,340 Don't settle for bad excuses not to do it. 54 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:19,310 What you did with the Etsy shops by starting with one 55 00:02:19,310 --> 00:02:21,110 and having three very quickly. 56 00:02:21,260 --> 00:02:25,190 Exactly. A lot of people have been asking me about Etsy 57 00:02:25,520 --> 00:02:29,720 and I do not propose to know anything about things unless 58 00:02:29,720 --> 00:02:30,680 I've already done them. 59 00:02:30,680 --> 00:02:33,710 So I was on the search to try and find somebody 60 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,770 who could really share a lot more about this platform with 61 00:02:36,770 --> 00:02:40,160 us. And I was so impressed with a lot of your 62 00:02:40,160 --> 00:02:40,820 shops. You know, 63 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:42,920 just seeing the first shop in the first one I saw 64 00:02:42,920 --> 00:02:44,300 was Jen's closet. 65 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:46,700 And then to see that you had multiple shops in, 66 00:02:46,700 --> 00:02:48,530 had been on there for quite a while, 67 00:02:48,830 --> 00:02:51,740 was what led me to contact you so that you can 68 00:02:51,740 --> 00:02:54,230 share and enlightened all of us here today. 69 00:02:54,530 --> 00:02:57,200 Let's go back and let's start right in the beginning. 70 00:02:57,590 --> 00:03:00,490 How did you decide that you were going to do this 71 00:03:00,490 --> 00:03:03,370 and specifically choose Etsy as your platform? 72 00:03:03,810 --> 00:03:05,700 Well, I owe it all to my older daughter, 73 00:03:05,700 --> 00:03:08,430 Lindsey. She had started an Etsy shop there, 74 00:03:08,430 --> 00:03:10,830 selling jewelry and other crafty things. 75 00:03:10,830 --> 00:03:12,510 She's much craftier than I am, 76 00:03:12,810 --> 00:03:16,260 but I w I was laid off from my wonderful part-time 77 00:03:16,260 --> 00:03:17,970 job and was devastated. 78 00:03:18,240 --> 00:03:21,150 And Lindsay talked me into starting my first shop. 79 00:03:21,450 --> 00:03:22,410 And from there, 80 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:23,430 the rest is history. 81 00:03:24,270 --> 00:03:25,080 Thanks to Lindsey. 82 00:03:25,230 --> 00:03:27,120 Did You know right away that it was going to be 83 00:03:27,120 --> 00:03:28,440 vintage? Yes, 84 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:28,800 I did. 85 00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:30,690 Cause that's my always been my passion. 86 00:03:30,690 --> 00:03:31,560 Like you said, 87 00:03:31,590 --> 00:03:33,930 since I was a little girl at my aunt Esther's house, 88 00:03:34,380 --> 00:03:37,560 You just took something that you already knew that you absolutely 89 00:03:37,590 --> 00:03:38,430 loved. You know, 90 00:03:38,430 --> 00:03:40,410 it kind of resonated with you all the time, 91 00:03:40,620 --> 00:03:41,910 but then it was just a matter of, 92 00:03:41,910 --> 00:03:44,820 okay, now I have more free time because of what happened 93 00:03:44,820 --> 00:03:45,810 with your past job, 94 00:03:45,990 --> 00:03:48,630 I'm going to do Etsy because you had seen that Lindsey 95 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:49,860 had been successful. 96 00:03:50,100 --> 00:03:50,940 Exactly. Yep. 97 00:03:51,030 --> 00:03:51,600 That's it. 98 00:03:51,690 --> 00:03:55,320 So talk to us a little bit about how you get 99 00:03:55,320 --> 00:03:56,850 started with a shop on Etsy. 100 00:03:57,450 --> 00:03:58,680 It's super easy. 101 00:03:58,680 --> 00:03:59,340 Like I always say, 102 00:03:59,340 --> 00:03:59,970 if I can do it, 103 00:03:59,970 --> 00:04:00,960 anyone can do it. 104 00:04:01,170 --> 00:04:03,960 When I first started doing the photography and when I look 105 00:04:03,960 --> 00:04:05,310 at my first pictures, 106 00:04:05,490 --> 00:04:06,600 they look like a disaster. 107 00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:09,420 So that's one thing you've got to learn to take good 108 00:04:09,420 --> 00:04:13,680 pictures because everybody wants to see clear pictures. 109 00:04:13,950 --> 00:04:15,870 Do you have to have a business license? 110 00:04:16,020 --> 00:04:18,330 No, you do not have to have a business license. 111 00:04:18,330 --> 00:04:19,470 You just sign up, 112 00:04:19,710 --> 00:04:20,670 you have an email, 113 00:04:20,880 --> 00:04:23,710 you hook your bank account to it. 114 00:04:23,910 --> 00:04:27,300 They really go step by step for you on Etsy to 115 00:04:27,300 --> 00:04:28,080 make it easy. 116 00:04:28,230 --> 00:04:30,450 Then just start uploading your pictures, 117 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:33,510 make some great descriptions and start selling. 118 00:04:33,570 --> 00:04:34,350 It's really easy. 119 00:04:34,500 --> 00:04:36,210 And what are the costs then? 120 00:04:36,210 --> 00:04:38,820 Do they take a portion of your sale or how does, 121 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:39,810 is it a membership? 122 00:04:39,810 --> 00:04:40,980 How does that all work? 123 00:04:41,280 --> 00:04:43,410 There's no upfront costs. 124 00:04:43,590 --> 00:04:44,940 They take a percent, 125 00:04:45,090 --> 00:04:45,660 I'm so bad. 126 00:04:45,660 --> 00:04:46,290 I don't even remember. 127 00:04:46,290 --> 00:04:49,740 I think maybe 3% of sales and then it's took 20 128 00:04:49,740 --> 00:04:51,450 cents for each listing. 129 00:04:51,450 --> 00:04:53,280 So it's really not that much money. 130 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:55,200 It's not a big investment. 131 00:04:55,530 --> 00:04:58,830 Okay. And kind of risk-free because you're not paying anything to 132 00:04:58,830 --> 00:05:01,260 anybody unless a product of yours sells. 133 00:05:01,530 --> 00:05:02,220 That's true. 134 00:05:02,250 --> 00:05:03,600 There is no risk. 135 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:04,740 Okay. That's why I say, 136 00:05:04,740 --> 00:05:05,460 just go for it. 137 00:05:06,150 --> 00:05:08,700 Okay. So it's a certain, 138 00:05:08,730 --> 00:05:11,670 very small cost to list by item, 139 00:05:11,850 --> 00:05:13,890 and then they take a percentage. 140 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:17,340 And what about credit cards or pay pal? 141 00:05:17,370 --> 00:05:19,380 Can you use any form of payment? 142 00:05:19,830 --> 00:05:20,640 It's up to you. 143 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:22,560 If you want to accept checks, 144 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:24,990 I do accept checks and money orders, 145 00:05:25,140 --> 00:05:27,030 a PayPal and all credit cards. 146 00:05:27,270 --> 00:05:31,590 Some people don't want to be involved with PayPal or whatever. 147 00:05:31,620 --> 00:05:32,910 So it's all up to you. 148 00:05:32,910 --> 00:05:34,830 What payments you want to accept? 149 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:37,680 Okay. And then did you have to set up a merchant 150 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:40,860 account for your credit cards or is it all just done 151 00:05:40,860 --> 00:05:41,790 directly through it? 152 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:44,370 It's all done directly through Etsy. 153 00:05:44,550 --> 00:05:45,600 Okay. Super easy. 154 00:05:46,080 --> 00:05:46,380 All right. 155 00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:48,000 Yeah. It sounds super easy. 156 00:05:48,210 --> 00:05:51,660 Any tricks or if someone is just now starting to go 157 00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:52,890 onto Etsy, 158 00:05:52,920 --> 00:05:56,160 have you seen anything in terms of the description or how 159 00:05:56,160 --> 00:05:59,660 you word setup of your shop that helps attract business? 160 00:05:59,660 --> 00:06:01,040 Or is there any advice there, 161 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:02,210 again, just being the, 162 00:06:02,420 --> 00:06:02,690 you know, 163 00:06:02,690 --> 00:06:05,360 first look at the platform and setting something up. 164 00:06:05,950 --> 00:06:09,400 Oh, definitely need to really think about your descriptions and make 165 00:06:09,400 --> 00:06:10,000 it pop. 166 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:11,680 And why does somebody want it? 167 00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:14,170 And since they can't actually touch the item, 168 00:06:14,170 --> 00:06:17,320 you want to make them feel like they're touching the item, 169 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:18,370 especially that goes for, 170 00:06:18,370 --> 00:06:19,510 with the photography too. 171 00:06:19,510 --> 00:06:22,090 We want pictures of every side. 172 00:06:22,660 --> 00:06:23,260 Oh, okay. 173 00:06:23,470 --> 00:06:26,320 So if it's something that you don't really understand what it 174 00:06:26,320 --> 00:06:27,520 would look like all the way around, 175 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:28,750 particularly for you, 176 00:06:28,750 --> 00:06:30,040 for your vintage, 177 00:06:30,220 --> 00:06:33,070 then you take multiple shots of the different angles. 178 00:06:33,370 --> 00:06:34,240 Yes. We're allowed, 179 00:06:34,480 --> 00:06:35,920 I think it's five shots. 180 00:06:36,100 --> 00:06:37,300 And so that helps a lot. 181 00:06:37,660 --> 00:06:39,670 Okay. And then also in the setup, 182 00:06:39,700 --> 00:06:42,670 I believe I saw that there's a place where you can 183 00:06:42,670 --> 00:06:45,040 describe who you are as the seller. 184 00:06:45,250 --> 00:06:46,270 Yes. There is. 185 00:06:46,300 --> 00:06:47,350 There's a place for that. 186 00:06:47,470 --> 00:06:49,030 You can even upload a video. 187 00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:51,190 I haven't really got into that too much in it, 188 00:06:51,190 --> 00:06:52,180 but I need to do that. 189 00:06:52,480 --> 00:06:52,780 Yeah. Well, 190 00:06:52,780 --> 00:06:56,890 that's a great idea because video sells and gift biz listeners. 191 00:06:56,890 --> 00:06:59,350 We've talked about this in relationship to websites. 192 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:02,590 People nowadays want to know who they're doing business with and 193 00:07:02,590 --> 00:07:03,610 especially for Etsy, 194 00:07:03,610 --> 00:07:04,720 because it's so personal, 195 00:07:04,720 --> 00:07:08,650 it's all artists and crafters and individual people that I would 196 00:07:08,650 --> 00:07:13,450 presume it's even more important there because people will resonate with 197 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:14,290 the seller. 198 00:07:14,290 --> 00:07:17,110 So if you're ever looking at starting an Etsy shop, 199 00:07:17,320 --> 00:07:18,850 make sure to fill out that. 200 00:07:18,880 --> 00:07:20,920 I don't know if it's called an about us page or 201 00:07:21,100 --> 00:07:22,900 seller's page or whatever it is, 202 00:07:23,110 --> 00:07:24,700 but do it in a similar manner. 203 00:07:24,730 --> 00:07:27,340 As we've talked about before with websites, 204 00:07:27,370 --> 00:07:28,660 make it personable, 205 00:07:28,870 --> 00:07:32,560 give a little insight into who you are as a person, 206 00:07:32,770 --> 00:07:34,360 not just all about the business. 207 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:37,120 And that really helps to resonate with a buyer. 208 00:07:37,330 --> 00:07:38,650 Would you add anything to that, 209 00:07:38,650 --> 00:07:39,490 Jen? No. 210 00:07:39,490 --> 00:07:40,750 I agree totally with that. 211 00:07:40,750 --> 00:07:44,920 And you're motivating me now to get my videos up and 212 00:07:45,160 --> 00:07:46,900 updated. That's my next thing. 213 00:07:47,380 --> 00:07:47,830 So, you know, 214 00:07:47,830 --> 00:07:51,100 what's going to happen now because we're all listening to you 215 00:07:51,100 --> 00:07:52,870 and now you're kind of committing to us that you're going 216 00:07:52,870 --> 00:07:53,290 to do it. 217 00:07:53,290 --> 00:07:55,600 So we're going to go that's right. 218 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:56,200 That's right. 219 00:07:56,290 --> 00:07:59,200 Oh, I will do it this week. 220 00:07:59,530 --> 00:08:00,040 All right. 221 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:00,730 I heard that. 222 00:08:01,720 --> 00:08:03,940 Let's talk then on the other side, 223 00:08:03,940 --> 00:08:07,510 what about any challenges or things that were a little more 224 00:08:07,510 --> 00:08:10,180 complicated in relation to Etsy? 225 00:08:10,390 --> 00:08:13,000 Is there anything that you've learned along the way that would 226 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:13,630 be good to share? 227 00:08:14,290 --> 00:08:18,220 Well, there's all sorts of little challenges that for anybody going 228 00:08:18,220 --> 00:08:19,510 through any type of business, 229 00:08:19,840 --> 00:08:19,990 you know, 230 00:08:19,990 --> 00:08:21,850 the challenge of learning the photography, 231 00:08:21,850 --> 00:08:22,870 like I've said before, 232 00:08:23,170 --> 00:08:26,620 social media ways to promote right now, 233 00:08:26,620 --> 00:08:28,990 I'm going through a major challenge, 234 00:08:29,020 --> 00:08:30,190 a life change. 235 00:08:30,430 --> 00:08:33,490 And I may have to cut down on the sizes of 236 00:08:33,490 --> 00:08:36,700 my shops because I may be moving closer to my grandson. 237 00:08:36,910 --> 00:08:38,380 So that's my big challenge right now. 238 00:08:38,650 --> 00:08:40,210 Well, that doesn't sound too bad. 239 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:41,690 I know. 240 00:08:41,690 --> 00:08:42,910 No I'm excited about it. 241 00:08:43,090 --> 00:08:45,010 Now, would you say that that's one of the values of 242 00:08:45,010 --> 00:08:48,760 Etsy because you can either augment your shop by adding a 243 00:08:48,760 --> 00:08:53,110 lot more product or keep it going with fewer products. 244 00:08:53,110 --> 00:08:54,760 Really? It's just a matter, 245 00:08:54,820 --> 00:08:57,390 I think of your end of putting all the photos up 246 00:08:57,630 --> 00:09:00,660 and then obviously filling orders in a timely manner when they 247 00:09:00,660 --> 00:09:01,320 come through. 248 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:04,200 Right. So flexibility. 249 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:04,470 I mean, 250 00:09:04,470 --> 00:09:05,370 Etsy offers you, 251 00:09:05,370 --> 00:09:07,290 it sounds like great flexibility. 252 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:09,780 As you're saying to fit into your lifestyle. 253 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:12,140 Perfect. It's like this morning, 254 00:09:12,140 --> 00:09:14,930 I was able to go running at seven in the morning 255 00:09:14,930 --> 00:09:16,820 and play a little bit of tennis and then come back 256 00:09:16,820 --> 00:09:18,350 and go back to my Etsy shop. 257 00:09:19,070 --> 00:09:19,700 There you go. 258 00:09:19,940 --> 00:09:21,260 So question, 259 00:09:21,650 --> 00:09:24,980 why did you decide the very first shop that you had 260 00:09:24,980 --> 00:09:28,580 Jen's closet was vintage of all sorts. 261 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:32,450 Why did you then decide to niche it down and do 262 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:34,760 subsets of the overall vintage? 263 00:09:34,790 --> 00:09:35,630 Because now you have, 264 00:09:35,720 --> 00:09:37,580 if Jen's closet is more clothing, 265 00:09:37,580 --> 00:09:39,110 accessories. No, 266 00:09:39,110 --> 00:09:41,120 actually it's just a mix originally. 267 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:42,590 That's why I called it Jen's closet. 268 00:09:42,620 --> 00:09:44,210 I was going to have more clothes, 269 00:09:44,210 --> 00:09:46,700 but now I don't even have any clothes in there, 270 00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:48,320 so I just kept the name. 271 00:09:48,560 --> 00:09:52,010 Okay. So Jen's closet is a mix of what, 272 00:09:52,190 --> 00:09:53,750 It's a mix of everything. 273 00:09:54,050 --> 00:09:55,220 Vintage bar ware, 274 00:09:55,250 --> 00:09:57,590 retro. I have a lot of tea, 275 00:09:57,590 --> 00:09:59,450 party type style things, 276 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:00,980 China, teacups, 277 00:10:01,340 --> 00:10:02,180 pink, you know, 278 00:10:02,210 --> 00:10:03,500 depression, glass. 279 00:10:04,550 --> 00:10:06,380 It's something for everyone in that shop really. 280 00:10:06,590 --> 00:10:09,020 Okay. And then you also have the milk glass shop, 281 00:10:09,050 --> 00:10:12,260 which is clearly that all milk glass and then the China 282 00:10:12,260 --> 00:10:13,580 shop. Yes. 283 00:10:13,970 --> 00:10:16,580 Why did you decide to go that route instead of keeping 284 00:10:16,580 --> 00:10:18,080 everything under one umbrella? 285 00:10:18,410 --> 00:10:22,010 Well, for middle-class I started to collect quite a bit and 286 00:10:22,010 --> 00:10:23,090 it was very popular. 287 00:10:23,360 --> 00:10:26,180 So I decided that it was a good idea to branch 288 00:10:26,180 --> 00:10:27,440 out and keep it separate. 289 00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:29,420 And it's been a great idea, 290 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:31,100 works out quite well. 291 00:10:31,430 --> 00:10:32,120 And then it's, 292 00:10:32,390 --> 00:10:33,980 well, it's the same with the China shop. 293 00:10:34,220 --> 00:10:38,930 I started collecting a lot and it's very popular for weddings, 294 00:10:38,990 --> 00:10:39,260 you know, 295 00:10:39,260 --> 00:10:42,320 brides and tea parties and bridal showers. 296 00:10:42,650 --> 00:10:43,850 So it worked out well too. 297 00:10:44,390 --> 00:10:47,330 You're really confirming what people talk about all the time. 298 00:10:47,330 --> 00:10:50,870 Is that doing subsets and really specializing and focusing in, 299 00:10:50,870 --> 00:10:52,160 although you kind of would think, 300 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:55,760 well, maybe I'm limiting myself because someone who might want something 301 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:58,820 that's milk glass is then missing out on seeing everything else 302 00:10:58,820 --> 00:11:00,410 that might be in Jen's closet. 303 00:11:00,740 --> 00:11:03,050 But it sounds like those, 304 00:11:03,110 --> 00:11:05,180 all three of the shops are doing really well. 305 00:11:05,180 --> 00:11:08,810 And it's probably because you're niching down because they're able to 306 00:11:08,810 --> 00:11:10,580 find you in search that much better. 307 00:11:10,910 --> 00:11:13,070 Yes, I do believe that's true. 308 00:11:13,370 --> 00:11:15,290 I think it's worked out quite well for me. 309 00:11:15,560 --> 00:11:18,080 So another thing you guys give fizz listeners, 310 00:11:18,110 --> 00:11:19,130 just to remember, 311 00:11:19,310 --> 00:11:22,880 you don't want to try and be everything to everybody. 312 00:11:23,060 --> 00:11:24,770 You want to be able to niche it down, 313 00:11:24,770 --> 00:11:28,850 just like Jen's done here by separating her product categories because 314 00:11:28,850 --> 00:11:31,880 she has enough product to make it a separate shop. 315 00:11:32,090 --> 00:11:32,720 And Oh my gosh. 316 00:11:32,720 --> 00:11:34,580 Again at T's a great platform. 317 00:11:34,580 --> 00:11:35,330 I would say Jen, 318 00:11:35,330 --> 00:11:38,540 because there is no cost to opening multiple shops. 319 00:11:38,540 --> 00:11:39,500 You could have 50 shops. 320 00:11:39,500 --> 00:11:40,910 If you wanted on Etsy, 321 00:11:41,150 --> 00:11:43,250 You could have as many as you want. 322 00:11:43,460 --> 00:11:45,650 And it doesn't cost any more because it's just, 323 00:11:45,650 --> 00:11:47,330 by-product That's right. 324 00:11:47,330 --> 00:11:47,600 If it's, 325 00:11:47,610 --> 00:11:48,500 if you can juggle, 326 00:11:48,500 --> 00:11:50,180 I can juggle it quite easy. 327 00:11:50,210 --> 00:11:51,350 Some people think, 328 00:11:51,380 --> 00:11:51,830 Oh no, 329 00:11:51,830 --> 00:11:52,820 I can't handle three, 330 00:11:53,260 --> 00:11:54,310 but they can, 331 00:11:54,340 --> 00:11:54,910 if I can, 332 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:56,340 What would be the difference? 333 00:11:56,340 --> 00:11:58,500 What's the issue about juggling the shops? 334 00:11:58,500 --> 00:11:59,130 What do you mean by that? 335 00:11:59,130 --> 00:12:00,060 Yeah. Well, 336 00:12:00,060 --> 00:12:04,380 you have to be able to keep all three open at 337 00:12:04,380 --> 00:12:04,920 one time. 338 00:12:04,920 --> 00:12:07,320 So I have different browsers and different emails. 339 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:10,230 You have to have two different emails for each shop and 340 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,570 some people just feel frazzled by it. 341 00:12:12,600 --> 00:12:13,360 The idea of it. 342 00:12:13,650 --> 00:12:16,590 Okay. So there's different emails for each shop and then you 343 00:12:16,590 --> 00:12:19,200 have to have the shops open in case people have questions 344 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:20,730 about the product and such, 345 00:12:20,970 --> 00:12:22,170 and then how the orders come in. 346 00:12:22,500 --> 00:12:26,010 Yes. And I like to get back to all questions within 347 00:12:26,010 --> 00:12:26,580 an hour. 348 00:12:26,910 --> 00:12:27,390 Got it. 349 00:12:27,540 --> 00:12:28,230 Okay. So yeah, 350 00:12:28,260 --> 00:12:32,490 50 would be a little cumbersome even on a desktop computer. 351 00:12:33,780 --> 00:12:34,590 I don't recommend it. 352 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:36,420 All right. 353 00:12:36,420 --> 00:12:38,400 So this is an interesting point though. 354 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:40,170 Let's talk about behind the scenes, 355 00:12:40,170 --> 00:12:45,060 cause we've been talking about now photography's important and taking angles 356 00:12:45,060 --> 00:12:46,140 of the photos, 357 00:12:46,140 --> 00:12:47,070 all of that. 358 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:50,790 Let's talk a little bit about the customer service end. 359 00:12:50,790 --> 00:12:53,820 Then how much time do you feel you're putting in to 360 00:12:53,820 --> 00:12:57,810 be successful in terms of replying and what types of comments 361 00:12:57,810 --> 00:12:59,580 or insight can you give us on that end? 362 00:12:59,580 --> 00:13:01,740 In terms of the communication before the sale? 363 00:13:02,160 --> 00:13:04,440 Well, customers are the most important thing. 364 00:13:04,440 --> 00:13:08,460 So communication is so important when you have somebody, 365 00:13:08,460 --> 00:13:12,120 a customer call or contacting you with a question you get 366 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:13,140 to them right away, 367 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:14,730 be polite and friendly. 368 00:13:15,030 --> 00:13:17,550 And that's what it's all about. 369 00:13:17,550 --> 00:13:18,330 But your customers, 370 00:13:18,360 --> 00:13:19,080 if you don't have them, 371 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:19,560 guess what? 372 00:13:19,560 --> 00:13:20,640 You don't have a shop. 373 00:13:20,880 --> 00:13:23,550 Right. And is all your communication done then through email or 374 00:13:23,550 --> 00:13:24,900 do you talk on the phone ever? 375 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:29,670 Usually just email w w it's called conversation on Etsy. 376 00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:32,820 There's a button you can press like contact and then your 377 00:13:33,060 --> 00:13:34,080 call it a convo. 378 00:13:34,650 --> 00:13:36,900 And so it's like an Etsy email, 379 00:13:37,380 --> 00:13:40,830 Right? And then is there a certain category of question that 380 00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:43,650 usually is the most frequent that comes in or give us 381 00:13:43,650 --> 00:13:46,140 a sense of the types of things people are asking about 382 00:13:46,530 --> 00:13:47,340 Through the phone? 383 00:13:47,340 --> 00:13:48,240 For some reason, 384 00:13:48,270 --> 00:13:50,670 not all the descriptions come out. 385 00:13:50,670 --> 00:13:52,740 So if they're shopping via their phone, 386 00:13:52,980 --> 00:13:55,200 they don't see the clear description. 387 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:57,480 So they'll ask if there's any flaws. 388 00:13:57,780 --> 00:14:01,140 Sometimes they ask for discounts and I'm in a good mood. 389 00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:04,140 I might give them a one Got to catch you at 390 00:14:04,140 --> 00:14:04,830 the right time. 391 00:14:04,830 --> 00:14:06,990 Right. Or, 392 00:14:06,990 --> 00:14:07,200 you know, 393 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:07,740 you never know, 394 00:14:07,740 --> 00:14:09,480 it might be a piece that you've had for awhile that 395 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:09,960 you're just like, 396 00:14:09,990 --> 00:14:11,820 I am so ready to get this out of here. 397 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:14,760 Yes, actually I have one of those that just came up 398 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:15,630 and I sold it. 399 00:14:15,630 --> 00:14:16,800 So worked out well. 400 00:14:17,280 --> 00:14:17,790 Good, good. 401 00:14:18,690 --> 00:14:21,420 Now this is a good point because a lot of people 402 00:14:21,420 --> 00:14:23,670 now are using their mobile, 403 00:14:23,880 --> 00:14:25,530 almost exclusively. 404 00:14:25,590 --> 00:14:27,510 A lot of people aren't even going back to a desktop 405 00:14:27,540 --> 00:14:31,680 anymore. Have you found that the way you make your description? 406 00:14:31,680 --> 00:14:34,260 So a lot of the important stuff is up way at 407 00:14:34,260 --> 00:14:37,860 the top with just fewer words or something so that it 408 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:40,350 is readable on mobile devices. 409 00:14:40,980 --> 00:14:41,820 Exactly. Right. 410 00:14:41,820 --> 00:14:42,480 Because the, 411 00:14:42,490 --> 00:14:44,850 you have to have the right keywords to get noticed. 412 00:14:45,390 --> 00:14:48,540 Okay. So what is your thought process when you're putting an 413 00:14:48,540 --> 00:14:49,020 item up? 414 00:14:49,230 --> 00:14:50,250 How do you like, 415 00:14:50,340 --> 00:14:52,220 do you have certain that you use, 416 00:14:52,220 --> 00:14:54,890 how do you decide what those first couple of lines are 417 00:14:54,890 --> 00:14:56,090 going to be in the description, 418 00:14:56,540 --> 00:14:57,790 pencil on Trends? 419 00:14:57,940 --> 00:14:58,930 Like with China, 420 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:01,450 they loved mismatched China. 421 00:15:01,450 --> 00:15:04,000 So I'll try to put in words like that, 422 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:06,010 whatever sort of the trends are, 423 00:15:07,210 --> 00:15:08,470 How do you know the trends? 424 00:15:10,270 --> 00:15:12,280 Is that just part of knowing your product, 425 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:14,890 right. It is part of knowing and you know, 426 00:15:14,980 --> 00:15:17,890 it's sometimes from questions from customers that gives me an idea 427 00:15:17,890 --> 00:15:18,820 of what the trends are. 428 00:15:19,180 --> 00:15:20,200 Oh, good point. 429 00:15:20,260 --> 00:15:22,930 Yeah. We always need to be listening to our customers. 430 00:15:22,960 --> 00:15:25,510 They provide so much additional information. 431 00:15:25,660 --> 00:15:27,400 I think it's so easy to forget that. 432 00:15:27,610 --> 00:15:28,750 Right. Okay. 433 00:15:28,750 --> 00:15:30,340 So anything else on the descript, 434 00:15:30,350 --> 00:15:31,540 the item descriptions? 435 00:15:31,870 --> 00:15:34,390 Well, you just want to have like a measure, 436 00:15:34,390 --> 00:15:35,350 everything, you know, 437 00:15:35,410 --> 00:15:36,610 two inch diameter, 438 00:15:36,670 --> 00:15:40,060 two inches tall and the inside damn diameter one and a 439 00:15:40,060 --> 00:15:40,660 half inches. 440 00:15:40,660 --> 00:15:43,630 So they know everything there is to know about. 441 00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:48,220 Okay. So I think I've heard you talking three things are 442 00:15:48,220 --> 00:15:51,820 really super important when you're putting up an item, 443 00:15:52,180 --> 00:15:53,240 not talking price at, 444 00:15:53,250 --> 00:15:54,610 because we're going to get to that in a minute. 445 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:58,930 But in terms of the description would be adding in keywords 446 00:15:58,930 --> 00:16:00,820 because that helps you in search, 447 00:16:01,090 --> 00:16:03,910 keeping the most important stuff up to the top. 448 00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:06,100 When you're putting in the information, 449 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:07,420 especially for mobile, 450 00:16:07,750 --> 00:16:11,410 the detail new in terms of the measurements like Jen's just 451 00:16:11,410 --> 00:16:12,250 talking about, 452 00:16:12,340 --> 00:16:14,260 and then the photo and multiple angles, 453 00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:15,370 depending on your product. 454 00:16:15,370 --> 00:16:19,030 So that's actually four things that are super important when you're 455 00:16:19,030 --> 00:16:22,840 making your description and putting up each and every item does 456 00:16:22,840 --> 00:16:23,860 that summarize it there, 457 00:16:23,860 --> 00:16:26,410 Jen, that summarizes it pretty well. 458 00:16:26,650 --> 00:16:29,020 So now let's talk about pricing, 459 00:16:29,290 --> 00:16:29,740 first of all, 460 00:16:29,740 --> 00:16:31,210 where you're getting your items from, 461 00:16:31,210 --> 00:16:32,470 and then let's go into pricing. 462 00:16:32,740 --> 00:16:35,080 That'll be an interesting place for us to take this, 463 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:35,740 You know, 464 00:16:35,740 --> 00:16:38,740 HIO. We are so lucky cause there's so many great places 465 00:16:38,740 --> 00:16:41,620 to find antiques and vintage thrift shops. 466 00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:43,150 I love estate sales, 467 00:16:43,390 --> 00:16:44,650 antique shops, 468 00:16:44,980 --> 00:16:46,840 even places like Goodwill, 469 00:16:47,830 --> 00:16:48,640 garage sales, 470 00:16:48,820 --> 00:16:49,630 once in a while, 471 00:16:49,630 --> 00:16:51,490 those are more of a hit or miss. 472 00:16:51,490 --> 00:16:53,860 So if it's a nice day and I feel like it, 473 00:16:53,860 --> 00:16:55,570 I might go to a few of those. 474 00:16:56,230 --> 00:16:57,910 And have you educated yourself? 475 00:16:57,910 --> 00:17:01,060 You probably again know from your great aunt Esther, 476 00:17:01,270 --> 00:17:04,480 but do you have a good feel or knowledge of whether 477 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:08,500 something that you're looking at is high quality or how do 478 00:17:08,500 --> 00:17:10,150 you decide what you're going to pick? 479 00:17:10,150 --> 00:17:12,070 What you're going to take and put up at your site? 480 00:17:13,100 --> 00:17:13,510 I have to say, 481 00:17:13,510 --> 00:17:14,800 I think I have a pretty good eye. 482 00:17:14,920 --> 00:17:16,360 If you see me as a state sale, 483 00:17:16,390 --> 00:17:17,530 I'll just be grabbing. 484 00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:21,130 Are you one of those people who like right before the 485 00:17:21,130 --> 00:17:21,820 door opened to you? 486 00:17:21,820 --> 00:17:22,990 They're standing in line? 487 00:17:23,670 --> 00:17:24,760 No, I don't like that. 488 00:17:24,970 --> 00:17:26,080 I don't like that at all. 489 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:27,670 Yeah. I avoid that. 490 00:17:28,030 --> 00:17:29,290 Those people are crazy. 491 00:17:30,580 --> 00:17:30,760 All right. 492 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:31,930 So you're not in that category. 493 00:17:32,110 --> 00:17:32,950 No, I'm not. 494 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:35,980 So you've picked up products now you're going home and we 495 00:17:35,980 --> 00:17:38,260 know how you're going to list them and take photos of 496 00:17:38,260 --> 00:17:41,230 them. How are you going to determine what the price is? 497 00:17:41,500 --> 00:17:43,150 I have all sorts of methods. 498 00:17:43,150 --> 00:17:44,980 I have some reference books, 499 00:17:44,980 --> 00:17:45,370 of course, 500 00:17:45,370 --> 00:17:45,910 in the internet. 501 00:17:45,910 --> 00:17:47,530 Now that you can find so much, 502 00:17:47,860 --> 00:17:50,850 I check on other similar items on Etsy, 503 00:17:50,850 --> 00:17:51,690 on eBay. 504 00:17:51,930 --> 00:17:54,150 And I just kind of know at this point, 505 00:17:54,150 --> 00:17:56,130 since I've been doing it since 2008. 506 00:17:56,630 --> 00:17:58,010 Okay. And the nice thing for yourself is, 507 00:17:58,040 --> 00:17:58,280 you know, 508 00:17:58,280 --> 00:17:59,450 you know how much you paid for it. 509 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,760 So it's really a matter of how much you want to 510 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:02,270 make on it. 511 00:18:02,630 --> 00:18:05,930 Yes. And we want to make sure that you're making a 512 00:18:05,930 --> 00:18:08,780 good profit because you're all you're going to pay at. 513 00:18:08,780 --> 00:18:12,590 See something need to factor in the cost of all your 514 00:18:12,590 --> 00:18:14,090 packing and shipping supplies. 515 00:18:14,090 --> 00:18:15,470 Those are expensive bubble wrap, 516 00:18:15,620 --> 00:18:16,670 packing peanuts. 517 00:18:17,540 --> 00:18:20,930 Now, is that included in the cost of the product when 518 00:18:20,930 --> 00:18:23,630 you list it or does that get included later in the 519 00:18:23,630 --> 00:18:24,680 shipping cost? 520 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:27,410 I mix it up a little bit. 521 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:29,330 Cause sometimes the shipping can scare people. 522 00:18:29,330 --> 00:18:32,630 So maybe I'll make the price of the item a little 523 00:18:32,630 --> 00:18:35,540 bit more because shipping can turn people off. 524 00:18:35,930 --> 00:18:36,680 Yeah, it can. 525 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:38,330 So really good point. 526 00:18:38,330 --> 00:18:41,510 And this is something that so often I think we, 527 00:18:41,510 --> 00:18:44,870 as people who are listing on Etsy or who are crafters 528 00:18:44,870 --> 00:18:46,610 and selling products anywhere, 529 00:18:46,970 --> 00:18:49,250 we'll forget that there's a lot of hidden costs. 530 00:18:49,250 --> 00:18:51,740 It's just not the cost of your materials or in Jen's 531 00:18:51,740 --> 00:18:54,020 case, the cost of what she picked up and it vintage 532 00:18:54,080 --> 00:18:57,350 item for it's also in Jen's case, 533 00:18:57,380 --> 00:18:59,450 she had to drive wherever she was going. 534 00:18:59,600 --> 00:19:02,870 She was taking time to do that in the terms of 535 00:19:02,870 --> 00:19:03,680 a crafter, 536 00:19:03,800 --> 00:19:05,300 you have to get your supplies, 537 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:08,120 time, creating everything and putting it all together. 538 00:19:08,120 --> 00:19:10,190 And all of that is worth something. 539 00:19:10,190 --> 00:19:14,420 So it's not just the raw material costs of acquiring the 540 00:19:14,420 --> 00:19:16,490 product. There are a lot of other hidden things. 541 00:19:16,670 --> 00:19:18,080 Jen here is also talking about, 542 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:21,920 I think a very great idea is some of the extra 543 00:19:21,920 --> 00:19:23,390 shipping costs, 544 00:19:23,390 --> 00:19:24,260 bubble, wrap, 545 00:19:24,290 --> 00:19:26,270 labels, back scene, 546 00:19:26,360 --> 00:19:27,290 you, whatever it might be. 547 00:19:27,290 --> 00:19:29,000 I don't know if you include notes or any, 548 00:19:29,210 --> 00:19:29,420 you know, 549 00:19:29,430 --> 00:19:30,770 promotional stuff in, 550 00:19:30,980 --> 00:19:31,190 you know, 551 00:19:31,190 --> 00:19:32,270 with the box to Jen, 552 00:19:32,270 --> 00:19:35,210 but all of that should be included in the total cost 553 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:36,100 of your products. 554 00:19:36,100 --> 00:19:40,100 So something to think about when you're pricing very important, 555 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:43,400 are you able on Etsy to say free shipping? 556 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:44,870 Very rarely. 557 00:19:44,870 --> 00:19:49,370 Maybe they're ordering a second item and it's maybe just jewelry. 558 00:19:49,490 --> 00:19:50,570 Yes, I can do that. 559 00:19:50,840 --> 00:19:52,100 Okay. So you could, 560 00:19:52,100 --> 00:19:54,470 if someone was doing something and they wanted to just, 561 00:19:54,710 --> 00:19:54,890 you know, 562 00:19:54,890 --> 00:19:57,470 maybe it's something that they can even send in an envelope, 563 00:19:57,890 --> 00:19:58,220 you know, 564 00:19:58,220 --> 00:19:58,670 that they could, 565 00:19:58,910 --> 00:20:01,130 but there is the option to say free shipping on a 566 00:20:01,130 --> 00:20:03,020 store. There is that option. 567 00:20:03,020 --> 00:20:04,220 Yes. You can do that. 568 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:07,550 So talk to us a little bit now on the marketing 569 00:20:07,550 --> 00:20:10,850 end, how do you drive business over to your stores? 570 00:20:11,630 --> 00:20:12,740 There's so many ways, 571 00:20:12,740 --> 00:20:16,730 but social media is my favorite and I have almost 24,000 572 00:20:16,730 --> 00:20:21,410 followers on Twitter because I love to talk and on all 573 00:20:21,410 --> 00:20:22,160 my social media, 574 00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:22,460 it's like, 575 00:20:22,670 --> 00:20:24,050 Oh, Instagram is my new favorite. 576 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:25,220 That's good. 577 00:20:25,910 --> 00:20:26,720 It's so visual. 578 00:20:26,720 --> 00:20:28,010 Right? Visual. 579 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:29,270 I'm all about the visual, 580 00:20:29,420 --> 00:20:30,500 but I like to mix it up. 581 00:20:30,530 --> 00:20:33,440 So it's not just not like I'm promoting and I'd like 582 00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:35,120 to mix it up with my photography, 583 00:20:35,240 --> 00:20:36,260 what I'm doing, 584 00:20:36,290 --> 00:20:37,520 maybe playing tennis. 585 00:20:37,880 --> 00:20:38,930 I know a lot about you too, 586 00:20:38,940 --> 00:20:41,330 because honestly Etsy shop owners, 587 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:44,150 I think the whole concept of Etsy is you're buying from 588 00:20:44,150 --> 00:20:45,740 someone who has their own business. 589 00:20:45,740 --> 00:20:46,430 So it's great. 590 00:20:46,430 --> 00:20:46,610 You know, 591 00:20:46,610 --> 00:20:48,550 to add your personal life too, 592 00:20:48,850 --> 00:20:50,440 People want to know more about you. 593 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:54,130 Sure. So Twitter and Instagram and then those lead to your 594 00:20:54,130 --> 00:20:54,610 Etsy shop. 595 00:20:55,200 --> 00:20:58,560 Yes. Among other things I have Pinterest and Tumblr and no 596 00:20:58,560 --> 00:21:00,120 blah-blah-blah and there's so many. 597 00:21:00,720 --> 00:21:03,240 Would you say Twitter and Instagram now are your biggest? 598 00:21:03,390 --> 00:21:04,230 Those are my top. 599 00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:05,100 And those are your top. 600 00:21:05,340 --> 00:21:07,650 So on Instagram, 601 00:21:07,680 --> 00:21:10,260 do you have multiple sites for the shops or, 602 00:21:10,260 --> 00:21:12,360 or what site do you lead somebody to? 603 00:21:12,360 --> 00:21:15,630 Since there's only one clickable link there in the bio of 604 00:21:15,630 --> 00:21:17,040 Instagram? Well, 605 00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:17,970 it's called, 606 00:21:18,270 --> 00:21:20,490 most of my sites are called Jen's closet, 607 00:21:20,490 --> 00:21:21,600 but in the bio, 608 00:21:21,750 --> 00:21:23,430 there is a link to Jen's closet. 609 00:21:23,460 --> 00:21:25,020 They won't give you any more links, 610 00:21:25,170 --> 00:21:27,840 but you can add the names of your other shops. 611 00:21:27,840 --> 00:21:28,980 And that's what I've done too. 612 00:21:29,340 --> 00:21:29,990 Okay. Yeah. 613 00:21:29,990 --> 00:21:30,660 And I've seen that. 614 00:21:30,660 --> 00:21:31,410 They're actually, 615 00:21:31,590 --> 00:21:32,550 now that you've said that. 616 00:21:32,940 --> 00:21:33,180 All right. 617 00:21:33,180 --> 00:21:35,790 And so how often do you post on Instagram? 618 00:21:36,240 --> 00:21:39,570 Instagram, probably three times a day. 619 00:21:39,570 --> 00:21:41,820 And one would be more, 620 00:21:42,150 --> 00:21:44,400 maybe something in lifestyle cooking. 621 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:45,120 I love to cook. 622 00:21:45,120 --> 00:21:47,880 So I post something that I'm making for lunch. 623 00:21:48,160 --> 00:21:48,330 And then, 624 00:21:48,350 --> 00:21:52,650 then I'll have at least one that it's an Etsy item. 625 00:21:52,980 --> 00:21:56,400 And then I love photography and I love to create little 626 00:21:56,610 --> 00:22:00,540 tea party vignettes and put that on and people love that. 627 00:22:00,990 --> 00:22:02,280 Okay. And Then what about Twitter? 628 00:22:02,280 --> 00:22:03,690 How often do you post on Twitter? 629 00:22:03,990 --> 00:22:04,440 Oh gosh. 630 00:22:04,440 --> 00:22:05,580 I'm always on Twitter. 631 00:22:05,790 --> 00:22:07,410 If you anyone out there, 632 00:22:07,410 --> 00:22:07,980 if you want to go, 633 00:22:08,370 --> 00:22:09,360 go to Jen's class at, 634 00:22:09,360 --> 00:22:09,750 you'll see, 635 00:22:09,750 --> 00:22:10,890 I tweet a lot. 636 00:22:10,890 --> 00:22:12,120 I it's a crazy amount. 637 00:22:12,120 --> 00:22:12,900 I'm embarrassed. 638 00:22:12,900 --> 00:22:14,550 I won't even say Well, 639 00:22:14,550 --> 00:22:16,800 but that's a platform where you want to be tweeting a 640 00:22:16,800 --> 00:22:17,610 lot. You know, 641 00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:19,320 I w more than 20 a day, 642 00:22:19,770 --> 00:22:22,470 Probably because it just random things. 643 00:22:22,470 --> 00:22:24,420 I like to post funny things. 644 00:22:24,420 --> 00:22:25,470 And like I say, 645 00:22:25,740 --> 00:22:28,740 I will post probably in a day, 646 00:22:28,770 --> 00:22:31,560 maybe three posts that are Etsy related, 647 00:22:31,710 --> 00:22:32,910 but the rest is just fun. 648 00:22:34,070 --> 00:22:36,690 Are most of your followers then business or are they friends 649 00:22:36,690 --> 00:22:37,830 and family as well? 650 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:41,580 It's a great mix of business friends. 651 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:42,540 It's funny, 652 00:22:42,780 --> 00:22:47,130 important thing on Twitter is the hashtags and I'll hashtag whatever 653 00:22:47,130 --> 00:22:50,280 it's wine and I'll all of a sudden get wine companies 654 00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:51,000 following me. 655 00:22:51,240 --> 00:22:54,240 I get quite a few new followers every day. 656 00:22:54,840 --> 00:22:58,140 Wonderful. And so have you been doing that for the last 657 00:22:58,140 --> 00:23:00,540 several years or how did it start in build to be 658 00:23:00,540 --> 00:23:01,800 as big as it is right now? 659 00:23:02,130 --> 00:23:04,140 Twitter, I started in 2008, 660 00:23:04,290 --> 00:23:06,030 mostly just to promote my shop. 661 00:23:06,240 --> 00:23:08,190 And I don't know, 662 00:23:08,460 --> 00:23:10,110 my daughter is 23. 663 00:23:10,110 --> 00:23:10,800 She says, 664 00:23:10,800 --> 00:23:11,280 her friends say, 665 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:13,260 wow, what does your mom do? 666 00:23:13,590 --> 00:23:15,210 Like I'm some movie stars, 667 00:23:15,220 --> 00:23:17,940 something she's like, 668 00:23:17,940 --> 00:23:20,850 nothing. You've built it up over time. 669 00:23:20,850 --> 00:23:22,710 That's the point you're active, 670 00:23:23,310 --> 00:23:24,900 your consistent, 671 00:23:25,080 --> 00:23:27,720 you post multiple things, 672 00:23:27,720 --> 00:23:27,930 you know, 673 00:23:27,930 --> 00:23:30,390 from lifestyle to cooking, 674 00:23:30,390 --> 00:23:31,140 which is your, 675 00:23:31,260 --> 00:23:31,560 you know, 676 00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:33,270 a hobby to your business. 677 00:23:33,270 --> 00:23:36,450 So it's all encompassing of who you are and you've been 678 00:23:36,450 --> 00:23:37,650 doing it for quite a long time. 679 00:23:37,680 --> 00:23:40,020 So that's how you build up the numbers. 680 00:23:40,350 --> 00:23:43,230 Again. Another great point for us all to remember is don't 681 00:23:43,230 --> 00:23:45,150 just think specially on social media, 682 00:23:45,260 --> 00:23:47,570 you put your time in and after three months, 683 00:23:47,720 --> 00:23:49,370 why are you not seeing all these numbers? 684 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:52,610 You have to continue to be consistent and to be posting 685 00:23:52,610 --> 00:23:54,860 things that people want to be looking for. 686 00:23:55,300 --> 00:23:56,920 Yes. A good mix. 687 00:23:56,950 --> 00:23:58,960 And the hashtags are important. 688 00:23:59,380 --> 00:24:00,370 Yeah, for sure. 689 00:24:00,580 --> 00:24:01,750 On Instagram too, 690 00:24:01,990 --> 00:24:02,320 you know, 691 00:24:02,380 --> 00:24:03,490 Twitter and Instagram. 692 00:24:03,700 --> 00:24:05,170 So you're into the real, 693 00:24:05,170 --> 00:24:07,630 super hashtag social media platform. 694 00:24:08,260 --> 00:24:09,910 Yes, definitely. 695 00:24:10,810 --> 00:24:13,720 I would like to roll into now our reflection section. 696 00:24:13,930 --> 00:24:16,900 This is an in-depth look at you in terms of what 697 00:24:16,900 --> 00:24:19,630 types of qualities and things that you're doing that are helping 698 00:24:19,630 --> 00:24:21,370 you be as successful as you are. 699 00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:26,470 If there's one trait that you have apart from your aunt, 700 00:24:26,470 --> 00:24:28,630 Esther and loving all of vintage, 701 00:24:28,930 --> 00:24:32,170 what is it that you call upon within yourself that keeps 702 00:24:32,170 --> 00:24:33,100 you going every day? 703 00:24:33,580 --> 00:24:34,420 My attitude, 704 00:24:34,510 --> 00:24:35,890 I try to keep positive. 705 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:37,900 There's some days that stuff can happen, 706 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:41,410 but most days I'm positive and I'm happy person, 707 00:24:41,440 --> 00:24:45,670 even though circumstances might not be perfect all the time. 708 00:24:45,850 --> 00:24:47,620 I'm basically a happy person. 709 00:24:48,130 --> 00:24:52,270 Wonderful. And is there a tool that you use regularly in 710 00:24:52,270 --> 00:24:52,690 your life? 711 00:24:52,690 --> 00:24:54,730 And I've already talked about the fact that you get out 712 00:24:54,730 --> 00:24:55,510 and get moving. 713 00:24:55,510 --> 00:24:58,120 Cause none of us want to be behind the computer all 714 00:24:58,120 --> 00:24:58,750 the time, 715 00:24:58,990 --> 00:24:59,920 but is that it, 716 00:24:59,920 --> 00:25:02,680 or is there something else that you do within your business 717 00:25:02,680 --> 00:25:05,530 day that you really see is if you didn't have that 718 00:25:05,530 --> 00:25:08,200 tool or that ability to do something, 719 00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:10,600 it would impede your progress. 720 00:25:10,630 --> 00:25:12,700 Yes. My best tool is writing, 721 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:19,030 whether it's just lists or a journal to vent, 722 00:25:19,300 --> 00:25:22,180 to talk about what's going on or what you want to 723 00:25:22,180 --> 00:25:23,740 do the rest of your life, 724 00:25:23,770 --> 00:25:25,450 whatever writing is my thing. 725 00:25:25,720 --> 00:25:27,430 Is it journaling specifically? 726 00:25:27,820 --> 00:25:29,470 Yes. I like to keep a journal. 727 00:25:29,710 --> 00:25:32,650 It helps to sort out your thoughts sometimes when you're kind 728 00:25:32,650 --> 00:25:33,910 of mixed up with things. 729 00:25:34,210 --> 00:25:36,580 So writing's always helped me with that. 730 00:25:36,910 --> 00:25:38,470 Do you do a daily entry? 731 00:25:38,710 --> 00:25:39,100 I do. 732 00:25:39,130 --> 00:25:39,940 Daily entry. 733 00:25:40,150 --> 00:25:41,110 Do you Certain time, 734 00:25:41,110 --> 00:25:42,130 is it kind of in a routine, 735 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:42,850 your routine, 736 00:25:42,850 --> 00:25:45,250 do you like get up and do it right away or 737 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:47,350 Usually it gets later, 738 00:25:47,380 --> 00:25:47,830 you know, 739 00:25:48,010 --> 00:25:48,550 before bed, 740 00:25:48,550 --> 00:25:50,200 time, time to relax. 741 00:25:50,340 --> 00:25:51,520 Right. All right. 742 00:25:51,520 --> 00:25:55,960 Wonderful. No one has really talked about that on our podcast 743 00:25:55,960 --> 00:25:58,090 yet. So I'm really glad that you are, 744 00:25:58,330 --> 00:26:00,100 in terms of the value of sitting down, 745 00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:01,630 getting your thoughts on paper, 746 00:26:01,810 --> 00:26:03,220 kind of clarifies for you. 747 00:26:03,220 --> 00:26:06,520 It sounds like It's so important for me and I think 748 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:07,600 it will help anybody. 749 00:26:07,930 --> 00:26:09,820 So Found real advantages in that. 750 00:26:10,060 --> 00:26:12,640 And have you read a book lately that you think our 751 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:13,480 listeners could find? 752 00:26:14,470 --> 00:26:18,190 Well, I'm not really very good about reading books, 753 00:26:18,190 --> 00:26:20,920 but I did go to the library yesterday and, 754 00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:21,670 but see, 755 00:26:21,670 --> 00:26:22,450 I, like I said, 756 00:26:22,450 --> 00:26:23,440 I'm more of a visual, 757 00:26:23,650 --> 00:26:24,850 so I bought two. 758 00:26:24,850 --> 00:26:27,340 If you've heard of Rachel Ashwell shabby chic. 759 00:26:27,340 --> 00:26:27,970 I love her. 760 00:26:28,810 --> 00:26:31,630 I borrowed two of her books and then I bought two 761 00:26:31,630 --> 00:26:32,740 other vintage, 762 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:36,940 one called the vintage table treasures and it's really cool book. 763 00:26:37,210 --> 00:26:39,190 And then another one called the serene home. 764 00:26:39,430 --> 00:26:44,740 And it's all inspirational pictures and ideas for your decorating in 765 00:26:44,740 --> 00:26:45,570 includes vintage. 766 00:26:45,570 --> 00:26:46,140 Of course. 767 00:26:46,140 --> 00:26:47,460 So those are my books. 768 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:50,570 Will you be relating those to your business at all? 769 00:26:50,900 --> 00:26:54,230 Yes, actually I already posted a few pictures from the book 770 00:26:54,260 --> 00:26:55,820 on Instagram yesterday. 771 00:26:56,030 --> 00:26:58,730 Oh, anybody that wants to go see that and Jen's class 772 00:26:58,730 --> 00:26:59,150 at again, 773 00:26:59,180 --> 00:27:00,620 Instagram. Interesting. 774 00:27:00,620 --> 00:27:03,770 So you're using the book just because you like the information 775 00:27:03,800 --> 00:27:04,550 first off, 776 00:27:04,730 --> 00:27:08,090 but then also you're using it for post content for social 777 00:27:08,090 --> 00:27:13,490 media and then probably also continued education on vintage. 778 00:27:13,700 --> 00:27:16,040 Yeah. And the pictures inspire me. 779 00:27:16,040 --> 00:27:18,080 And after going through the book, 780 00:27:18,290 --> 00:27:21,290 it inspired me to make another one of my cute little 781 00:27:21,290 --> 00:27:23,150 vignettes and post that on Instagram. 782 00:27:23,720 --> 00:27:24,920 Perfect. All right. 783 00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:29,120 Well, give biz listeners Jen's books are more visual books because 784 00:27:29,120 --> 00:27:30,920 obviously that's her industry, 785 00:27:31,100 --> 00:27:33,860 but since you're listening to the podcast today, 786 00:27:33,860 --> 00:27:37,280 I know you like to listen to audio books and get 787 00:27:37,280 --> 00:27:38,810 your information via audio. 788 00:27:39,050 --> 00:27:41,540 So I've teamed up with audible for you to be able 789 00:27:41,540 --> 00:27:44,060 to get an audio book for free. 790 00:27:44,180 --> 00:27:45,980 All you need to do is go to gift biz, 791 00:27:45,980 --> 00:27:48,740 book.com and pick out your book. 792 00:27:48,980 --> 00:27:49,640 That's gift biz, 793 00:27:49,640 --> 00:27:51,560 book.com. All right, 794 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:54,230 Jen. Now I would like to invite you to dare to 795 00:27:54,230 --> 00:27:57,170 dream. I'd like to present you with a virtual gift. 796 00:27:57,410 --> 00:28:01,760 It's a magical box containing unlimited possibilities for your future. 797 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:05,090 So this would be your dream or your goal of almost 798 00:28:05,120 --> 00:28:07,700 unreachable Heights that you would wish to obtain. 799 00:28:08,030 --> 00:28:11,090 Please accept this gift and open it in our presence. 800 00:28:11,270 --> 00:28:12,980 What is inside your box? 801 00:28:13,370 --> 00:28:16,880 Okay. One of my biggest fears is speaking in front of 802 00:28:16,880 --> 00:28:17,540 an audience. 803 00:28:17,750 --> 00:28:19,190 So that is the gift. 804 00:28:19,190 --> 00:28:22,820 I want the gift to be able to speak comfortably in 805 00:28:22,820 --> 00:28:23,870 front of an audience. 806 00:28:24,410 --> 00:28:26,780 And let's say that gift was granted, 807 00:28:27,020 --> 00:28:28,100 where are you going to speak? 808 00:28:28,820 --> 00:28:31,850 I am going to start by with smaller groups. 809 00:28:31,850 --> 00:28:33,770 And of course it's going to be something that I love 810 00:28:33,770 --> 00:28:34,850 to talk about vintage. 811 00:28:35,510 --> 00:28:36,140 Oh, there you go. 812 00:28:36,140 --> 00:28:38,420 So you want to educate people on vintage? 813 00:28:38,660 --> 00:28:43,550 Yes. Have you ever heard that public speaking is the biggest 814 00:28:43,550 --> 00:28:45,740 fear anybody ever has? 815 00:28:45,950 --> 00:28:47,060 Have you heard that before? 816 00:28:47,270 --> 00:28:50,450 No, I did not know that it is People fear, 817 00:28:50,450 --> 00:28:51,560 public speaking, 818 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:53,390 even more than passing away. 819 00:28:53,660 --> 00:28:56,360 It's like the number one fear. 820 00:28:56,600 --> 00:28:57,470 So I'm not alone. 821 00:28:57,530 --> 00:28:59,030 You are not alone. 822 00:28:59,240 --> 00:28:59,630 So you don't, 823 00:28:59,630 --> 00:29:01,520 you need to do is you just need to find that 824 00:29:01,520 --> 00:29:03,800 place where you're going to go speak and just get up 825 00:29:03,830 --> 00:29:07,610 and do it because everyone has to start from the beginning. 826 00:29:07,610 --> 00:29:11,180 Right. I've even heard that Barbara Streisand before she gets on 827 00:29:11,180 --> 00:29:12,980 stage and sings still gets, 828 00:29:13,910 --> 00:29:14,690 Oh my gosh. 829 00:29:14,720 --> 00:29:15,590 That's amazing. 830 00:29:16,160 --> 00:29:19,280 She hasn't proved herself over and over and over already. 831 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:20,180 Right? Well, 832 00:29:20,180 --> 00:29:21,260 I feel a little bit better. 833 00:29:21,530 --> 00:29:22,940 And now that I put that out there, 834 00:29:22,940 --> 00:29:24,320 I guess I have to do this too. 835 00:29:24,680 --> 00:29:25,310 Yeah. See, 836 00:29:25,310 --> 00:29:26,540 we're making you commit. 837 00:29:26,540 --> 00:29:29,180 You didn't realize that was what you're in for when you 838 00:29:29,180 --> 00:29:32,240 agreed to do this show Such pressure. 839 00:29:32,300 --> 00:29:33,080 Oh gosh. 840 00:29:33,890 --> 00:29:35,420 This is really interesting. 841 00:29:35,510 --> 00:29:37,820 I am quite sure that some of our listeners are going 842 00:29:37,820 --> 00:29:40,430 to be wanting to go and see some of these products 843 00:29:40,670 --> 00:29:43,120 where's best place for someone to go. 844 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:45,640 If you had one touch point that you wanted to drive 845 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:46,180 people to, 846 00:29:46,180 --> 00:29:47,170 where would that be? 847 00:29:47,440 --> 00:29:49,780 Well, I guess it would be to one of my Etsy 848 00:29:49,780 --> 00:29:51,550 shops. Jen's closet, 849 00:29:52,060 --> 00:29:56,140 closet.etsy.com. And there you also have in your bio, 850 00:29:56,170 --> 00:29:59,140 the names of the other shops and gift biz listeners, 851 00:29:59,140 --> 00:29:59,800 as you know, 852 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:01,330 there's always the show notes page. 853 00:30:01,330 --> 00:30:04,390 So there will be the links to let's see, 854 00:30:04,390 --> 00:30:07,570 at least Jen's closet on Etsy, 855 00:30:07,570 --> 00:30:08,410 maybe all of them, 856 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:10,090 maybe we should just put all of them up there. 857 00:30:10,360 --> 00:30:11,680 And then also Instagram, 858 00:30:11,680 --> 00:30:13,330 Twitter, all the social media links. 859 00:30:13,330 --> 00:30:14,830 So you can see what she's up to, 860 00:30:14,990 --> 00:30:16,720 what she's cooking for lunch today. 861 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:20,020 Know what I'm eating for lunch. 862 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:21,010 Well, Jen, 863 00:30:21,040 --> 00:30:22,240 thank you so much. 864 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:25,420 This has really been enlightening in terms of how to start 865 00:30:25,420 --> 00:30:25,900 at sea. 866 00:30:25,900 --> 00:30:28,450 And I think exciting for a lot of our listeners to 867 00:30:28,450 --> 00:30:30,820 see that it's really pretty easy. 868 00:30:31,060 --> 00:30:31,960 And you know, 869 00:30:31,960 --> 00:30:33,280 you want to take the time though. 870 00:30:33,310 --> 00:30:36,910 Ease does not mean simple laid back. 871 00:30:36,910 --> 00:30:38,020 You don't work with it, 872 00:30:38,140 --> 00:30:40,600 right? Because you heard what Jen was saying that you are 873 00:30:40,600 --> 00:30:42,640 going to have customer service questions. 874 00:30:42,790 --> 00:30:45,070 You're going to want to ship out product timely, 875 00:30:45,070 --> 00:30:45,910 all of that. 876 00:30:45,910 --> 00:30:48,700 But in terms of being able to get a store up 877 00:30:48,700 --> 00:30:53,500 on Etsy and get going very small investment seems to be 878 00:30:53,500 --> 00:30:54,640 pretty smooth. 879 00:30:54,910 --> 00:30:57,490 You don't need to have merchant accounts and other types of 880 00:30:57,490 --> 00:30:59,020 things if you're opening a shop. 881 00:30:59,230 --> 00:31:02,110 So really I would say nothing stopping you. 882 00:31:02,350 --> 00:31:03,820 And we can all think Jen, 883 00:31:03,820 --> 00:31:06,820 for sharing so much valuable information for us. 884 00:31:06,940 --> 00:31:08,290 I really appreciate it. 885 00:31:08,290 --> 00:31:12,040 Jen, thank you so much continued success to you and may 886 00:31:12,040 --> 00:31:13,960 your candle always burn bright, 887 00:31:15,420 --> 00:31:16,590 So much fun. 888 00:31:20,100 --> 00:31:23,160 Learn how to work smarter while developing and growing your business. 889 00:31:23,370 --> 00:31:26,910 Download our guide called 25 free tools to enhance your business 890 00:31:26,910 --> 00:31:27,420 and life. 891 00:31:27,660 --> 00:31:31,410 It's our gift to you and available@giftbizonrap.com 892 00:31:31,410 --> 00:31:32,460 slash tools. 893 00:31:32,610 --> 00:31:34,830 Thanks for listening and be sure to join us for the 894 00:31:34,830 --> 00:31:35,700 next episode. 895 00:31:37,710 --> 00:31:40,620 Today's show is sponsored by the ribbon print company, 896 00:31:41,400 --> 00:31:44,010 looking for a new income source for your gift business. 897 00:31:44,250 --> 00:31:48,630 Customization is more popular now than ever granted products of your 898 00:31:48,630 --> 00:31:50,550 logo or crim to happy birthday, 899 00:31:50,550 --> 00:31:53,220 Jessica, to add to a gift right at checkout, 900 00:31:53,850 --> 00:31:56,460 it's all done right in your shop or across studio in 901 00:31:56,460 --> 00:32:00,030 seconds. Check out the ribbon print company.com 902 00:32:00,090 --> 00:32:04,140 for more information after you listened to the show, 903 00:32:04,170 --> 00:32:05,580 if you like what you're hearing, 904 00:32:05,820 --> 00:32:08,610 make sure to jump over and subscribe to the show on 905 00:32:08,610 --> 00:32:12,420 iTunes. That way you'll automatically get the newest episodes when they 906 00:32:12,420 --> 00:32:12,840 go live. 907 00:32:13,620 --> 00:32:16,350 And thank you to those who have already left a rating 908 00:32:16,410 --> 00:32:21,060 and review by subscribing rating and reviewing help to increase the 909 00:32:21,060 --> 00:32:22,890 visibility of the gift is on route. 910 00:32:23,490 --> 00:32:25,140 It's a great way to pay it forward, 911 00:32:25,320 --> 00:32:28,350 to help others with their entrepreneurial journey as well.