Slow and Steady...

Winning the race? Not so sure about that. But it is going slow and steady right now. Still not making any sales and that's super frustrating. Especially when I can't get a job and I really need the cash flow! I love knitting. I like having something to do that I could potentially make money from that I enjoy doing. I love that it is relaxing and I feel good about myself every time I accomplish a more difficult pattern. I love looking at my finished product and being proud of my accomplishment. I love going to my storefront and seeing that it tracks my visitors and I have visitors everyday! I HATE going to my storefront and seeing the report that says I have no orders. But it's just a part of the process.

I know that the way I'm going to make my money and get my business known is through doing craft shows, festivals and events. However, it's an ugly Catch 22. It costs SO much money to register for these events and rent a small space to sell my products. I don't have any money because I can't sell my products. No money means I can't afford a booth at these events. No booth, no sales and getting my name out there. No sales means no money. No money means I can't rent a booth or small space at events where I'll make sales and get my name out there... What a vicious cycle! It seems like anything you really want in life has these same vicious cycles.

While frustrations and stress mount, I just keep knitting away. At least that's something that I have. That and a bunch of inventory starting to build up and I'm running out of room to store everything that is not selling. At least I'm getting practice and learning how things work. I have to admit that I am jealous of those women who are out there making it work. I'm proud of them. I'm proud they are accomplishing their goals. I'm proud to be a member of an extraordinary group of people. I just wish I could figure out what their secrets are. I keep working on the online aspects and hoping that I can get my name viral and eventually make some accomplishments that will allow me to get out to events. I'm super excited to do some events with my business for the first time. I just wish I knew how to afford them so I could turn them from dreams to reality. I will figure it out. I know I will. And if I happen to come across any good practices or ideas to help others out there struggling, I will be more than happy to pass my wisdom on to you. Unfortunately, I am not yet wise and have no good advice or wisdom to pass on.

One thing I did find out over the past week... pricing. It's always hard to figure out how to price things you've spent hours and hours making by hand. I ran into a fellow crafter who told me the best thing to do is to add up all of your expenses on making that 1 item. Then, multiply that cost by 6. This is what is acceptable to charge for your items. I found I was under-selling myself. I think a LOT of us are too good at doing that! Hopefully, this helps. She said at a lot of shows and events, people multiply that expense by as much as 10. She thinks that's way too much and some people have over inflated egos. I think 6 is a good number and I'm finding it's not too far off of what I was initially pricing my items at. Sometimes, depending on the item and the ease to make it, I multiply the expense by 5 and it's still a reasonable price. I hope this is helpful to any of you who have been trying to figure out how to price something handmade.

Until next time....

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