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No Sales (Read 6092 times)

Olwyn_131440 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 25	No Sales Apr 15^th, 2007, 6:17am Hey Everyone, Can someone please look at my cards and tell me what im doing wrong ive only had 8 sales so far and i know they were bought by someone i know, can anyone tell me if my designs are rubbish or is this just the case that it takes time to get noticed??? www.greetingcarduniverse.com/ollicards thanks and please be honest
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Jen_131266

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 30

Re: No Sales
Reply #1 - Apr 15^th, 2007, 1:37pm

Hi Olwyn - I visited your store and I think you're on the right track. Your cards are very appealing, I just think you need more of them, especially in the Birthday category. I copied the following from the Greeting Card Association (U.S.) web site:

"There are two categories of greeting cards -- Seasonal and Everyday. Total card sales are split approximately 50-50 between the two types.

The most popular Everyday cards are Birthday (60%), Anniversary (8%), Get Well (7%), Friendship (6%), and Sympathy cards (6%).

The most popular Seasonal cards are Christmas (60%), Valentine's Day (25%), Mother's Day (4%), Easter (3%), and Father's Day (3%) cards."

I suggest you continue to build up your inventory with an aim to mirroring the proportions above -- 50% Everday (with the lion share of that being birthday) and 50% Seasonal.

Good luck!

Jen Cosgrove

Jen Cosgrove Designs:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/jencosgrove

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Olwyn_131440 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 25	Re: No Sales Reply #2 - Apr 16^th, 2007, 1:30am Thanks a million, thats a great help ill do that
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James_131333

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 9

Re: No Sales
Reply #3 - Apr 16^th, 2007, 3:22pm

Hi Olwyn

Don't feel bad about the lack of sales. I have only sold 2 cards and reading the 'Forum' I think many people are in the same boat. This site is fairly new so give it some time.

OK...an honest critique. I have to say something about your 'Just to say" card...the three dark spots in the center looks like a skull...and the red splattered paint looks like blood. So, to me that card looks like a skull with blood splattered on it. Pretty dark. I don't think you will sell many of those. Also, a lot of your cards only use only the top half of the available space. I personally don't like that. I think you should re-do the entire front page of you store and turn all of those cards into 'landscapes' instead of 'portraits' (refering to card orientation) so the image uses the entire card. I do like your cards where you use the entire space alloted. I think your drawings are really cute and will appeal to people looking for a card. Definitely not rubbish.

One more piece of advice I have learned by reading the forums from people who make better sales than you or I. The message inside your card (or on the front) is what sells it. It's not about the art...it's about the message. Or lets say more about the message than the art. Many of your cards that have the most written in them are the ones that only use half of the card. Maybe that has something to do with it.

You know what they say about opinions...but those are mine. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck selling your cards, Olli!

James

Crazy Cardz:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/crazycardz

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Olwyn_131440 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 25	Re: No Sales Reply #4 - Apr 17^th, 2007, 3:05am Thanks for your comment, ill work on them..as for that card you say looks like blood, if you look closely its actually a picture of my dog painted, its up here for my mum coz she loves it!!
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Ernestine_131365

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 853

Re: No Sales
Reply #5 - Apr 17^th, 2007, 4:13am

James & Owlyn

I disagree with you James that "it's not about the art" I've sold a few cards (though not up with Jen, Corrie & "Creations-heart", but, again, I only have a few cards on my site) and they were all BLANK (okay, one seller has copy in the art on the outside). I like to think it's for the art!
Women are the primary purchasers of greeting cards, they'll view a card (or pick it up at a store) because they like what they SEE. They will BUY it for what it says (or DOESN'T say, for that matter, if they have their own message that the art reflects). The best sellers on this site seem to have a combination of both. Humor also is always a great selling tool.
Lastly, my 2¢ worth on sales. PATIENCE. This is a brand new site. And where else can you get such support, responsiveness and exposure FOR FREE!?! I figured I was WAY ahead with my first 50¢ commission! I'm gradually putting more cards on my site, using the invaluable interactive marketing resources that GCU has.

--Ernestine

Ernestine's Easel:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/ErnestinesEasel

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James_131333 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 9	Re: No Sales Reply #6 - Apr 17^th, 2007, 5:42am I hope you are right, Ernestine...because I'm a painter, not a poet! And I agree, the free exposure and support provided by GCU is fantastic. I really don't care if I only make a few bucks a year! At the end of the day it's just kind of fun. And Olwyn, you DEFINITELY don't want to disappoint Mom! Good luck!
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Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6537
Gender: female

female

Re: No Sales
Reply #7 - Apr 18^th, 2007, 5:37pm

Hi all, just me chiming in. Some excellent discussions w/ great advice all around.

A couple of comments for what they're worth Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

1. It is a two step process. They'll click on the card if they like what they see but they'll buy it if the message hits home. Thus, the more specific the card the better chance you'll hit their sweet spot.

2. since it's relatively easy to create multiple cards with different messages out of the same art, go for it! Happy Birthday to a dear Mom, Happy Birthday to a great Sister, Happy Birthday to a wonderful Aunt, etc.

3. the more specific your card text is the better chance you have getting hits from the search engines. you won't get that with blank cards.

4. along the lines of Jen's data, 90% of the non-holiday reminders we send are for birthdays. We will "push" your cards to shoppers in email reminders but they must be good matches for those reminders (birthdays, specific ages, tailored by relationship, etc.). See topic Card Profiling 101 for more nitty gritty.

Lastly, we have a thread for Card Verse Ideas under Creative Collaboration. If you want some verse suggestions put a call out for a specific card and see what you get.

We appreciate the great ideas, sharing and patience Cheesy

Cheesy

Mindy

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trudette_131402 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 5	Re: No Sales Reply #8 - Apr 19^th, 2007, 5:51am Hi all, no sales for me either , exept 2 by someone I know. What can I do to improve my store, is it worth going on ? Feedback much appriciated, please do n't be gentle, thanks trudette this is my store: http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/trudette
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Corrie_131338

Gold Member

Posts: 1610

Re: No Sales
Reply #9 - Apr 19^th, 2007, 8:19am

Hi Trudette,

Looking at your art I would say YES, of course it is worth going on !

You have your own unique style and there is definitely a market for your work.
Patience is the key, and you also need to beef up your selection. I counted 12 cards in your store and you will have to make much, MUCH more to make an impression. If you want your cards to stand out from the 3000 + cards already on GCU there is work to be done.

So think months, not weeks to see results.

Corrie
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/corrieweb

Corrieweb Card Store:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/corrieweb

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Christie_131341

Full Member
artist

Posts: 211

Re: No Sales
Reply #10 - Apr 19^th, 2007, 9:45am

Quote from 131402 on Apr 19^th, 2007, 5:51am:

Hi all,
no sales for me either , exept 2 by someone I know.
What can I do to improve my store, is it worth going on ?
Feedback much appriciated, please do n't be gentle,
thanks
trudette

this is my store:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/trudette

Hi Trudette.
Absolutely, it is worth going on. Your drawings are very cute! I think the main problem is that you haven't given them a purpose. And, I am a little confused as to why you have your website listed as the inside of the card. I would move that to the outside of the card using the "image by" option.
I would say add a message to the outside and the inside of your cards, just like you did for the vase of flowers. Maybe make that one into a mother's day card as well? Also, the ones with the moms and babies could be used for mother's day and new arrivals. The possibilities are endless! Then just categorize and profile appropriately.
When you look at your image, you just need to think of what occasion(s) it could be used for.
Hope this helps some, best wishes to you!
Christie Black

Creations from the Heart:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/christieblack

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James_131333

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 9

Re: No Sales
Reply #11 - Apr 19^th, 2007, 10:59am

Trudette

Your images are FANTASTIC! My only advice is MAKE MORE.

Also, I agree with Christie. What I REALLY, REALLY DO NOT like is your website address on the inside of the card. When I buy a card, that is where I like to write my message AND where I like to read the message (a.k.a the purpose) of the card. I would not buy your cards just for that reason. Honestly, I wouldn't put the web address on the front of the card either...if you really want it on there I think it belongs on the back of the card. I think you should loose the advertising and preferably put a message on the inside of the card...or just leave it blank. ...and make more...the artwork is GREAT!

James Grin

Grin

Crazy Cardz:
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eugenia_131318 Full Member artist Posts: 244	Trudette: No Sales Reply #12 - Apr 19^th, 2007, 8:40pm I love your designs Trudette and I think they will sell well - Personally I never buy the words on a card I always buy the picture but I am obviously not the majority here! So take Christie's sound advice and give your cards a purpose! AND DON"T GIVE UP!!!
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trudette_131402 GCU Newbies artist Posts: 5	Re: No Sales Reply #13 - Apr 20^th, 2007, 6:21am Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback. I 've taken away the websiteaddress and I am already creating cards with texts on them, so I can give them a purpose.
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Mindy

GCU Administrator
Community Manager

Posts: 6537
Gender: female

female

Re: No Sales
Reply #14 - Apr 20^th, 2007, 12:47pm

Hi Trudette,
I'm glad you've gotten the encouragement and direction you've need and deserve! Your artwork is wonderful and unique. We are glad to have you on GCUniverse!

For some specific ideas your...
- My CarrotCar would make an adorable Easter card
- Little Prince a charming little boy's Birthday card
- I Love You a simply perfect Valentine's Day card

You can keep these cards as they are and just use the same image with occasion specific text to make new cards. Be sure to categorize AND profile properly so shoppers can find them and we can put them in the right reminders.

Mindy

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Valarie_131500

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 14

Re: No Sales
Reply #15 - Jun 23^rd, 2007, 9:17pm

I think everybodies cards are fabulous and I have to agree it just takes time. But once one person receives your card and finds out about your shop things will pick up Grin

Grin

I haven't advertised my store anywhere so I'm very happy with the few cards I've been lucky enough to sell. It isn't a lot, but it's a start.

Most of the time I'm shocked to see I sold 1 card.
Shocked

Shocked

Valarie Designs:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/valarie79

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Kimberly_132043

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 4

Re: No Sales
Reply #16 - Sep 11^th, 2007, 9:45am

I'm very new here and just now finding these boards. I've been looking for a thread like this one for a couple of days.

After reading all this information, I think I need to start all over. My store looks too bright and my mixture of art and photography is probably confusing to people. My intentions in the beginning was to use only my collage art for cards. BUT... I discovered that most of the original scans are too small and I have sold all of the original pieces and can't rescan them. I decided to use some of my photography along with my art and now I'm just confused.

I have some blank cards and some cards with verses. I just feel a little overwhelmed and I think my shop must look like a ridiculous hodge-podge. I don't even know if I've used the keywords to my advantage. I know for sure that I have to go back in and redo my profile cards. Tomorrow, I'll take some time to read
Card Profiling 101 .

Are my cards too quirky? Maybe not cute enough?

I'm hungry for advice!!
Thanks:
Kim
Garden Painter Art

Gerushia's New World:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/GerushiasNewWorld

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Picture_131439

Full Member
artist

Posts: 118

Re: No Sales
Reply #17 - Sep 11^th, 2007, 2:53pm

Quote from Kimberly_132043 on Sep 11^th, 2007, 9:45am:

I'm very new here and just now finding these boards. I've been looking for a thread like this one for a couple of days.

After reading all this information, I think I need to start all over. My store looks too bright and my mixture of art and photography is probably confusing to people. My intentions in the beginning was to use only my collage art for cards. BUT... I discovered that most of the original scans are too small and I have sold all of the original pieces and can't rescan them. I decided to use some of my photography along with my art and now I'm just confused.

I have some blank cards and some cards with verses. I just feel a little overwhelmed and I think my shop must look like a ridiculous hodge-podge. I don't even know if I've used the keywords to my advantage. I know for sure that I have to go back in and redo my profile cards. Tomorrow, I'll take some time to read
Card Profiling 101 .

Are my cards too quirky? Maybe not cute enough?

I'm hungry for advice!!
Thanks:
Kim
Garden Painter Art

I have some non-photography with my photography. I don't think it's a detractor, but the way the shops are currently set up, it is rather difficult to "organize" if you have more than a few cards. I am betting most sales come directly from reminders or catagory searches vs direct storefront hits from a search engine right now anyway. Seeing that GCU is a "baby" (not even a year old yet!), it has some growing to do, and I'm sure things will change-such as how we, as artists/shopkeepers organize our storefronts. I wouldn't overthink that portion of it rigt now though.

What's your store id? I'm sure people will be willing to take a look and give more targeted advice.

Picture This! Greeting Cards:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/picturethis

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Kimberly_132043

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 4

Re: No Sales
Reply #18 - Sep 11^th, 2007, 4:02pm

"What's your store id? I'm sure people will be willing to take a look and give more targeted advice."

I guess it would be a good idea to post my store id, wouldn't it?

Here it is:

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/gardenpainterartscardboutique

I know my store is very hodge-podge right now, but I think I'm getting the hang of it . I intend to go back in this weekend and delete some of my early cards and relist with verses.

My art is very bright and quirky, so I'm not sure there's much of a market for that, but I'm open to any and all advice.

Thanks so much:
Kim
Garden Painter Art

Gerushia's New World:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/GerushiasNewWorld

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Catherine_131549

Full Member
artist

Posts: 141

Re: No Sales
Reply #19 - Sep 12^th, 2007, 12:51am

Hi Kimberly and Welcome!

I've had a quick peek at you store and love your collages! I think they are quirky and whimsical with a great use of colour. I don't think you have done anything wrong, you just need to add more cards in whatever media.
Maybe look at aiming your card designs at specific categories more and download something every day if you can, even if its just one card it gets your work in the 'NEW' category.
See what holidays/celebrations are coming up and specifically design for them so when people are looking for that 'RAMADAN' card (for example) to send, you have already made one and it increases your chances of selling a card.

Hope this helps & good luck
Catherine
Grin

Grin

www.greetingcarduniverse.com/catherinenoy

Colourful Expressions Card Store:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/catherinenoy

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Liz_131570

Junior Member
artist

Posts: 70

Re: No Sales
Reply #20 - Sep 12^th, 2007, 9:06am

Hi, I started my store in May 2007. I had thousands and thousands of clicks but no buyers. Like you I had 3 very different styles. Photography, graphics and my own drawings.

I was selling a couple of cards here and there. I personally did not like the way my store looked with all my different techniques. I decided to overhaul my store. I focused on photography. Some say photography card art is difficult to sell. But if your cards send a message, like yours do, I think there is definiitely a market for them.

For instance, I got my first "big sale" on Sept. 9 or 10th. It was nice because it was not a family member or friend. (i have only recently told a couple family members about the site) I think the customer bought the photo card for invitations for a birthday party. I also overhauled all my key words. I went through everything and really paid attention not to "oversell" the card. It causes the card to be profiled innaproprately and I think that can be a real turnoff to potential customers.

With that said. I really don't think that having multiple techniques in your store is a problem. For me, it just wasn't working. That is definitely a personal decision. I think the most important things are time, patience, paying very special attention to keywords, and specifically target your customers. I don't think many of us are getting rich from doing this! Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

We do it becasue we loooove it! Cheesy

Cheesy

And who knows, maybe just maybe your business will take off. In the business world, they say give your new business 5 years to turn into a "cash cow." Cheesy

Cheesy

So, hang in there and good luck!

www.greetingcarduniverse.com/LizMountain

Madison Mountain Designs:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/MadisonMountain

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Kerra_131306

Senior Member
artist

Posts: 263

Re: No Sales
Reply #21 - Sep 26^th, 2007, 3:15am

Quote from Mindy on Apr 18^th, 2007, 5:37pm:

Hi all, just me chiming in. Some excellent discussions w/ great advice all around.

A couple of comments for what they're worth Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

1. It is a two step process. They'll click on the card if they like what they see but they'll buy it if the message hits home. Thus, the more specific the card the better chance you'll hit their sweet spot.

2. since it's relatively easy to create multiple cards with different messages out of the same art, go for it! Happy Birthday to a dear Mom, Happy Birthday to a great Sister, Happy Birthday to a wonderful Aunt, etc.

3. the more specific your card text is the better chance you have getting hits from the search engines. you won't get that with blank cards.

4. along the lines of Jen's data, 90% of the non-holiday reminders we send are for birthdays. We will "push" your cards to shoppers in email reminders but they must be good matches for those reminders (birthdays, specific ages, tailored by relationship, etc.). See topic Card Profiling 101 for more nitty gritty.

Lastly, we have a thread for Card Verse Ideas under Creative Collaboration. If you want some verse suggestions put a call out for a specific card and see what you get.

We appreciate the great ideas, sharing and patience Cheesy

Cheesy

Mindy

Oh--this information is wonderful! 'duh' to me! So glad you posted it! I'm adjusting my cards asap.

-Kerra

Icansketchu Paper Greeting Cards:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/icansketchu

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phrank_131619 Full Member artist Posts: 200	Re: No Sales Reply #22 - Nov 13^th, 2007, 1:04pm Don't feel Bad... I've been here for months and TODAY I recieved a sales notice...YEAH!.. One card. A person was doing a search for "A Thanksgiving Pig" and came across my Golen retriever card.. You just never Know...LOL...capt.
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_131840

GCU Newbies
artist

Posts: 12

Re: No Sales
Reply #23 - Nov 13^th, 2007, 7:28pm

Quote from phrank_131619 on Nov 13^th, 2007, 1:04pm:

Don't feel Bad... I've been here for months and TODAY I recieved a sales notice...YEAH!.. One card. A person was doing a search for "A Thanksgiving Pig" and came across my Golen retriever card.. You just never Know...LOL...capt.

I had that person buy a card too. A siamese cat in fromt of a Christmas tree. I read it over and over trying to figure out how they got from a Thanksgiving Pig to a Siamese cat lol. Glad to know someone else shared the insanity!

d

Denise's Card Store:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/deemac

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