Hi Janie,
 
  I can honestly say, I'm pretty sure everyone has their unique strategy. I'm glad that you actually have the option of putting time aside to design your cards and categorize them as you go along.
   
  I can honestly say that I actually have 'no strategy' (I'm sure others would agree all the same). With my regular 7-4 job and freelancing on a temporary basis at home, I can only afford to squeeze in a couple hours a week towards developing cards for my store. I think that only 'you' know your capability and long term goals for your store, so you should do whatever you need to do. I think that's what makes GCU such an interesting place, we have a whole lot of incredibly talented
artists who's designs are just as extrodinary, unique and beautiful as they are themselves.
     
  I think it's great if you're considering opening a store at GCU. you'll have no regrets! So whether it's tomorrow or six months from now, let me just say..."Welcome to the GCU Family!"  
 
  Oma.

Hi Alda!
 
  I opened my shop around late September last year, with probably about 20 cards or so to start up with. I wasn't to sure at first if they'd sell compared to the vast amount of other cards to choose from, especially from equally talented artists. I have to be honest, the patience you must have to endure until your first sale, can be brutal!!!   Even though it was just the first 2 weeks of 'no sales' I continued adding my cards. It gave me something to keep busy and add variety to my store.
 
  I got my first sale almost a month after. It was small...but I was grateful to be appreciated as an artist. After that, the sales became more steady because I think that I continued adding to my store. My sales (with a few bulk sales inbetween)have been constant so far and so have been the cheques!  
 
  So Alda, I think that every store should have a variety of equally unique cards. Even though I may not be too experienced in the greeting card market and only have my store to use as reference... I've looked at your store...and you really know what you're doing! You're cards are great and your words really do speak for themselves.
 
  Continue spreading your greeting card portfolio and you will see sales! Feel free to ask me any questions anytime, I will do my best give you answers.
 
Best of luck!

Thank you, Oma and Tom for the feedback. I stumbled across this site very much by mistake, and am very grateful that I did. I am not doing this so much for the money as I am for the fun and creativity of it. There are so many amazing artists and talent on this site that are inspiring, and it's just a nice outlet for my poetry and nice to be a part of such a great community of talent.   Oma, thank you for your lovely comments about my cards.  
 
Have either of you ever tried selling your cards at fairs or craft shows, or to any local retailers in your area? Just wondering if that has worked for anyone out there.
I don't know that I have the time to do that right now since I have a full time job, but I have been thinking about it. I live in NJ (close to NYC) and went to the Stationary Show last year, but couldn't this year. It's a bit intimidating what with the big players there, Hallmark, American Greetings, etc. I do prefer the creative end more than the selling and promoting end.
 
Tom, thanks for the thread. I'll read the previous comments.
 
 
 

 Congrats Alda!!!
 
  I hope that you have many more sales ahead of you. Best of Luck!
 
Oma.

You have a lovely selection of cards Janie.  I think the key to selling is to have a broad selection of designs, then just keep telling people about them.  hopeful the word will soon spread.
 
Congratulations on your store tho
 
Laura
 
With Hugs and Kisses
 
http://withhugsandkisses.biz
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/withhugsandkisses
 
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5642953

I opened my store toward the middle of December last year -- really too late for any Christmas business.  It took three weeks before I made my first sale.  During the past five months sales have gradually increased.   This has been my best month ever -- I even had a bulk sale of 50 cards!   You should have seen me jumping up and down.   My advice is just to jump in and keep plugging away at it and don't get discouraged during the slow periods.