Book Review: What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It

(by Chris Malta and Lisa Suttora,  copyright 2006 by the McGraw-Hill Companies.  eBay is a registered trademark of eBay, Inc.)

Really, I guess this will be a Chapter Review, since I'm not done with the first chapter yet!  I just started this book a couple nights ago, and I've already learned something.  I bought it hoping to get some information about market research and product selection.  The whole book discusses developing a product line and product sourcing, but market research goes hand in hand with that.  I've already gotten several good ideas, so I think this book will be a great resource for me, and one that I'll keep to refer back to when I need a refresher. 

Chapter 1, Fundamentals of Product Selection, discusses myths and fundamentals of product selection.  I'm hoping to bolster my skills in not only selecting products that consumers want to buy, but also in doing the necessary research and planning, so that I'm not at a loss when there's a trend shift.

You can pick up your own copy here, or try the local library.  If you're looking to boost your skills in identifying your market and market research, trend predicting, product sourcing and similar topics, I recommend this book!  Other chapters will discuss The Product Sourcing Mindset, Idea Hotspots, How to Find and Identify a Niche Market, Getting Legal, Wholesalers, and the pitfalls to avoid while you're chasing  your dream products!

Have a SAFE and Happy New Year!  I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be GREAT!

Layers!

I practiced a little more with making layered soaps, and I think I did pretty well this time!  I made more of the Dreamsicle that I used for the chunks I tried last time.  I really like that fragrance, I'm going to have to make some candles with it!  The three layers are a clear top that I colored orange, a semi-clear middle, also orange and the opaque bottom layer, which is of course -- orange!  The batch made 6 soaps, but I've already wrapped the others, so this bar was the only one left unwrapped to show off. 



Sorry for these awful pics, my camera didn't like the shiny surface of the soap!  I'm going to make more again soon and I'll get my new "studio in a box" set up and use it for the pics, along with my "big" camera, they should come out much better.  These were taking on my floor with my little point and shoot, the one I use to take pictures for my eBay listings.  What do y'all think?

 

 

In other news, I'm getting close to opening a booth at the Plano Antique Mall.  I'm going over there next week to inquire about what they have available.  There's also a place here in Princeton that's advertising space for rent, I'm thinking about calling them to find out more.  It looks like it might be more than I can handle right now, but I don't guess it hurts to ask, right?  Wish me luck!

Quit Your Day Job....

with Etsy!

I just read an excellent article from the NY Times about Etsy's Quit Your Day Job blog.  I've had occasion to read the blog a few times, and I have to agree that it's a great resource for beginning Etsy sellers (like me!) and even for seasoned sellers who need a little boost of motivation to take them to the next level.  Here's a link to the article, That Hobby Looks Like a Lot of Work.  I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!

For more of Etsy's Quit Your Day Job, go here.  And don't forget to check out all of Etsy's great communities and blogs here and here!  There's really a wealth of information available.

While I'm plugging resources for crafters who want to start their own businesses selling their wares, let me also mention CraftsU, the new social and shopping site from James Dillehay.  Sign up, it's free!  Don't forget to "friend" Walking Leaf, I'll be looking for you!

Have fun, and everyone please have a safe and happy holiday!

Trying Something New!

I have some "ooops!" leftovers from my soap experiments, which are perfectly GREAT, but not very aesthetically pleasing.  I also have WAY more soap in my house than we're going to use over the next year, unless we suddenly become very OCD about our cleanliness.  Hence, I'm trying something new by doing a giveaway!  The soaps are Dreamsicle, a white soap chunks in a clear orange overpour, and Lavender, a solid very light lavender middle with star cutouts in a clear, purple overpour.  They both smell wonderful, and like I said before, are perfectly good soaps, the only thing wrong with them is that they're cut crooked, or the chunks melted a little, or some similar slight flaw.  I have 5 of them to give away, 3 Dreamsicle and 2 Lavender, who gets what will be at my discretion.  Anyone who leaves a comment on my post will be considered, which means no anonymous comments!  Only those with names will be put in the drawing.  I'll put all the names in a hat, and draw randomly on Dec. 18th.  I doubt the soaps will be there in time for Christmas, but I'm sure they'll get there before New Year's!  Only US responses, please!  Once winners are notified, you can contact me with your shipping info, and I'll put the soaps in the mail!  Thanks everyone, and I hope you enjoy them!

James Dillehay at Craftmarketer

I've been perusing craft blogs, sites, and other resources for making and selling handmade crafts lately.  One website and newsletter that I ALWAYS enjoy is James Dillehay's Craftmarketer Newsletter.  His topics always include great, timely information and even if he's not talking about a craft that's specific to me, I've never received a newsletter that didn't have SOME piece of useful information.  Mr. Dillehay's website is craftmarketer.com, chock FULL of great articles and links to help any crafter develop his or her business.  Definitely sign up for the newsletter, and while you're at the site, check out the back issues of newsletters, too.  I just downloaded a special report from his website detailing some common myths of copyright infringement that promises to be a great read! 

Mr. Dillehay also has a Twitter, and I believe a Facebook page, so check out those sites to network with him.  You won't be sorry you did!

Happy Crafting, and Merry Christmas to all!