One of the better ways to entice potential buyers of your craft is to include testimonials from previous customers. However not all testimonials are created equal. In fact many testimonials can hurt more than help. So what separates a good testimonial from a poor one?

First, when picking a good testimonial, include any skepticism or initial uneasiness the customer might have had. It isn’t to put your product in a poor light, but this might hook readers who may have similar feelings like the ones being described. Writing purely positive things and using “!” after every sentence comes off as phony even if the writer is being sincere. Since obviously the testimonial will end up with a satisfied customer, including the initial concerns or skepticism will have the reader see that it is ultimately unfounded. This eliminates roadblocks that could lead to a sale. For more tips on effective craft product testimonials, click here:: Getting Great Testimonials

There may come a time when your online soap shop might become so successful that it starts to slip through your fingers. Obtaining some hired help can ease your personal workload while making room for additional growth. However, what is the best way to train your new worker?

Before getting your employee into the full swing, be an example. Display your techniques thoroughly and allow your trainees to work hands-on to make sure there isn’t any misinterpretation later on. Give specific instructions on how certain tasks are to be done. In the beginning weeks, set aside some time allotted for training so they don’t feel rushed by learning “on-the-job.” With this in mind, you’ll create a great, dependable helper for your online business. For more about training, click here:: Training People to Be Trained By You

Selling your items online can be a thrill. It’s great to see so many people willing to purchase your craft or soap. Sadly, there are many x-factors that could turn a sale sour and could potentially get you in legal hot water. That is why writing a thorough yet easy to interpret privacy policy, terms of service, and disclaimers page is essential.

This isn’t the fun part of running you own business, but every smart business has privacy policies, TOS, and disclaimers to make sure that the customer knows exactly what to expect and how their information is to be used. This will educate the buyer on what scenarios where you won’t be held accountable. It will also spell out return policies and answer other questions without doubts. This way both your customers and you will be able to do business without an unknown issue. To read more about TOS, privacy policies, and disclaimers, please click here:: Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Disclaimers

2014 is coming to a close. This month is a time of reflection and analyzing what we have learned and accomplished the past 12 months. It is also a perfect time to set goals for yourself and your online craft store for the upcoming year.

Grab a yearly planner and start setting goals of what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. Set up what events you want to attend to sell your wares, what new crafts you’d like to introduce to your shop, and anything else that feels attainable within a reasonable timetable. Next, think of one big thing, whether it’s going fulltime with your craft business, expanding into a brick-and-mortar store, or whatever that may be and set up a daily, weekly, and monthly goal to slowly turn that daunting monster of an idea into a easy-to-attain reality. This is how you can honor the lessons of 2014 into the potential of 2015. For more on goal setting, please click here:: What Do You Want Your Business & Life to Look Like in 2015?

Let’s say you have a wonderful soap or craft product and sales aren’t what they should be. The people who have used the product love it so what’s the product. The issue could be that your craft’s name is too fancy or ambiguous.

Clever puns or catchy names serve big companies well, but that’s because they have an established name and brand. “Dark Midnight Soap” might sound good, but ask yourself “What does it tell me?” I don’t know what’s in “Dark Midnight Soap.” Is it meant to wash my body, my hands, or my dishes? What does it smell like? So if your soap isn’t selling, try altering its name to something clearer. It might create a major difference in sales. For more about clearer titles, click here:: Clear, Not Clever Titling

Your online soap/craft shop is doing well and you sell out your wares at craft expos and the farmer’s market. You have plenty of positive feedback from customers wanting more and you think it might be time to expand. Well, there’s that boutique shop downtown that would be the perfect place to sell your soap. So why not ask?

First, either in person or over the phone, politely explain who you are, what you can offer, and who on the store staff you can send samples to. Next, write a detailed cover letter to that person detailing who you are, what products you sell, how they would be a good fit for the store, and the URL of your website for them to see what you create. Also, include some samples of your more popular soaps and oils for them to try. After a week, follow up and keep following up at least five times for an answer. Follow these steps and you’ll likely find another venue for your wares. For a full article on this topic, click here:: Writing an Introduction Letter to Buyers: Ask for the Sale

If you are doing it right, many craft products showcased on your craft shop or soap shop website have wonderful photos of your craft. When it comes to crafts that are more applicable than art pieces, you likely have some shots of how your craft is used and in action. If you’re smart, you’ll also have a detailed description of the product written next to the photo letting the buyer know the craft’s details and uses. Job’s done, right? No!

If you have crafts such as bath oils, facial scrubs, or other crafts that would require application or assembly, your customer base will appreciate instructions on how your product can be used to its fullest. Keep in mind that many customers are buying your craft soaps as gifts for their friends, so those people probably didn’t even visit your webpage. Including a small note with instructions (example: “Use with cold water for best results”) can eliminate all doubt. Remember how frustrating it is to assemble an IKEA bookcase with just the pictures? Don’t let that happen to your product. For more on this topic, click here:: Staffed by Mimes