How To Sell on 1000 Markets – Seller Tips
How To Sell on 1000 Markets – Seller Tips
HandmadeMarketing.org reader Ronnie Schultz, from the 1000 Markets shop My Three Jewels, shares why she chose 1000Markets.com to sell handmade.
“I chose to sell on 1000 Markets because it is new and I thought signing on early would be exciting and easy to get to know the other people selling because of it’s size,” Ronnie told HandmadeMarketing.org. “Getting to see what other merchants on 1000Markets are doing inspires me and keeps me up to speed on what products are out there.
I also thought I could learn from others as to how to make my shop stand out.”
When asked what she likes most about using 1000 Markets as a selling platform, Ronnie told our team two aspects of the site she likes best. “How it looks visually and the sense of community that has been created by the CEO and the sellers,” she said.
When our team was interested in the opportunities for 1000 Markets, Ronnie’s answer was frank. “The opportunity is simply that it is new and sort of reinventing how we sell online,” Ronnie told us. However, Ronnie says she would like to see more customization on the seller’s end. “For example, I would like to create a promotion box on my front page and right now I can’t,” she tells HandmadeMarketing.org.
Some sellers think 1000 Markets is too new to make the switch from another more established selling platform. Ronnie doesn’t agree. “No one knew about a company my brother started in the 80’s and now it is a household name. Getting into 1000Markets now is the time,” she tells us. “I am confident it will grow and develop into an exciting high traffic online community with sales soaring. But we also need to have some patience. Rome was not build in a day as they say.”
“As a new member of 1000Markets I can see the challenges in getting the word out as most people I have come in contact with have never heard of the site before, ever,” Ronnie told HandmadeMarketing.org. “With that said, and having a strong background in marketing and sales. I am personally getting the word out on 1000Markets.”
Ronnie has 10 marketing tips to share that she has personally done and seen success:
- Offine Sales. “Add the web site address to your business card,” Ronnie said. Previous HandmadeMarketing.org articles give ideas for creating consistent branding and tips for making your handmade shop’s business cards stand out.
- Signature. Ronnie suggests adding a signature to emails announcing that you are new to 1000 Markets and include a direct link to the site. “I do tell friends face and face absolutely and in every email I send out as well as an email blast I have done using the HTML tools I know,” Ronnie said. “Reaching out to people can be done in any way- there is no non traditional way- in any way you can communicate to a colleague, a potential buyer, an admirer, a friend etc. is the way to spread the word. It is simply endless. Really!”
- Link Up. She suggests adding links to your shop to market to potential buyers. “I link from my personal blog, ravelry, Facebook and any networking community I am a part of,” Ronnie tells us.
- Start Local. Ronnie says sellers should advertise to their local community to increase sales and get exposure. “I tell my friends and family about 1000Markets and my new shop there,” she said.
- Network With Other Crafters. “I talk to others on 1000Markets to get my shop link as visible as possible and my shop name familiar to others,” Ronnie told us. For more ideas on how to connect with other sellers on your selling platform, Etsy seller Johanna explains the benefit of meeting others on forums.
- Blog, Blog, Blog. Like many other HandmadeMarketing.org readers, Ronnie suggests every handmade seller should start a blog. “Add a new blog entry every week to maintain activity and visibility,” she tells us. “Write about things that will interest readers- in my opinion if you stick with a theme you will attract readers.” Stuck on what to write about? Here are Ronnie’s tips for your next blog post:
*Write about your business and your passion for your work. Include photographs.
*Write about an experience you had over the weekend.
*Write about your family life and include photos. Combine a thought or a paragraph about how you combine work with family. Offer a tip on time management!
*Write about a relationship you have with a vendor and why you do business with someone.
*Share a business technique or a tip with the readers.
*Write about anything you are passionate about.You can see Ronnie at work by checking out her blog. “Tell your friends and family about your entry,” Ronnie suggests. “Comment on others and they might comment on yours. There is lots to write about,” she said.
- Use Tools. Ronnie says handmade sellers should make their shop as pleasing to the eye as possible with the tools 1000 Markets offers.
“1000Markets has their own, so to speak, “HTML language”, meaning they have their own tag system that assists with online searches,” Ronnie tells us. “They also support the merchant with online presentations that help you (and teach you) navigate your way around 1000 Markets, especially if you are new. They have forums specifically for the merchants on topics related to help you sell and reach your customers. They have different “marketplaces” to showcase your work. They really do assist you in achieving your goals and being successful. Right now it is a small community and you are correct in saying most do not know about 1000Markets.” - Promote. Ronnie suggests offering promotions to get some extra exposure for your handmade shop. “Offer promotions such as free shipping to generate excitement and entice buyer,” she said.
- Keep In Contact. Ronnie tells us, “Send out emails with announcements such as “free shipping”, “new items” and recent “blog entries.” Mary Bence, an Etsy seller, suggests hosting private sales for repeat customers. Rewarding those who have shown interest in your work is not only good customer service, but smart marketing.
- Patience. It’s as simple as that!
As a final thought, Ronnie tells sellers to use their time wisely. “The 1000 Markets site is fairly well done and the people behind the project are approachable and accessible,” she said. “I think it is a really cool place to be.”
Share your thoughts with HandmadeMarketing.org! The site is fueled by comments and articles by readers. We want to hear your ideas for how to successfully sell handmade online. If we publish your thoughts, we’ll link to you shop!
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30 Responses to “How To Sell on 1000 Markets – Seller Tips”
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Ronnie is certainly a very enthusiastic new Merchant at 1000 Markets, and a member of The Village Market marketing team. I am delighted to have someone on the team who understands the value of consistent marketing and promotion in the success of our Shops, Markets, and 1000 Markets as a whole. We heartily agree with Ronnie that 1000 Markets has a bright future!
These are great marketing tips to read about. I am very impressed.
Very informative and helpful thank you.
Wonderful tips, especially on blogging. I have a lot of work to do. Thanks!
These are great marketing tips and yes, we all have to work hard to make 1000Market known.
Many great points, Ronnie.
Once I visited 100 Markets several times and heard a bit more from the CEO, I knew 1000 Markets was a venue unlike any other. While I understand some people hesitate to “put all their eggs in one basket”, I see this as leap into something fabulous.
I stopped selling on Etsy in December 2008 and closed my dot com site just to sell on 1000 Markets. It’s been a great decision on many levels.
I have been shopping and selling now on the site since the end of March. It’s “home.”
I encourage anyone who is serious about their business, wants a great community and support system, and who wants to be surrounded by talented shops and beautiful creations to consider selling their wares there. It’s simply wonderful.
Ronnie your enthusiasm & passion are contagious, thanks for sharing such great information! We’re so happy to have you with us at the Peace & Love Market!
I know Ronnie to be enthusiastic, caring and dedicated to anything she sets her mind to. Her jewelry is another outlet for her creativity and ability to give personal attention to her clients.
Audrey
Ronnie it sounds like you have researched this topic extensively. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. These tips will not only help me, but everyone that is fortunate to read this.
Ronnie is excellent at her craft and I agree with all she has to say about this venue…Change is always a good thing, especially when it is for the better!!!!
Give this site the opportunity for you to prosper….
Ronnie is a creative, motivated, and successful woman. She generously shares her valuable knowledge with others and more importantly follows her own advise.For example, I learned about HandmadeMarketing.org from one of Ronnie’s emails.
Very interesting and very imformative. Good work.
Alot of good information in this article—sheds a new light for bright ideas. I also find the possitive attitude and vibes refreshing-
Alot of people are only half informed on many methods of contacting and reaching out to the public for promoting their business and getting their name out there–
—I think Ronnie has done an excellent job of pointing out some of the most important ones.
Great Job!
Ronnie really awesome post. As Deb said we are so happy to have you with us at our Peace & Love Market.
Mem
I think Ronnie has great marketing tips and strategies. Her products at “1000 Markets” are easily accessible and beautifully presented. Also, the folks at “1000 Markets” are very helpful towards customers.
Ronnie is extremely ambitious about her craft and enjoys sharing her knowlege about marketing the business with everyone with a similar interest. You can feel Ronnie’s excitement in her words, this is a great natural talent Ronnie has that pulls you into her world, educates you and peaks your interest in the subject. Kudos to Ronnie, she’s a natural.
Ronnie is extremely enthusiastic & passionate about her crafts and loves to share all her knowlege and creativity. You can feel excitement in her written words…another great talent of Ronnies! She has a wonderful flair for her art which seems to come so naturally to her. When you shop, My Three Jewels, you will get acquainted with Ronnie and know her.
Lots of great information here. Thanks, Ronnie, for getting the word out about 1000 Markets.
I had heard about 1000 markets from Ronnie and was very impressed with the website. It is inventive and fresh. Ronnie’s comments will certainly be a help to anyone who is deciding whether to make the jump to marketing themself.
[...] day at work, you may realize that knitting scarves to sell on consignment or on sites like Etsy and 1000 Markets is more of a stress maker when you are in it for the [...]
Thank you for these tips. They are certainly achievable. Good luck with your new store!
1000 Markets is a beautiful site with great potential! I am happy to be there. Thank you for the great tips. I have not been very consistent with blogging, but I am now motivated to add regular posts!
Thanks Ronnie, for such clear and concise advice. Articles like this will certainly help 1000 Markets along on its journey from new online venue to the preeminent handmade venue that I know it’s destined to become.
Thanks, Ronnie for these terrific tips. I have a shop on 1000 Markets and need to add new listings and blogs there about it. My passion is my gemstone and glass beaded jewelry.
Slowly, I’m getting familiar with 1000KM and so far, it’s great.
Linda B
Jewelry Designerchic
http://linorstorecom.1000markets.com
http://lindab142.etsy.com
These are all great tips that can be used for any selling venue! BUT 1K does not get the traffic I have been there for months on end and no sales at all! On the other selling venues I sell like crazy. I dont promote them at all and I am always pushing 1K whats up with that!
1K will not give out stats either on traffic to the site and so on!
Being new to 1000 Markets is exciting to me and I’ve been wondering how I can help my shop become more visible. After reading Ronnie’s tips and also seeing Karley’s email, I’m inspired to start blogging and using Ronnie’s other tips to not only market my own shop, but also 1000 Markets. Thank you so much for your ideas!
What a great article! I feel encouraged especially about 1000 Markets. Thanks for your many ideas.
I only recently started really investigating 1000 Markets, after someone from their team emailed me to let me know more about the site, and I’ve got to admit, I like what I see. I was an early adopter of Etsy, but I didn’t do much with my shop and I’ve participated there mostly as a buyer. Some of the other sites like Artfire have a great vision and great community but maybe aren’t quite as pretty to look at as 1000 Markets. In many ways, from my brief experience with the site, I’m finding 1000 Markets to be more visually appealing from both a buyer & seller standpoint than even Etsy.
I am terribly new to this whole process having opened my shop on 1000 Markets December 1st of 2009 and it is the first such shop I have ever opened. Ronnie’s article reinforces everything else I’ve read so far about marketing online. Her view of 1000 Markets is to my mind also quite accurate. It is a wonderful and beautiful place to sell with a strong and supportive sense of community. Patience and continuance in well doing will have their rewards eventually as Ronnie also pointed out.
I started a fan page on facebook about a month and a half ago. I think it helps people get to know the more personal aspects of my work since I upload material like what my studio looks like after a making frenzy and a how to make this or that piece in pictures and captions. My main problems right now are technical. For example I’m not exactly certain how to link the fan page with the 1000 Markets shop. Or even more to the point, I just put my snail mail address in the mail address required slot above because it didn’t say e-mail. (I did wonder how on earth that address was going to do you-all any good.) All in all, though, the whole process from making through marketing continues to be a source of wonderment, amazement and joy.
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