March 27, 2013

I Need to Take More Pictures

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I want to look as interesting as these people taking photos.  However, this post is not about my drive to become more interesting, but my need to be more productive. I just thought these retro photos were neat. Sorry to disappoint you.

Every Etsy seller has their own routine with their shop.  For as long as my shop has been running, my time to work on the shop has been limited to when the kids are taking a nap or resting, which allows me about 1.5 hrs in the early afternoon to steam pieces and take photos. 1.5 hrs is not ample time to perform these tasks but, it's all I have because if my energy allows, I edit and list items after the kids go down at night.  Lately, my energy level has not allowed this and my addiction to the show "The Walking Dead" prevents this, also. :\

However, I realized I need to change things up.  My steamer broke down a couple of days ago.  I immediately ordered a new one and it should arrive by tomorrow, but I have been unproductive with the shop because I have no items to list.  I could measure and make draft listings, but this steamer predicament caused a no taking pictures problem, which has slowed down my listings dramatically.  I realized that if I had a stash of photos of items ready to list, I would prevent this shortage of listings in the shop.  I could just list jewelry and accessories, but I have this weird need to always list at least two dresses in every batch of listings.  Anyone else like this?

So, for now, I will be mending, measuring, and cleaning items until I get that steamer.  Oh, and cooking, cleaning, and taking care of my kids.  And when I receive my steamer tomorrow, I've decided to photograph as many items as possible during the day to prevent this backup again.

Which works best for you? Taking as many photos during the day and listing items throughout the week, or taking just enough photos of items that you plan to list for that day?

10 comments:

  1. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I have no idea how you run a shop while having kids. No idea. I'm in awe of all mothers who are running Etsy shops.

    I am also a bit compulsive about my listing. Every other item must be a dress. I don't know why that is. Usually, other items outsell dresses. But I like to have lots of dresses in the shop. Maybe it's because *I* love dresses. And when I run low on stock, I get very antsy.

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    1. Karen, you're so sweet and give me too much credit. Thanks though!

      I'm glad I'm not the only one compulsive about the dress thing. However, my dresses outsell my other items. But, I must say, you have the best separates and accessories! I always fawn over your skirts especially.

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  2. I like to take all my photos for the week on the weekends or really when the weather permits because its not always sunny up here in S.F. Usually I spend at least one whole day doing this and that will have me all set up for the week of listing ahead. I have to agree with Karen-- you are pretty amazing for running an Etsy shop w/ two small children at home! I'm expecting in July and I hope I can manage as well as you do (and I'll only have one)!

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    1. Congrats on the baby! It's crazy at first, but it is definitely do-able and it already sounds like you have a great system going.

      I definitely remember the SF weather. Loved SF and the bay area, but I definitely prefer the weather in SoCal. Hope you're not too tired!!

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  3. I'm with Karen. How you manage to run a shop with kids is beyone me! You are amazing!

    I'm also with the dresses and always have to include some with every update. :)

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  4. I have to shoot most items on my hands (jewelry maker) and I have a problem where my hands lock up, so unfortunately I can only photograph about 5 pieces before I have to stop and do something else. I've made my routine to photograph 5, edit 5, list 5, and so on. That has been working pretty well.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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    1. Oh my, that sounds painful. Your routine sounds very similar to the one I had and it worked well until my steamer broke. I'll probably go back to that routine though.

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  5. yes yes and yes. all of the above! me=same.

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