Well I got my rejection email from QVC today. At least they were quick to deny me LOL.
The email said my product did not fit in with their marketing plan. What an odd way to reject jam and jelly. I wish I could have got them to taste it. No one really gets my jam and jelly until they taste it.
I tried to sell them gift packs of my wine and pepper jelly. Basically my 2 top selling jams and jellies.
Okay so next I am either going to try HSN or Shark Tank. Not sure which one. I have been reading up on the Shark Tank terms.
One of them is that the production company gets 2 to 5 percent of your companies profits forever if a shark picks you. Dang!! I have to ponder that one some more.
My blog to help people find the real work from home opportunities and avoid scams. Remember real online work NEVER requires you to pay money!!! Never pay out money! Please feel free to comment and ask questions. Since I have a lot of varied interests, you will also find ponies, recipes and crafts.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
How to Sell Your Products on QVC
I took the plunge this morning and applied to become a "QVC Vendor" aka sell my jam on QVC.
I figured what the heck all they can do is tell me no. They do have a program called QVC Sprouts for smaller companies like mine.
All I did was submit an application with information about my product, attach to an email and hit send.
Click here to see the QVC Vendor application info
They have a whole list of categories of what they are currently looking for. My guess is they are looking now for what they will sell next fall; Christmas season.
Be sure though if you apply that you know exactly what it costs you to produce your items. You must sell them wholesale to QVC. Therefore you have to know your exact costs so you don't lose money. Wholesale can be tricky!
I will keep you all posted on what happens!
I figured what the heck all they can do is tell me no. They do have a program called QVC Sprouts for smaller companies like mine.
All I did was submit an application with information about my product, attach to an email and hit send.
Click here to see the QVC Vendor application info
They have a whole list of categories of what they are currently looking for. My guess is they are looking now for what they will sell next fall; Christmas season.
Be sure though if you apply that you know exactly what it costs you to produce your items. You must sell them wholesale to QVC. Therefore you have to know your exact costs so you don't lose money. Wholesale can be tricky!
I will keep you all posted on what happens!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Strawberry Balsamic Jam!
I am playing with some new jam flavors and trying to gear up for the spring craft shows and farmers markets.
For a year I have heard how great Strawberry Balsamic Jam tastes so I knew I wanted to try making some.
Well I found some great fresh strawberries at the store and decided to give it a try.
I have to say the taste is amazing! You really do not taste the vinegar but the balsamic gives the strawberries a really deep flavor that they do not have on their own.
Now I am thinking of making it with jalapeno's. Yum. I also made a batch of Strawberry Jalapeno Jam which is hubbys favorite. I made him a 16 oz jar so he would stop eating all of my 8 oz jars LOL.
If you would like to order some of my homemade jam just email me at jamanarchy@gmail.com
I need to get a good picture of it!
For a year I have heard how great Strawberry Balsamic Jam tastes so I knew I wanted to try making some.
Well I found some great fresh strawberries at the store and decided to give it a try.
I have to say the taste is amazing! You really do not taste the vinegar but the balsamic gives the strawberries a really deep flavor that they do not have on their own.
Now I am thinking of making it with jalapeno's. Yum. I also made a batch of Strawberry Jalapeno Jam which is hubbys favorite. I made him a 16 oz jar so he would stop eating all of my 8 oz jars LOL.
If you would like to order some of my homemade jam just email me at jamanarchy@gmail.com
I need to get a good picture of it!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
More Writers Laid off From Demand Studios
Well one look at the Demand Studios forums shows it is now officially imploding on itself.
As more and more writers get rejected for the new "writer sections" it becomes apparent that this was just another way for Demand Studios to lay off a huge amount of writers without admitting to a massive layoff. That wouldn't look good right before their 4th quarter financial report.
Oddly enough, as of last week, I was still approved for Finance and Money. I specifically asked Jordon on the Demand forum if that meant I was staying in. He replied it did. A few days later I was met with "re apply." So much for that answer.
I applied for the Pets section but still no word. I seriously doubt I will get in but that's okay.
I think what upsets writers more than being rejected is being rejected with form emails that have nothing to do with their application. Many like myself easily meet the "qualification" guidelines yet still get a rejection letter.
I think most writers would feel better if DMS would just call it what it is. Another layoff.
As more and more writers get rejected for the new "writer sections" it becomes apparent that this was just another way for Demand Studios to lay off a huge amount of writers without admitting to a massive layoff. That wouldn't look good right before their 4th quarter financial report.
Oddly enough, as of last week, I was still approved for Finance and Money. I specifically asked Jordon on the Demand forum if that meant I was staying in. He replied it did. A few days later I was met with "re apply." So much for that answer.
I applied for the Pets section but still no word. I seriously doubt I will get in but that's okay.
I think what upsets writers more than being rejected is being rejected with form emails that have nothing to do with their application. Many like myself easily meet the "qualification" guidelines yet still get a rejection letter.
I think most writers would feel better if DMS would just call it what it is. Another layoff.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
What Craft Items Sell the Best?
I see this question posted all over the internet. People seem to think there is some magical craft item that just sells a ton and makes a lot of easy money. This is just not how it works.
The great thing right now is that due to the recession (or whatever you want to call it) The handmade crafts market is booming. There is a huge return to buying handmade gifts and LEARNING HOW TO MAKE handmade gifts.
So many people over look that last sentence. Probably the easiest most profitable money there is to be made in the crafts industry is teaching your craft to other people. This can be in the form of a class, video, blogs, patterns etc.
So many crafter's are hesitant to sell their patterns or teach a class. Because we are like hoarders. We don't want anyone to know how we made something or sell our patterns because they might outsell us. This is crazy!!
Now not everyone is meant to teach a class. I myself love to teach classes whether it be painting, crocheting etc. There is great money to be made in teaching classes. So if you love people and have a crafty flair; contact your local craft store and see about teaching what you love to do. I averaged about $25.00 per hour when I taught tole painting.
Okay so maybe teaching is not your forte. What about selling patterns? I have posted about this several times on this blog and elsewhere. People that refuse to sell patterns are missing a huge market. This is the easiest highest profit money you will ever make in the craft industry.
People that buy craft patterns obviously enjoy making their own craft items. They are never going to buy your finished craft items, but they will buy the pattern. So this opens up a brand new market for you and a new customer base.
People are going to copy others anyway, so make it easy and make a few bucks at the same time.
The other day I was writing Etsy Product Descriptions for an Etsy store. While researching what her best keywords are I noticed a huge amount of Google searches for patterns in the item she makes and sells.
I advised her to think hard about selling a downloadable e-pattern for what she makes. I think she would be hugely successful if she decides to do it.
So lets say you are new and do not have any original craft design patterns to sell. To be successful you must pick a craft you are passionate about making. I am a firm believer in that.
Then you must pick the right colors and the right price. Quality handmade items always sell as long as they are in the right colors and prices.
The great thing right now is that due to the recession (or whatever you want to call it) The handmade crafts market is booming. There is a huge return to buying handmade gifts and LEARNING HOW TO MAKE handmade gifts.
So many people over look that last sentence. Probably the easiest most profitable money there is to be made in the crafts industry is teaching your craft to other people. This can be in the form of a class, video, blogs, patterns etc.
So many crafter's are hesitant to sell their patterns or teach a class. Because we are like hoarders. We don't want anyone to know how we made something or sell our patterns because they might outsell us. This is crazy!!
Now not everyone is meant to teach a class. I myself love to teach classes whether it be painting, crocheting etc. There is great money to be made in teaching classes. So if you love people and have a crafty flair; contact your local craft store and see about teaching what you love to do. I averaged about $25.00 per hour when I taught tole painting.
Okay so maybe teaching is not your forte. What about selling patterns? I have posted about this several times on this blog and elsewhere. People that refuse to sell patterns are missing a huge market. This is the easiest highest profit money you will ever make in the craft industry.
People that buy craft patterns obviously enjoy making their own craft items. They are never going to buy your finished craft items, but they will buy the pattern. So this opens up a brand new market for you and a new customer base.
People are going to copy others anyway, so make it easy and make a few bucks at the same time.
The other day I was writing Etsy Product Descriptions for an Etsy store. While researching what her best keywords are I noticed a huge amount of Google searches for patterns in the item she makes and sells.
I advised her to think hard about selling a downloadable e-pattern for what she makes. I think she would be hugely successful if she decides to do it.
So lets say you are new and do not have any original craft design patterns to sell. To be successful you must pick a craft you are passionate about making. I am a firm believer in that.
Then you must pick the right colors and the right price. Quality handmade items always sell as long as they are in the right colors and prices.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Why You Need a Tax ID Number for Your Craft Business
Anytime you say the word "tax" people tremble with fear. Doesn't matter if its horse people or craft people they are so scared of the T word.
I have watched many home business's fail because they are so afraid of sales tax, income tax etc.
It really is not a big deal and it really isn't scary.
If you are running a home business you must have a tax ID number! This enables you to buy supplies in bulk and wholesale. Many companies will not sell you supplies at wholesale cost unless you have this number.
Because I sell food I do not have to charge sales tax at craft shows. Yet I still have a tax ID number for the state of Ohio. Why? So I can buy bulk and wholesale supplies!
Just an FYI some states may call it a vendor number and others call it a tax ID number and yet others will call it a resale tax number.
Many are afraid of doing the reports. Most states now have it so you can file online so its even easier than ever. If like me you do not collect a lot (or any) sales tax you can set it to only file quarterly or once a year. s
Also keep in mind many of the bigger money making craft shows will not allow you to rent space without this number.
Just look up the website for your state and many times its listed under "commerce"
Here is the link for the state of Ohio tax vendor number.
If you start out with a semi annual report and your sales increase, the state will probably notify you that you need to report more often.
Happy Craft Selling!
I have watched many home business's fail because they are so afraid of sales tax, income tax etc.
It really is not a big deal and it really isn't scary.
If you are running a home business you must have a tax ID number! This enables you to buy supplies in bulk and wholesale. Many companies will not sell you supplies at wholesale cost unless you have this number.
Because I sell food I do not have to charge sales tax at craft shows. Yet I still have a tax ID number for the state of Ohio. Why? So I can buy bulk and wholesale supplies!
Just an FYI some states may call it a vendor number and others call it a tax ID number and yet others will call it a resale tax number.
Many are afraid of doing the reports. Most states now have it so you can file online so its even easier than ever. If like me you do not collect a lot (or any) sales tax you can set it to only file quarterly or once a year. s
Also keep in mind many of the bigger money making craft shows will not allow you to rent space without this number.
Just look up the website for your state and many times its listed under "commerce"
Here is the link for the state of Ohio tax vendor number.
If you start out with a semi annual report and your sales increase, the state will probably notify you that you need to report more often.
Happy Craft Selling!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Self Publishing Your Crochet Patterns
I welcome my first grandson Feb 6, 2011!!! Woohoo! Welcome to the world Kamden Cole Baxter.
I edited this post 2-11 to add more info at the bottom as I was getting lots of email questions!
So of course I crocheted him a blanket and a couple hats. With another grandson coming in April and a great nephew coming in July, I am crocheting up a storm.
I came across one of the best crochet sites I have ever found and found their page on publishing your own crochet patterns. Really great info!
I have been telling writers/crocheter's on Demand Studios for years to stop selling their original crochet (or any craft pattern) patterns to Demand for a measly $15.00. I could never understand why so many people did that.
Original craft patterns are great little money makers. You can sell them on your website, blog, Etsy, Ravelry etc. Instead of getting paid by Demand once, you can get paid over and over.
You can even self publish an e-book with many patterns and sell it on Amazon.
Here is the link to Crochet Crowd and the article on publishing your own patterns.
Click here for an older blog post I did on selling patterns
Also if you need an easy to use program that delivers your patterns automatically check out my older post on using E-Junkie
Only costs $5.00 per month and your customers get your pattern as soon as they pay.
I edited this post 2-11 to add more info at the bottom as I was getting lots of email questions!
So of course I crocheted him a blanket and a couple hats. With another grandson coming in April and a great nephew coming in July, I am crocheting up a storm.
I came across one of the best crochet sites I have ever found and found their page on publishing your own crochet patterns. Really great info!
I have been telling writers/crocheter's on Demand Studios for years to stop selling their original crochet (or any craft pattern) patterns to Demand for a measly $15.00. I could never understand why so many people did that.
Original craft patterns are great little money makers. You can sell them on your website, blog, Etsy, Ravelry etc. Instead of getting paid by Demand once, you can get paid over and over.
You can even self publish an e-book with many patterns and sell it on Amazon.
Here is the link to Crochet Crowd and the article on publishing your own patterns.
Click here for an older blog post I did on selling patterns
Also if you need an easy to use program that delivers your patterns automatically check out my older post on using E-Junkie
Only costs $5.00 per month and your customers get your pattern as soon as they pay.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
How to Pick the Right Craft Show
If you are a crafter now is the time to be picking and reserving what craft shows you are going to attend for 2012.
I have found that a lot of people new to selling crafts are afraid to ask questions. If you are going to plunk down your hard earned money to rent space; you need to ask questions. All craft shows are not created equal. Do not waste your time and money on shows that get little traffic.
Questions for Craft Show Managers:
How many buyers came through the show in 2011?
Any craft show manager worth their salt knows what their previous years attendance was. If it is a low number skip that show and move on. Be wary though of managers that hand out huge numbers. I was told by our mall manager that a huge number of people had attended the year before only to find out later it was false information. Beware!
Will this show be advertised?
If the response is that their advertising consists of poster board signs on the street; skip it and move on. A good craft show manager will give you a list of newspapers, websites etc that the show is being promoted on.
Co op Promoting:
The best shows ask their exhibitors to co promote with them on Facebook and other social media outlets. I had one show manager that loved my stuff so much that she promoted me on Facebook even though the show was full and I could not get in.
Location:
If you are not familiar with where the show is held ask about the location. Is it off the beaten path or on a main roadway? This can make a huge difference especially for newish shows. We attended a first year show last year that was unfortunately way off the beaten path. It also had zero advertising. It had about 20 people come thru the entire day. Lesson learned!
Hand made items only?
I prefer to attend real craft shows where only hand made items are allowed. These always seem to be the higher attended shows and the better money makers. Shows that also allow resale items, party plans etc are just not nearly as successful.
Most real hand made only craft shows are also juried which normally equals a better show. I LOVE juried craft shows!!
I really prefer not to sell my items across from someone selling junk tshirts and hats from overseas. So anti craft show in my opinion but it seems to be happening a lot now.
I have found that a lot of people new to selling crafts are afraid to ask questions. If you are going to plunk down your hard earned money to rent space; you need to ask questions. All craft shows are not created equal. Do not waste your time and money on shows that get little traffic.
Questions for Craft Show Managers:
How many buyers came through the show in 2011?
Any craft show manager worth their salt knows what their previous years attendance was. If it is a low number skip that show and move on. Be wary though of managers that hand out huge numbers. I was told by our mall manager that a huge number of people had attended the year before only to find out later it was false information. Beware!
Will this show be advertised?
If the response is that their advertising consists of poster board signs on the street; skip it and move on. A good craft show manager will give you a list of newspapers, websites etc that the show is being promoted on.
Co op Promoting:
The best shows ask their exhibitors to co promote with them on Facebook and other social media outlets. I had one show manager that loved my stuff so much that she promoted me on Facebook even though the show was full and I could not get in.
Location:
If you are not familiar with where the show is held ask about the location. Is it off the beaten path or on a main roadway? This can make a huge difference especially for newish shows. We attended a first year show last year that was unfortunately way off the beaten path. It also had zero advertising. It had about 20 people come thru the entire day. Lesson learned!
Hand made items only?
I prefer to attend real craft shows where only hand made items are allowed. These always seem to be the higher attended shows and the better money makers. Shows that also allow resale items, party plans etc are just not nearly as successful.
Most real hand made only craft shows are also juried which normally equals a better show. I LOVE juried craft shows!!
I really prefer not to sell my items across from someone selling junk tshirts and hats from overseas. So anti craft show in my opinion but it seems to be happening a lot now.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Changing My Life Direction
Several days ago I announced my herd dispersal of all of our ASPC/AMHR miniature horses and Shetland ponies It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
For 11 years miniature horses and Shetland ponies have been my life and my passion, so it is not easy to make a decision like this.
But I know for sure it was the right decision no matter how painful it is.
I do think I will try to get my ASPC/AMHR judges card either this year or maybe next year depending on how hubby is doing. This way I can still do what I enjoy and that is horse shows and small equine!
On the bright side I have to admit I am looking forward to being able to travel without obsessing over who is taking care of the horses. Invariably every time we have tried to take a vacation, I get a call that something is wrong back on the farm. Mostly we had to take separate trips so that one of us could stay home and care for the ponies.
I am also finishing up the next e-book in the Miniature Horse & Shetland Pony series and I think this one is going to be awesome! This one will be showing tips for minis and ponies and I have invited some special people to add to the book with their wealth of knowledge on showing minis & ponies. Way too much fun!
I am determined to simplify my life and get hubby's and mines stress levels down to a manageable level.
If anyone reading this is interested in purchasing any of our minis/ponies please email me at kay@baxterspaintedpasture, and I can send you a dispersal list. My biggest priority is finding them the best homes and preference will be given to those with a good reputation of caring for their horses.
For 11 years miniature horses and Shetland ponies have been my life and my passion, so it is not easy to make a decision like this.
But I know for sure it was the right decision no matter how painful it is.
I do think I will try to get my ASPC/AMHR judges card either this year or maybe next year depending on how hubby is doing. This way I can still do what I enjoy and that is horse shows and small equine!
On the bright side I have to admit I am looking forward to being able to travel without obsessing over who is taking care of the horses. Invariably every time we have tried to take a vacation, I get a call that something is wrong back on the farm. Mostly we had to take separate trips so that one of us could stay home and care for the ponies.
I am also finishing up the next e-book in the Miniature Horse & Shetland Pony series and I think this one is going to be awesome! This one will be showing tips for minis and ponies and I have invited some special people to add to the book with their wealth of knowledge on showing minis & ponies. Way too much fun!
I am determined to simplify my life and get hubby's and mines stress levels down to a manageable level.
If anyone reading this is interested in purchasing any of our minis/ponies please email me at kay@baxterspaintedpasture, and I can send you a dispersal list. My biggest priority is finding them the best homes and preference will be given to those with a good reputation of caring for their horses.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
My Kindle Select Update
So I put one of my e-books in Kindle Select to see if this would work to market niche books. I offered the book for free 01-14 and 01-15.
The theory is you give one book away for free and this will increase sales on your other books. This has worked for a lot of my indie publishing friends. I wasn't sure this would work for a niche books like mine that cater to a certain population (small equine people)
I gave away 100 e-books for "Buying Miniature Horses & Shetland Ponies"
Now most said you have to give it a couple weeks to see the sales increase. So now it is Feb 1st.
I have to say I didn't see a big increase in sales. They are actually pretty much what they were before the two free promotion days. I did promote it on Facebook and Twitter etc. Have ads running on horse forums.
Unfortunately it did not get me any reviews either which is what I was hoping for. But I don't think that people new to Kindle even know they can give reviews.
So while it was not a total bust, as I thought it is not a great marketing tool for niche e-books. Would I do it again? No. Not unless I write a book that is more universal and sells to a wider audience.
My problem now is I would like to offer all 3 books in a bundle but because one book is in select I cannot offer that bundle. In hindsight I should have done a bundle and skipped the Kindle Select Program.
I do think it can be a great marketing strategy for more mainstream books. Niche books? Not so much.
The theory is you give one book away for free and this will increase sales on your other books. This has worked for a lot of my indie publishing friends. I wasn't sure this would work for a niche books like mine that cater to a certain population (small equine people)
I gave away 100 e-books for "Buying Miniature Horses & Shetland Ponies"
Now most said you have to give it a couple weeks to see the sales increase. So now it is Feb 1st.
I have to say I didn't see a big increase in sales. They are actually pretty much what they were before the two free promotion days. I did promote it on Facebook and Twitter etc. Have ads running on horse forums.
Unfortunately it did not get me any reviews either which is what I was hoping for. But I don't think that people new to Kindle even know they can give reviews.
So while it was not a total bust, as I thought it is not a great marketing tool for niche e-books. Would I do it again? No. Not unless I write a book that is more universal and sells to a wider audience.
My problem now is I would like to offer all 3 books in a bundle but because one book is in select I cannot offer that bundle. In hindsight I should have done a bundle and skipped the Kindle Select Program.
I do think it can be a great marketing strategy for more mainstream books. Niche books? Not so much.
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