TOW July 10: MOTIVATION

How do you keep your motivation during slow selling times?

Summer sales can be slow online. Folks are on vacation. Out-of-town visitors are staying in the guest room. There are gardens to tend, sunshine, warm temperatures, the beach, the lake, a picnic … Kids are home from school and have to be entertained all day. As summer winds down, it’s time to get the kids ready for school and that means back-to-school shopping.

Things slow down online. As an online seller, it’s often hard to stay motivated and keep momentum moving forward.

What can a seller do to keep things fresh and new?
What can a seller do to keep customers attracted to their shop and, more importantly, BUYING?

I often find myself taking the slowdown “personally”.

Why aren’t my items selling?

What am I doing wrong?

Why don’t people like my things?

I was reminded today to keep a QTIP handy - one of those white tipped cotton swabs - to remind me to QUIT TAKING IT PERSONALLY.

I have great items, my photographs are great, my descriptions are good, and my site is in good shape. I have to remember that it isn’t something personal.

Like all of us, slow sales affect my bottom line!

I’ve found some articles online that have helped me get new perspective and gain some insight on slower summer sales. They don't specifically apply to only online sales, or Ruby Lane in particular ... but I found some good information to help me get fresh ideas:

http://www.buildingkeystones.com/2011/05/dealing-with-summer-sales-...

http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/slow-summer-sales-get...

http://www.morebusiness.com/running_your_business/marketing/ah_slow...

Share your motivational secrets with us!

How do you utilize a “down” time to your advantage?

Let’s work together and keep each other motivated!

Tags: marketing, motivation, online, sales

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Breezy Bluewillow on July 10, 2011 at 7:28pm

This is my first summer since opening my shop and this discussion couldn't be more timely. I was feeling all the things you described and the articles you have included are just what I needed. I only work my shop part time and was beginning to wonder if it was worth the trouble since the sales and questions from prospective customers have dropped off dramatically. I have a lot to consider and this helps. Thank you.

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on July 10, 2011 at 9:45pm

The bills are due each month, with no time off for summer.....lol that is all the motivation I need! ;-)

Permalink Reply by COBAYLEY on July 11, 2011 at 11:18pm

I have been a major whiner and griper. But, most of it was "tongue in cheek" so to speak. This time of year sales are slow, but it's this year they have been REALLY slow. So....I've been following some stuff on the internet also. Carol Augustine posted some really good tips on getting SEO going on our shops.

Now, I'm taking the time to go through everyone of my listings on Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza. Yep, all 700 to 800 of them. I do 15 to 20 a day. I analyze each one and go through the whole listing. Is the price right?....what about that description? too short (yes, most of mine were...a hold over from the dreaded ebay)...keywords...I have a better understanding now than I did 6 months ago.

And, I'm still learning more every day. In a large part, thanks to Linda Caricofe and her many quick tips and guides that she posts here on the Vintage Village, Facebook and elsewhere....

And...I'm visiting The Vintage Village every day....I think this Topic of the Week was a great idea....

Permalink Reply by Charmed Life on July 12, 2011 at 3:59pm

Carolyn, That's exactly how I ended up here on The Vintage Village ... I saw one of Linda Caricofe's videos on Ruby Lane. I googled "vintage ning", and TVV was the first place that showed up !!!

And here I am!

I've had to put my shops on vacation this week ... so things will be even slower for a while.

But ... I think my reason is a very good one!

2 grandkids + the beach = fun

Permalink Reply by Charmed Life on July 12, 2011 at 4:01pm

That's so true, Cheri.

I'm grateful that this is not my sole source of income. It makes life more "comfortable", but there is other income in the family.

Cheri's Shops said: