Cross Merchandising Can Seal the Deal

Several years ago I had a Brick and Mortar store in a suburban shopping mall. I carried hand crafted items from over 50 local artisans. Dressing the displays and windows was my favorite task. I just loved to take a scarf from one artist, pair it with a dress from another and add the bling with a necklace or fabulous pin from a third.

After a while, I couldn't help but notice that when I paired these vignettes together...they all sold together. It was great business for me and for all the artists.

When I opened my Etsy shop and joined some teams...I did the same thing. Here is one story and my customers note to me.

I'd had a bumble bee halter sundress in my shop for quite a while...it was my best seller! One afternoon a fellow Estian and EtsyKids tem member stopped by my facebook page to say; "Hi". We got to chatting and checking out each others shop and I saw that TK had some bumble bee MaryJane's that would go PERFECTLY with my dress. After I got the OK, I added a link to the bottom of the bumble bee dress listing taking potential buyers to TK's shoes and a possible expanded sale.

This is the note I recieved from a customer:

"Hi. I was searching Etsy for bumble bee party items for my daughter's first birthday party. I happened across your bumble bee sundress and took a look just for fun. As I was about to close out the page I notice the shoes to match from you EtsyKids Friend TK. After I clicked that link and saw those precious bumble bee shoes, I just HAD to have the whole ensemble for my daughters special day. Thank you so much for putting it all together. I may not have purchased at all without it."

Now if that's not an incentive for us all to do some cross merchandising......I don't know what is !!!!

Thankx TK! This was a winner for us both ♥ ♥ ♥






The dress



The shoes

 



Finding Joy by Simply..... Answering Mail!

I was checking my messages one afternoon and found the most delightful note from a fellow Etsian.... a bubbly mom from Nevada so full of joy I had to *meet* her. Her note said that my halter dresses were wonderful and she'd like one (or two) for her daughter Kiley. I visited her shop DesignsByAutumn and fell in LOVE with a beautiful necklace.
It was called "Gothic Garden".


Here is the stunning piece...and her listing description. Her beautiful prose....sealed the deal!!!

I'm completely obsessed with the dramatic beauty of heavily oxidized blackened silver!♥ This striking design will make you feel as if you are wearing something ancient yet modern ♥

This distinctive design features a beautiful Karen Hill Tribe flower draped with oodles of Goshenite micro faceted rondelles. All are meticulously wire wrapped to a knurled Sterling Silver chain & finished with a Sterling Silver Tear Drop Lobster Clasp♥ All silver has been heavily oxidized black♥

I made up three dresses for Kiley and in return I received my beautiful necklace.
A new forever friend was the best part of all. ♥ ♥ ♥ Thank you Autumn.




Here I am ready for a special evening out on the town with my fantastic new necklace...and earrings, too.