Offline
On the number of listings, I think you need 2 pages worth which is something like 30 items. You need to have enough so that you look like you are really in business and also it encourages the shopper to look around. If you have 2 pairs of earrings that soesn't give the shopper enough choice.
Offline
I try to keep costs down by buying my supplies on sale. I get my flowers at Michael's carft store when they are 50% off. I stock up for the season! I also utalize my 40% off coupons. Can't find anything you like at a particular store when you have a coupon? No worries a lot of places will take competitor coupons or price match. Try to set aside a little bit of money each check to go towards supplies. Over time it will add up.
Offline
Hi, this is a great thread. I've been officially in business for just a couple of months. My two etsy sales are from my friend who bought two things. I've had a couple of sales outside etsy, again friends. When I tell people of my store, they say Oh, that's so cool but don't commit to buying anything. However, a friend of mine wants to help promote my business so I sewed up a bunch more stuff which she'll show at her house to some friends who are coming over.
Also, I plan to have a holiday boutique at my house so my friends can see the products in person. I sewed a bunch more this past week but for my in-house party so I haven't posted on etsy yet. I've also spent a ton of money on materials. For me, my materials are fabrics and notions. To make more variety, I keep buying fabric because although I make different things, I don't want to use the same fabric over and over again. And sewing is quite time consuming.
I also checked out a local craft fair at a high school last week to think about selling there next year for Christmas. The vendors do have quite a bit of inventory and I simply don't have enough to have a booth right now. Perhaps next year.