After a slow couple of weeks, we have had 2 convos about custom orders.  One for the owl shirts (both a boy and a girl one) and one for 6 pairs of socks with crochet edge for baby.  Fingers crossed that they will turn into sales!

Charissa,

I'm crossing my fingers for you!!

Christl

whoa, you guys, one of my bracelets is in a gift guide! I am shocked!

http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/your-etsy-twitter-picks/223?page=5

So, I wanted to ask you guys how often you donate your work to organizations and what considerations do you make with such requests? 

I recieved a pretty huge request to donate 60 sets of recycled glass coasters to a 'green' group that's hosting a seminar at the end of October.  The organizer wanted to pass my items and marketing materials out in goodie bags.  I graciouly thanked the person who sent me the convo and mentioned that I can only produce 4 coasters every two days due to my kiln limitations, so I wouldn't be able to accomodate his request for 240 coasters in two weeks, but now he is asking for whatever I can give.  I'm not really sure how to best approach this and wanted your input.  I donate a percentage of my sales to charity, I donate to local organizations, but I'm not sure about branching out and taking the chance on returns from organizations that I'm not familiar with.  What have your experiences been?

so, my co-workers want me to bring my jewelry in to work tomorrow. woohoo for an impromptu trunk show!! I've no idea if this is going to result in any sales, and I feel a little weird mingling my Etsy life with my day job... but, they DID ask. Plus the bosses are out tomorrow at a client meeting so there shouldn't be anyone around to complain. ;)

dobatseatcats - thanks for your input, I'll be sure to create a post about how this all plays out.

I hope that things go well for you tomorrow!  I agree with Rose, be prepared for special requests.  I have done this before (around lunchtime and at the request of my coworkers) and it turned out well, even though I was quite cautious about mixing my business with my workplace. 

Let us know how it goes!

dobatseatcats - congrats!!! That is pretty good for one day!

I just won my first alchemy bid for 2 dresses! Yay!

Congrats dobatseatcats - glad to hear that it went well for you! And, yeah, that's the type of special request I was referring to! LOL!

Bluecalla - Hooray for your alchemy bid!  Let us know how it turns out for you! 

It's so wonderful to hear about everyone's successes!

Well i've got my second set of towels going to my mother in law today yay!! I think that brings me up to 8 sales now. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out too!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32667882

Oh my gosh, I made my first Etsy sale! It was one of my butterfly patterns. I took a deep breath this morning, double checked the pattern and emailed it to her. It's exciting and scary. I hope she likes it.

I remember getting my first sale and almost passed out LOL

Congrats on the sales you guys!

Dobatseatcats (love that name!),  congratulations on your successes with your colleagues, they are a great source of customers.  But.....

I am going to put my former manager's hat on.  Just be very careful when bringing things into your office and selling them.  Many organizations have very strict rules about conducting an outside business on their premises.  Nowadays they can monitor your instant messages, email, voice mail, etc., and they will!  All it takes is for one disgruntled employee to make a complaint....

Check out your company's policies to be on the safe side.

Gracelyn