I just got back from trying to hand sell my scarves and hats to some local shops.  Although I didn't actually come back with any sales  I had a number of offers for consignment.  I guess that's how it works in the gifty shops.  In any case it was a really positive experience.  I got great feedback from the shop owners who do the buying.  Things like which color sells etc.  The general consensus is that I am making a pretty unique product.  They all had to try on the hats and I had to practically tear one scarf out of a shop owners hands when I was leaving.

In any case,  I recommend trying this if you can stomach it.  Even if they didn't want something they told me it was cool or suggested somewhere else to try.  No meanies at all.  I think this is particularly helpful if your items are textural like mine.  You can't quite capture how fuzzy it feels in a photograph.

OK, this may not qualify as a real success, but ....  I now have 100 followers on my "D" List blog!  I'm really happy about that because more eyes on the blog mean more eyes on all the D Listers I mention which can't be a bad thing for any of us!  Besides, if I can't see my sales budge.. at least I see my followers go up... as pathetic as that sounds, it makes me happy 

fiberpuppy- That's awesome! Feedback is very important, it lets you know how the public feels about your items. Besides, how many no's did a successful person get before they got that first yes? How many times was the light bulb invented before he got it right? Tons! So just keep it up!

Inga- That's great, sales are sales no matter where they come from very exciting

Sandy- That really kicks ass! I can't believe how fast the following has grown Keep it up!

Mimi-As of right now, no we do not have a facebook page. That's something I can work on this coming week

I got an email through CraigsList this morning from a woman who saw my Cloche hat listing and followed my link to my shop. She wants to by my Alpaca cowl and fingerless mitts! I told her to go to my shop and she can check out with PayPal through there. She hasn't emailed me back, but I'll give it to Monday and then maybe I'll message her again. It would be so awesome to finally have another sale!

OK...I just learned on the Etsy forum that if your item is featured on Gift Guides, it will remain there until it sells or until Admin has become tired of it (which can be up to 2 weeks).  I'm hoping that my cozies don't sell just so my shop will get more views and, possibly, more sales!   

Rachel, That's fantastic regarding your possible CraigsList sale!  Since some people are hesitant signing up on Etsy, maybe you can arrange for her to send you a USPS money order.

Well that's cool on the repeat customer!!! how exciting!

My question is have you contacted her in the last two weeks with no response back? If so how many times?

Congrats!  I am excited to see these washcloth flower pots.

I didnt contact her at all.  she contacted me after a week to say she'd buy the items during the weekend and that she was busy looking after sick family members and apologized for the delay.  I sent her a message back and told her it was fine, and that she can pay for the item whenever she gets a chance too....but thats over 2 weeks now...should i ask her??  i dont want to pester her or anything!

congrats, Rachel! I had been wondering whether it was worthwhile to advertise in Craigslist. Guess that's my answer!

Wow ladies, congrats on all these successes!!  I'm so excited for you all.

dobatseatcats- That's awesome! My last two sales were to an old highschool friend LOL So i'm like you I dont care who it comes from Good job i'm super happy for you!

Sandy-That's great! I'm so excited for you I'm sure it really gave you a confidence boost.