I put another item on Etsy yesterday. It’s actually stationery this time. Or something like it.
I am so nervous whenever I put anything out there because I want it to be perfect. I want people to love it and I want it to be the best thing going. I’m exaggerating a bit, but I am so hungry for affirmation, it is hard for me to just put something out in a cyber world where I can’t hear any of the feedback. Well, late last night I got some feedback. Here is the message that came to my Etsy inbox:
Hi —
Might you be able to make a variety pack of a set of 20 maybe? What will lined envelopes cost? Will you be able to personlaize the card with a monogram and print return address? How much might ttotal cost be?
Thanks
That’s a lot of questions and I have yet to reply, but I will do so this morning with something like…”I got your message, give me a day or two to look into that.”
I am so glad that she liked the cards. I am bewildered as to what to do next. Do I scramble about trying to do just what she’s asked for…or do I kindly tell her that I do not have the resources to make her dreams come true. Ah well…that’s why I have Kris, he will make it all seem less intimidating in no time.
That’s why I’m friends with people like Amber H. too. If she reads this, I wager that she’ll have ten possible solutions for this request and most of them will be within reach of my home-making little hands.
I know some of you are laughing at my frailty…but I choose to be honest here…and though I wish I were a bit more headstrong, resourceful and confident at times, I am happy to laugh with you at what I am. I see how ridiculous I am…I just don’t know how to fix it.
I have no advice on how to help you make her request happen, but I can definitely say these are super cute and I’d probably write you a similar e-mail asking the same questions! (If only I needed 20 cards) 🙂
Ah, I am far more ridiculous than you and as far as I can tell, it’s best to not try and fix it. It’s part of the wonderful stuff that makes you the wonderful you that you are.
I have a similar problem with making and selling my own stuff – there’s no way to offer and make everything that everybody wants. I think your answer should depend on what you want to do with your “company.” If you want it to be small and you want to just sell what you have time to make when you have time to make it, then you shouldn’t feel too obligated to accommodate extensive special requests.
Frailty? Ha! This from the women that gave birth to 3 (count ’em 3 people) at home! Just because you need help with something doesn’t mean you’re frail. I’d be stymied by these things as well. It just makes me that much more thankful for the people in my life that are good at things that I’m not. And I’m not good at plenty of things.
And I was on the receiving end of one of those cards! Can I tell you how absolutely wonderful it was to open the envelope to something so lovely inside? Of course, it left me wishing I were half that thoughtful. And a set of 3 for $4! Really? Have you looked at the price of cards lately- that is a bargain for sure! They’re too beautiful to be that inexpensive but that’s just MHO. Maybe that’s why I’m not selling anything 😉
You’re so incredibly talented and strong. I imagine starting out in the world of selling your creations might be intimidating. Once you sell a few things, though, I think you will feel better and with more of a solid ground.
I wish that I had some practical advice for you, but I don’t. I just wanted to send some encouragement your way and let you know that I have always admired you, and I feel like you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it. And you know you love a good challenge. Admit it! 😉
*hugs in your direction*
Love the stationery! Beautiful! I parked your email about the midwives and forgot(until now) to return the answer. I have no idea who her midwife was, only that she lives in Spring Hill. She delivered so quickly. Amazingly wonderful new baby!