Have you cut back on gift spending?

[Bloomwhereyoureplanted]

This may seem like a 'bleeding obvious' question, but if any of you have ever bought a make up bag or tote bag or set of nice tea towels/apron/oven gloves for someone as a gift.. have you reduced your spend on those sorts of things in 2020 because of all that's going on?

This is what my little business sells... where I sell something those people are delighted, but getting the word out and increasing those sales... it's not easy. So I wonder if I'm just trying to push water uphill. Just wondered what everyone's thoughts are please?

Thanks so much everyone you've helped me to understand different points of views and given me heaps of ideas to work through. I'm drawing up a list of ideas over a cuppa as I type this that'll keep me going a good while! Cornflake you're also super helpful. Takes a bit of time to think up ideas and type them for someone you don't know so thank you so very much too! Creative head is on here... Thanks everyone, more than enough to keep me going, and moral support hugely appreciated from this mum too x

allnongnangning your post crossed with mine, thank you too! Glad you like the washbags.. Have a fab day!

Thanks @Bloomwhereyoureplanted It's nice to have a break from my actual job

Another idea - have you tried to get into Not On the High Street and similar sites? www.notonthehighstreet.com/join/signup I think they're still very popular. I guess you'd have to pay commission to them but it would help reach a wider market.

Generally I am trying to stick to my own site and get traffic there, but I may have to revisit the idea of other sites.. Funny I quite enjoy thinking about other people's businesses too, particularly when my brain feels like it's on a full spin cycle!

Yeah, it's so easy to come up with ideas for other people!! Mainly because you don't have to actually do the hard work of implementing them!

You need to increase your social media following on Instagram, as this is where a lot of impulse gift purchases of lovely things are made.

To do that you have to spend a lot of time interacting with accounts that might help you - look for cottagecore and follow influencers in this style, offer free samples for reviews, do competitions with giveaways to increase your reach (like and tag a friend etc).

Video is a hugely powerful tool and if you want to get across how well made and quality your goods are, you can show this best on video rather than still photography.

Video of the manufacturing process and your links with UK production will also help to build your brand story. Do things like put on Insta Stories when you send the box of biscuits to the factory etc. Make your brand personal as well as professional.

Do everything you can to get your stuff stocked somewhere in a real shop...

I might be wrong in this assumption, but I would guess that your products are a little more expensive than buying from other, larger businesses (small businesses do tend to be).

I'm sure your products are lovely, but things have changed a lot this year. I think people WILL indeed be cutting back on spending and looking to find the cheaper option where possible - myself included. In addition, lots of people have discovered the joys of places like Amazon where they can just get anything they want. I sell on Amazon myself and the sales this year have been crazy.

The best thing you can do is advertise. Maybe make yourself a Facebook page and get friends and family to like and share - that's free advertising at least!

@CornflakeHill

Yeah, it's so easy to come up with ideas for other people!! Mainly because you don't have to actually do the hard work of implementing them!

Amen to that Cornflake! We're on the same page! Thanks NoSquirrels I have been trying to expand followers on IG as well as FB recently, lots more to work to do but I agree re: video, that's next. I think my product photography isn't too bad but I need to gem up on videos next. You're right I didn't make a big thing of the biscuits because well.. it was just biscuits.. and I sent them because they're nice people, it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable if doing nice things then looks like it was just for social tbh, but I need to find more ways to demonstrating the link you're right. LindaE - I think my prices are similar to others doing what I'm doing, so Sam Wilson Studio, Sophie Allport (but believe those are made in India). So pleased to hear you've had a really good year on Amazon, what sort of thing do you sell?

Wow @Bloomwhereyoureplanted, beautiful products. And I actually think the price points are very reasonable for such lovely gift products, especially if made in the UK. I will for sure be keeping an eye on your website for Christmas gifts, though may I suggest adding a set shipping cost for us future Irish customers. Also, if you are going down the instagrammer avenue, I think Ruth Crilly at a model recommends could be a good rep.

Could you sell bits on Depop?

I'm your target market. Your stuff is in the same price range I spend in.

I find most of the people I buy from either in independent gift stores, gallery gift shops or on instagram.

Looking at your website you don't give as much as a story about yourself as some of the people I do buy from (but then maybe I've just been following their insta for longer!). I think upping the personal angle would probably help eg. do you design the fabric?

The fact your products are factory made would initially put me off so I'd up the ante (if it is true) about supporting a local business to make your product.

Another place I look for gifts is Not on the High Street although I think they take a fairly decent cut so I often buy from makers direct once I've found them. (sorry not on the high street).

Well I did plan to cut back, bought things in sale during lockdown when a lot of places were stuck with stock for the wrong season. Then both DDs needed laptops for Uni and DH decided those would be their Christmas presents. Also, stepson and his fiancée might be joining us for Christmas this year.

Morning everyone!

Thanks so much for further thoughts, I’ll definitely look at postage costs bigeegit, although budget is limited at the moment for going out to influencers it would be amazing to get in front of that sort of audience (192K!! blimey) at some point so I appreciate the suggestion, thank you. I’m not 100% sure about Depop if honest but interesting thought.

I think Opinionated has definitely hit on something I was wondering about, upping the story behind who I am and what I’m doing and process, to be honest I’m much happier behind the camera than in front of it (I know a lot of people say that) but I have just done my first ‘this is me’ post on social to start to address that. I guess what you’re saying is hand sewn by me would be a nicer story than factory made?? Not sure if I've understood that right.. but anyway to explain, the factory are a textile factory that both print Eliza Nellie designs onto the cotton or velvet and then cut and sew into the products. They also help me sample products, so I often tweak colours or detailing between the initial first sample and the final production to get it absolutely right. They’re experts in what they do so I chose them for their experience and quality. They wash and steam the colours in so the wash fastness is better for a longer product lifespan (e.g. tea towels that we all wash a lot).

It also means if I’m ever fortunate enough to get enough orders (I can dream!) I an easily scale up. I do go on..and on! about made in the UK a lot on social but you’re right I need to expand on that on the site. I wonder if perhaps it’s not always easy to understand the work that goes into making products like this too - I certainly had no idea starting out how much I needed to learn and I've very much concentrated on developing the best possible products which I am now so, so proud of - but I now have a cracking list to improve my website with too, thank you all! Really appreciate everyone’s time and thoughts. It’s so useful to hear what you’ve all had to say.

Second what's been said above. Also, maybe try vlogging your stuff too. Also try and get your local rag to do a feature, speak to places like Chatsworth to stock your stuff

Thanks Abigboydiditandranaway.

I buy a lot that I see via FB and Instagram ads , they seem to be well targeted !

Can we see your biz? Maybe I missed the link

Got it !

No useful advice from me, but I've looked at your website and love your products. Will definitely be ordering some for Xmas presents!

I think that probably is the most 'useful' thing anyone could say Lollipity! Certainly makes my day anyway!

On my phone I can't actually see how to get to the products to buy them? It doesn't seem to be an obvious option. I tried for longer than I would have done if I was browsing for a gift.

Also I don't think free delivery if you spend over £40 is something to shout about, most places do free delivery after about £20. So I wouldn't have that as a big banner add.
The products look lovely though from what I can see.