Advice on Sales!!
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Eclectic Wingtips
Registered User
Join date: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 795
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05-18-2009 21:38
From: Ralektra Breda I think right now the thing that is most important for me is to have people look at my work and say that it has merit. Because I always question my own work. It is hard to compete with photosourcing (when the photosourcing is well done) because hand-drawn tends to have a bit of a 'cartoony' look sometimes. So it always makes me feel good to have someone tell me they like my work  As far as 'business', it keeps getting better so I have no complaints there...will it grow? I dunno  I really understand this too. I often doubt myself and the things i make especially on slow days. then show a new piece to someone who love it and i begin to feel better. You are right, those of us who hand draw do have a harder time getting it to look as good as those who photosource, however photosourcing doesnt appaeal to me in the least so i will continue plugging away with what i do. I am sure at some point i will join the network, butfor now i am holding off a little to see what happens with it. t is brand new and i would hate to join if it is just an overnight wonder then no one uses it. |
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-18-2009 22:25
I can relate to that feeling too Ralektra
I am seriously considering it, the cost is not high, and heck it is a nice form of advertising
does the item put out have to be a freebie from the store, and does it have to be just one thing? (or can we put together say an ensemble including shoes and such for a package appeal?)
Do the ones that join it have to have freebies? (This is where I got confused because it seems the blog you mentioned earlier was a freebie place)
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Eclectic Wingtips
Registered User
Join date: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 795
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05-18-2009 22:58
Hey I just came across this and thought maybe it might suit some people From: someone
Pulse and Sn@tch City are offering a shop for FREE to a new designer every month. The shop located right inside my main store will be available by application and of our choosing each month for a month for FREE.
We love to celebrate and encourage new talent, especially alternative designers (horror, goth, punk, grunge, trashy, glam etc), so to do this pro-actively, we are offering a store to new designers on our sim. We've been doing this for several months now and found it's a great way for new creators to get a little leg up and exposure in a busy shopping area and on the blogs. Former new designer stores include RaRa Avis, Deco, Tyranny, Black Canary & Silver Wheel.
The rules are simple...
You must follow the directions of the application.You must have been designing for six months or under.You must be available to set up your store within two days of notice.Your items must be of a more alternative nature, be it clothing, accessories, avatar enhancements, household or prim design.
Choosing from the applications will be difficult enough, so please follow these instructions carefully. Put the following items in a folder and name it .....Free Shop Application-"Your Name" and send the whole folder to Ivey Deschanel. Anything that is sent not in an appropriately named folder will be declined or disqualified.
1. A notecard that lists, your name, your brand/store name, the approximate date you began designing and a short explaination of why you began designing in SL.
2. At least FIVE vendor ads/images. You are welcome to send more but don't get nuts lol
3. A sample item so we can see the close up quality (can be just a shirt, freebie or small item)
4. A landmark to your main store if you have one.
If you are chosen we will notify you personally by the first of the month and your free shop rental will run until the first of the next month. The free store designer will also be announced in our blog, on the SL fashion feeds and in Fashcon announcements and group notices for Sn@tch.
Store Details:
The space will be empty and we will allow 100 prims total. up to 50 for product and 50 to decorate with. Please understand that any heavy scripts that affect sim performance or anything that laps over into the neighboring stores (floating text, lighting etc) we may ask you to remove. No temp rezzers or scripted vendors please, only single prim simple vendors. We also request that you stay somewhat within design style of the sim but have fun with it and be creative and promote your personal brand and style!
All applications will be kept for the next month and considered in the next application period. We're not as concerned with supreme quality as we are with potential and creativity so don't think you couldn't get it because you're unsure of yourself. It never hurts to try and its a great oppotunity for a new designer...so go for it!
Thats it...good luck!
Ivey & Roblem
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Tiffy Vella
Registered User
Join date: 3 Apr 2007
Posts: 379
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05-19-2009 00:04
Oooh Eclectic....staring wide-eyed.... that's marvellous.
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Ralektra Breda
Template Painter
Join date: 7 Apr 2008
Posts: 1,875
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05-19-2009 03:29
From: Rhaorth Antonelli
does the item put out have to be a freebie from the store, and does it have to be just one thing? (or can we put together say an ensemble including shoes and such for a package appeal?)
Do the ones that join it have to have freebies? (This is where I got confused because it seems the blog you mentioned earlier was a freebie place)
I would not call 'Chic at Phil's Place' a freebie blog (not that there is anything at all wrong with freebie blogs, they bring business too), she did go into my store and pick up samples on the way by (my new word for freebies is samples! lol) and blog them as well. Because I know that I am sending a 'sample' of my work to many people, some of whom will be bloggers, I tried to send something that represents the quality of my work. So when you decide what to send (whether it be a freebie from the floor or something off your shelves) remember that you have ONE chance to show your goods to someone, and pick something that represents you well. You don't have to have 'freebies' in your shop to use the service (although most shops I have ever seen do have some sort of gift in them). There are several categories, and your sample has to match a category, so you wouldn't be able to do an ensemble. But, you can put things into as many categories as you like. I put one into 'womens fashion' and one into 'men's fashion' there are also jewelry, shoes, skins, home decor, etc. categories. I sound like a sales rep for DSN lol but I'm not, I just think it is a great way to advertise.
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 Mainstore: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Phantasm/51/164/501 http://rbzdesign.blogspot.com/ I'm not a designer IRL, but I RP one on SL!
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-19-2009 10:43
Thank you ralektra that helps some
I will have to go to the website and check it out some more
it is sounding better all the time, and hey, it is a small price to pay for some advertising.
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-24-2009 10:58
bumping to get this off of page 7!! O.O
wow!
anywho I think I am gonna try out the thing ralektra mentioned, so had to find this thread and get the info heh
(plus I think I need to skim through it and see what I missed trying, need to get some sales)
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Amaranthim Talon
Voyager, Seeker, Curious
Join date: 14 Nov 2006
Posts: 12,032
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05-24-2009 15:45
Bumping it to get it ahead of that idiotic violence thread
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"Yield to temptation. It may not pass your way again. " Robert A. Heinlein  http://talonfaire.blogspot.com/ Visit Talon Faire Main: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Misto%20Presto/216/21/155- Main Store XStreets: http://tinyurl.com/6r7ayn
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-24-2009 15:48
From: Amaranthim Talon Bumping it to get it ahead of that idiotic violence thread bumping because that works for me! heh on a serious note, how is everyone doing, have people tried the things suggested here and did they make any difference?
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Amaranthim Talon
Voyager, Seeker, Curious
Join date: 14 Nov 2006
Posts: 12,032
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05-24-2009 15:57
Well, I have changed directions- not doing clothes anymore- am having an awesome time making 'stuff' and that has been a real boon! I redid my store too and that was a great step- the place looks so much cleaner and professional. However, since it is so much more organized now, the need for content is much more evident- that and the fact that I have retired some clothing all together. XStreets has been real great for me lately too- remeber too, for me 'real great' is a sale or more per week! Before LL bought them it wd go months on end. Oh well- it's all in fun and pays enough L's to keep me in uploads. Who knows? Maybe one day I will make enough for tier -hah!
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"Yield to temptation. It may not pass your way again. " Robert A. Heinlein http://talonfaire.blogspot.com/ Visit Talon Faire Main: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Misto%20Presto/216/21/155- Main Store XStreets: http://tinyurl.com/6r7ayn
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Skell Dagger
Smitten
Join date: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 1,885
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05-24-2009 16:12
I'm in the process of setting up that Designers Network thing, although my dropbox probably won't go live until tomorrow at the earliest.
I've also started rezzing one different build weekly above the mall, so people can use the teleporter to go up there and walk around, see it in person. We don't have enough prims free to rez more than one build, alas, but I do change it every week. I just rezzed out the Grungy Urban Skybox for this week's build.
I have about 4 things in my Xstreet box, awaiting descriptions. Too tired to get around to doing those tonight.
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It always ends in chickens...
Store blog - http://primflints.wordpress.com/
Inworld - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jindalrae/21/25/442
XStreet - http://tinyurl.com/primflints
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/skelldagger/
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-24-2009 16:20
I redid my store and am still making clothing, I tend to always lean towards clothing
I do have some furniture I want to put out, not a lot, just some..
I also just started on my men's line, so got the first of those out
starting to get back into the swing of things and wanting to create stuff again, so that feels good
(still got some odds and ends to do for the store, like signs for each section etc)
As for things I tried from this thread, I followed just about all the advice here that I could (and could afford to in some cases) and I found it did not make a difference.
So I am just going to kick it into high gear and just start finishing up some stuff I started and consistently get stuff out there.
(as I think it was amar said, if you throw enough of it at the wall, something will stick hehe)
I plan to try the Designers Network thing as soon as I get enough sales accumulated on xstreet to buy the system.
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Skell Dagger
Smitten
Join date: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 1,885
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05-24-2009 16:46
OK, I figured out the DSN thing. Box is online, and with one of my best recent builds in it
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It always ends in chickens...
Store blog - http://primflints.wordpress.com/
Inworld - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jindalrae/21/25/442
XStreet - http://tinyurl.com/primflints
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/skelldagger/
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Ralektra Breda
Template Painter
Join date: 7 Apr 2008
Posts: 1,875
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05-24-2009 16:57
awesome I'm going to be changing out my items again tonite, I keep switching them so that everyone on the grid doesn't have "XProduct by RBZ Design" lol And I am on the list to get hair, skins and poses cause I spend a lot on them, so I like to see the samples
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Mainstore: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Phantasm/51/164/501 http://rbzdesign.blogspot.com/ I'm not a designer IRL, but I RP one on SL!
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-24-2009 17:28
From: Ralektra Breda awesome I'm going to be changing out my items again tonite, I keep switching them so that everyone on the grid doesn't have "XProduct by RBZ Design" lol And I am on the list to get hair, skins and poses cause I spend a lot on them, so I like to see the samples that is a good idea (actually both of the things you mentioned hehe) The switching items, and joining it as a customer too, so you can see what is out there that you need/use
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Skell Dagger
Smitten
Join date: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 1,885
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05-25-2009 09:30
Well... WOW. What can I say? My first DSN item went out at midnight, and already I've received a fabulous blog review. I'm beaming from ear to ear! http://chicatphilsplace.blogspot.com/2009/05/black-bird-in-sky.htmlNow I have to IM and say thanks to the blogger. Oh, and send her that other skybox she's got her eye on, as thanks for the great review 
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It always ends in chickens...
Store blog - http://primflints.wordpress.com/
Inworld - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jindalrae/21/25/442
XStreet - http://tinyurl.com/primflints
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/skelldagger/
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Eclectic Wingtips
Registered User
Join date: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 795
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05-25-2009 10:10
Overall things for me have been going from strength to strength. I am at a point now where my sales are maning i can withdraw a little money each month which is huge. Basically it pays for a weeks groceries, which hey is more than i ever expected.
I am LOVING making clothes with an absolute passion and I have been continuing to create new pieces every few days. I still have a huge backllog of things to release (i seem to make new stuff quicker than i put it out).
The SL discovery hunt has been wonderful for me and has meant a huge amount of exposure as well as sales and people joining my group. I have two hunts im in next month (i stuffed up i thought one was in august) so we shall see what those bring in for me but i have my items ready to go for each.
I have been a little lax with marketing myself and my store the last week or two and i have to say i definately do see the difference now my sles are overall higher. It was hard to see the effect marketing had when i was only doing maybe one sale a day. But now im doing more the difference shows a lot.
I have plans to do the DSN tomorrow probably after i put out my new releases for the week. I hope that has a positive impact.
I have to say one of the biggest things i have noticed is the benefits of sending out design copies to bloggers. When i am blogged, especially by one of the bigger names i definately do see an increase in sales. and this is a great way to get your name out there for no cost and minimal time
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Czari Zenovka
I've Had it With "PC"!
Join date: 3 May 2007
Posts: 3,688
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05-25-2009 11:53
Congratulations, Skell!! That was a great blog and you definitely deserve it! Sounds like change is in the air for several of us currently. My current change highlights: *Working on *Czari`s Attic* main shoppe in the Victorian sim of Mieville. It is 3-stories and larger than any shop I could have dreamed of having at this still very early stage of my business. The amazing part is it is currently rent-free!! This is providing the opportunity to get the "feel" of setting up in a larger space as well as building more items. My current plans are to have furnishings on the first floor and window treatments/curios on the second. The third floor is my building area/retreat. *Recently also was offered (again free) satellite space on the Rivendell sim by the owner of Caliber designs. That blew me away as well. I feel like I need to live up to the confidence others have in my designs. *My bestseller by far is the 1-Touch/1 Prim drapes and blinds. Due to being mod, I originally only offered the drapes in beige with an included note on how to tint to the customer's preference. I also had a Jade color to basically demonstrate that. I thought most people would want to mod their own, but after some thought, I decided to release more colors and WOW! they are selling. So I'm assuming some people would rather not (or don't have the skills to) tweak items and would prefer to "buy off the rack." *Just completed a photo shoot to offer various of my former items as a complete "Japanese Room" with the addition of a themed clock that keeps time. After that I plan to offer a few Victorian/antique type furniture items, but then concentrate more on accessories as I'm realizing that is what I most enjoy and what sells best for me. *Main challenge is how much time putting everything together takes, but trying to just enjoy the process and not feel like I have to rush.
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*Czari's Attic* ~ Relive the fun of exploring an attic for hidden treasures!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rakhiot/82/99/111
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.- George Orwell
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Rhiannon Boronski
PRIMAL ART OWNER
Join date: 3 Feb 2007
Posts: 220
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05-25-2009 12:10
Great to hear most of you are going from strength to strength. Have to admit I have no real updates myself, bit burnt out from rl work and have pretty much lost my mojo at the moment and the last forced update has caused me serious problems with being inworld. So if you see me online and I don't answer an IM please forgive me, I am more than likely hung or in the process of crashing lol Hopefully things will improve when my new laptop arrives (and yes sl is paying for it, yippee !!!) Hope everyone here is well. The designers network sounds great and I may well try that one myself. Can't believe how many of you are getting blogged....far as I know, Primal Art has never been blogged since it first started well over 2 years ago. Huggsss with love Rhia xx |
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Czari Zenovka
I've Had it With "PC"!
Join date: 3 May 2007
Posts: 3,688
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05-25-2009 12:47
Always great to hear from you, Rhia, and it will be wonderful to get that new laptop!! You're the first person I need to give a "shout out" to for offering the free space within this thread. That is what really got me started so another huge THANK YOU and HUGS!
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*Czari's Attic* ~ Relive the fun of exploring an attic for hidden treasures!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rakhiot/82/99/111
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.- George Orwell
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Ralektra Breda
Template Painter
Join date: 7 Apr 2008
Posts: 1,875
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05-25-2009 14:58
let me join Czari in giving you big HUGS for that space at Primal Art, I have good sales there and love the spot!
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Mainstore: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Phantasm/51/164/501 http://rbzdesign.blogspot.com/ I'm not a designer IRL, but I RP one on SL!
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Rhaorth Antonelli
Registered User
Join date: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 7,425
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05-25-2009 17:37
Rhiannon I just want to say thank you very much for the space at your store, I appreciate it very much, however, I think it is time for me to vacate it.
I feel I have taken advantage of your generosity far too long and would like to give up the space to someone else who can use it (hopefully someone new who can't afford a place yet, so it will be a good starting off point for them), you can be the judge of that. heh
If anyone wants my space at the primal arts place, let Rhiannon know, and she can return my stuff and give someone else a chance/start.
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From: someone Morpheus Linden: But then I change avs pretty often too, so often, I look nothing like my avatar. They are taking away the forums... it could be worse, they could be taking away the forums AND Second Life...
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Rhiannon Boronski
PRIMAL ART OWNER
Join date: 3 Feb 2007
Posts: 220
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05-26-2009 06:49
Czari & Ralektra, you are both so very welcome and it's great to know you are still getting sales there.
Rha, I am sorry to hear you think it is time to leave as I love the mix we have there right now. I have been thinking about adding a second floor to the mini mall, so please rethink staying.
To everyone else, if anyone is interested in joining the mini mall at primal art, please let me know on this thread, I would ask you don't IM me inworld right now as I am not able to be there much after the last forced update until my new laptop arrives. If there is enough interest, ie at least 4 people then I will build a second level to the mini mall and as always it will be on a first come basis. The usual is a 50 prim allowance, but that can be flexible as long as not woefully abused. These spaces are ideally for people from this thread who are maybe just starting out or looking for their first satelite store and therefore FREE !!!! Obviously, a spot in your picks would be lovely as a small thankyou for the space but not a prerequisite.
huggsss with Love
Rhia xx
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Rhiannon Boronski
PRIMAL ART OWNER
Join date: 3 Feb 2007
Posts: 220
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05-26-2009 13:12
I managed to get inworld and clear immediate things on my to do list and because things were going well I decided sod it and went ahead and addd the second floor to the mini mall. I've already IM'd four people that I had on my waiting list for spaces, so that leaves 4 available spaces. If anyone here wants one please do let me know as soon as possible.
huggsss with love
Rhia xx
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Eclectic Wingtips
Registered User
Join date: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 795
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05-30-2009 06:05
Hey folks I thought i would just check in and say hi. Also have been doing something today which i think some of you do but i thought i would share my eperience. Today i went through my ales for the past month and sent everyone who had purchased two or more items (or a fat pack) though not including any 0L or 1 L items and thanked them for shopping at e! and invited them to join my update group. In the IM explained it didnt take up any goup room and that the group would give them information on new products as well as special and gifts. I did this becuae i was finding that many of the people who purchased from me werent necessarily joining the update group. It seemed to be those who came to pick up the 0L or 1L items (not such a bad thing though they may be customers in the future). andi did want the people who had purchsed fro me to find out about my new products and special and also for them to get my gifts. It was a seriously rewarding thing to do I had people saying my clotheswere wonderful and they loved them and one girl said she had been wearing the stuff i made for a week So far I have had around 20 people say yes they would like to and most asked if ihad a thing to join in the store cos they missed it hehehe. So that tells me to make my updte sign wayyyy more obvious, maybe a brighter colour or something? right now it blends in with my other store ads but that isnt necessarily a good thing. Ooooh and i also wanted to tell you about this one girl who purchased some of my stuff and took the most amazing pictures and mde up thee great pictures on prims for me. I love them and it was sooo sweet of her. My clothes loook amazingly beautiful |
