Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Is It Really January

January is notoriously slow for us in terms of sales, in the past it has also been slow in terms of production. NOT THIS YEAR! So far our online sales have out-paced last year by about 90% and it's just the middle of the month. We've also seen an increase of sales on ready to paint items from our store front.

Some of 2012's best sellers


Honestly, I really hadn't paid attention until I got ready to write this post. I've been focusing on building inventory and getting ready for craft shows and our busy season online. Last year I took January and a portion of February off to liquidate my mother-in-law's collections and get her house ready for sale. Years previous to that I took the time to catch up paperwork and get our information to the accountant for taxes.

Ornaments and new paperweights almost ready for over glaze
This year I'm a little more organized but I still have a long way to go. Reclaiming the basement is progressing, not as quickly as it had at the beginning of the month, but it's usable again. If I had to I could pack up the items that are still waiting for new homes and clear the bar for use. The office reorganization is taking a bit longer. I cleared the desk, sorted the items for home, shop and mother in law, pulled out the trash and now the baskets sit until I can get back in there and work one basket at a time.
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34 comments:

  1. ariella42January 23, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    Congrats on your sales increase! It sounds like your very busy right now. Good luck with everything!

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  2. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    Thank you. It really took me by surprise.

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  3. Lori BergmannJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Congrats on the huge sales increase! I need a good kick in the pants to get my studio organized again too—can you come over and help me when you're done with yours? :-D

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      If you lived closer and I ever get done with mine... :)

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  4. KatersAcresJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    Awesome for the sales increase! That is always great news to hear...and besides, who really wants to work on taxes anyway?

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:51 PM

      Thanks - unfortunately taxes are a necessary evil and with two businesses they are never easy. That said I will get them done earlier this year :)

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  5. SmileyKit CreationsJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Way to go with the increase in sales, sure wish mine were better this month. Congrats on getting your area all organized great job

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:53 PM

      Thank you - still some organization and cleaning to tackle but it's starting to look like a usable space again.

      I'm not sure why January is doing better this year other than I've gotten back into the PFT cycle. I've cut out most of the BNRs so I really can't decide what else it could be. Wish I knew so I could share with everyone.

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  6. CrystalJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    Way to go on the sales! I'm working on getting my craft room organized as well!

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:55 PM

      Have fun organizing your craft room - I keep looking at everything trying to figure out how to repurpose items for organization.

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  7. pop art pet portraitsJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    Yay on sales this year so far!!! Love seeing the behind the scenes photo

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  8. nangatesdesignsJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    Good for you for being so organized this January! I had big plans but haven't followed through with them yet :-( Hopefully seeing your success with sales will get me going!

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:34 PM

      Now if the organization will just reach into February and beyond :)

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  9. Linda BJanuary 23, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Wow, 90% increase in sales. Congrats! I was getting organized and then creating happened. LOL

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:35 PM

      Creating does that sometimes. Organization is on the top of my to do list this year.

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  10. Sewinggranny - MonaJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    Good luck with your organization skills and getting your shop ready for more sales.

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:35 PM

      Thank you, I'm trying to be proactive this year.

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  11. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    Congratulations! Wishing you even more sales success!

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  12. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Terrific news! Congratulations!

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  13. vintagebyrachelJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:26 PM

    Congrats on your sales! I'm so happy for you :)

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  14. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    My Etsy sales are up over the previous month. Go figure I'd make more in January than in December! Congratulations, and I hope your trend continues!

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    1. MichelleJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:36 PM

      Congratulations to you too! I hope the trend continues for all of us.

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  15. Bill GuestJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:40 PM

    Yay for sales!!! :-) love your workspace!

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  16. IsabellesAtticJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    congrats on the January sales!!! Good job!

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  17. MichelleJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Thanks!

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  18. UnknownJanuary 24, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    Uninque Cozy Treasures - It sounds like you are making a lot of progress.

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  19. MichelleJanuary 24, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    Bit by bit!

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  20. UnknownJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Congrats on the sales, great inspiration :)

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  21. LostlemonadeJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Glad your sales are starting the year off right!! Doing the re-organizing thing here as well - good luck!

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