Postage Rants and Ramblings

So, I'm going to change the tone of my blog slightly today because I need to rant.  You may have noticed I still haven't found the time to get the items mentioned in my last post onto my website yet.  I got side tracked by another order for Santa Barbara Winery (yeah!) but it unfortunately moved several things down my to do list.  The one that bit me in the ass today was my intent to restructure the way I charge shipping on my website (yet again).  I changed my prices late last summer to include shipping because I thought it might help me sell more items.  Turns out it did not help me sell any more.  What it did do was to make me lose money on the sale of a few candles.  The one I mailed today cost more in shipping than I collected.  I believe I mistakenly posted it with my retail (not including shipping) price.  Duh.  The double duh is that I had another sale a month or two ago that turned out the same way and it was posted with the right price. 

It is very hard to account for the fluxuation in shipping cost without looking like a pricing jerk.  Etsy doesn't allow me to list west coast and east coast shipping prices... just one price for the entire USA.  So, I decided the last time I lost money I would go back to my old policy.  (In the past I charged my best guess for the cost of shipping and then issued refunds afterwards if the price I charged the customer was exorbitant.)  Unfortunately, I had not yet had the time to do that either.  I do hope to get around to it soon though (this weekend?), so if you have suggestions of a better way to do it please leave them in the comments section.

Thankfully, I didn't leave the post office angry because I witnessed one of those unexpected comedy moments while I was there.  The line for the main counter was nearly out the door (as usual) but this location has an automated machine.  (That's why I go there.)  A middle aged woman was using the machine to buy postage for four or five envelopes when I walked up and there was an elderly woman standing behind her... and I mean right behind her.  At first I thought maybe they were together or that the younger woman was helping the older learn how to use the machine.  However, right after I walked up, aging miss spunky pants asked, "Are you going to be much longer?"  (Wait... really?!  There are 12 people in line at the counter and you're going to harrass the one person in front of you?)  The woman using the machine turned around and kindly told her she was almost finished.  I stood there for another 1-2 minutes watching the elderly lady hover 2 inches behind the woman using the machine.  She kept peeking over her shoulders from various angles, making it very hard for the woman to bend over and grab her postage without bumping the old lady with her butt.  About 10 seconds before the woman finished, the old lady declared, "That's it.  I can't wait any longer." Then she left.  I started busting up laughing as soon as she was out of ear shot.  Who would have thought a little old lady could be so pushy about buying stamps?!

New Stuff for a New Year

The obvious news is that I've been a bit distracted from this blog.  The better news is that I've been building a following at my poetry blog and have been crocheting while I write.  I also finally caved in to a life long desire to learn to make jewelry.  I've only created a few rings so far, but I look forward to making many more beautiful things.

Sales this Christmas came from unexpected places, which was nice because my two longest running wholesale customers didn't order a thing.  Despite all that and an only mildly fruitful craft fair in Santa Ynez, I found a way to make a profit.  The best advice I can give you from my experiences this winter is that the more you make your products available, the more often you will sell.  Friends came by my house and others shopped the selection I stocked in the back of my car despite having to sheild themselves from a winter storm to do so.  Another friend put in a good word for me at Santa Barbara Winery and I sold a very respectable amount of candles there.  Right now they are considering adding my soap and/or lotion to the shelves as well.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I hope you like my newest creations.  They are calling me now...  gotta go play!  I hope you're having a great day!

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Let the Holiday Shopping Begin!!! :o)

It has been a busy month of poetry writing, crocheting and candle making at my house. 

I sold my first batch of candles through my enthusiastic friend in Bakersfield.  They wanted more Red Currant, Pumpkin Spice, Green Tea, and (by special request) Lavender.  I was able to squeeze in the time for four candle sessions in 5 days to send their order the following weekend.  If you are in that area and would like to see my samples, send me an email and I'll let you know where you can find them.

The other good news of the month is that one of the candle samples I sent out in October has turned into an order.  Homemade by Hoyt pillar candles are now available at the Santa Barbara Winery tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara.  I discovered about a year ago how yummy their wines are and have been dropping in for a visit every few months since then.  (I highly recommend it as a Saturday or Sunday leisure outing.)  It probably helps that I have a friend that works there, both for getting me to visit and for getting my products on the shelf.  But, you get it, right?!  I'm willing to drink as much wine as it takes to sell my candles.  Haha.

The final good news of the month is that I was contacted about being included in the holiday shopping guide for Child Style Magazine.  I'm not really sure when it is coming out or where to see it, but... they thought my Frappuccino candle was pretty nifty.  I hope they can send me some holiday customers!  My website could use the advertising help.