i need advice on a decision i made--did i do the right thing?

Question

i have always been a person who loves crafts, as a teen i would make my own clothes, took art classes, etc. recently i decided to make my own online store, it only cost me about $5 a month to have it. i put up a lot of items for sale--tie dye clothing for kids, soaps, jewelry, even pet care products. it was a lot of fun for the three weeks i had it...but then a bunch of people started to tell me that my products were not as good as theirs, and that i made "crappy" things. that really upset me, and so i decided to delete my store. i didn't want to waste time trying to compete or please other people. i do crafting for my own pleasure, and i thought it would be nice to share that pleasure with others...but obviously that didn't work out.
is it ok that i deleted my store? i never wanted profit, just fun, and share my things with others. if i was getting a lot of flack from people, then i shouldn't force myself in that environment should i? i guess i realized that i shouldn't mix

i guess i realized i shouldn't mix business with pleasure.
i wasn't too rash in my thinking was i? i can't even look at my products i have laying around in the house..it really upsets me.
what should i do? i'm even afraid to get back on the horse and make things for me and my family!
is it wrong that i am overly sensitive to an issue like this? please, advise me. i just can't believe people could be so mean in the business world!
p.s. this was on hyena cart.

Answer 1

I think youdid the right thing. Who needs all that unwanted heartache and grief

Answer 2

You say, "...but then a bunch of people started to tell me that my products were not as good as theirs, and that i made "crappy" things."

When was the last time you saw a banner at your local Chevrolet Dealership advising you to go down the street and buy a Ford? You haven't and you won't. We praise our own products and "bad mouth" the competition. It happens in business, politics, religion and about any other subject you care to discuss.

From the way your question is stated it sounds like you don't need the income that could have been generated. Additionally, it seems you are not a capitalist/entrepreneur, you have no desire to compete in an open market, or try to satisfy a customer. Some folks aren't "cut out" for it and I would say you were one of those folks.

Just go back to enjoying what you do. Life is too short to be miserable over some cyberspace nonsense, especially if it is more of a hobby than a genuine business effort.

Answer 3

Were the "bunch" of people that made remarks about your crafts customers or competitors? If none of the remarks came from your customers then realize you can never please everyone and what they said were their "opinions" (whatever they are worth). Don't permit others' comments to keep you from doing something you enjoy so much. Since you enjoy making the crafts perhaps you could share them with others ( i.e. hospitals, retirement homes, organizations for the underprivileged ) who would appreciate them and bring some happiness to them. I'm wondering if you are a young adult, the reason being that sometimes as young adults we haven't learned that there will always be people who will say unkind things about others that does hurt, but they are only their points of view. As we get older unkind things may still make us hurt sometimes, but as long as we do not allow them to "take" something that is important to us, that's all that really matters. Besides sharing your crafts with others maybe you could find opportunities that would permit you to show and help others make crafts. Continue to ENJOY your crafts for a long, long time!

Answer 4

I don't think you should let those people get to you...I know, it's easier said than done. When you run a business you have to have body armor on...some people are cruel and don't care about your feelings or anybody elses...I agree with skypilot, your products are probably better than everybody elses and they saw you as a threat to their profit. Have you asked anybody in your family what they think of your crafts? Don't give up on something that you love do to and share with others that appreciate your talent just because some idiots told you your products weren't good...did they try them? Did you sell anything to people that had positive feedback? I wish you lots of luck!

Answer 5

whatever you do in life try to do it to the best of YOUR ability. Now if you made your stuff to the best of your ability and people found it crappy, then you've done your best and you should be happy with the things you've made.

On the other hand, if you didn't make them to the best of your ability, I'd advise that you try putting more effort into your work. People will always criticize you, some with good intentions, some with bad. Always be true to yourself. Look at your items criticly and see if they are truly faulty or not. If they are done perfectly, put your head up and do what you love, put your store back and show them!

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.

Answer 6

My wife and I run an introduction service and social club for single Christians. We've had people buy a membership which is valid for two years - two YEARS - and they complain we're scam artists after a month goes by and they haven't met the right person yet. And these are Christians! (?)

Don't let them get to you, you were probably cutting in on their market and they didn't like it. Believe me, if they were selling the same stuff and yours really wasn't as good, they wouldn't even waste time worrying about you. Your stuff is probably just as good as theirs, maybe better, and sold at a competitive price, you could give them a run for their money.

God Bless!

Answer 7

HELL NO YOU DIDN'T DO THE RIGHT THING!

you open that little online store back up, that's just people who see you as competition trying to knock you down and knock you out. now if they were customers that's a different story, even then you could offer to provide a refund

keep your prices modest and offer refunds for truly unhappy customers and if you do, then no one can ever criticize you for having your store open. if they do who cares! ignore them, don't let other people ruin something you like and something you admitted was a lot of fun (running the store).

Answer 8

I think you should ignore those shallow-minded people and continue to do what you love doing!! They probably just felt threatened by you and that was a way to scare you off! To h#!! with them. I say, "Go for it!" And good luck to you!