what do you think about these items?

Question

I started making these and I am interested in making an online store to sell them. But before I spend the money, I need to know if there is interest. I have a few on ebay right now and I know if I make an online store I cannot use the licensed characters, but I make them for all occassions. Weddings, showers, birthdays, etc. COuld you take a look at myc auctions (i don't know how to get the photos on here by themselves) Please tell me if you like them or not, what you think about the prices, would you ever consider buying them as a gift. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Even if it is brutal, please tell me! Thanks!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260157657774&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260157657774&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260157664770&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260157651968&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260157652446&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

sorry the first 2 links are the same.

Thank you for the feedback! I know the ebay listings aren't super professional, butof course I am extremely picky and if I was to have my own site, I would be certain everything is perfect and in order. I've had feedback on the prices and whether you like the items, but what do you think about me selling on my own site?

Answer 1

The gift is nice but those photos are too amateurish. Too blurry and unprofessional background. They scream "home crafter", which tells the customer your stuff is probably easy to make with things anyone can buy in the craft store - even if it's not true! It also says that you might slack on details like fast shipping, which is probably not true either.

When I photograph for Ebay, I use a big piece of black Sunbrella canvas or white quilt batting, unrolled so that it makes a continuous backdrop and floor. Use a tripod to cut down on blur, and make sure your focus and lighting are nice and sharp. Get some good sharp closeups of every tiny detail. The customer wants to virtually "handle" the bucket before they buy it. Maybe photograph the can, turn it a bit, photograph again, and so on, and line up the pictures so they can click on it like it's turning for them. Host your photos offsite so you can have more.

Also I would take out the stuff about Disney because it makes it seem like you are trying to get them to "donate" because the stuff isn't really good enough to pay for. Also not true. Are you selling because you need the money, or are you selling because that customer is going to get something really nice!! Which should they care about? A successful seller will be able to afford a trip to Disney without begging.

Did you know that if you use Priority Mail, shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is no more expensive than shipping to the furthest state from you? I have had lots of customers in both states.

The same principles apply for a website. Class, class,and more class, professional looking pictures, language and attitude. You can get away with being Mommy and talking about your kids on Ebay, but the world of e-commerce outside of Ebay is a whole different thing. In place of talking about your own child, get previous customers to write testimonials for you, or give a few away in exchange for testimonials.
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Answer 2

They're wonderful!

I would have been thrilled to see one at my baby shower or birthday.

And I will keep you in mind if I ever need to "wrap" a gift for someone who is picky about such things!

One answer mentioned that they would be good for holding markers! That is an awesome idea too! Do you seal them in anyway so they could put up with daily wear and tear from a child? That would make them even more economical!

Cool!! Good luck to you!

Answer 3

I absolutely love them and I would buy one if I wasn't a crafty person myself. There are a lot of people who are at a loss for making crafts and choosing gifts and I think these are perfect.

PS...I wouldn't give so much information about what they are made with in your auctions....you'll give all of your secrets away and people will be making their own instead of buying yours.

Answer 4

A friend of mine who is into scrapbooking and stamping made (I'm assuming she made) me one of these for a new baby girl, and I thought it was very cute. She put an outfit inside and a poem that said how the can was to hold pictures until I could scrapbook them.

The only problem is I don't scrapbook, and I ended up selling it (sans outfit) at a garage sale. BUT if I were into scrapbooking and photos I would have kept it - I wouldn't pay more than $20 for it though. :)
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Just thought of something - if you're the friend who made me that for my baby, I really did love it.... it's just not my thing.... :)

Answer 5

I like them, but I prefer to make my own crafts. They're paint cans right? That dora one would make a good place to keep markers out of access to little artists who like to draw on the walls, lol! Very Cute.

Answer 6

They are really cute and look to be very well done. I'm going back to check out the doggie treat one!

Lots of luck on your future Disney trip!