Storage Issues

So, for my New Year's resolution for Sleipnir, I am determined to better organize not only my shop online, but also all of my business items and inventory at home. The most hassle are the crane ornaments. They don't rest well on a flat surface and are better stored hanging. They also tangle easily with each other due to their shape.

I am thinking of something like this, which is inexpensive and would serve my purpose. I know it would be very easy to make one from better materials, but it's just simply not in my budget right now (have had to pay out over four digits in vehicle repairs recently), and I don't think I have the time, either. Anyway, I was thinking of something like this:



The drawers come out and ornaments can easily be organized in them. They won't get dusty, which is the biggest concern I have with paper items. It's not like I can just take a wet rag to them.

Right now, my star ornaments and things like my gift boxes are stored and organized in a boatload of acid-free photo boxes. These types of items don't tangle, rest well together, and are easier to sort through.

The problem I'm having is that my shipping supplies are taking over. I have a few different-sized boxes to cut down shipping costs for my customers as much as I can, when I can, while still being able to ship their items safely. Plus I have different gift boxes, tissues, my scale...and the misc. small things like tape.

Lastly, I need to set up a permanent place for my photo box. Right now, the whole thing has to be set up on the floor or a table somewhere and put away when I'm done with it. It takes a long time for me to get it how it needs to be for a few pictures, and then to put it all away again. It's just too time consuming.

If anyone has any ideas for me, I'd be happy to hear them!

What a Week!

It has been a busy, busy week for me by my terms. I'm not complaining, I've had some great discoveries and some fairly awesome sales! I'd rather be busy than twiddling my thumbs any day of the week (which is probably what will become depressing after the holidays are over).

I had two sales in the past few days, which is just amazing, and super exciting as one of the items is going all the way to Australia! My first international sale, and definitely one that shocked me as I checked my shop right before my bf and I sat down to watch a movie last night. Here are the two beauties that have found their new homes:





I am ecstatic!! I have also been doing some work with another shop, helping them to understand SEO and fix the little things in their shop that some people are not aware of that are hurting them. I really do like helping others (not that I consider myself a veteran by any means) when I have the time. I know I certainly would have an empty shop full of bad photos and horrible item descriptions if I hadn't asked for help when I started!

I also have a craft fair coming up in about 2 weeks. This is a first for me, and I still have things to prepare for it. (We were waiting on my bf's big Thanksgiving paycheck, LOL!) I need to go get the cloth I want and make my tablecloth, finish a few ornament displays, and figure out what my finishing touches will be to pull it all together. I'm also waiting on a shipment of MOO cards, and need to finish setting up my ProPay. Oh, and let's not forget I need to get some shopping bags from Uline, since I have none!

All-in-all, this has been an awesome week for me. I received my Australia sale from my item being featured on this site, which Google had not told me about. That was a very fantastic thing to find! I also had a very random convo recently from someone who said they are an old friend of mine but would like to remain anonymous, complimenting my shop and saying they had found me through Google. (Also, VERY good thing to hear, right?)

I'm still working here and there on the origami directory I had in mind, but it's what we call a very tedious chore. I think that I will also be writing up my own version of how I have been explaining SEO to other sellers, which will probably be in a few parts. (And have plenty of links to many other guides I've seen.) So much to do!