Where are the Customers?

Customers, where are you? I'm searchable on Google and through the Auctiva Mall. I have 100 items listed and list more every day. Since it's starting out rather slowly, I'm listing a lot of spring and summer items. Hopefully, I'll be found by then!

I was very happy today to be able to help another new store owner who sounded more frustrated than me! I was able to direct her to PictureTrail so she could add a neat showcase to her storefront. And I advised her to take it step by step, learning along the way how to do the things necessary to build a store.

One of the store owners who helped me a LOT sells business cards. Guess where I'll be buying mine if I ever need them!

It's a good thing I don't depend on store income for my livelihood! I make enough from my eBay store for my fun money, so as long as I am in the profit column, I'm happy! For now, I'm pretty much listing the same things in both my eBay and Auctiva stores. At least that way, my items have a chance to be sold!

Marketing an e-commerce store takes a lot of time and learning. I've joined Auctiva's community board and am really glad I did. The support is outstanding! Ask a question, and almost immediately you have people helping. I've posted my store URL on several of their blogs, and we now have a new Auctiva Mall to showcase our logos.

I am discouraged, though, because a google search did not show many listings for me. The items I have listed are showing up in searches but are yielding very few actual clicks on my items.

Today, I learned how to add a really neat showcase for my items - from PictureTrail. I added it to my "welcome" page - click my icon ~ what do you think???



At this point, I'm really doubtful that I will make a go of this store. But even if it doesn't succeed, I've learned a lot more computerese, so maybe it was worth it!

2/25/09 I've had an eBay store for 3 years now, and am trying to start a new e-commerce store hosted by Auctiva. While eBay sets up almost everything for you, since Auctiva is new at this and I am one of the first stores, I've had to learn a lot of new things. I've just made my first upload to Google so my items can be searchable. Ebay did this for me! My ebay store is Lynn's Lots of Clothes found at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/LYNNS-LOTS-of-CLOTHES
My new store is Ladies' Fashion for Less at http://lynnsdealsforwomen.auctivacommerce.com
I'm very proud of my new logo which was designed for me by Rose, a fellow "store starter"



I've been opened for 2 weeks and have yet to have my first customer. I hope that when I do, everything works smoothly. I set up my own shipping and payment options and sure hope they work!!! I worked hard to get a 100% positive feedback rating on eBay and hope to get the chance to extend that reputation to my new store.
If you find this blog, please visit my store! I sell brands mainly carried by Macy's - all new clothing at around 75% off the retail cost.

I've just listed zip-up jackets by Karen Scott. I liked them so much, I kept one in each color for myself! I've listed them at just $7 each and they are available in blue, brown, black, and navy. They are WONDERFUL, lightweight with lots of stretch. They wash beautifully!

Check back for more reviews!