Do you scope out your competition??

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Permalink Reply by Travel Turtle on August 28, 2007 at 3:10pm

That's a great question. I don't know (obviously) how others feel about it, but I think it's important to have a safe distance between you and your competitors, and you should check them out. Figure out a certain amount of time each month/week/day that you will devote to seeing what others are doing, (keep it reasonable and don't go beyond your predetermined limit) and don't let it stress you. What works, what doesn't? What are some trends? Know that your competitors are checking you out, and do you really want to give them the unfair advantage of knowing what you're doing if you don't know what they're doing? Also, your customers are looking at your stuff and the other person's stuff, have an honest look at it all from their perspective.

If you have a good product and the prices are fair, then there's nothing to worry about. You know you won't lower prices because then you are no longer fair to yourself, but maybe you'll see that some prices could increase.

There are plenty of people out there to be potential customers for everyone who wants to sell. Stay true to your strategy, and you shouldn't have a problem.

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Permalink Reply by Always the Forest on August 28, 2007 at 3:52pm

I will check out other websites to see their progress, like how often they update their shops and whatnot. I find that it will make me want to be more productive when I see other people working so much! In the beginning, I did scope out prices, but that was just because I had no idea how to price my products.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Stewart on August 28, 2007 at 4:31pm

Mary- You are so wise :)
I think one person that used to bother me is probably alot like me- that is wierd huh? Some of them I know and some of them don't and have friendly relationships with a few.

I think you are right that we all have our own style and it will appeal to the right buyer.
I feel better. Thanks XOXOXOXOOXOXOXO Elizabeth

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Riley Duckworth on August 28, 2007 at 5:25pm

I always check out other artist's work - not so much to be nosey, but more for inspiration. I can't compete with them and they can't compete with me - we're artists - art is so individual. That's why I don't mind if someone wants me to teach them how I do something or asks how I made something. I mean, I don't give them step by step unless I'm teaching a class, but I do like to share ideas. It's like this: my mother showed me how to bead. Do you think I make anything exactly or remotely like hers? No. Why? Because I am me and she is she and we're always going to have a different perspective on things. That's what is so great about art. You can give the same instructions to 10 different people and they'll all come up with 10 different pieces of art. My sister about had a kaniption (sp?) fit at one of our art shows when some guy came up and asked about how she made some of her pendants. I told him (in a general way) the process. You know what? If the guy goes and makes them - bully for him - they will never, ever be as unique as my sister's - she's a perfectionist anyway!
You know what else? There are no real unique ideas. Somebody, somewhere already thought of everything we could possibly come up with, the only difference is that theirs is another size, color, texture, medium or whatever it is that sets theirs apart from yours. This is what is inspiring and beautiful about art.
Besides, I believe in passing on to others the knowledge that we have. If we don't it becomes obsolete. And it feels good to show others how to do something - the light of pride that shines from them when they complete something is so fulfilling.

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Permalink Reply by Normasbathandbody.silkfair.com/store/index/55# on August 29, 2007 at 6:01am

HI Guys!
I'm Norma. and I do think that everyone checks out their competition. know one may not really admit it. But I have to say that I do this sometimes, but when you do, sometimes you feel that you're not as good as the next person.

And I know that I am a great soapmaker, so with that said. I just do the best that I can and I believe in myself and I have great products. and with that said, I'm going to be my own person, and be successful!
~Norma
http://www.normasbathandbody.etsy.com

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Permalink Reply by CERCAjewelry on August 29, 2007 at 6:06am

Looking at crafting from a business perspective, I think it would be helpful to know who your competitors are, and why your customers are coming to you and not them. You wouldn't be scoping them out to copy or to undercut, but to better understand what makes you stand out and maybe help you push that a little further. I'd see it as keeping informed.

Don't stress it if your competitors are priced lower...a lot of craftspeople under-price their items because they're trying to keep up with chain name-brands. With a lot of the prices I've seen, I'd be amazed if some of them managed to break even. Even if you find someone out there with a similar product, you can still set yourself apart. It's a way to help you play up your strengths as a crafter and as a business.

I've been trying to put this to practice, myself.

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Permalink Reply by Megan on August 29, 2007 at 7:50am

I can't...Either it makes me feel inferior and like a loser or I get in a negative vibe myself by criticizing others. So I just try to avoid it. Of course, when I'm on Cagey Crafters and looking at the show me your work folder I try to put on a non-jeweler hat and give positive feedback. And I enjoy looking at "competitor" friends work...although even that makes me feel kind of bad sometimes because they're so talented! :)

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Permalink Reply by the pear project on August 29, 2007 at 8:06am

i love to browse. i expect "copying" but don't really see it in that light. when i'm working on enameled pieces with a simple design i would have to think that it's been done before. there is so much art in the world there are rarely items that are truly one of a kind and that's ok with me. when i'm browsing i'm mostly looking to see what is selling, and how can i expand my line to sell more. it's great inspiration too. http://brooooke.etsy.com

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Permalink Reply by wendyhumphreys on August 29, 2007 at 8:13am

Yes, I'm so caught in looking at other peoples sites, but what stresses me out is that I buy there things, because there so many cool artist on etsy. If I would get off the computer and I could get more designs done myself. I don't look at it as competition really, I see everyone has there own style for the most part. I admire that, so much that I already was able to get two treasuries and put some of my favorite art in there.
So that being said, you stay with your own unique style and you will be just fine!
Best Wishes
Wendy Humphreys

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Permalink Reply by SparxsDesigns on August 29, 2007 at 8:16am

I do, but not for the purpose of stealing ideas, but to see if my prices are competitive enough.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Higgins on August 29, 2007 at 8:50am

absolutly, I like to see what other shops have and see how often they list. I have only been with Etsy 13 days today. I have to scope out the compition to see what kind of things sell here. I have so much different kinds of art. i don't know what others like or what evens sells. http://www.quiltnmama.etsy.com

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Permalink Reply by Karin Duguid on August 29, 2007 at 12:53pm

I'm just starting out so I do check out the competition to find out what the prices are like.

I guess with everything a competitor will come along at some point

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