The Handmade Movement - Home of the Sneak Attack

November 16th: Sneak Attack Report–BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite

FromMarz and verveinteriors co-sponsored the October 15, 2009 Sneak Attack on BlissClips, AFabulousFete, and MarrsElite. BlissClips makes handmade clips for “all the princesses in your life.” She got 4 sales from the attack. AFabulousFete sells fun party supplies and got 4 sales from the attack. MarrsElite sells “a wide array of handmade and recycled crafts ranging from hair accessories, extentions, jewelry, to patches, postcards, toys/dolls, and more!” She also got4 sales from the attack.

Celeste: What was your reaction when you first realized you’d been sneak attacked?

BlissClips: I really didn’t understand it at all, I was reading the email sent and while reading it an order came through and before continuing to read to find out more, I rushed to tell Hubby that a really weired thing just happened, and I was telling him about the email and then how an order came through and I said I think it has something to do with this Sneak Attack email I received. To say the least I was very excited.

Eve-One for Mommy, One for me from BlissClips

AFabulousFete: My reaction? Since I had already read about sneak attacks, I was SUPER excited to see those words in my inbox. Then after that I think I sat at my computer screen and updated it every few seconds to see if I received any more sneak attack orders.

Candy Buffet sign from AFabulousFete

MarrsElite: I was freaked out actually! LOL. I listed my first batch of items not even a few days before! I wasn’t sure what the heck a ’sneak attatch’ was in relation to Etsy, but once I figured it out I was pretty stoked and impressed that there’s a group here on Etsy that is that kind! Thanks again for my first 4 sales!

Ribcage guitar pillow from MarrsElite

Celeste: Anything else you would like our blog readers to know?

BlissClips: I have only started my business this year and now have such an appreciation for handmade items, you are basically receiving items that are lovingly made & not mass produced and it’s the nicest feeling knowing that you are dealing directly with the people that are producing the items.

I have also learned as a seller, there are so many choices through ETSY and other means, so when some-one is choosing to buy your product, they are believing in what you do and that is a real honor.

I was really touched that my store was chosen for a sneak attack & the warmth from the buyers was really special and humbling.

My Pretty Christmas Headband/Hair Clip from BlissClips

AFabulousFete: want to say THANK YOU to the people that participate in sneak attacks! Sneak attacks are such a boost in conifidence for new sellers, or sellers that haven’t had that many sales yet. I guess you can say I’m an impatient person that likes instant gratification, so when I started my shop and didn’t receive any sales, I kept asking myself what I was doing wrong. The sneak attack changed that! Even if you don’t receive a ton of sales you are getting a lot of exposure and feedback. I had a few convo’s from people telling me that they couldn’t buy anything, but wanted to let me know they loved my product. My advice? Be patient… it doesn’t happen overnight:)

If you have the choice, choose to buy handmade. I believe that so much more thought, effort, and care go into making a handmade product. You are going to get a unique product that isn’t mass produced, and also know that you are supporting someone in doing what they truly love to do.

That is why I started my shop. I work an 8-5 with limited creative responsibilites. So I needed someway to get out my creativity and keep me motivated… otherwise it would be the same old thing… work, eat, sleep, wake up, work. Blah! I love planning parties and entertaining, I love Etsy, so making party supplies and decor was the way to go for me. It’s been a slow process getting my items listed, as I do have a full time job, but I’ve been working on new products that I will be listing soon… just in time for holiday entertaining! (check back often please!)

Support sneak attacks, they are an amazing idea and I can’t wait to sneak attack someone myself soon!

Yellow Stripe Painted Serving Tray from AFabulousFete

MarrsElite: I’m just a young stay at home mom who takes on too many projects! I tend to cater more towards people who like art with a scense of humour, grit, and glamour. Stay tuned for more from MarrsElite! I currently have just added a sister Shop, Drunkbynoon, to Etsy featuring similar styles of work made by myself & bestfriend/business partner that’ll be in need of a sneak attack!

Deathly Magnet gift set from MarrsElite