If you have come to my blog from my Etsy shop Stylesewciety, then you already know I sell vintage patterns. If you didn’t know before…tada! I sell patterns on Etsy in a shop called Stylesewciety. If you haven’t visited the shop, I encourage you to do so because I have lots of out of print vintage patterns. If you sew, you know how limiting the pattern books your local fabric store are, vintage patterns open up a whole new world of possibilities. I guarantee there is likely a pattern to match your imagined project out there, somewhere.
I titled this blog post ‘selling patterns 101’ ironically because I am not an expert on selling patterns. What I like to do is pick patterns that I see potential in and give others the opportunity to acquire them. I genuine love these patterns and the history that comes with them. Like who bought this pattern and if it’s cut, I like to think about what the person made with it. I also like taking forgotten patterns and giving them another chance.
Selling patterns is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. I thought it would be just about sharing creativity with others but it’s really tough finding a balance in the business of patterns. Often I am emailed asking if I can lower my prices, unfortunately that’s not possible because a lot of work goes into each pattern. I have to find them which takes time, I have to check each one over to count pieces and check for damage, then you have to re-package them neatly (which is easier than done) and then recheck them prior to mailing and re-package neatly again. Then I package them for mailing, double check the packaging for security and potential issues with the customer address. Then I drive it to the post office to ensure the quickest delivery and security which sometimes means waiting in line for quite a while. It takes quite a bit of time and patience to get it right. When I sell a pattern, I actually don’t think I make a lot of money. One time I counted the hours and my profits and it was not in my favour…. which is why I think of it as sharing creativity instead. I enjoy the idea of how much pleasure that pattern will bring you.
December has been a tough month for me in regards to selling patterns. It’s not about the amount I sold or didn’t sell, it’s the management of expectations. In a world with Amazon Prime, many people expect to pay very little for shipping and get the Prime delivery with tracking and have the pattern in their hands in less than a week. I am also an Amazon Prime member and completely understand why people think the world works this way, I too want you to have your purchase in 3 days. However, I am a small shop and I don’t have the assets of Amazon to make this happen. I am stuck with Canada Post.
Right now, my own purchases from Etsy took 3 -4 weeks within Canada. I am almost certain their timelines outside of Canada are falling well behind as well. I have had so many customers ask me where their pattern is weeks before the end of the shipping timelines and they are disappointed when they don’t have it right away. I feel horrible because I know what it’s like to not have something you need for Christmas. I ordered my Christmas patterns in October but some people didn’t order until mid-December.
In order to keep ahead with customer expectations, I have decided to put a message on all my listings so customers are directed to review timelines before purchase. Also, I want people to know that I can provide quicker shipping or tracking, if they want to pay for extra fees. I always assumed that others would prefer to pay less for shipping and wait longer but in this last month I have realized expectations are so high around this time of year. I would rather offer the service than someone be very upset their pattern didn’t arrive in time for them to sew for Christmas presents.
So with Christmas around the corner, I am delighted to know that many sewers got their patterns in time for sewing presents, making that New Years dress or knitting that vintage sweater. I am hopeful Canada Post will do their best to get the patterns still out there, in by the end of shipping timelines. I am excited about offering more choices about the shipping so those who really want that pattern in 3 days, and don’t mind the cost can choose that service.
Style Sewciety 