Promotions and Links Friday

Happy Friday!

The weekend is upon us and I would like to thank my friend, Terry, for tending to the blog and other things this week!  She has done a fabulous job!  I'll return to my regularly scheduled duties next week.  This post is copied and pasted, so please excuse any errors.

Let's jump right in to the PROMOTIONS!

There is a new place to shop with The Alchemists Vessel.  I must admit Etsy is pretty crowded and I feel rather lost in fray.  There is a new venue and it is almost just like Etsy,  HandmadeArtists.com There are some major difference, but for the most part, well why don't you y'all have a look see.  You can check out the Mini Shop in the menu or you can follow the link provided.  Of course you have to have an account, but looking is always free and doesn't require an account.

Sellers Note:  If you like the site, as it has less shops currently than Etsy, I have been open about 24 hours, have just 15 items up for sale, and have had over 1,000 views in that time on the site itself.  255 on a single item alone.  The site apparently gets traffic.  It is $5.00 a month with no listing fees, for sellers, that's cheaper than Etsy, depending on your listings @$0.20 per item.  Buyers, of course, your account is FREE.

Unlike Etsy, when you list an item, you see it on the home page!  That is awesome, no treasuries, no nonsense!  Of course when a new item is posted you get jostled around, but your item can be up for several hours!  It pays to list often or everyday, apparently.  Connect to your Facebook fan page, Youtube, blog and personal or business website.  Set up is quick fast and easy!  I like it!  I will admit it has a draw back, at 75 x 75 a picture image (you get four total), the image quality is, how shall I say, not so good.  Disappointed with that.  Some experimentation may be required to figure out the proper photo size for posting on the site to eliminate the blur.

We now have a tumblr blog (because it was required for something else).  Unfamiliar with the set up and not exactly comfortable with the user control panel or Dashboard, there is little content. However if you like tumblr or have a blog, give a follow over there.   The Alchemists Vessel on tumblr.  I intend to keep content different or as separate as possible, to keep things fresh on both Blogs.

And we have a Dailymotion site as well.  I intend to post tutorial videos there as well.  Those of you that either do not have access to, or dislike Youtube can look for the Daily Motion video's soon.  Although you can link Facebook and Daily Motion I haven't done so yet, I want to see how this goes what else can be done before I begin to repeat myself ad nauseum.

We also have a new "favcon", for those of you that are following the blog, you should now see this picture or a very tiny version thereof when you click the link.

New links to these pages have been added where appropriate.  The sidebar menu, other pages, Google + pages, etc.

One more link for you all.  This is interesting and I urge you to read at least one of the articles.  Either the Etsy CSI Team Cracks Down On Rule-Breakers or the blog post by an Etsy Seller that had her shop closed by Etsy Administration.  Eye opening and important stuff!  Give it a read.   Handmadeology Article

Thank you all for stopping and having a look!  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant and joyous weekend!

How To Get Those Five Great Gifts For Giving

For the last month or so, every Tuesday I have posted links to either  my own offerings around the web or other items for sale by fellow artists and artisans.  It has been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in explaining exactly how to acquire the items that are linked in the posts.

 I am guessing that many of you either have an Etsy account, whether Buyer or Seller, or you have seen the logo, the big orange square with the letter E.  This is Etsy, as a friend once quipped, "it's like the world's garage sale."  Etsy is actually a venue, not a service, that brings Artists, Artisans, Craft-people and Professionals together in a central location allowing them to sell their wares and communicate with each other as well as reaching new customers, fans, and making those all important networking connections and opportunities.  Etsy is free!  However you must register for an account if you wish to buy or sell on the venue's site, again registration is free, but a credit card or a debit card with the Master Card or Visa logo is required to sign up.  The card will never be charged, Etsy is free.  They make their money from Vendor listings and percentage takes from sales.

Other People's listings and shared links are provided by the Artist or vendor, and posted with their permission.  These people either have an Etsy shop, a website or page and all are account holders on Facebook.  The link to the item is provided and may be clicked on to carry you through to the item's page or description.  Many of the Artist / Vendors welcome e-mails and will readily answer questions in regards to custom orders, payment methods, or general questions about the item of interest.  No solicitations please.

Alternatives to Etsy:

If you don't want or would prefer not to register / sign up for yet another internet account there are alternatives!

E-Mail: Ask what other ordering or payment arrangements might be made.  "Contact Us" buttons and e-mail addresses aren't just window dressing, they are meant to be used!  Don't be detoured because of the "Buy Now" button.  Many vendors will work with a customer to provide the best payment option for them.

Snail Mail:  The United States Postal Service is still open, operational and ready to take your envelope to its destination!  The Alchemists Vessel accepts personal, electronic or cashiers checks or money orders via USPS.  It is also how your items will be delivered to you!  Don't forget those brave men and women in light blue who trudge through rain, sleet, and snow to bring you your mail!  They are useful!

Phone: The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that we will have a Toll Free Customer Service phone number up and running soon!  If your chosen vendor (seller) has a contact phone number listed give them a call during their hours of operation.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are happy and excited to bring you a new service!  TAV, The Alchemists Vessel, is now capable of processing your ATM or Credit Cards, either over the phone or at the local markets and venues.  No cell phones or e-mails to contend with, we have a real Slide Imprinter and your receipt will be provided to you right on the spot!  How convenient and easy!

Thank you for stopping by and reading or just having a brief look.  Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us via any of the links to the right.

New Shop Items, Sales, Links and Promotions

We're back and switching things up a bit this week!  Have to keep you people on your toes!  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  I was busy as a good Alchemist should be, spinning metal, cutting rings, weaving jewelry!  So let's jump right into it and see what's going on in the Laboratory!

Let's start off with the final five days of a SALE and a FREE, yes I said FREE Give Away.  The details have changed, read closely!

FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!  Now through February 10th, when you spend $30.00 or more at The Alchemists Vessel Etsy shop or you click through from alchemistsvessel.net, either from the Mini Etsy page or buying direct, you will receive a special offer via e-mail before your order is processed or completed!  I think you'll like it.  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% off your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop! 

Right now, in the Etsy Shop, select items have been reduced!  Like this beautiful Chain Maille Collar / Choker and Earring set, "Cindy-Rae".  Silver in color with Amethyst color glass beads, this is a gorgeous ornament and a great addition to any jewelry box!  Can be made longer if desired.  A $40.00 value, now $30.00, plus FREE SHIPPING on this and selected items in the Etsy Shop.  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% OFF your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop, now through February 20th, 2012!

Although the color is not showing well here, the glass beads really are purple and quite pretty in the sunlight.

February's Birthstone is Amethyst and now through February 29th, all Amethyst Jewelry (semiprecious gemstone and glass bead) has been reduced.  Like this fun, super cute and retro-hip Sterling Silver Peace Sign charm with genuine A grade Amethyst beads and Sterling Silver chain.  Comes with matching earrings, boxed ready for gift giving.  A $40.00 value, now $30.00!  See what other Purple items we have on sale!  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% OFF your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop, now through February 20th, 2012!

Beginning February 21st and running though March 16th, The Alchemists Vessel on Facebook will be holding a contest.  Rules, requirements and other details will be posted here.  We will be offering a Sterling Silver and genuine Citrine Pendant to the winner (A $50.00 value).  Watch this blog for updates and Contest Announcements!  (Prize may be subject to change, but will remain in the $50.00 value category)

Last but not least let's get some new Links going!

You can now find us on Linked in!  If you're a jewelry designer, have an Etsy shop or just run your own business come join the network.  There is a group just for Etsy Shop Owners!  They have Job listings too!

We also have a stack on Delicious, to quote a friend, "That place is like link central."  Indeed it is!  I invite you to add your own content to my stack The Alchemists Vessel Jewelry, or perhaps sign up and start promoting your business, yourself, or your other interests.

As part of my insistence on getting the Business and Jewelry out to the masses, I do a lot of research and reading (and you should too!)  I started the linked in and the delicious account after reading this article.  50 Social Sites Every Business Needs a Presence On.  Now most of the 50 do not apply to me, and may not apply to you or your chosen field of expertise or even be of interest to you in the promotion of your business, whatever that may be.  However, it is definitely worth a skimming.  I suggest a quick perusal if nothing else.

And that is it for Monday's blog!  I hope you find something useful, of interest or perhaps learned something new.  Don't forget those sales going on!  February has come and is almost gone!