It is the first week of November and our trees are still full of leaves. Usually by this timeof year, the yard would be full of leaves and we would have had our first few flurries. It is strange. I am not sure I believe in global warming being dire. I think it is probably part of the cycle of life but I do think something is happening.

Now, I think I know what if feels like for those that live in warm climates to celebrate Christmas. I used to get holiday cards from cousins in Florida that showed them dressed in Santa outfits but their outfits had short shorts. I could not understand how anyone could celebrate Christmas with green grass and green trees in their backyards.

Christmas for us in New England means snow, at least frost. I cannot begin my Christmas shopping unless we get a good hard freeze. It just would not seem right. How can I decorate my house if my hands are not freezing cold hanging wreaths and lights? The weatherman predicted snow for us tomorrow but has now reneged. It just is not fair I tell you.

I plan on buying handmade items for family and friends on the site on which I have a shop, etsy.com. but I need that little push of seeing a few flakes before I start.

How do those of you that do not see snow in the winter do it? How do you get the Christmas spirit? I need some inspiration. Help me. Send me your stories. Do you decorate your palm trees, do you use that fake snow on your windows?

I can't wait to see your comments. Help me!!
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Well these hot summer months are what weed out the part time sellers from the professionals. As a professional seller, you know that every year this slowdown is inevitable. Buyers are on vacation, spending time with family, or just getting out of the house. There are no major holidays to shop for, hence, no need to spend disposable income.
This is the time a smart seller uses to get their inventory ready for the busy months, increases their advertising presence, and pretties up their shops. It is not a time to sit around and whine about the decrease in sales, be proactive not reactive.
If you carry lots of summer items in your shops, you may want to have a sale to generate interest. The key is to still turn a profit. Do not undervalue your hard work. Whether it is time you spent creating an object or the time you spent looking for the item to sell. Of course buyers are always looking for bargains but you can make them feel they Need what you have.
Make sure you have professional photos, excellent descriptions, and offer excellent customer service. Packaging is key for return buyers. Make a buyer feel like he/she has just received a gift in the mail. Enclose a few business cards so the buyer can pass them on to friends. Include a hand written note whenever possible. Let the buyer know you are willing to work out any issues with them.
Now go out there and make the best of these slow days, maybe take a day or two off yourself.