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This thread is for those who would like their shop critiqued by others. We could all use some constructive criticism on organization, color scheme, photography, pricing, etc.
If you want such a thing, post here with a hop link, and be sure to please critique someone else. Be constructie and helpful. If you think something is overpriced, perhaps explain why so as to not hurt feelings. Offer suggestions for change. If you want a critique, be prepared to accept criticism - remember, you can take it or leave it! If you are more comfortable sending a private convo critique go for it. Sometimes that's better, but I bet we can all read critiques and learn from others.
76 Replies
@ lonecorndog
What a great idea. I am new so any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated and wanted!
Hi,
I'm Luciana and here's my store http://fashbazaar.storenvy.com
I'm definitely going to be doing some improvement. I'm getting new merchandise in next week. The background and banner are temporary. I just wanted to have something there while I work on the template design.
I think both of your stores are nice. JulietsJems, I think you should get a banner for your store. I think it'd make it look better.
Feel free to give me any feedback on mine :)
Xxxx, Luciana
Luciana Thanks for the info. Any ideas how I make a banner?
Luciana, Your shop looks amazing, even your profile and info are professional. I love the banner. I noticed how bright your pics are and that seems to be the key. I would love to see more items, as I.m sure they will be as beautiful as the one's that you currently have. I am a newbie, but I don't think you need to change anything. It looks great.
Thank you for your feedback! Your items are great too :)
Here's my Facebook fanpage
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashionista-Bazaar/207874279243386
Do you guys have one?
I bought a banner set from an etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/miprincess?ref=seller_info
She sent me the set within 30 minutes after I had purchased it.
But I had to put a background as well...just the banner alone looked weird.
Yes, here is mine
http://facebook.com/​julietsjems2
ooops lets try it again
https://www.facebook.com/#!/JulietsJems
hmmm that's not working either. HUH?
Got it! Liked your page!
JulietsJems - it's really easy to make a banner on PowerPoint if you don't want to buy one or if you have limited graphic design software. Mine is literally a public photo of a poppy field that I cropped to the size I wanted and I added a textbook over the top of it. You can mess with the edges of the text box, etc. Once you do that, highlight them, group them, then save the whole thing as a jpeg. Buying is handy, but making your own is free!!
Juliets - another thing - I read a post recently on etsy about how to photo clear objects - basically, when you photograph crystals around another color it dulls it. They suggested taking pics of the item suspended so light gets through - even so basic as hanging it from a tree branch. That way the crystals are not absorbing the colors closest to it and the photo will show how it reflects and refracts light. I love the pic of the green bracelet - the first pic, but you might want to try the technique above for some of your clear pieces.
Luciana - I like the bright pics on yours, too. I wonder if you could get natural light? The light you used looks like it might be flourescent and on my screen might be skewing the colors toward the yellow end. Like I said - might be my screen. I have LED ligths in my house so I have to either use a full spectrum light or go outside in the morning to get the correct colors. I LOVE that beaded multi-string necklace. That pic looks really bright to me and I like the architecture of the photo. Nice!
I'd love some feedback, too! Sales aren't coming in. :-) I like my pics, and I know my page is simple looking. How do you feel about my pricing? On scarves as well as mugs, please?
www.abrandnewday.storenvy.com
Thank you so much for your feedback...I like your pics too.
Your prices are great :)
Ah Hi I'm Taran.
I see the biggest issue is reaching out to the right target market.
Like with Luciana's jewellery, its not that its bad jewellery its just when I personally look at it I wouldn't wear those things even tho their beaded so nicely. Well actually I'd wear the Bia necklace because I like the berry sort of shape...
Tho with the brand new days stuff, it confused me because at first I thought she was selling yarn... tho I do love the mustache cups.I see nothing wrong with the theme's for either.
But I know I've had previous problems where people are reluctant to buy because they want to trust the buyer. You know like knowing your going to get a good quality product and get it one time, like what ebay uses. But that becomes a vicious circle doesn't it?
http://blakbunni.storenvy.com/ ah here's my store
Thank you, Taran :)
Just be patient! Building a business takes time :)
@lonecorndog Your store is very nice! photos are nice just add a little clarity. Add more info on your FAQ page, as well as your descriptions :)
my store can be found here
www.lovesweetcaroline.storenvy.com
@JulietsJems, The one thing I noticed about your store (awesome items, btw) is that it seems kind of disorganized. You can move items around on the Products menu.
And, as previously mentioned, you should totally get a banner. To do a banner, you can use any image editing program (paint, photoshop, etc.) and make the banner that best reflects the mood you would like to set for your storefront with your store name.
@Carolhine, I love the clean, sleek look of your store! I also love how much info you have out for the customer. It brings the customer a feeling of knowing your store, and what you're about!
I would really like to get in on this, because I'm wondering if there is something I could do to drive sales just by the overall look of my site. Thanks!
razorip - Amazing work. My suggestion would be to photograph it or describe it so the viewer can tell what size the piece is. I can't tell if it's 8x10, 4x6, matted, framed (or if those are options). That might make it easier for people to see what the overall product looks like. Would it be possible for you to photo it hanging on a wall so someone can imagine how it would look in their home? Might be a little change, or might be a total pain.
Sweet caroline - totally cute store. I love the look. My only suggestion would be to move products around so they are arranged near similar items. For example, craft circles near one another. You might even be able to organize by column rather than by row. Great prices, great looking products. Very cool!!
check mine out www.stolenhearts.storenvy.com
@lonecorndog
Thanks for starting such a helpful thread!
I love how you put so much thought into staging your products that are fun and bold (matching hat color with mug color? Yes please! I love the orange hat+yellow mug). On the other hand, I almost feel like the design on the tea tins detract my attention from the mug because the print is so busy. Maybe putting the mugs alongside something more simple/streamlined would be better? (I'm thinking a tea kettle if you have one, or interesting utensils/saucers). I think the pricing is fine as they are.
The scarves pictures that work best for me are the ones that you photograph with the white coat, not only because they feel more complete, but they also let me see the colors more clearly - sometimes I lose the colors a little due to the background of your fence/mannequin (for example, the brown scarf). Your V-day colored scarf looks so cheerful and warm - makes me wish I had more brightly-colored winter accessories!
Hope this helps.
Mine: mintandpetrichor.storenvy.com (I'm in the slow process of updating better photos of the older products!)
Hi all,
I am curious what you think mainly about the pricing for my products.
In response to many of your stores here are my thoughts: very busy! A bunch of you have so many patterns happening that the products get lost.
@Carolhine's page is a great example of simple yet fun. The product shots are bright and in focus! Awesome job.
@lonecorndog yours is simple but to me the color scheme is lacking. I think you could really tie it all together if you could match the colors in your banner with the backgeound, border, add to cart etc.
Sorry forgot to post my store link:
http://mesmithdesign.storenvy.com
Hi guys,
http://andwhatelseisthere.storenvy.com/
We would love some comments on our products, pricing and layout.
Looking forward for all of your good/bad comments :D
Thanks in advance
Caroline - I really love your shop, the colours, the photo's the look are all very good.
Hey everyone,
We are generally very new, happy to have some advice and opinion of our shop.
http://www.bonnydoll.com
- Bonny Doll <3
@ Aweit love your items :)
- Bonny Doll <3
Aweit - I think the articles are overpriced in my opinion... tho I am interested in your cmt capabilities.
Hi everyone!
I love this thread~ :) A big 'Huzzah' to lonecorndog :D
Some people already voiced the thoughts I had...I like storefronts that show you right away what the shop is about, what they're selling. Some background color and nice pictures is what I like to see. ;)
Now I have one idea for everyone ~ I just read this on another thread...
it would help if the price of shipping is somewhere on the page, or even with the product. The way it is set up right now, is, that customers won't see the price for S/H until they put the item in the cart.
I'll close this with a positive though ...it's not shopping season...LOL...my mantra right now! :)
If you could please hop over to my store
http://beads4belles.storenvy.com
and let me know what you think!
Any comment/idea is greatly appreciated!
edit.... positive 'thought' sorry about that! :)
Hey Beads4belles- I think the newspaper background for your photo's is too confusing, it doesn't let us appreciate your cool beadwork.
Hey BlakBunni!
Thanks for looking... :) I will keep your suggestion in mind for my next photo-session!
@BlakBunni!
I love you store! The prints are my favorite...is this your artwork?
Ah thanks b4b, yea its my own artwork. Everything printed and created on blakbunni is designed by me ^~^ you can check out more at http://atobe333.deviantart.com/
Wow...amazing! I'm so jealous...when I draw something, it always looks way different on paper than it did in my head! LOL
I'm following your store...and look forward to seeing more!
Glad this is going well for people. And I am taking to heart the suggestions given to me. Beads - great idea to include shipping in the description. GENIUS!!
Mint - thank you so much for the photo suggestions. I totally see what you are saying and will definitely make adjustments to photos - ditching the tins for something that focuses better on the mug. Cheers!! I'll get to some other stores now and post again...
Beads - I posted to someone else about photographing translucent beads - I read that if you can get light through the bead it reflects and refracts light better - getting a truer sense of the depth of color. Perhaps you could photo by suspending your pieces - if you're on your own, even a tree branch or twig! If you have a partner to help, it can be held. I actually like the newspaper behind it, though. Not too busy for me. I think it helps create a tone for your buyer that is more modern and mature. I did notice that on my screen it's a little yellow. Might be my screen, or might be the light. I have to use the outdoors because my house is all LED and flourescent lights. If you are shooting in the house look for a full spectrum light. It will give a brighter, truer light. Really lovely pieces, though.
Smith - Man, I wish I had something to add, but your work is beautiful. I like the consistency, the clarity, and the detail on the edge of the frame that is shown via the photography. The simple nature of the storefront accentuates the pieces themselves and your shop monogram is perfect. Sorry not to be more constructive!!
Aweit - Your photos, I assume, are from the wholesaler catalogue, so I'll skip that entirely! I'm afraid I'm putting on my English teacher hat here - your "About" section has some grammar and punctuation errors. (Now wondering if mine does, too) and that might influence a buyer. A few simple and quick changes, there. Really cute clothes!
Stolen hearts - Your photos aren't of actual completed products, are they? It looks like they are an image superimposed over a picture of a piece of clothing. As a buyer I would be interested in seeing the actual product so I know how it will lay. I was also hoping for some info on the brand itself. Brands are a source of pride and status, so some back story on the branding might help the buyer identify with the item and be more motivated to buy. That could easily be added to description of items or the "About" section of the shop. Good luck!
Im new here and I know my store needs work. I also need to add info in my about me. I needed to get my store up and running because I have been wanting to do this for a year now, but have been letting life get in my way. I had a big push to get it going before I was 100% ready. So here it is tell me what I should do to make it the best it can be!
http://crunchymonkeycrafts.storenvy.com/
@CrunchyMonkeyCp... First of all ~ Welcome to Storenvy!
I took a look at your store and I really like it. :) Sorry I don't have anything more constructive!
@lonecorndog... Thanks so much for your comments. I have a few more items to photograph and I will take them outside today. I already have a twig picked out! :) If it's not too much trouble, maybe you could let me know what you think ~ Thanks!
thanks for follow b4b, i'd love some feedback on my clothing sometime. ^~^
http://jewelryworksbykim.storenvy.com/
Would love to hear any comments or suggestions!
Absolutely, Beads. Just let me know! Ever thought you'd say "I have the twig picked out"? :-)
@BonnyDoll : Thank you so much, i love your polka dots tube dress too. Very nice shop :D
@lonecorndog: All of our photos are self-taken, with the help of our friends as a model. Thank you for pointing out the errors too :)
@ BlakBunni: Thank you :D Nice shop you've got btw, many amazing pieces :D
I would love some comments on my products, pricing and layout.
I know my pictures are bad but I am not a very good photographer. :/
Here is my store link:
http://splashofcolor4u.storenvy.com
@lonecorndog...LOL...hm, now that you mention it... ;)
I posted one picture I took this morning that came out well. The necklaces I photographed didn't come out so well, I guess the colors aren't strong enough. The piece kinda got lost in nature.
But now I know what works. Thanks again!
Hi Elva! I love your store and your paintings...but you knew that! :)
Like we said before, maybe post the shipping cost by the product. Especially important for you I would think, because your product is so big. And then people can decide if they want to pay the S/H before they put it in their cart! :)
I would love some comments on my shop!
http://captainpyon.storenvy.com
I know I don't have many products, I am still quite new.
Pyon - amazing banner!! Love it! I think per ALL of us, the photos could use a little help. They look a little blurry on my screen. Might jus tbe my brain though....195 high school freshman can do that! I would suggest using the pic of the princess necklace being worn. I love the close-up of the beads, but it's too hard to tell the length of the piece. I thought it would be long, but obviously it's not. Good luck!!
Thank you!
Here's mine, any suggestions or criticism bring it on ;)
http://beadsnharmony.storenvy.com
This would be useful, feel free to say something please :-)
http://hellomissportia.storenvy.com/
Hellomissportia, I was going to say something, but you're still in "Maintenance Mode". :-) To bring your store live, go to the "Settings" tab in your "Store Admin" screen, and click "off" on the left where it says "Maintenance Mode". That is, if it's unintentionally still in "Maintenance Mode". ;-)
MelTheCrafter, one suggestion I could think of right off the bat was organization. I love the overall layout of your page, but when just scrolling down the items, it might be easier for the customer if they could see the groupings of items together. :-)
Alright, I'll go ahead and ask... Anyone have any suggestions? :-) I've had one sale and TONS of visitors... Is there anything I could change to drive more sales?
http://entropyrip.storenvy.com
OMG... Thank you so much... I wasn't gonna say anything but I kept wondering why none of my product were out.... Thanks... Hope you could give me your feedback now. :-)
OMG... Thank you so much... I wasn't gonna say anything but I kept wondering why none of my product were out.... Thanks... Hope you could give me your feedback now. :-)
Hey everyone, totally love this, think it's a great thread!! I'm just starting out and I have no idea where to focus my attention!
check it out: http://bybex.storenvy.com
thanks in advance!!
@lonecorndog Thank you so much! I followed your suggestion, it looks more organized.. Thank you! :)
@Entropy, thanks for the suggestion. I'm not exactly sure how to go about organizing products, editing the html variables?
This would be useful, feel free to say something please :-)
http://hellomissportia.storenvy.com/
Check out : www.locksgraffiti.storenvy.com
or www.locksgraffiti.tumblr.com
PEACE
@HellomssPortia - I find your photo's good along with your layout and products, it's very sweet and cute.
@Bybex - Nice brush bags, pity I don't have that many make up brushes.
@LocksGraffiti your products look good to me, just that plain red bckground seems a bit harsh
@Blakbunni... your page is soo cute and so badass at the same time, awesome... I could guess that the owner's personality shines through that page...
p.s. the panda earrings are soooo sweeet!!!
@BlakBunni - Thanks girl!! I like your assorted selection!! Love your unique and fitting banner also!!
and you know, make up brushes - you can buy them at target for $1 :)
I'm going to be adding other products to my page as well - scarfs, headbands, and hair accessories :)
I have an idea to promote storenvy stores!
http://www.storenvy.com/topics/3452-storenvy-collective
@rkshultz I need to find a cheap place like that in south africa XD
@missportia aww thank you, I'm glad you like <3
Thanks MissPortia, I organized all my products, ranging from lowest to highest price. Any other suggestions are more than welcome ;)
http://beadsnharmony.storenvy.com
We sell Shirts and Dj slipmats for turntables. We also do custom designs exactly how you want them. We do designs for anything you may want including billboards, Business cards,Flyers. Logo's. Album covers. Facebook Covers and ect. anything you want a and can have a design put o we can do it.
http://affiliatedesigns.storenvy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AffiliatedDesigns
www.facebook.com/girlnextdoorfashions
We just opened our LGBTQ friendly shop that mainly focuses on custom orders, and would love some constructive criticism! All of our products are hand made from all natural products, and we're a super eco-conscious company. Our packaging is all recyclable, and our products are easily customizable to pique anyone's interests!
http://defacedcanvas.storenvy.com
Check us out! We'd love to make you a one of a kind design! :)
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