To Artfire or not Artfire?

I'm having issues with Artfire. But you intelligent ones could probably figure that out from the title.

Basically, I don't have time to concentrate on more than one shop. Well, if anyone happened to check out my iCraft shop, you'd see I have one photo sitting in it. I was planning on listing things, but damn, it kept giving me error messages so I just gave up. It wasn't very user friendly, but maybe because they were having site issues the one day I decided to fill it up? Who knows.

Plus, Google will drop any duplicate listings, and having the same items in so many places would just put me out in left field in google shopping searches. (y'know, the left field that no one visits because it's so overgrown with weeds and there's strange noises and it smells funny).

I was already having issues because all of my listings on Artfire were logged into Google Shopping, and NONE of my listings on Etsy were. So I changed all the names. It didn't seem to matter. And even though none of my Etsy listings were showing up in Google Shopping, my views on Etsy could run laps around my views at Artfire. (and give them black eyes and kick sand in their faces). So I've currently deactivated all of my listings in Artfire.

So why am I having issues with wanting to keep it? Well, because you don't have to be a member of Artfire to purchase from me. In fact, I've installed a "RapidCart" right here on my website so you can purchase directly from Ze Blog without having to leave. (and I really like keeping you all here! Maybe I should install some couches and serve coffee..)

But if no one is even looking at the listings on Artfire, what are the chances they're gonna BUY anything, right?!

Plus I'm working on trying to sell things directly on this website - Squarespace doesn't "support" any "carts" but I could technically have a page with all my product, and put in a paypal button, but I could send an invoice and yadda yadda yadda.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions/input/guidance/humourous anecdote?

With me starting a job soon, I'll have less time with my shop and such (and apparently it's already too difficult to post a 5 minute blog once in a while! yeesh!) So I'm thinking I should just downsize and stop paying the monthly fee on Artfire.

Alright, off I run... But first! A pic...

                                      

I know I complain a lot about my cat, but I do love him. And he's very sick. :( I'm gonna miss this guy!

Anyhoo, have a great day everyone! It's FRIDAY! WootWoot!

Comments

[andrea]

I have never tried artfire, I just do etsy, and I enjoy promoting on there with treasuries and such but I really don't sell an awful lot. A day job does cut down on having the time to promote, when my daughter was home for the summer she sold alot as she was on the computer daily for long periods.
-Andrea

[rebecca]

I am all for downsizing. I can't seem to get anything done with my new full time job. I say make your life easier.