JackPot Designs Giveaway!

About a month ago, I (finally) ordered my graduation announcements and knew I wanted a fancier address label than what I have. (Which, um, is writing out my address longhand.)

So I searched out Etsy for some cheap, but nice, address labels and stumbled upon JackPot Designs. I loved the variety of her designs and especially loved that she was selling “Class of 2011” address labels. I had to grab them and she even customized them with my school colors! Love.

But what I loved most was Morgan’s prompt delivery and simply fantastic customer service. I ordered the labels on a Saturday afternoon and by that night, she had sent me a message, letting me she had completed my order and would put them in the mail on Monday. I received them on Wednesday and they arrived in cute packaging, with a nice coupon attached!

I was so impressed with her shop and the person behind the shop, that I asked about doing an interview and giveaway. She agreed to both and I’m excited to share her shop and inspirations with you today.

1. Why were you inspired to start JackpotDesigns?

I’ve always loved beautiful stationery and address labels in particular. I love getting a letter or package in the mail that is elegant and thoughtful—it is something we’re losing sight of these days. So, the idea for my Etsy shop grew out of wanting to help people make their invites and announcements that much more special. After all, the first thing anyone sees is the envelope.

As a side note, the name “Jackpot Designs” came about after my son, Jack, was born. He was a preemie, born 10 weeks early, and because he was lucky to have thrived so well, he acquired the nickname “Jackpot.” I thought it was a fitting name for my new business!

2. What is your favorite item from your shop (if you have one!)?

I have lots of favorites! But, I think my “most favorite” favorite is the “joyful” address labels and seals. I just love how elegant they look!

3. What has been the hardest part about owning an Etsy shop?

The hardest part has been juggling my shop, my family and my day job. By day, I am a Reference Librarian who orders books and does research for patrons. I am also a wife and mom to my 2 year old son, Jack, and 10 month old daughter, Claire. I run my Etsy shop early in the morning and late at night and sometimes the long hours are a struggle. Even so, I genuinely love my shop and my customers and that makes it all worthwhile!

4. What is the most rewarding part about owning an Etsy shop?

I have absolutely THE BEST customers! The most rewarding part for me is getting emails from happy customers going out of their way to thank me for making their special event just that much better. That’s why I love what I do and it humbles me to think that someone chose one of my designs to grace their wedding invitation, baby shower thank you note, or graduation announcement.

5. How do you see your shop growing in the next year?

I have already been so blessed by the success my shop has seen since I opened in January! I have no idea where it will go this year, but I’m along for the ride. I have lots of design ideas swirling around in my head and my goal is to get those done and up in my shop. Ideally, I’d like to have 200 designs for sale by the end of the year.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring Etsy shop owners?

YES! First, have confidence. In yourself, in your abilities and in your product. Remember that your time is valuable and don’t short change yourself in an attempt to make every sale. Second, become part of the Etsy community. Read the forums and/or join a team. I have learned so much from the seasoned sellers who comment on the forums. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as many of them have encountered the same issues you are. Third, great customer service is vital! Great customer service means answering emails and convos as quickly as you can. It means sending a convo thanking customers for their purchase and letting them know when their item will ship. It means FAST shipping. It means having nice/pretty packaging with a little thank you note or freebie inside. The worst is when you order something, never hear from the seller and receive the item in a bland envelope with no personalization. Customers want a pleasant buying “experience” in addition to their product. That’s what makes Etsy so personal and, in my experience, that’s what turns customers into repeat customers.

And now for the fun part! Morgan has generously agreed to give away one of her address labels! You have the choice of either design in a variety of colors: black, brown, red, orange, teal, green, navy, pink, or purple.

 

Aren’t they adorable? Your choice between an address label or an address seal.

I’m giving you a ton of ways to enter!

1. Mandatory entry: Leave a comment, telling me which design and what color you would choose. (1 entry)

2. Tweet about the giveaway, using this tweet: “Psst! @stephanywrites is giving away a set of gorgeous address labels! Enter here: http://bit.ly/kMxcAE” (1 entry)

3. Hop on over to JackPot Designs and let me know your favorite item in her shop! (1 entry)

4. Follow my blog on Facebook. (1 entry)

5. Follow JackPot Designs on Facebook. (1 entry)

6. Add my brand-spankin-new button to your blog, found on my sidebar. (2 entries)

7. Blog about the giveaway. (3 entries)

You can leave a comment for each, or leave one comment but make sure to include all the ways you’ve entered!

The giveaway lasts until Thursday, May 12th at 8:00pm, winner announced on Friday, May 13th.