halloween prep

[2008.08.28 17:58:49] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.08.28 17:58:49] shopaholicchick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.08.28 18:00:03] steve d has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 18:00:55] SusanFaye has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 18:01:32] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 18:01:57] Cyndi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 18:03:17] BrittaCP: hey look at that it's 4:00pm
[2008.08.28 18:03:34] BrittaCP: How's it going everyone?
[2008.08.28 18:03:40] Cyndi: LOL Well, for some of us...
[2008.08.28 18:04:02] MageGrayWolf: ok
[2008.08.28 18:04:03] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 18:04:09] shopaholicchick: 7pm here
[2008.08.28 18:04:14] Cyndi: I'm not used to my new time zone...I thought I had missed it...
[2008.08.28 18:04:16] steve d: fine
[2008.08.28 19:04:16] maddynmedesigns has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:04:21] BrittaCP: great
[2008.08.28 19:04:48] BrittaCP: So today we've got a Shopkeeper discussion lined up... and it's all about prepping your shop for Halloween
[2008.08.28 19:05:02] BrittaCP: We’ve had “Shop Prep” chats before in the past, which I’m sure many of you have attended.
[2008.08.28 19:05:20] BrittaCP: lol... actaully... looking at the user lists I know many of you have attended
[2008.08.28 19:05:23] MageGrayWolf: first time here for me
[2008.08.28 19:05:30] BrittaCP: YaY
[2008.08.28 19:05:31] AngelaCP: welcome mage!
[2008.08.28 19:05:41] BrittaCP: Today we’re doing this an SK discussion where you guys drive the chat.
[2008.08.28 19:05:55] BrittaCP: Now is the time to share your past experiences with one another and talk about what worked and didn’t.
[2008.08.28 19:06:06] BrittaCP: And folk who are celebrating their first Halloween can ask questions on what to do, and learn from you.
[2008.08.28 19:06:25] BrittaCP: Who here is having their first Halloween with us?
[2008.08.28 19:06:27] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:06:32] Cyndi: My issue is that I come to them, learn tons of stuff and then never get a chance to use it and forget about it. Repeats are good for old folks...LOL
[2008.08.28 19:06:55] BrittaCP: Well... if it helps... we do have the transcripts archived
[2008.08.28 19:07:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:07:08] bzperson has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:07:09] BrittaCP: so you can always refresh yourself later
[2008.08.28 19:07:10] BrittaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=14
[2008.08.28 19:07:16] shopaholicchick: honestly halloween has never been a big seller for me
[2008.08.28 19:07:33] BrittaCP: hallween i will say is not one of the bigger holidays
[2008.08.28 19:07:41] armymom03 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:07:42] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:07:50] BrittaCP: however... it's a fun one, and one worth getting doing something for
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[2008.08.28 19:08:21] BrittaCP: I like to think of it as more of a "decorating" occassion rather than a "gift giving" occassion
[2008.08.28 19:08:27] AngelaCP: even if it's not a big holiday, it's a great way to spice up your shop and make it relevant
[2008.08.28 19:08:28] JoeCat has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:08:31] AngelaCP: shop freshness is important
[2008.08.28 19:08:33] BrittaCP: Although when I was younger I did ask my mom if we could cancel xmas and just give each other Halloween presents instead.
[2008.08.28 19:08:38] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:08:43] BrittaCP: She wasn’t buying it. Anywhoo
[2008.08.28 19:08:48] SusanFaye: This will be my first H'ween with CP!
[2008.08.28 19:08:52] maddynmedesigns: I have been a SK before (years ago). This is my first Halloween as an active SK though and I am sooo excited!
[2008.08.28 19:08:58] shopaholicchick: cyndi there are chat logs on CP and on my blog cafechatter.blogspot.com
[2008.08.28 19:09:01] Dooni Designs: 10/30 marks my cp 5th year anniversary =)
[2008.08.28 19:09:06] BrittaCP: excellent
[2008.08.28 19:09:09] shopaholicchick: ok so i dont feel bad then
[2008.08.28 19:09:13] AngelaCP: wow, happy anniversary dooni!
[2008.08.28 19:09:21] steve d: supposedly halloween is next to christmas in reail sales
[2008.08.28 19:09:24] AngelaCP: yes
[2008.08.28 19:09:25] Dooni Designs: thanks!
[2008.08.28 19:09:43] BrittaCP: so really quick... chat rules
[2008.08.28 19:09:53] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:09:54] BrittaCP: for those who dont have them memorized by nbow
[2008.08.28 19:09:59] BrittaCP: *now
[2008.08.28 19:10:14] BrittaCP: the chat is moderated so you won't see your comments or questions pop up right away
[2008.08.28 19:10:28] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:10:29] BrittaCP: they go into a queue until a moderator reviews and pushes out
[2008.08.28 19:10:47] shopaholicchick: steve not for me - halloween is not close - there are 3 holidays ahead of it for me ...but i cant give aya all my secrets now;)
[2008.08.28 19:10:49] matisse: BOO!
[2008.08.28 19:10:55] AngelaCP: so even if halloween is not a big holiday for you, you can use this holiday as a way to create demand for cross items. Promote items such as buttons and stickers...
[2008.08.28 19:10:55] BrittaCP: not all comments make it, and it's usually just because there are to many
[2008.08.28 19:10:58] BrittaCP: lol
[2008.08.28 19:11:05] BrittaCP: we'll have a transcript up later
[2008.08.28 19:11:10] AngelaCP: cross sell
[2008.08.28 19:11:21] BrittaCP: and at the end of the chat, we'll open up the lobby for you kids to keep on playing in chatland
[2008.08.28 19:11:23] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:11:30] shopaholicchick: i use halloween season to prep and set up for the big shopping season which starts 11/1
[2008.08.28 19:11:34] BrittaCP: right.
[2008.08.28 19:11:53] BrittaCP: so as you tell... it's never to early to start prepping for these occassions
[2008.08.28 19:12:08] GalaxyGirl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:12:33] BrittaCP: Have any of you already started your halloween prep?
[2008.08.28 19:12:54] TexasFiddler: Kind of making sure that the customers know you are there and remember you come mid November.
[2008.08.28 19:13:12] JoeCat: Halloween prep started in July :)
[2008.08.28 19:13:13] TexasFiddler: I was working on a Halloween design earlier today.
[2008.08.28 19:13:15] maddynmedesigns: I have started
[2008.08.28 19:13:16] MageGrayWolf: I have a few designs ready but there not up yet
[2008.08.28 19:13:18] sag: Finish with a lot of it.
[2008.08.28 19:13:20] armymom03: i stated last night. posted several new kids designs
[2008.08.28 19:13:51] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:14:20] BrittaCP: I was reading this intersting article earlier today... around this time of year, "costume" is one of the top searched for terms
[2008.08.28 19:14:32] brev87 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.08.28 19:15:06] TexasFiddler: But Halloween has never been strong for me
[2008.08.28 19:15:07] shopaholicchick: i am working on my xmas prep LMAO
[2008.08.28 19:15:18] BrittaCP: not in the marketplace I don't know what the top term is for tags) but in google
[2008.08.28 19:15:18] steve d: I started thinking of designs
[2008.08.28 19:15:31] shopaholicchick: yeah but in our line of designs that just makes for tag spamming
[2008.08.28 19:15:38] SusanFaye: Is there a special way to tag holiday items to make sure they show up in special categories on the CP marketplace front page?
[2008.08.28 19:15:53] BrittaCP: So it got me to thinking about the products that shopkeepers sell in and the way they are postioned...
[2008.08.28 19:15:54] AngelaCP: Susan, there is no special tag...just make sure your tags are appropriate to your design
[2008.08.28 19:16:16] BrittaCP: how do you use the word “costume” when you may not necessarily be selling costumes in your shop (although I’m sure at least one of you are selling a costume type thing because you are very clever and creative)
[2008.08.28 19:16:17] tropicando has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:16:20] AngelaCP: we don't like sharing the tags we use because we have sks that will start usingn that tag even if it's not relevant to the design :(
[2008.08.28 19:16:41] matisse: I've been done for a while now ... probably add a few more designs. I do use costume in my key words seo.
[2008.08.28 19:16:43] matisse: I am a costume!
[2008.08.28 19:16:57] brev87: very true Angela, good point
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[2008.08.28 19:17:22] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:17:24] AngelaCP: if you guys are selling any type of halloween related designs on your shop, be sure to use the keywords in your shop for seo
[2008.08.28 19:17:35] BrittaCP: you wouldn't want to put "costume" in your keywords if it's a halloween themed doggy bowl
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[2008.08.28 19:17:45] BIGNUMPT has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:17:47] shopaholicchick: susan - tag them how you want them to appear year round DO NOT TAG THINGS HOLIDAY OR CHRISTMAS UNLESS THEY ARE ACTUALLY HOLIDAY OR CHRISTMAS DESIGNS...this is tag spamming
[2008.08.28 19:17:56] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:18:00] shopaholicchick: the only design of mine that is tagged costume is one that reads "this IS my costume"
[2008.08.28 19:18:51] AngelaCP: only put costume if your design can double as a costume
[2008.08.28 19:18:57] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:19:45] BrittaCP: but then thinking about it more... not everyone is looking for costumes. what they may be looking for is just something festive to wear to the company party
[2008.08.28 19:19:54] AngelaCP: charlie brown costume example http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/blockhead-yellow-tshirt/82022325
[2008.08.28 19:20:21] Cyndi: OMG that's funny.
[2008.08.28 19:20:26] Cyndi: Of course, I'm old.
[2008.08.28 19:20:44] AngelaCP: yes britta, there's costume...and there's halloween designs http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/maternity-pumpkin-smuggler-halloween-costume-shirt/175101438
[2008.08.28 19:21:20] MageGrayWolf: I have a seperate section in my shop just fro holiday designs that then breaks down further into each holiday..I also stuch the 2008 election stuff in there.
[2008.08.28 19:21:21] peon productions has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:21:42] BIGNUMPT: Sorry I'm late the Pubs have only just shut here! Hope this hasn't already been asked but are Halloween Party Invites big sellers?
[2008.08.28 19:21:43] BrittaCP: So there you go... a way that you can incorporate a relvant keyword like "costume" into your pdescritptions
[2008.08.28 19:22:03] AngelaCP: Let's ask the crowd... are halloween party invites big sellers?
[2008.08.28 19:22:23] AngelaCP: If you have a gift shop, it's a good idea to have one and keep it year around
[2008.08.28 19:22:41] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:22:53] brev87: I don't get invites to Halloween parties. :|
[2008.08.28 19:22:58] AngelaCP: me neither :(
[2008.08.28 19:23:02] BrittaCP: and relvance is key... a few others that could work for the products that you commonly find on CafePress are scary, decorations, party, fun. Which could work for somethign like invites
[2008.08.28 19:23:05] peon productions: I don't know about invites, but for some reason I feel like I heard that the yard signs are.
[2008.08.28 19:23:11] AngelaCP: Hmm, that's a great idea that I didn't think about
[2008.08.28 19:23:19] shopaholicchick: i dont customize insides of cards...so i dont know
[2008.08.28 19:23:30] BIGNUMPT: Not scary enough Brev He He
[2008.08.28 19:23:32] AngelaCP: Or maybe special banners to scare neighbors
[2008.08.28 19:24:11] steve d: kids get invitations to parties
[2008.08.28 19:24:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:24:55] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:25:14] AngelaCP: is anyone seeing SEO for halloween yet?
[2008.08.28 19:25:19] brev87: could use the yard signs to get trick or treaters to your house. if people are into that
[2008.08.28 19:25:21] shopaholicchick: maybe matching invites and a yard sign set up to be like a package might work.....
[2008.08.28 19:25:23] peon productions: I made a candy dish out of a pet bowl. It's got candy corn on it.
[2008.08.28 19:25:27] sag: I have all those in this section: http://www.cafepress.com/sagart/568106 - because you never know what will sell. Sales have begun for me.
[2008.08.28 19:26:11] BIGNUMPT: Did actually sell a Halloween Shirt to-day,think I better get my Xmas ones up and about!
[2008.08.28 19:26:51] AngelaCP: I'm not sure if Britta mentioned this, but Halloween is more of a decorating and fun holiday vs gift buying... so make sure the "angle" you have for halloween is around this
[2008.08.28 19:27:00] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:27:02] peon productions: I sold christmas cards today.
[2008.08.28 19:27:07] AngelaCP: wow, never too early huh?
[2008.08.28 19:27:13] shopaholicchick: you dont wanna out things up too early or they will be burried
[2008.08.28 19:27:17] MageGrayWolf: what about doing halloween birthday cards for people born on halloween
[2008.08.28 19:27:23] AngelaCP: That's a cute idea
[2008.08.28 19:27:28] AngelaCP: its very unique
[2008.08.28 19:27:36] AngelaCP: for SKs that update their shop often
[2008.08.28 19:27:38] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:27:49] AngelaCP: it's a great idea to feature something like this
[2008.08.28 19:28:00] AngelaCP: makes their shop fun and interesting
[2008.08.28 19:28:23] tropicando: Does anyone know if classrooms exchange cards for halloween the way it 's done for v-day? Do halloween cards sell?
[2008.08.28 19:28:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:29:36] AngelaCP: they typically don't do this for halloween
[2008.08.28 19:29:37] steve d: Depends on the classroom. I work for a school district. some do some don't
[2008.08.28 19:29:52] AngelaCP: but kids do have halloween parties
[2008.08.28 19:30:32] BrittaCP: Sooo... it was mentioned before about the candy dish/ dog bowl... does anyone else have ideas for alternative uses
[2008.08.28 19:30:36] BrittaCP: of products?
[2008.08.28 19:30:39] steve d: Yes, even more than trick or treating
[2008.08.28 19:30:52] BIGNUMPT: What are the best sellers for Halloween are they T-Shirts?
[2008.08.28 19:30:59] AngelaCP: t-shirts are big sellers
[2008.08.28 19:31:03] AngelaCP: buttons do well too
[2008.08.28 19:31:08] BrittaCP: dark, dark, dark t-shirts
[2008.08.28 19:31:16] AngelaCP: i think the idea is to buy them in packs and give them out
[2008.08.28 19:31:35] AngelaCP: or perhaps worn by by people who don't like dressing up
[2008.08.28 19:31:39] BrittaCP: make them part of a grab bag
[2008.08.28 19:31:42] peon productions: a 100pk of stickers to give out instead of candy
[2008.08.28 19:31:55] AngelaCP: Yes, we have people that are against giving out sweets
[2008.08.28 19:32:04] AngelaCP: we have seen suggestios for giving away stickers and mini-buttons
[2008.08.28 19:32:09] sag: Tote bags can be treat bags
[2008.08.28 19:32:23] peon productions: (as in, a sticker per kid - not 100 stickers per kid)
[2008.08.28 19:32:27] MageGrayWolf: yeah making shirts for people that don't really like dressing up was the idea I had in mind for this haliday
[2008.08.28 19:32:28] AngelaCP: We do see sales for totebags as treat bags
[2008.08.28 19:32:29] BrittaCP: right
[2008.08.28 19:32:31] AngelaCP: much bigger too!
[2008.08.28 19:32:38] BrittaCP: office parties, or just folk who like being festive
[2008.08.28 19:32:47] tropicando: Britta I had some ideas for alternative uses of products, but I have not uploaded that to the string yet
[2008.08.28 19:32:50] peon productions: ooh - good one Sag!
[2008.08.28 19:32:55] coolcat has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:33:03] AngelaCP: http://bags.cafepress.com/item/maias-halloween-bag-tote-bags/162239525
[2008.08.28 19:33:12] brev87: The election this year is messing things up though. Everyone is thinking about Obama
[2008.08.28 19:33:16] BrittaCP: so incorporate him
[2008.08.28 19:33:19] AngelaCP: http://bags.cafepress.com/item/hand-over-the-candy-tote-bag/32369228
[2008.08.28 19:33:19] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:33:30] sag: If you have cute t-shirts that would work for a biker costume, or a retro look - feature those too.
[2008.08.28 19:33:39] BrittaCP: if you're anti obama... compare him to being scarey
[2008.08.28 19:33:52] sodashirts has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:33:54] AngelaCP: great idea sag. you have to be creative and find ways to feature your products that will get customers to buy for halloween
[2008.08.28 19:33:54] BrittaCP: or the same with McCain
[2008.08.28 19:34:04] shopaholicchick: i have sold custom tote bags for holiday gift exchanges - someone had me put her office name on the back side of one for her whole office!
[2008.08.28 19:34:10] tropicando: give out cool stickers and buttons with your URL
[2008.08.28 19:34:12] Rozine has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:34:19] AngelaCP: congrats on the sale shopa!
[2008.08.28 19:34:24] peon productions: lol - red splatters on the bbq apron might make for an interesting costume.
[2008.08.28 19:34:27] AngelaCP: Oh, how funny!
[2008.08.28 19:34:34] BrittaCP: yes... make sure that the sticker is halloween related and looks like it belongs in a grab bag of sorts
[2008.08.28 19:34:41] AngelaCP: so think of halloween for your shop as a way to bring some fun
[2008.08.28 19:34:48] BrittaCP: you don't want to just have a sticker with your URL on it mixed in there
[2008.08.28 19:34:50] AngelaCP: even if your shop isn't a big halloween seller
[2008.08.28 19:35:04] BrittaCP: then it becomes like candy spam... if there is such a thing
[2008.08.28 19:35:11] AngelaCP: consider it's a way to skin your shop to make it festive
[2008.08.28 19:35:14] BrittaCP: i would make a great design, and delicatly add the url in there
[2008.08.28 19:35:29] brev87: lol
[2008.08.28 19:35:37] BIGNUMPT: I sold a Cannibal BBQ apron to-day so you're on the button there peon
[2008.08.28 19:36:14] AngelaCP: the pet bowl idea audrie brought up is a good one
[2008.08.28 19:36:29] AngelaCP: take a photo of it w/candy and feature it in your shop
[2008.08.28 19:36:37] BrittaCP: and in your blog
[2008.08.28 19:36:39] AngelaCP: have you seen the large bowl? it's huge
[2008.08.28 19:36:54] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:37:05] shopaholicchick: the large pet bowl is a troth...
[2008.08.28 19:37:31] AngelaCP: does anyone have their shop finished for halloween? if so, anyone willing to share?
[2008.08.28 19:37:39] MageGrayWolf has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:37:59] BrittaCP: I've been looking around at all these "halloween" blogs today... a lot of things on decorating... and since there are so many things that you can sell in your shop for decorating, using this angle on your blog is a great way to promote
[2008.08.28 19:38:18] BIGNUMPT: Could use it as a bath for witches
[2008.08.28 19:38:19] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:38:27] AngelaCP: Here's a shop I found LOL http://scarealiberal.com/
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[2008.08.28 19:38:55] tropicando: what if the dog eats the chocolate
[2008.08.28 19:39:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:39:22] shopaholicchick: put it on the counter...
[2008.08.28 19:39:29] shopaholicchick: i have a halloween section i dunno that anything is every finished though LOL http://www.cafepress.com/celebratetoday/5110245
[2008.08.28 19:39:33] peon productions: haven't had any requests for Halloween templates yet. 'twould be fun tho. ;)
[2008.08.28 19:39:50] brev87 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:39:57] AngelaCP: i guess most SKs find it temporary... but halloween is really fun
[2008.08.28 19:40:04] BrittaCP: and so we go back to the idea of skinning... while you don't need to make a majot overhaul
[2008.08.28 19:40:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:40:16] BrittaCP: you can just add a decorative element or tow
[2008.08.28 19:40:34] BrittaCP: so let's look at way to promote and really tapping into the those methods
[2008.08.28 19:40:59] BrittaCP: i mentioned blogging... which i know a lot of you already do... but what are clever ways of incormparting your hallopween merch in a daily blog?
[2008.08.28 19:41:01] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:41:11] shopaholicchick: i used to recolor my shops for holidays - but now that i have so many shops because of the limits it is really a lot of work to recolor them all
[2008.08.28 19:41:48] BrittaCP: you could always talk about throwing a party... and here are some of things that you would use to decorate
[2008.08.28 19:41:59] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:42:01] AngelaCP: color is an easy and good way to make it festive and relevant to the holiday
[2008.08.28 19:42:02] shopaholicchick: costume idea of the day
[2008.08.28 19:42:10] AngelaCP: maybe a halloween version of your logo
[2008.08.28 19:42:19] BrittaCP: Got a shop geared towards kids and family? Take a few pictures of your kids wearing your shirts or Halloween bibs and talk about them.
[2008.08.28 19:42:30] AngelaCP: if you had a holiday version of yoru logo for each holiday, it won't be much work once they are done
[2008.08.28 19:42:44] peon productions: if you have multiple shops, perhaps you could consider having them all reference one external stylesheet. Then you'd only have to edit one file to change them all at once.
[2008.08.28 19:43:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:43:08] shopaholicchick: peon they are all different themes only one has holiday designs now
[2008.08.28 19:43:14] GalaxyGirl has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.08.28 19:43:24] peon productions: doh! disregard then.
[2008.08.28 19:44:21] BrittaCP: have we talked about making sure you get the word out about your products as well? newsletters and emails featuring thwese new prods
[2008.08.28 19:44:24] tropicando: I don't have kids.
[2008.08.28 19:44:31] MageGrayWolf: if only one of your shops has holiday designs on it then just change that one
[2008.08.28 19:45:08] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:45:18] shopaholicchick: mage it is one shop but it is really 2 shops....i have a lot of cross linked sectins and redirects
[2008.08.28 19:45:23] tropicando: You know, my one t-shirt halloween design is so innocent; and I have trick-or-treaters showing up in lingerie.
[2008.08.28 19:45:38] AngelaCP: halloween is a great excuse to "scare" up some sales by contacting your customers ;)
[2008.08.28 19:45:40] sag: If you pull your halloween sections into your own outside domain you can hype it to the hilt with your products, decorating ideas, recipes, on and on.
[2008.08.28 19:45:53] BrittaCP: ooooh... i like that
[2008.08.28 19:46:01] BrittaCP: it's like a full party almost
[2008.08.28 19:46:29] sag: Add a feed for your blog and blog halloween for added wieght.
[2008.08.28 19:46:29] AngelaCP: Just send a newsletter/email with a halloween theme - then feature your normal products if your shop isn't typically halloween themed
[2008.08.28 19:47:17] AngelaCP: say, you have a political shop - maybe you design a special edition tote bag - making fun of the "other guy" for sale
[2008.08.28 19:47:21] sag: On Twitter you can post a Halloween Spook of the Day. Micro-blogging!
[2008.08.28 19:47:26] AngelaCP: what a way to get some interest
[2008.08.28 19:48:23] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:48:37] BrittaCP: by spook of the day do you mean someting similar to a "joke of the day" or is "spook" open to interpetation
[2008.08.28 19:49:04] sag: Ghoul or Goblin - whatever you want to title it.
[2008.08.28 19:49:06] BrittaCP: ahhh got it
[2008.08.28 19:49:10] tropicando: I have an inauguration day design of bush and cheney shapeshifting into a swarm of bats
[2008.08.28 19:49:29] BrittaCP: love it
[2008.08.28 19:49:33] sag: That ought to sell tropicando
[2008.08.28 19:49:55] BrittaCP: I've seen a few designs comparing political figures to spooky monsters
[2008.08.28 19:50:21] tropicando: I'll be re-organizing my shops today though, hopefully
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[2008.08.28 19:50:44] lovejml has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.08.28 19:50:49] BrittaCP: You deifinetly want to make sure that you're designs are within your niche if you make halloween themed ones
[2008.08.28 19:51:04] BrittaCP: the niche of your shop, i mean
[2008.08.28 19:51:11] sag: Also, around many parts of the country they hold fall festivals which are for celebrating Halloween, so include fall festivals and products for those events.
[2008.08.28 19:51:24] BrittaCP: and these are great opportunities to promote
[2008.08.28 19:51:28] AngelaCP: Hmmm, like oktoberfest?
[2008.08.28 19:51:30] BrittaCP: bring your cards... talk to vendors
[2008.08.28 19:51:31] AngelaCP: steins!
[2008.08.28 19:51:55] BrittaCP: or... set up a booth and sell your own
[2008.08.28 19:52:09] tropicando: here it behttp://www.cafepress.com/zartanga/5830299
[2008.08.28 19:52:17] sag: Some school districts won't title events Halloween because of a bias of the community - therefore they are Fall Festivals.
[2008.08.28 19:52:23] BIGNUMPT has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:52:32] AngelaCP: mixing politics with halloween is a really good idea.. it's so relevant
[2008.08.28 19:52:34] BrittaCP: other things to think about... if you really want to get into it
[2008.08.28 19:52:39] BrittaCP: day of the dead,
[2008.08.28 19:52:40] AngelaCP: with the elections just a few months away
[2008.08.28 19:52:45] BrittaCP: all hallows eve
[2008.08.28 19:53:30] peon productions sent a picture:
[2008.08.28 19:53:31] BrittaCP: those are some altrenatives if you want to break from the norm of jack-o-lanterns
[2008.08.28 19:53:36] tropicando: in theory I could apply that concept to everyone in congress
[2008.08.28 19:53:44] AngelaCP: how cute is that aud
[2008.08.28 19:54:13] AngelaCP: so this is the halloween and holiday version of your logo?
[2008.08.28 19:54:45] tropicando: this has like a Dia de los Muertos feel
[2008.08.28 19:55:05] peon productions: oops
[2008.08.28 19:55:10] sodashirts: is there still a newsletter system in cafepress?
[2008.08.28 19:55:13] BrittaCP: yes there is
[2008.08.28 19:55:15] AngelaCP: Oh, was that not meant for us?
[2008.08.28 19:55:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 19:55:18] sag: Audrey dresses a lot of shops for the holidays including mine. She is fantastic!
[2008.08.28 19:55:23] AngelaCP: i agree sag
[2008.08.28 19:55:28] shopaholicchick: i sell more dia de los muetros then halloween
[2008.08.28 19:55:47] BrittaCP: it's under the promote your shop section of your account's main page
[2008.08.28 19:56:08] BrittaCP: then that's what i would run with shop
[2008.08.28 19:56:21] peon productions: sorry guys - are the images not moderated? I wanted to make sure this was okay before I plastered it up there
[2008.08.28 19:56:25] peon productions: I haven't done any halloween dress-ups. Is there a demand for that then?
[2008.08.28 19:56:37] AngelaCP: no worries aud
[2008.08.28 19:57:13] sag: Aud, I think people simply don't know it's available - get out there girl!
[2008.08.28 19:57:59] AngelaCP: so we have about 10 minutes left and it looks like everyone thinks halloween is fun but isn't really a big focus for them. So let's do a quick recap. Even if you don't think halloween is a big seller for you, focus on the idea of decorating (your house, cube, car, yourself - shirts, buttons, cap) and making your shop festive for the holiday. Use the holiday to talk to your customers...
[2008.08.28 19:58:18] BrittaCP: lol... and with that i'll open up the lobby in a few and you can all start placing your oders with Aud
[2008.08.28 19:58:27] BrittaCP: *orders
[2008.08.28 19:58:28] coolcat has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:58:36] peon productions: I get on out for xmas - I just didn't think so many people were looking to pimp their shops for hallowwen
[2008.08.28 19:58:51] AngelaCP: add some SEO to your shop, that will not hurt. Add words such as halloween, costume, decorating, party, fun in your shop
[2008.08.28 19:58:53] BrittaCP: i think it's more if just having nice accents to add... rather than a full makover
[2008.08.28 19:58:57] sag: oders is good too! :-D
[2008.08.28 19:59:03] AngelaCP: use these top keywords to make it work for your shop.
[2008.08.28 19:59:04] BrittaCP: halloween oders
[2008.08.28 19:59:11] peon productions: thanks for fixing that Brit - I have enough oder of my own...don't need anyone else's
[2008.08.28 19:59:15] bzperson has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 19:59:30] AngelaCP: does anyone have a specific question they want to ask?
[2008.08.28 19:59:33] tropicando: i suppose banners and yardsigns could make good tombstone decorations
[2008.08.28 19:59:40] BrittaCP: now you're thinking
[2008.08.28 19:59:44] AngelaCP: oh, and great idea for using banners and yard signs to decorate your yard
[2008.08.28 19:59:48] AngelaCP: i haven't thought of that
[2008.08.28 20:00:03] peon productions: usually for holiday pimping, I do just the logo and the background. Quick and easy, and easy to take down after the holiday
[2008.08.28 20:00:17] AngelaCP: http://signs.cafepress.com/item/werewolf-crossing-yard-sign/180888571
[2008.08.28 20:00:29] AngelaCP: cute! http://signs.cafepress.com/item/pirate-yard-sign/207849621
[2008.08.28 20:00:45] BrittaCP: and that really is the easy route to go. I'm sure you don't want to redo your whole storefront in such a way that people no longer recoognize it and get confused
[2008.08.28 20:00:54] AngelaCP: okay, last one: http://signs.cafepress.com/item/happy-halloween-penguin-yard-sign/179029469
[2008.08.28 20:00:58] BrittaCP: especially around the busy season
[2008.08.28 20:01:04] peon productions: love those subdomains, by the way. very cool
[2008.08.28 20:01:24] peon productions: I agree - you should really be looking to simply enhance your shop - consistence is still as important as it is any other day of the year
[2008.08.28 20:01:30] tropicando: the banners could also make good carnival games for halloween or other holidays, like if you put a hole in there for a target
[2008.08.28 20:01:46] BrittaCP: posters too
[2008.08.28 20:01:49] AngelaCP: cute idea tropicando
[2008.08.28 20:02:27] BrittaCP: Alrighty... i hope some of you are walking away with a few new ideas... despite the hapharzard nature of the chat... lol
[2008.08.28 20:02:30] peon productions: noose around the teddy baear maybe? I think I'm reaching now...
[2008.08.28 20:02:32] AngelaCP: how's this poster for your door? http://art.cafepress.com/item/angry-johnny-quotget-down-on-them-prayin-bonesq/243101604
[2008.08.28 20:02:41] tropicando: I did that with plywood once, but a banner would be more lightweight
[2008.08.28 20:02:50] sag: Halloween yard signs are a big thing in my area. We southerners love those dang things! http://www.cafepress.com/sagart/3830303
[2008.08.28 20:03:12] AngelaCP: these are wonderful sag!
[2008.08.28 20:03:14] AngelaCP: how do they sell?
[2008.08.28 20:03:33] AngelaCP: i bet if you put them in your yard, you have neighbors asking where you got them
[2008.08.28 20:03:38] sag: They sell well as instant decorations.
[2008.08.28 20:03:54] lovejml has left the room (logged out)
[2008.08.28 20:04:04] BrittaCP: And there you have it... a decorating occassion
[2008.08.28 20:04:46] BrittaCP: And on that note... the it's 5
[2008.08.28 20:04:56] peon productions: good chat guys! It's always nice to hear from the CP Community warriors
[2008.08.28 20:05:00] BrittaCP: thanks for idea storming
[2008.08.28 20:05:03] tropicando: you can even use posters as window displays, a witch watching incoming trick-or-treaters
[2008.08.28 20:05:06] peon productions: I'm out - gotta go see if Obama gave his speech yet.
[2008.08.28 20:05:07] tropicando: byeee
[2008.08.28 20:05:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.08.28 20:05:11] BrittaCP: lobby is open