Hi there, how do I get sales 
I’m getting no views to speak of and not sure whats wrong
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OK, I don’t have much time but had a quick look…
- How are you promoting your shop? You have no links to social media, which is an important way of promoting it.
2.You haven’t filled in your ‘about me’ section. People buying handmade like to know a bit about the person they are buying from.
3.You only have 4 items in your shop, all in a similar colour pallette, which greatly limits a potential customers choice. You need to add more items with a variety of colour choices.
I’m sure more people will add their thoughts too but these are the first things that struck me.
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Is the ‘Lanpshades’ in your shop name intentional? I think you’d be better off using ‘Lampshades’.
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Hi Amanda, I agree with Kim’s comments, you really need to add the about me section and you need to add your social media links. If you don’t have social media then you must get it as this is the way to promote your shop and your items.
Your photos aren’t doing your items justice, the background is very dark and too busy. Try putting the items in natural light with a bright background to see if this helps, I’m not an expert by an stretch of the imagination but looking through the eyes of a customer I think this would help. It’s also useful to have a picture with a white background.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you luck with your shop.
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Hello Amanda ive just taken a quick look too.
I definitely agree with Hilary that the photos are not helping. The lampshades are very pretty but they need photographing in a neutral setting so the customer can imagine them in their home. I personaly would choose a clean white ceramic base or a complimentary colour if you have one.
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It’s not - well spotted thank you 
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(If you want to change your shop url to correct the typo you need to email support and they will do this for you)
I did a quick search to see what your competition is like and was surprised by the number of lampshades on Folksy (almost 900) so your 4 need to be really well presented to stand out from the crowd. At the moment your photos seem hazy - I think this is your camera struggling with the contrast between the dark back ground and paler shades. I think you need to try and find a more neutral background to photograph your shades against.
Something I noticed whilst looking at the other lampshades on Folksy is that they make reference to safety testing that the materials used have passed. You don’t say anything about safety testing or if the lining fabric meets with current safety standards. If I was a buyer I would want to see that sort of info.
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Thank you. I think it is my camera 
yes there are lots of lampshades but all drum shades not hand sewn which is where mine differ - thanks so much I’ll see what I can do o may just end up closing
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Hi again Amanda, don’t give up, it’s a hard slog but if you get your photos right and get pushing on social media I’m sure sales will follow. I hope you don’t mind but I quickly put one of your photos through Photoroom and this is just an idea of what a difference a more neutral background can make.
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Ah thank you it looks good x
Do you pay for Photoroom or are you able to get backgrounds like this free ? I’ve had a look but couldn’t find
They are free but you are limited to the number of photos you can use each month but to be honest I’ve never run out! Some of the images will be under Pro which you have to pay for.
So basically you click on create which removes the background then click on the magnifying glass and add your search criteria which generates some backgrounds. If you pick one that you like then click backgrounds then make realistic it will generate a more realistic image. It’s worth playing around with it to see if you get on with it.
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A low budget/ low tech way of making neutral back grounds is to get some large sheets of cardboard or foam board and cover it in wall paper, you could even have a different wallpaper on each side.
(now that your url has changed you need to update your forum account - at the moment it is still pointing to the old shop which doesn’t exist any more. Can’t remember if that is as simple as logging out and logging back in or not)
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Hi Amanda
Welcome to Folksy, I agree with the other comments that you need to fill in your about section.
Also with Sasha about the safety testing, as your items are for use with electrical lamp bases I also think testing will need to be done. Have a look on HSE website for what is required but certainly fire safety, the fabrics you use should be fire retardent, you should be able to check with your supplier also threads and any other fastenings you use. If you use glue make sure it is safe to use with the fabrics and heat. You may need electrical testing and will also need to label them otherwise if anything goes wrong your insurance will be invalid.
As Sasha mentioned there are other sellers on here who sell lampshades and perform the required testing so you may be able to ask if anyone can guide you in the right direction, what to test and how. I left my health and safety role 10 years ago and imagine things will have changed a lot since.
Good luck, It certainly sounds more scary than it actually is, there shouldn’t be too much you need to do. I remember asking one of my suppliers about fabrics and stuffing and they sent the info I needed which was basically BS numbers, it’s definately worth checking if you need it then youĺĺ will be able to make a shop full of lovely lamp shades,
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I found this blog article about the safety aspects you need to consider https://www.dannellsblog.com/post/beam-professional-lampshade-making-safety-standards
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Thank you - I do use flame retardant spray on the lining which is fabric not laminate but there is no actual law requiring this. Ill be sure to mention when I redo my pictures x
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