PIF

While not being able to be in the studio much, due to healing my wrists, I've been getting a few other things done and yes, cruising Etsy. Okay, more like pecking my way with these braces on, which I'm getting used to and hopefully I'll be back up to par next week :)

Anyway, I came across a thread about PIF sales. PIF... sales? This was sadly confusing because although PIF has many meanings, it was being used as in "Pay it Forward" sense. So I searched PIF in Etsy. Besides several threads in the Forum, there are TONS of items for sale for the listing price of .20cents and cost of shipping. From one to several items in the shops - some with several PIF sales that relist them over and over. I'm not saying this is wrong, to each their own, but I'm only expressing my personal opinion on what the true meaning of PIF means to me as well as others.

PIF= Pay It Forward. Random acts of kindness from one to another. Something that will change their life for the better. It can be something major or something as simple as:

Handing a homeless person your change - may inspire him/her that there is hope.
Helping a neighbor take out their trash - you were strangers until this day and now friends.
Taking the worm that inched it's way into your home outside into the garden - it now has food to live.
Letting that crazy driver go ahead of you - makes for a peaceful drive and they may slow down.
Giving a stranger a smile while passing them on the street - may brighten their day and in turn will pass that smile onto someone else - and so on and so on...

I could go on, but I'm sure you get the meaning and have thoughts of your own. What I don't believe PIF to be is trying to promote or gain exposure to yourself. It's a selfless act, one that requires nothing in return. The only thing it does in return is warms your heart knowing that your random act of kindness has helped another in some small way. Not boost sales.

Oh and if you haven't seen the movie (based off the book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde) with the very talented Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt & Haley Joel Osment, I highly recommend it. Although it is hard hitting and sad at times, it is very inspirational. I'll admit that watching it only once was good enough for me. Although my beliefs go hand and hand with it, Pay It Forward has forever opened my eyes.

Inspire someone today, it will make your heart happy.

Rocki

Opinions Welcomed

So... I have a question and would truly appreciate your opinions, suggestions, comments, etc. Please feel free to be honest as that is what I'm wanting.

My shop is keeping me extremely busy. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY happy and VERY appreciative as I love what I do. I'm also dealing with some hand/wrist problems that I thought was just my arthritis kicking up a notch (yes, I know... and I do metalwork - go figure!) Nope, the doc thinks it may be Carpal Tunnel and has set me up for some tests next week and possibly therapy - pending outcome. I already wear braces while I work & sleep, etc., but he gave me 2 new ones to wear that are much better (yep, both hands) .

Anyway, I have many wonderful customers that are so kind & understanding about my timeframe, which went from 5 then 7 and as of last night, 10+ business days for processing/shipping (pending order size). I don't like to have this type of timeframe as I'm concerned about my customers, but I have no other choice as I can only create so much. I do this all on my own and there is only so much time in a day. My main priority truly is the quality/integrity of my work and customer service as I take great pride in what I do.

Here's where I welcome your opinions: Although I have many customers that do not mind the wait, I completely understand those who do mind. So I've been thinking about putting my shop in Vacation Mode for a short period - maybe 4-5 days, but I'll be honest in saying that I hate the thought of seeing an empty shop and think it would truly bother me. I've had some people tell me not to worry about it (easier said than done) and to just leave it open. I really need to decrease my timeframe and am concerned that it will continue to grow.

Additionally, most of my work is made to order. Due to the volume of sales I receive, it is not possible (at this time anyway) to have everything available at time of purchase, but sometimes I have some stock on hand. Plus I take custom/reserved requests for multiple orders.

So, now that I've written a short novel, what are your thoughts?