What to know when starting an etsy shop

HOW TO START AN ETSY SHOP SERIES WE OFFER TONS OF RESOURCES FOR YOU TO START GROW AND BUILD YOUR BRAND

How to make money online

5 Holiday Gifts for 2015

How to Start an Etsy Shop For Beginners

How to Sell On Amazon Etsy Series: Selling Your Hand made and private lable food

When you start anything new it is always  a little challenging and when you sell hand made food candies and any other hand made products it can be a huge challenge building your brand ! Well with the videos I have created we show many of the things we have learned from selling on Ebay, Etsy, Amazon, and other sites including our own . From SEO to Packaging and the best way to ship! So grab a pin and paper and enjoy the info and create the company you have wanted !

BEST WAY TO GROW THE BUSINESS

Top tips for growing your etsy and amazon food business

Best tips from a Professional Online Seller Start from nothing BUILD SOM...

Methods to grow your online presence

Best Tips For selling online PRO SELLER advice

3 TIPS SERIES ETSY AND AMAZON

Hottest 5 Holiday Gifts for 2015

Hottest 5 Holiday Gifts for 2015

How to Sell Online series: Supplier Price Increase stay aware

When selling online you will need to be vigilant about the suppliers pricing for your materials beware of cost increases heres a great video to show you how we do it!

How to Sell Online series: Supplier Price Increase stay aware

Best Tips For selling online PRO SELLER advice

How to Use Social Media :

To build your business

Since we started online several years ago there was a lot about the marketing side of selling that was new to us! BUT it has been a learning experience and since I LOVE to learn new things I was all in!

So I wanted to try something new I have an existing Pinterest Board and have many candy and food related Pins , but I wanted more views, and pinning activity on my board so here's what I did !

 

We offer over 75 videos that are a free resources to help you grow your business THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING !

THE TOP HOLIDAY CANDY RECIPES AND HOLIDAY CANDY CORN

IN A BAG ARE ALL GREAT BUT WHAT ABOUT CANDY THAT IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN SAY HOLIDAY CANDY IDEAS AND RECIPES FOR MAKING CANDY HOMEMADE?

Instead of looking for recipes for holiday candy making , holiday cookie recipes, holiday cakes and more have The Brittle Box Candy Company make and ship something to your door they do the work you get the credit?

Let us make our recipe for Peanut Brittle , a classic Christmas cake recipe we do for you ! or our families secret recipe for Egg Nog Candy !

www.thebrittlebox.com

 

 

 

KIDS FAVORITE HOLIDAY 

CANDIES FOR 2015

TO START YOU HAVE TO SEE WHAT THE BRITTLE BOX CANDY COMPANY HAS CREATED FOR ANY PARTY AND ANY AGE!

WITH FLAVORS LIKE CLASSIC PEPPERMINT , CHOCOLATE PRETZELS, COCONUT COOKIES, CAKE BALLS, BUNT CAKES, COOKIES, CLASSIC PEANUT BRITTLE TO THEIR BACON PEANUT BRITTLE, ROSEMARY WALNUT BRITTLE YES THESE ARE ALL CANDIES. THEY HAVE PEPPERMINT BARK, EGG NOG FLAVORED SPRINKLES ??? FOR THE HOLIDAY ICE CREAM AND MANY MORE 

SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT WHEN THEY SAY THIS COMPANY HAS IT ALL LITTERALLY EVERYONE CAN FIND SOMETHING . 

WWW.THEBRITTLEBOX.COM 

Top 5 Gift Worthy Christmas Candy

to give this year ( can be found all in one place)

These are the holidays MOST hunted candy gifts for 2015. The Brittle Box Candy Company does it again with their amazing and over the top candy . Hand made and ALWAYS made to order they have a list of some crazy and classic candies for you and your gift giving for the holiday seasons.

If you love Peppermint candies they have it, if LOVE chocolate covered pretzels well they have that to, and if you love cake balls for your holiday office party they can make 100- or 10,000 fresh and delivered in time for your Corporate Holiday Party.

Number 1.

http://www.thebrittlebox.com/store/p350/Chocolate_Pretzels_in_Colored_Jimmies_24_pieces_.html

THEY WILL CUSTOM COLOR THE CHOCOLATE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE 

NUMBER 2. 

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL BOWL 2 POUNDS 

http://www.thebrittlebox.com/store/p1114/Chocolate_Peanut_Butter__covered_pretzels_2_LB_assortment_Bowl_This_is_For_ANYONE_who_loves_peanut_butter_and_chocolate.html

brownie overload with a rediculous amount of gooeyness...

number3 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/172302882/brownies-gourmet-9-in-round-over-1lb?ref=shop_home_active_14&ga_search_query=brownie

NUMBER 4 

PEPERMINT BARK WITH A TON OF PEPPERMINT CANDIES AND 2 LAYERS OF WHITE AND REGULAR CHOCOLATE 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/94839582/peppermint-chocolate-bark-white?ref=listing-shop-header-2

THIS HOLIDAYS 2015 HOTTEST GIFTS CAN BE FOUND AT
WWW.THEBRITTLEBOX.COM
THEY HAND MAKE ALL THEIR OWN CANDY AND OFFER MANY CLASSICS FOR THE HOLIDAYS  THEY OPERATE SHOPS ALL OVER THE INTERNET MAKING IT EASIER TO SHOP IF YOU PREFER A CERTAIN SITE LIKE AMAZIN, ETSY, AND OTEHRS

How to Sell on Amazon Series 

Packaging what to expect and how to package certain food items !

When you have an amazing recipe for a food item you may have put your blood, sweet, and tears into making it a reality , but the packaging is a huge "eye grabber"on the retail shelf or can be a eyesore! Well in the virtual world package can be a part of the equation but there are seo key words , pictures, descriptions and much more to get the attention fo the customer ! this video will show you exactly what I do to have packgaing ready !

How to Sell on Etsy Series Selling hand made items can be fun and make you money BUT having the right packaging can be tricky and costly if not done right this video explains some of what we have learned how to packaging for Selling on Amazon Etsy or to retailers !

Cómo vender en la mano Etsy Venta Series artículos hechos puede ser divertido y hacer dinero pero tener el embalaje adecuado puede ser difícil y costoso si no se hace bien este video explica algunos de lo que hemos aprendido a envases para venta en Amazon Etsy o minoristas !

Paano Ibenta sa Magbenta Etsy Series kamay ginawa bagay ay maaaring maging masaya at gumawa ka ng pera PERO ang pagkakaroon ng karapatan packaging maaaring madaya at magastos kung hindi ginawa ng mga karapatan sa video na ito ay nagpapaliwanag kung ilan sa kung ano ang aming natutunan kung paano sa packaging para sa Pagbebenta sa Amazon Etsy o upang nagtitingi !


If you liked this video We have a Ton of Great Resources for you !

https://youtu.be/yM0YcD0ZNN4

https://youtu.be/Bym1yGM7EsI

https://youtu.be/U7XqSsQKHso

https://youtu.be/UZla6-PakzI

https://youtu.be/t_JZr5SPqyc

https://youtu.be/b5EGrxo1rMo

THANKS FOR WATCHING MY VIDEO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MANY OTHER INFORMATIVE VIDEOS FOR SELLING ONLINE AND STARTING SHOPS ON ETSY , EBAY , AMAZON, OR MARKETING TIPS CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS


SUPPLIER PRICE INCREASE SELLING ON ETSY A MUST SEE !
https://youtu.be/jgoWUNIi2KY

START AN EBAY STORE FIRST THEN CREATE A WEBSITE HERES WHY
https://youtu.be/6TtFsweb27I

SELLING BUNDLES OF PRODUCT TO MAKE MORE SALES
https://youtu.be/u04ISYzbvV4

THESE 3 THINGS CAN INCREASE SALE ON ETSY!
https://youtu.be/-Vqlmjy1ggc

SELLING ON ETSY WITH THESE TOP TIPS
https://youtu.be/35PiqwLh93o

How to Start Selling online with Amazon and ETSY !!! and GROW like never before
When I started selling online several years ag it was just ebay but you have to think outside the box and drive revenue from multiple sources at once this is what will skyrocket your sales and bring large profits do not be afraid to set shops up all over the place . I speak from experience it is more conducive to set up revenue streams all over instead of just one place

How to Start Selling on Amazon with Food !

We have been active sellers on Amazon now for a while and have been AMAZED for lack of a better word at how FAST sales have taken off, and with over 300 food items that we hand make it has been a huge addition to our Candy COmpanies bottom line. We offer Peanut Brittle as well as over (200 flavors) of candy brittle, Cake Blass in Dozens of cake flavors, Hard candies in dozens of flavors, Cookies, Italian Specialty cookies, and mnay other items. Here is a great resource video to show you how we do it !

Amazon FBA Private Label Food How to get Started No.2 this is a second video discussing what to expect and what can happen when selling on amazon FBA

If you liked this video We have a Ton of Great Resources for you !

https://youtu.be/yM0YcD0ZNN4
https://youtu.be/Bym1yGM7EsI

https://youtu.be/U7XqSsQKHso

https://youtu.be/UZla6-PakzI

https://youtu.be/t_JZr5SPqyc

https://youtu.be/b5EGrxo1rMo



I offer dozens of videos showing how you can create and start your own company in food production with snacks, candy and more !

How to Start an Amazon Store :FBA 

 Food Private label

Here is a great video I posted showing how to start selling your private label food snacks, candies and more edibles on Amazon. being on Amazon now for a while has been a huge addition to our bottom line and will help your product line or products get exposure, and grow your brand.

With so many food options out there online the busness of selling food direct to customer via the internet is growing EVERYDAY, and why not get a piece of this for your product!

Amazon FBA Private Label Food How to get Started No.2 this is a second video discussing what to expect and what can happen when selling on amazon FBA

If you liked this video We have a Ton of Great Resources for you !

https://youtu.be/yM0YcD0ZNN4

https://youtu.be/Bym1yGM7EsI

https://youtu.be/U7XqSsQKHso

https://youtu.be/UZla6-PakzI

https://youtu.be/t_JZr5SPqyc

https://youtu.be/b5EGrxo1rMo

I offer dozens of videos showing how you can create and start your own company in food production with snacks, candy and more !

3 Steps to Becoming a 

Successful Entrepreneur:

1.) Find what your true passion is and why you do it! For me when I become interested in owning my own business I had wondered what it was I wanted to do. That thing that would get you up early in the morning and keep you there late at night. The driving interste that would lead me to never look at the clock and just DO IT! Well it has beena  long road to doing now what I do, but I had several "attempts" that well lets just say it did not work. BUT.....I never gave up the idea of being my own boss! So years later I have found that thing that I am passionaite about and never looked back. Oh and a huge YES you can make money at anything in this life that you are passionate about ( ANYTHING) don't let anyone tell otherwise. 

2.) Start small but think big. Yes I am not the first to say this BUT it is 100% true. Take small manageable steps at first and then graduate yourself to larger tasks. My wife would laugh hearing ME say this because when I had my first few small successes I wanted to grow my company to a Million dollar business in 2 days , and well that did not happen ( only in my mind). Start with a little step everyday, and learn as much as you can one day at a time. Business can be a stressful, challenging, rewarding experience, but it is ALL worth it and YOU CAN as long as you stay true to the vision you have for your business. 

3.) Be your own MARKETING department . Promote yourself until the cows come home , and after they come home continue to promote. NO ONE WILL EVER care as much about your dreams as you will. Mark Cuban once said " No one gives a S&^% about your product" you have to make them want your product. Create a need for your product. That is the KEY to any marketing campaign or anything anyone is selling. Create a NEED!

I hope in a small way these words help you and motivate you into becoming the business owner YOU want  to be !

How to Start an Etsy Shop : 

Series Pricing your products to sell 

Many new sellers are very excited to have their Etsy shop and start selling their hand made products to the wordl, but many of them are now business minded. Figuring the right price and margins may be a foreign idea they do not have in mind. It can be a challeneg at first trying to find what price point is competitive and still makes a great profit!

This video I suggest some of the things I have learned along the way to figure a method for making money. Margins can be determined in many ways but here is a great informative video to help !

We have over 50 videos that will help you grow or start your etsy shop and online business ! From a real professional seller !

How to Use Social Media : 

Series Bloggers can promote your products or service ( for free) for you !

When I began this adventure into the world of online selling I had to familirize myself with the use of social media and how to navigate it and make it do what I needed it to do PROMOTE!

Well I came across an articla online that talked briefly about the use of bloggers ? I knew very little at the time about what bloggers even did let alone the use of bloggers to promote my business. Well fast forward to now and we have found bloggers to be a HUGE part of our marketing by design!

I found a huge group of bloggers ( food bloggers) on Facebook that would actually review my products in exchange for a review ? I would send the sample free of charge and ask them to post ( for all their follows) to see our products ( candy). The only cost was the shipping and production of the candy itself. Well it prooved to be a match made in heaven as we saw a huge surge in sales and exsposure. In thisvideo I talk about how we did in detail and what you can do to implemt to yur products .

How to Use Google Plus:

Series Promote your products or Service with Communities !

I have always been a firm believer in social media and use it ALL the time to promote my business and line of products. I had heard of Google Plus a few years ago but never actually looked into it. I learned a little about it online and decided I would do a little "experiment" and see just how it worked and if would be either a waste of time. So it was about 4 months ago I started a page for my business. I filled in all the required info a business name website etc etc ......WELL in only 4 months we have had close to 50,000 views and already picked up followers and traffic on other social media outlets as well as our website have soared. We have found it to be now a great additional social media platform to promote our business and our products. The following video I talk briefly about the benfeits the 'communities" within Google PLus can be for business.

Hope this video is a benefit and let us know how you did with them !

How to Start an Etsy or Amazon Store :

Series Stay away of supplier price increases 

One of the things as an entrepreneur we had to learn fast was to maintain our margins during supplier price increases. This is VERY important and most online beginners do not think about this as an important part of their daily "to do " list. We usually double check these price increases every quarter and adjust pricing accordingly and this is where you have to be vigilant. When of course you start a business you start it to make a profit, but when you allow suppliers to increase product costs that are part of the production of a final product increase your pricing to accommodate this incresse.

Check out our video that goes into detail about this !

Subscribe to our channel we offer over 50 videos that will guide you and help you grow your business from a experienced seller !

How to Start an Etsy Shop :

Series Sell Subscription boxes Yes you actually can we show you how we do it!

One of the most popular ways of sell a product or group of products is via SUBSCRIPTION boxes !

We sell them all over our sites and offer 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, and we show you how we do it! in this quick and easy way!

Once you try this out in your shop let us know how it worled for you !

Also subscribe to our channel we offer dozens of free videos show you how to grow your online business to!

How to Start an Amazon Store 

FBA Food Products :

Series How to start selling your hand made or private label food online !

We have created over 500 items that we hand make to order and sell on several platforms ONE in particular

is and has been amazing and its AMAZON : inn this brief video we show you how we started and some tips to help you get started and MAKE a very nice profit!

Let us know how the video helped !! and check out the over 50 videos we offer a great free resource and subscribe !

How to Create AMAZING Listings for Etsy :

Starting an Etsy shop is a great step forward in growing your hand made business, but how to create a amazing listing that is eye catching and will get customers to buy your products is a little different!

In this short video I explain how I create listings that get me 10,000 views a month, and thousands of sales !  in 15 countries !

Let  me know what you think about the video and wish you HUGE SALES!

 

 

 

We have 50 videos that will help you transform your shop into a money making business ! Subscribe and see what we have resources !

 

Top 3 Tips for selling on Etsy :

 

This video explains what we have done to increase enormous sales on our Etsy shop! Started our shop several years ago we had a lot to learn about promoting our store but now with thousands of sales we have learned a lot and this is 3 GREAT tips to increase sales

 

 

Try these 3 tips and let us know how they worked ! We wish you great success and sell!

How to Start an Etsy Shop Series:

Promote with a Gift Guide List!

Every year the 4th quarter is the busiest time of the year for everyone, but one simple method and tip that can increase enormous exposure for several products at once is the gift guide !

 

 

 

This video explains a method that is over looked in promoting a handful of products and selling more let us know what you think ! and

GREAT SUCCESS to you                                                                                                               

How To Sell on Etsy Series:

Selling Bundles of products

 to Drive Huge Profits !

Here's How we do It !

Subscribe to our Channel and see what our experience can do for you !

 

Let us know if this Helps and how you can use this !!Thanks for watching and MUCH SUCCESS!

How to Sell On Amazon FBA :

With private label food products !

 

When we started our candy company much of what we sold was sold through Etsy, our Company site and started on Ebay...Well since we have incorporated Amazon into the equation we have sky rocketed our sales and look forward to continued growth !

here is a short video we have put together showing some of the basics of starting your own candy or food store via amazon and can grow your companies sales in a huge way !

Let us know what you think and if this helped you grow a Amazon Business !

How to start an Etsy Shop Series :

Pinterest can

 SERIOUSLY grow your business!

 

 Here's how we use Pinterest everyday to grow our customer base and create new opportunities for our business that will blow you away. If you are just starting your business , you can create boards on pinterest that will attract a tone of NEW customers and get brand recognition for your products!

We started our business few years ago and the bulk of the direction of traffic to our stores are coming from Pinterest!This short video explains how we did it!

 

 

Let us know how this helped you with your business and wishing you GREAT SUCCESS!!! 





HOW TO USE GOOGLE PLUS :

 TO GROW  A BUSINESS

 

When you are just starting a business ( online ) there will be  huge need for exposure and with the use of social media you can get exposure free ... but with a little time and effort being your cost! Social media has created a great chance for a business to grow and reach millions worldwide with just time focus, and quality content you can attract and keep customers ! This is how we used GOOGLE PLUS to grow our business in just a short period of time this short video we put together talks in detail on how we got over 45,000 views in 4 months on google plus !

 

 

Take notes on how we did this and let us know what you think ! Google plus when used right can draw a ton of attention to your business !

How to Start a Business Series:

 The Power of Goals

             Being a small business owner I have first hand experience in the challenges that face a start up with a limited budget. I have had to overcome numerous challenges that come from a start up ! But the most important yet simple message I have learned and I will offer is NEVER STOP DON"T GIVE UP! it may be at times a trickle yet when the days come that are an overflow it will be worth it.


As a small business owner I have HUGE goals for my business the greatest feeling is that everyday which passes and orders continue to come in I know just a little more that what I am doing IS hwat I should be doing and what I love doing. When setting goals here si the method that works for me.


            1.) Set goals that are attainable( and think of the goals that may seem unattainable) Heres what I mean when you start out you will not have all the answers or the exact path you should take to achieve your goals na dthat IS OK!!! Goals are a starting point where the view to achieveing them should be startight ahead ( you don't have to have the exact coordinates). make the goals something you feel firmly able to achieve. For example you want to set a goal for sales based on 1 month at a time ( so don't make a goal to make 100,000 dollars in 30 days) be realistic with a goal of making $10,000 a month till you fell your building up to $100,000. Setting a goal within the business you are in and understanding your industry will make allow you to set attainable goals that will give you the self confidence to reach fro a larger goal !
          2.) Setting goals you should WRITE THEM DOWN I have read hundreds of books on setting goals, The law of Attraction, and the power your mind has especially when you set a goal and WRITE it down ! I have used this myself and IT WORKS! I try each day to take at least 30 minutes by myself to review the day and my goals and where I am in achieving them. This can be a huge part in actually achieving them ! Writing things down allows you to reinforce the goal visually , and allows you to feel the goal . Write down as often the goals you do have and when you would like to see them achieved ! again be reasonable with the attainability of the gola in the time you want them.
          3.) There is a MENTAL MOTIVATION to setting goals ( at least) for me there is when you make a goal you set in motion the wheels in your mind to motivate you in the direction of attainaing them. I don't always know  the exact way to go about attaining the goal yet once I have a goal in mind I feel that I should just GET STARTED and the path will work its way out for me. It feels like a intuition of sorts. The amazingly thing is once yo have achieved a goal the first time you feel much more confident to set higher andhigher goals for yourself whoch will just continue to led to larger goals and then you know the methid works.


          When I was putting myself through college I worked 2 jobs and went to school full time all I did was work and school I had  the gola of getting me degree and that is exactly what I did. Looking back at it the challenge was met and won with work and focus and determination. I now use those qualities in my business everyday ! That gola lead me to another goal and then so on and so on !

TOP 5 GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

 FROM THE BRITTLE BOX CANDY COMPANY

 THIS IS OUR ANNUAL LIST AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON OUR "BLOG" AND ARE THE TOP 5 GIFTS FOR THE SEASON AND WHERE TO FIND THEM !

NUMBER 1 
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE TRUFFLES

 LIKE OUR PUMPKIN TRUFFLES 12 PIECES  $18.99
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO PURCHASE)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/251455915/oreo-pumpkin-cheesecake-truffles-12?ref=shop_home_feat_3

NUMBER 2 

PUMPKIN SEED BRITTLE 

THIS IS A SWEET AND CRUNCHY TREAT THAT IS VERY LIMITED EDITION !!

$8.99 1 HUGE POUND !! 

(CLICK LINK BELOW TO PURCHASE)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/111691403/pumpkin-seed-dry-salted-brittle-1-lb-bag?ref=listing-shop-header-0

NUMBER 3 
2 POUND PRETZEL BOWL WITH TONS OF SIZES SHAPES
 AND LOADS OF TOPPINGS ! 

$24.99 Large Party Box Filled with Chocolate pretzels

https://www.etsy.com/listing/102091443/chocolate-covered-pretzels-2-lb?ref=shop_home_feat_2

NUMBER 4 
ITALIAN ASSORTMENT COOKIE PLATTER 

HAND MADE DELICIOUS ITALIAN COOKIE ASSORTMENT SHIPPED ANYWHERE !

$21.99 2 DOZEN COOKIES

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117192655/italian-cookie-assortment-2-dz-hand-made?ref=shop_home_active_8

NUMBER 5 OREO COOKIE TRUFFLES 
18 PIECES $15.00 

MADE TO ORDER LIKE ALL OUR ITEMS AND SHIPPED TO YOUR DOOR

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101587569/truffles-oreo-cookie-truffles-hand-made?ref=listing-shop-header-1

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT 5 OF OUR TOP HOLIDAY SELLERS CLICK AND BUY AND EAT !!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

How to Make Amazing Cake Balls :

 Make your Party one that EVERYONE will never want to leave because your cake balls!!!

se  what we can offer your party with our hand made and always fresh made to order cake balls

 

How to start an Etsy Shop to sell YOUR hand made items


So we have been selling on Etsy for over 4 years and have put a lot of work into getting 10,000 views a month of our hand made edible food items and we have been able to ship to 15 countries worldwide !


I say this ONLY because if you wanted to sell and ship your goodies to the world I will show you how we did it with blog posts on literally everything you  would want or need to know ! from starting in a  home to growing to a facility and from shipping rates to margins ( how much to charge)?  I will cover it all and give you direction for what each step will take and the best route to take to reach your business of selling online goal !


Selling online can be the most exciting and rewarding type of business because the fun is in the fact that you have the potential to sell to the world (literally). When I owned my Bakery /Deli we almost all relied on the traffic coming from the front door. With the presence online we have a store front open 24 hours a day.


The one main reason I love selling on etsy is there is a huge ,market for LARGE events like weddings !
the bulk of our over 100 piece orders comes from large events ...events like weddings and corporate events. We have created packaging that has appealed to the wide range of companies, events , universities and more! There is a huge community of sellers that sell hand made items and Etsy ( since it went public) has increased its seller and buyer base ! Which is great news for sellers . When you look at this way you have to get excited no matter what you sell because the "traffic" is what you want !


Like a strip mall that has a variety of stores and you own one you will get the extra traffic sources ! The video link below has great info along with over 50 videos from our channel take a look at our videos with specifics on how to grow your business online

One important thing to remember
when you start selling on etsy is the importance of a GREAT Listing for the item!

How to Start an Etsy Shop :

Marketing your products to SELL!!!

Blog Number 3

So you started an  Etsy Shop? Great Now what ? It takes time to invest in Marketing your products now and this is were the work begins. The products wont sell themselves and wont appear on social media, you have to add the right key words for any items to be found, you need to spread the word!
SO here is where this blog comes in !

Once your item photo is added the description need to be the first stepping point for you to make the products your selling get the attention of the customer ! So let's  say your selling cake balls ? Ok there are probably about 50-85 shops on Etsy that sell Cake Balls so there are a few things that can separate you selling yours above and beyond anyone else selling the same. To be honest that can go for any type of items you are selling.

1. Pictures !!! GOOD...no no no ...AMAZING pictures when your selling cake balls or any food item the unique thing about food is YOU CAN'T SMELL OR TASTE....  so it is your pictures that will sell your food products but thay have to be  well taken ! I would recommend that if you have any natural light in your house start with a spot that can incorporate that light. In our shop for instance we have 2 large windows where we have set up a photo taking area that is dedicated to photo taking only ! We start with our product and usually take a picture with 3-5 pieces of the product not a large amount you want the photos to be as close to the object as possible so when you photograph them there won't be a need to have so many in the shot.
2. Key Words, Key Words, Key Words...... When  you want the item to be found one of the items to consider is the most to the point and specific key term you can think of. The less specific and vague the word the harder it will be for buyers to find YOUR specific item! As an example : you are selling banana cream cake balls ( which sound amazing) you would want to take advantage of ALL the keywords you can! Etsy has 13 key words so you coule use terms like "banana Cake Balls", " Banana cream cake " Cream cake balls, Banana Cake  and so on ...When you have a item that can utilize key words that are similar when you add keywords that are very identical to your products. The wirds like "cake" , "cookie", and the like are to broad but Banana Cream Cake very specific flavor of cake, White Chocolate Macadamia nut Cookie VERY specific ! plus the use of the words like macadamia nut you may end up getting a customer to buy the cookies vene though they are looking for macadamia nuts!
3. Description line !!! the main Description is also use in the search process for products and the more to the point and less wordy it is the better. Being very to the point like : Cake Balls Banana Cream cake ball .. is the way to go. I used the term Cake ball first because these are the starting words they would be the first ones MOST people would type in if they are looking for say cake balls, then the flavors ! I have use this method for selling on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, and others it WORKS!
4. Social Media the listing everywhere! I am a huge user of social media I have accounts with these: Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit and others ( these are the main ones I use) and you should ( sorry you HAVE TO BE ON THEM) also I recently joined GooglePlus I LOVE GOOGLE PLUS!! I have in less than 3 months had over 38,000 views of our candy company page!!! that is 38,000 customers as I see it! But for every item you create a listing for on the Etsy should it needs to be immediately posted on social media !

If you are a beginner these tips will be perfect for starters I have another post I will get into more details on promoting and buildiung your etsy shop as well as selling online with ALL the available platforms !
GOOD LUCK and leave me a question or 2 if you have any !

How To Sell on Amazon: Part 3 Video Resource
Since we have experienced great success on Amazon in such a short period of time I wanted to share what we have done with others who may be wanting to sell food or hand made on amazon. Of course you may know that Amazon is a HUGE online retailer, and (I wish I started selling on their site earlier) but everything has a time and place. Within 1 year we had done as many transactions as our 2 other online platforms combined !


So on our YOUTUBE channel which you can subscribe to where I discuss many topics to help you sell more online . I have included in this blog post a link to 1 of our videos where you can subscribe ! all our resources are FREE

Comment on our blog posts or videos let us know !

See what we offer in this video for starting to sell on Amazon food !

How to Sell on Amazon : Food Products and edibles part 2


I get emails all the time from people who have interest in selling food products ( hand made ) edibles and they want to know what is required to get started ? Do they need business license do they need a facility etc etc .. So to clear up some of the confusion I will breakdown what our company had to provide to Amazon to get approval for selling in gourmet food/ Grocer category.

1. Number one You need to be a business ( an official licensed business in whatever state you are in ) this is NOT a recommendation of MINE you have to have a license . Amazon will ask for this when you apply for the category. YES there is a category that will require approval by Amazon prior to you selling on Amazon in that category.
2. Number two if you are in a facility it has to be licensed with ( in most states) the department of agriculture and they will inspect your facility based upon their scheduling and their timeline. They will have a list of things that will have to be present in your facility contact them in your are for more specifics every state, county, district etc have their own rules and regulations, and these are enforced by them.
3. Number three  sales tax certificate from the state you are operating from. Contact the state revenue office in your state to apply for the a certificate that will grant you the ability to collect tax for sales within the state. Normally these taxes are reported on a monthly basis.
4. Amazon will ask what type of products the bulk of the catalogue  of items you offer will be. Basically they ant to see the types of items you wish to sell. Once we established the list if a few items they kind of get the idea for what you will sell and you can add to the list of products. We currently offer over 300 items almost all them hand made with some that are premade.

Great way to get your products viewed more by doing 1 single tip! If you have an item and you make it in several different ways say "different Flavors" make a listing for each flavor. This may sound like a no brainer, but you can also create a listing with a drop down menu and you would only have a single listing, but when you make a listing for every flavor a customer will see all the variety of products you have when they are looking for a specific flavor and you will end up selling much more product ! This has worked for us and customer love to see a seller with a huge variety of product!

When you can offer a variety of food products do it !!! You will have customers looking for a variety of gourmet food items, and if you don't list a huge selection you will miss out on the additional sales !

    

How to Sell on Amazon : 

Selling Food Products can be Profitable

We started selling on Amazon over a year ago ( and I wish I started Earlier). We hand make over 400 candy , snacks, cakes, cake balls and more, and the business for the type of items we make on Amazon is a smaller market BUT that is a good thing !
I will tell you why and help you get selling your products as well !!! The market potential for food products and niche gourmet food items is growing big time on Amazon. The Gourmet food and Grocery category is one of the fastest growing categories on Amazon.
One thing to keep in mind about selling food or reselling food online is a hugely profitable market because when you think that not everything that is available in your local market is available in EVERYONE Else's local market and for that they will pay a premium for specialty products that could be getting from local markets in your area!

The one prime example is candy ! Candy like Specialty chocolates, seasonal specialty candy for ( Halloween, Christmas , Easter etc) are not always available in everyone's stores in their area. I have seen certain brands selling on Amazon for up to 5 times what I have purchased it for !

When you can take FBA by Amazon and send in the candy prior to the season that is approaching you can make a great margin from selling online. This is one of the examples of the type of "selling" that takes place online. When you can blend into the equation a variety of products like.

• Candy

•   Sauces
• Chocolates
• marshmallows
• Spices
• Beef Jerky
• Organics
• Gluten Free
• Bulk products .

These can bring in some amazing profits , and many of these I can source locally and ship in bulk to Amazon FBA for them to ship and sell for me !


How much do I charge ...Well great question when you sell via FBA you have to factor a couple additional expenses like shipping, fees, and products price . Once all this is factored I try to get double what I pay for it in profit. Something costs me $5.00 I want to make AT LEAST that much back. When you sell in bulk like example 6 packs 12 packs etc you can make even more per total sale ( it equals slightly less per unit) but the bulk pack you will make more per transaction.


Try to sell in bulk because the time it takes for you to package box ship etc you want to maximize your total profit in selling .Make sure the type of items you have to send in for the FBA have a good shelf life it is food and to be sure that a expired product does not get shipped make a LONG shelf life .Try to get imported niche small items these can be of interest to foodies and people who love to try new things. These are NICHE items not very well known but people love to try something new !

Hope this helps I will writing about more of these tips in future blogs !

Italian Desserts and Cookies, Cakes and Candies :

The Brittle Box Candy Company

When we started our company we had just Cookies ( originally that was all we did baked Italian Specialty cookies) but now 7 years later we hand make over 500 items when ordered fresh and  delivered to your door !

 

With that many items it can be a challenge to pick what you would like so we wanted to add a link to the shop ! We offer subscriptions, cookie of the month, Cake Bundt of the month, Brittle of the month, pretty much anything we offer you can get a subscription for ! and have them delivered to your door step!

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmedeosBakery?ref=hdr_shop_menu

 

With the holidays approaching you can guarantee you will find something to ship your loved ones !

 

We offer Bulk Candy, Gummy, Hard Candies, Brittles Like Peanut Brittle, Cashew Brittle , Name brand candies Hershey's Chocolates , Roche, Skittles, Dark Chocolate Bars and many others

www.thebrittlebox.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Start an Etsy Shop  Top 5 Tips to Get Started RIGHT!

Starting anything in life can be a bit scary because of the unknown factor and what you are not sure of . When starting a business for the first time is one of those " what was I thinking" moments ! BUT ....and this is a huge BUT it will be the most exciting thing you could ever do . the personal satisfaction that comes from the creation of something from a nothing is incomparable to many things this life has to offer. When we ( my wife and I) took the plunge to this entrepreneurial leap we really knew we wanted to be in business for ourselves BUT did not know exactly how we would go about it. This can be one of those things that will keep many people from trying. I would say from my own experience that you will NEVER know the exact path you will end up taking but you have to start where you are.

I have long told myself the business tells me where it will go. One day at a time and one step at a time the business has evolved into what it is today, but I could have never told you the direction it HAS taken is ne I knew all along! I would be lying to you !

So we just started .......

Sometimes in life you really do have to just start, and it will end up leading you. When I say the business told me where to go what I mean is that the types of products we currently offer and the ways we are now marketing ourselves online. This is just 2 things I give as an example of how your business will direct itself if you pay attention to it and let it grow. The video below is one I made to help with starting an etsy shop and what you can do to get off o the right foot!

 How to make Italian Desserts : The Simple Way

The Roberti Table Series1 Cookbooks: Classic Italian  Family Desserts

 Written By

Damian Roberti ( that's me) ....

This is a part of my new Ebook on Italian Desserts and how simple they can be to make these are recipes from OUR families "notes" , recipe cards and more .... Enjoy!

Ok so for starters if you are watching what you eat or on some special diet .....I would highly recommend you close this book now because calorie counting should be made illegal if you are going to consume ANY of these delicious recipes...So you have been WARNED !!! Many of these recipes will cause happiness and joy upon making and CONSUMING them, as well as possible need to follow up with a glass of Merlot or Pinot Noir, and if this happens drink 2 glasses and don't call anyone in the morning !

            But seriously these recipes are a compilation of a handful of family recipes ( our versions) we have enjoyed for years. I bring them together for you to try and enjoy, and hopefully you can share with friends and family. Food in our house has always been about the sharing of conversation and memories, and wish your family the same as you travel on this pallet pleasing ride !

There are some versions of the Zeppole some are filled with cream and chocolate pieces and many others are filled with candied fruit. This is a version s-which is very simple and is a fried dough coated with a ton of powdered sugar and or cinnamon and sugar mix. There is another lesser known  version that has liquid caramel and chocolate sauce over the top. This is a "take on the traditional version with an "American " twist. When we were younger we would put these types of "toppings" on them and eat them by the hand full. You of course can eat them ANYWAY you want, but these are a few sample ideas.

You can once you fry these fill them also with sweet cream and or chocolate ( but be very careful when you fill them while they are hot).

Zeppole ( Fried Dough Dessert)

Ingredients:

2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir in the eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky.

3. Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil a few at a time. Zeppole will turn over by themselves. Fry until golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes. Drain in a paper sack and dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm.

A Little Family Note :

Grandma Lea's ( 93 years old ) and Still kickin'  Ricotta Pie ! Many think that once you become a certain age life looses its flavors ? Well not with my Grandmother it seems life's flavors become richer more perfected as time creeps on ! The Ricotta Cheese pie has MANY variations some are made with variety of chesses blended together. Then there are some that have a blend of cheese and meats, ( salami's, Hams, etc. ) But this recipe pretty much sticks to the classic simple version and is a very simple and quick way of making this mouth watering deliciously unique pie!

Ingredients:

Pie Filling:

12 eggs

2 cups white sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 pounds ricotta cheese

1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate

chips, or to taste (optional)

Sweet Crust:

4 cups all-purpose flour

5 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup shortening, chilled

1 tablespoon shortening, chilled

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix  the 12 eggs, 2 cups sugar and vanilla extract  in a large bowl. Stir  the ricotta cheese and the chocolate chips, if using (see Cook's Note). Set aside.

2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and 1 cup sugar together. Cut in 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in 4 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Divide dough into 4 balls, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two deep-dish pie plates.

4). Roll out 2 of the balls to fit into the pie pans. Do not make the crust too thick, as it will expand during cooking. Do not flute the edges of the dough. Roll out the other 2 balls of dough and cut each into 8 narrow strips for the top of the crust. (Alternately, you can use cookie cutters and place the cutouts on the top of the pies.)

5.) Pour the ricotta filling evenly into the pie crusts. Top each pie with 8 narrow strips of dough or cookie cut-outs. Brush top of pie with milk for shine, if desired. Place foil on the edge of crust.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes; remove foil. Rotate pies on the rack so they will bake evenly. Continue to bake until a knife inserted in the center of each pie comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes more. Cool completely on wire racks. Refrigerate until serving.

Classic Anise Pizzelle ( you can make these any flavor you like with extract of your choice)

Ingredients:

6 eggs

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 cup margarine, melted and cooled

2 tablespoons anise extract

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

Directions:

1. Beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in the melted margarine and anise extract. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir in gradually. Dough will be sticky.

2. Preheat your pizzelle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Drop batter by rounded spoonfuls onto the iron. Close and cook for about 90 seconds, or until steam stops coming out of the iron. Carefully remove and cool. Store in an airtight tin at room temperature.

            This sweet is one that once you make it you will want to have them around to snack on everyday !

Cucidati

( an CLASSIC OLD SCHOOL favorite)

Ingredients:

1 pound dried figs

1 cup raisins

2 1/2 teaspoons orange zest

1/2 pound chopped walnuts

1 cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup orange marmalade

1/4 cup milk

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Combine and grind the figs, orange, raisins  zest and walnuts in a food processor, blender or food grinder. The Mix maybe  thick, so you can add some water if this happens ( 2 teaspoons)  gradually blend in the honey, cinnamon, chocolate chips and orange marmalade. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the eggs, milk and vanilla until the mixture can be gathered into a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips that are 4 inches wide. Spread filling onto one half of each strip lengthwise. Fold the dough over to cover and seal the edges by pressing on them with the tines of a fork. Slice the filled strips crosswise at an angle about every inch or so. This will make diamond shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet.

3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on wire racks. Glaze with your favorite confectioners' glaze and top with sprinkles for added festivity.

Tiramisu

Family History : Grandpa Guisippie was a slightly pudgy but happy Italian grandfather. Living most of his life in Italy and then making his way here in 1918 to New York ( Bronx ) and Semi starting his life over he LOVED food like many of my Italian Family. It seemed food was something we could all come together around at a table, and enjoy together. Growing up with many of my Italian Family members left a lasting impression on me. This is one dish I could always remember at the end of dinner that no matter how full you were you could leave a LITTLE room for !

Ingredients

CAKE:

1 (18.25 ounce) package moist white

cake mix

1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

1/4 cup coffee

1 tablespoon coffee flavored liqueur

INSIDE STUFFING:

1 (8 ounce) container mascarpone

cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur

FROSTING:

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur

GARNISH:

2 tablespoons unsweetened coca powder

1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) pans.

2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Divide two thirds of batter between 2 pans. Stir instant coffee into remaining batter; pour into remaining pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. In a measuring cup, combine brewed coffee and 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur; set aside.

4. To make the filling: In a small bowl, using an electric mixer set on low speed, combine mascarpone, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur; beat just until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

5. To make the frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat the cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur until stiff. Fold 1/2 cup of cream mixture into filling mixture.

6. To assemble the cake: Place one plain cake layer on a serving plate. Using a thin skewer, poke holes in cake, about 1 inch apart. Pour one third of reserved coffee mixture over cake, then spread with half of the filling mixture. Top with coffee-flavored cake layer; poke holes in cake. Pour another third of the coffee

Classic "simple"

Biscotti Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup white sugar

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3 eggs

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon anise extract, or 3 drops

anise oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, bring  together the oil, eggs, sugar and anise oil until well blended. Combine the flour and baking powder, stir into the egg mixture to form a heavy dough. Divide dough into two pieces. Form each piece into a roll as long as your cookie sheet. Place roll onto the prepared cookie sheet, and press down to 1/2 inch thickness.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. When The cookies are cool enough to handle, slice each one crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place the slices cut side up back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes on each side. Slices should be lightly toasted.

Simple Iced Italian Cookies ( these can also be made with any flavor you would like to add with an extract)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 ounces ricotta cheese

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter, softened

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees grease cookie sheet

2. In a medium bowl, combine  together 1/2 cup butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and ricotta cheese. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the cheese mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. In a  bowl, cream  the remaining butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in milk and vanilla  gradually until it is easy to spread consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies.

This next recipe is one of my Mothers MOST delicious and her take on this classic makes it very difficult to eat just one piece.

This Pear Tart is one of the moist and decadent yet a simple recipe for any party or get together.

For the rich crust

 (5 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour

 (1 1/3 cups) butter

 (1 cup) sugar

4 egg yolks

Zest 1 lemon

For the topping

10 small ripe pears

16  figs not dried figs

 (1/4 cup) butter

(1/2 cup) sugar

Directions

For the  dough

Place  a sheet tart dish with baking paper.

Mix  together the flour, sugar and butter, cut into pieces.

Rub the butter into the flour and sugar, until it is completely worked in.

Work lightly so that the butter does not melt.

Make a mound out of this mixture and make a well in the center. Add the eggs yolks and

 lemon zest (careful not to grate the bitter pith in too!)

Work the ingredients together, first with a fork, then with your hands, until you have

 a smooth, soft pastry dough.

Wrap the pastry dough in plastic wrap and then place in fridge for a few hours till firm

For the tart

Peel pears and core them and slice them in halves . Halve the figs.

Blend butter and sugar, caramelize the fruit, covering the pan for the first

10 minutes so that the fruit releases its liquid.

Then cook without

 the lid for a five to Six  more  minutes, When  the fruit is covered like  a thick syrup.

Arrange the syrupy fruit in the tart dish in a circular pattern, remembering to

put the side that will be visible face down.

Roll pastry dough carefully and place on top the fruit, pressing the edges of

the dough into the sides of the dish. You should try and achieve a 1 cm (half-inch)

 thickness. If you have pastry left over, use to make delicious cookies!

Cook in an oven preheated to 350°F for 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

You can when finished decorate with powder Sugar ! and Manja !

No matter your heritage these recipes for sweets can impress and satisfy the sweet tooth of anyone! Many people of varying heritages have come to enjoy Italian Food and Desserts with simple recipes like these and the FEW we have brought together from our family its easy to see how so many love Italian Food. Growing up with these have made my life sweeter and writing this short but delicious book I hope it brings you joy ( and a full stomach). I have loved the memories these recipes have brought to our family for over 30 plus years I have been alive. Being Italian has meant "many" memories with family members who are no longer with me , but every time these desserts are prepared and eaten our table seems to be filled up instantly with those loved ones spirits and the conversations and memories bring back instantly those wonderful times. Many of the elders in ,y family have moved on to their resting place, but with each spoonful and forkful of sweetness I can smile at just the thought of how they touched each others lives in our family.

When you prepare these desserts I wish you all the happiness and family memories you can make ! Because in the big picture food and desserts alike are created to share love and joy with the ones closest to you. With everyday that passes keep the love for family, friends, and FOOD in your heart because these are the experiences in the end that are ALL WORTH IT.

Thank you for letting me share these with you !

Look for my new books on Italian Recipes, Travel and more of my Italian Experience.