Darlybird is in transition. I've decided that my sanity and stress-level are important factors in this business. There have been some unpretty moments chez moi the past few months. And my health and family have born the brunt.
Q: Should I retire darlybird into the ether of used-up URLs and call it a fun experiment gone haywire? Or do I plan for world domination Darlybird style?
A: Is there a middle ground? I hope. (Do you like how my answer was in the form of a question, Trebeck?)
I never do things the easy, most direct route. Nope. I'm pretty much a wanderer---a very decisive wanderer, but a wanderer nonetheless.
What does this have to do with Darlybird? Good question. (Have you noticed I'm particularly a 'wanderer' in conversation and the written word?)
This is what it has to do with the D-bird: I'm going to be outsourcing all of my packaging and shipping to a third party. Thus, I will be able to spend more time on the Darlybird things that I love~ and also grow my business and find fab new products instead of always trying to catch up and barely make it just with fulfilling orders. In order to do this outsourcing, I'm going to have to do a major streamlining of products. I can't turn over this large-scale hodgepodge and expect it to run like clockwork. Therefore, I'm going to be putting a Darlybird grab bag up ~ it will be a way for me to get rid of a lot of sweet items in record speed. It'll be something like this: you pay $15 for a Darlybird smorgasborg. I pick the products (worth at least $45) and send them off to you. You open the package, delighted to find so many fun things for so little money. It's a win/win. Each package will be unique . . . . and non-refundable. And to kick things off, I'm going to give away 4 of them. Comment ---- maybe tell me your fave darlybird product just for fun. I'll pick 4 people to be my grab bag guinea pigs. Grab bags will be available for purchase next week.
Example package:
Bobby pins x 2
Drink Parasols
Prada lipbalms
Carved Rose Band
Stationery Set
Vintage Gift Tags
Who wouldn't love a little package like that? Talk about recession-friendly shopping!
61 comments:
I wear the poppy necklace that was gifted to me about 1 1/2 years ago(?) more than any other single piece of my jewelry. I love it! I have also loved giving gifts from your site!
I think the grab bag is a great idea to win or to buy! Good luck with all your changes.
Outsourcing sounds like a wonderful idea. Keeping what's most important to you in tact and we can all still enjoy the new Darlybird at the same time! Good luck with the transition!
I've only just given gifts from your site... but you have lots of cute stuff I love.
I got my apron. It's super cute!!! most people are going to look at this comment and seriously think I'm deranged. hahaha that makes me laugh!!
love the grab bag idea... and I also love your vintage clips, the fabric garland, and Mormor's cute beanies. and everything else.
love your store... so glad you're not bagging it!
I've gotta say I love the cake stand, but the vintage flower earrings are probably my most favorite.
Oooh, I now know a fun Valentine's gift for my two sweet friends: Darlybird's grab bags! They will adore them, and the element of surprise is so much fun. My favorite things from your shop are the kitty cat backpack and vintage jewelry, specifically the vintage earrings. How lovely! I'm so glad you are keeping your shop open--I love your cute goods!
What a fun idea! I love the petit four cake stand - but then I love pretty much everything at Darlybird.
i have received so, so many compliments on the fresh fleur earrings! i love them and wear them more than any other pair!
Cupcake toppers, cake stands, coo-coo clock-black, coo-coo clock-pink, any piece of jewelry!
I'm glad your not shutting down! It's one of my favorite places to browse!
Good luck with your new changes- I have to say that I love the vintage earrings. Love. Love. Love.
Oh, how lovely! I really love the vintage bobby pins!!! They are just so fun!
jinglesells at gmail dot com
I love love love the vintage bobby pins. So Cute! I could go on and on aout all of the fabulous things in your store!
the vintage bobby pins are a staple for me; the plain and simple cake stand is on my wishlist.
so glad you aren't going away!
My favorite item I've bought from you is definitely the set of vintage earrings. I always get compliments on them! Good luck with everything!
I vote for middle ground! I love the idea of you doing the streamlined packaging and shipping. Of course I'm going to miss the hand-packed with love (and an extra bauble or two) but I think this allows you to grow in a scalable way. Love.
And I'm always up for one of your freebies!
Gosh I have often wondered how you do this all!
I have SO MANY favorites. I love my cake stand and vintage earrings. And my pink cuckoo clock. I love All of your jewelry, oh and I can't wait til my little girl is big enough to wear the giant flower clip I bought her.
Glad you are sticking around, although I have to say I am going to be sad not to get my package with your personal handwritten notes...but I guess--you know..sanity is important too ;)
Yes to the middle ground! I love the grab bag idea.
Carina posted your site on her facebook. I will look further, but I'd love to win. :)
I wear my apron all of the time. I am saving for the cake stand, too. And Hooray!
My favorite Darlybird item has been the sweet alphabet cards (English version) for my boys' room.
carina sure knows how to get a group of people together. she posted it as a status and look at the comments! freak.
i love the embroidered head band and the vintage bobby pins! adorable
shelby_lou@live.com
I'd never turn down an awesome grab bag.
I loved a set of earrings that Joanna Harmon had (she was my VT companion and good friend in Provo). Come to think of it, I was always noticing cute things that Sarah Davis (next door neighbor) and Suzanna had. I always wished I had the means to shop on your site. I'd sure be willing to help you purge your inventory, though!
Floral hair clips
I'm not picky, really.
Floral hair clips
I'm not picky, really.
All your hair clips are lovely! Here's to hoping I win! :)
Breathed a sigh of relief that you are sticking it out. You got a good thing going with Darlybird.
My favourite Darlybird item - pick only one? the white board books, the butterfly magnets, the coloured ball garland, the blue bird earrings, the vintage mila necklace...sorry - gotta get a hold of myself here.
As you can tell - I would love a grabbag.
Keep up the awesome job of sourcing cute and unique items.
Brilliant! You are going to feel so much more balanced with the outsourcing!
Please, please don't stop selling any of the earrings--they are all i wear (well, except for a couple of pairs of ayala bar, but you already know that)! don't pick me for the freebie--i just wanted to publicly express my love for you and all things darly. and, i can't wait to order a couple of grab bags next week!
love,
lindy lou
Your necklaces are darling! I especially like the Blackbirds singing in the morning and the freshwater pearl cluster. Those little magnet frames are adorable, too! Why didn't I know about this site sooner??
I love all of your baby blankets. Good luck with your decisions and changes!
i am in LOVE with the arno earrings. oh, and the blooming flower necklace. come to think of it ALL of your accessories make me want to live at your house so i can raid your jewelry box.
I'll blog about your grab bags too :)
I love, love, love my modern sparkler ring from darlybird. Am now dreaming of a darlybird cake stand. All the best.
This is such a fun idea! I love it. I'm due for another shopping spree at darlybird! :) So much fun baby GIRL things I'll be needing!
I love my wooden bracelet, my journal, bobby pins! I love darlybird!!
I just found your cute shop and made my first purchase (of many, I'm sure!)-- Love the kitchy chicness of it all. Best of luck in all you do!
Kim
I love grab bags and I love Darlybird! I've only received great products and great customer service. My daughter loves, loves, loves her huge, fuzzy, bright, happy piggy bank!
I love the hadley tote. The color really is perfect.
Count me in!
oh I have so many things. . .I always get compliments on the sparkly champagne earrings. I'll take anything you have to offer!
As an eternal college student, I'm the perfect subject for all experiments. Especialy ones that involve free stuff.
I think outsourcing will make you more productive and profitable-- you can keep the shop open all the time!
viva la chi!
I love every ounce of darlybird! I love the grab bag idea and best of luck with the transition. I need to call you to catch up and here more details. Hail to the magic shoes!
Darly earrings are my fav.! I keep thinking I need to get on darlybird.com and check out what's new in that dept. I always look at stores for earring and always come away empty handed. Isn't that funny...I'm sold. And while we're talking earrings, I've lost the post to one of my vintage lindy earrings. Do you have extras? Now that I type this, I bet I can just pick one up at Beverlys or something.
I'm loving your sarah earrings lately...
oh i love the store, i especially love the cute bobby pins.
so glad your keeping it open!
I love the robot game we gave my kids, and they love it, too!
Glad Darlybird is going to be around in some incarnation!
I've always loved the vintage earrings and wanted to stock up on some baking supplies. I guess now's the time!
I really like the cake stands! So much fun and locally made!
I really like the cake stands! So much fun and locally made!
I really like the cake stands! So much fun and locally made!
I really like the cake stands! So much fun and locally made!
I love the idea of your grab bag and my son is going to love the robot - he is robot crazy!!!
I just found your shoppe and was holding my breath while reading that post! Phew! Now I don't have to go on a maniac buying spree... kind of sad about that actually, but my husband will thank you! I love so many items in your shoppe and will certainly become a frequent shopper! Grab bags rock it!
Your site is adorable -
not sure if you've done your giveaway draw yet, but I would love to be included!
xoxo
littleohme@hotmail.com
I love your site, and am excited that it will live on. What a great idea to streamline, and be able to spend more time with family. Long live darlybird! Good luck to you, and thanks for bringing more beauty into the world. My wish list....any of the vintage earrings and clips (black nosegay),and adorable velvet headbands....and so, so much more. All the best!
the knit donuts. my absolute fave.
love your shop!!!!
:) thanks for the fun giveaway.
Ooh! I would LOVE to win one of these!
I love your store, everything is so eclectic and happy I love it!
Good luck with everything!
I pretty much love everything on your site! Would love a grab bag!
i heart my vintage jenny earrings. i feel superly pretty whenever i wear them. i love the unique and adorable everything that Darlybird brings to the world :)
Darlybird rocks the recession. Have you thought of jewelry for pets?
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