Design Group Interview ~ Polkadotz Shoppe

Who is the leader of the group, and are there any Mods?
Each and every one of our members is a leader. While we do have an appointed "lead" person should we need them, our group truly is a team effort.

What is your group name and how did you come up with it?
Our group name is the Polkadotz Shoppe. We brainstormed for over a week, tossed out dozens and dozens of names and finally put them up for a vote. This was the name that won! :o)

Has your new group debuted yet? If so, when did you debut, and if not, when
are you going to?
The Polkadotz Shoppe debuted on Feb. 3rd. However we are going to have sort of a grand opening guest launch on February 24th.

Did you debut with a launch, and if so what was the theme?
The debut launch theme was none other than "Love Me Some Polkadots!"

How long has your group has been around?
Polkadotz is a brand new group. Together as a group, we've only existed for a few weeks. However each member has been selling on ebay for several years now and many of us have been in groups together before.

What makes this group different then other groups?
I would think the unique combination of designers, the friendly atmosphere and fun graphics help to make our group stand out.

What are the requirements of getting in over there?
Right now , we require designers to fill out an application. Once we receive an application, a poll is opened and a 100% yes vote is required from all members.

How many members do you have?
We currently have 15 members.

Are you going to be launching regularly? Are there going to be set dates
for the year?

Yes, we will have monthly launches.

How are you going to come up with your launch ideas?

We have some very talented graphic artists in the group who constantly inspire us with their work. We also have a lot of fun just tossing around ideas.

How would you define the groups style? Do you like to have a range of
designers that specialize in different areas, or does everyone have a
similar style?

We have a vary wide range of styles in our group. We have everything from Euro and funky to timeless and traditional. In addition to clothing, we have designers who offer a variety of accessories and mommy items too.

Once a designer is invited in to the group, are there any requirements for
them to continue to be a member?

Yes. We like for members to check in several times a week so they can stay current with what is going on in the group. We require that members make 9 out of 11 launches and list on the opening day of the launch.

Are you currently accepting applications from new designers to join?

Yes

Do you inspect other designer's work before inviting them into the group?

We ask for photographs. We look at closed auctions. You can also tell a lot from a designer's feedback.

How would you handle a group-mate when she has upset her customers?

We would definitely ask for our group-mates side of the story and allow her to defend herself. Most of the time, it is just a simple misunderstanding. We have enough faith in our groupmates that we are sure she could come to a reasonable solution to the problem with the customer.

Where do you plan the Polkadotz to be in 2 years?

We plan to still be happy, motivated and listing.........as long as the CPSIA lets us!!

How long have your members been selling on eBay?

Most of our members have been selling on ebay in some form or another for at least 3 years. Some as many as 9 years.

Do they plan to list and launch on Etsy?

A lot of our designers do currently sell on Etsy, however no launches have been planned for that website yet.

What do you think goes in to making a group successful?

A group takes a lot of hard work. The most important thing is to have good communication where everyone's opinion is important. Discusss any problems or concerns openly, be fair and do not tolerate any gossip or negativeness about other designers. You have to keep a group fun and motivating!!

What can we look forward to seeing from the Polkadotz in the future?

You can look forward to more high quality items and more fun launches, contests and giveaways! Please be sure to bookmark our blog and check it weekly formore information! http://www.polkadotzshoppe.blogspot.com/

Can you give us a list of the designers in the group?

Amy ~ priddy*creations ~ specializes in handbags, camera accessories

Angel ~ bayoubabe5 ~ specializes in boys and girls appliquéd clothes

Angela ~ dandelionavenue ~ specializes in hand smocked and hand embroidered girls clothes

Angie ~ doodlesbowtique ~ specializes in hairbows and hair accessories

Ann ~ caterpillar*creations ~ specializes in sweet and appliquéd girl’s clothing

Aurora ~ miabambinaco ~ specializes in a variety of fun girl’s clothing

Cynthia ~ bellabebeco ~ specializes in a variety of Euro and fresh and funky clothes

Dawn ~ ella*monde ~ specializes in variety of sweet styles of girls clothes, and little doll beds

Gaby ~ janea04 ~ our German friend who specializes in Euro girl's designs and is a wonderful graphic artist

Jodie ~ kjncm ~ specializes in ribbon trim sets and other cute girl’s styles

Leslie ~ gigglez-n-grinz ~ specializes in a variety of Euro and sweet clothes

Sandy ~ mya*bella*designs ~ specializes in girl’s euro and appliqué designs

Stacey ~ eliza*pink ~ specializes in painted shoes, totes and sometimes girl's clothing too

Susan ~ sweetimaginations ~ specializes in paintings, sweet little dolls and is another wonderful graphic artist

Tricia ~ carolinesclosetboutique ~ specializes in classic girl's clothing

***Here are the members past designs***