| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 5:10:43 PM
I have been looking at several farm girls etsy stores as well as some friends etsy's and have noticed not a big number on sales- is this common? I have seen some that have been up for months without a single sale. I have recommended etsy to many people and wonder if I should not be recommending it.
I know that etsy stores cannot be optimized. You need to have an actual website- even if it just a landing page that redirects them to your etsy store. that landing page can be optimized and submitted to the search engines.
Anyway, I was just curious and wanted to share that little bit of advice for those with etsy stores.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| knewslady |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 7:44:58 PM
The biggest problem I have though is lack of time for the self promotion. When I am on the computer I feel like I need to be creating. When I am in there sewing and all that I feel like I need to be doing the computer thing. It just never seems to balance out.
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://KentuckyBackwoods.etsy.com
My blog: KentuckyBackwoods.blogspot.com |
| farmgirl blessings |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 4:22:47 PM
These are great tips. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
Blessings, Lea
www.farmhouseblessings.blogspot.com
www.farmhouseblessings.etsy.com
www
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 4:12:24 PM
In order to get your Etsy shop in search engines you have to put the name of your shop in the shop title. And tell what you sell in a limited way. I saw this tip in a post on the Etsy Forum. I did that and when I search Google for The Rustic Cottage my Etsy shop comes up. What everyone else said is true -- you have to promote, promote, promote. Compared to the costs of a website, Etsy is a good alternative if you're trying to watch costs at this point in your business. You would have to promote a website too. Search engines pick up websites by the "title" of the website. If you save a favorite in your search engine look at the title of the website that is being saved. They put a description of what the website is.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
I'm A Rusty Chick!!!
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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| abbasgurl |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 1:40:31 PM
I am so excited, I just sold my fifth item today (one customer bought 2 things)! As I said I have only been selling since the end of Jan. 2008.
Here are my best Etsy tips (I'd love to hear yours!). Take good pictures, and make them interesting by "staging" things a bit. Take close ups and use ALL five pictures Etsy allows you whenever possible. I resize my photos to 1000 x 750 pixels which seems to work best. You can do this easily in photoshop if you have it.
Take some time and write an interesting description. Tell every detail you can think of. As a buyer, I want to know details... size, materials, and how something can be used.
TAGS are really important. Read Etsy help topics to understand their tagging system. Use ALL your tags when possible. And tag correctly as Etsy WILL pull your listing for having the wrong tags.
Take some time to look around at other shops. Give "hearts" to those whose work you think is exceptional. "Heart" items you would love to buy-even if they are only part of your "wish list". People do check each other's favorites and this will get more folks looking at your page.
I sell mostly handmade primitive/country items, along with some vintage/antiques. I have a TON of vintage to list as soon as I can get photos taken (wish the sun would shine here!) Anyway, I search "primitive" daily on Etsy, to see what is listed and what is selling. I only have to look at the first 2-3 pages because the recent listings come up first. If you list things daily, or even weekly, your Etsy shop will stay towards "the top" of the listing pages. If you list a big batch of things all at once they will all be lumped together and will disappear into the "archives" after about a week. Some people will look through the many older pages, some will not. So listing frequently will keep you visible.
Another thing Etsy sellers need to do is promote Etsy wherever they go. Talk about your shop online (your website, forums, groups), with friends, business owners, and at craft shows & markets. Your excitement about what you are doing is contagious! You can chat your shop up without being pushy or obnoxious. I really believe Etsy will be HUGE over the next few years. I have been to several big handmade shows last year and everyone was talking about Etsy!
Lastly, I will share one of my pet peeves. This is NOT directed at anyone here, (besides, I've only seen a handful of farmgirl shops!)  People need to sell QUALITY products (no matter where you sell). Things need to be well made. I'm not taking style or taste here-just QUALITY. Know your product & perfect your design before you sell it. OK, maybe not "perfect", but you get my drift. Make a prototype-or two. I have a friend who makes jewely & altered art bags...she makes a new item and asks someone to wear it for a while to see how it holds up. She carries her purses around to see what works & what doesn't. She once had a handle break on a bag she had made, and the contents of her purse spilled out everywhere. She was SO glad she hadn't sold that design, because she would have had a very unhappy customer.
After you make a sale, take care of your customer! Communicate with them, thank them, and be PROMPT in getting their items mailed! Nothing will sink your ship faster than bad service. Your positive feedback score should be 100%, or darn close. Yes, there are a few crazy people out there who you can't make happy...but do what you can.
I admit I am pretty new to Etsy, but I have been selling for 30 years in every kind of venue. I always do my homework. If you treat people the way you like to be treated,you will have many return customers. I always buy again & again from people I like, don't you? Happy selling!
Rhonda
PS Yes, you can barter on Etsy. On your profile there is a place for "payment methods" You need to check "other". You can then contact the seller and ask if they would like to trade. You converse with them until you come to an agreement, then "buy" from each other. Etsy does get their listing fee for barters. And if you have a business you need to keep track of this just like you would a sale, because although you don't get any $$, you do get a benefit. Some try to find ways around paying the fees but I personally think that is disreputable. You agree to pay the fee upfront and would not have been offered the trade had you not listed. Etsy provides a service & we as sellers should respect that. My $.02
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
| elah |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 12:34:59 PM
Your welcome Sue!
Blogs:
Family Journal- http://thelahs.blogspot.com/
Sewing Projects- http://auntieemshouse.blogspot.com/
Etsy: http://auntieemshouse.etsy.com |
| junebug |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 05:45:22 AM
Thanks Emily!! I know what you mean, I'm trying to save for a new camera. I appreacite your input, it sounds interesting and maybe one way to get people to our shops, one barter could lead to a sale? I'll have to check it out, thanks again!
Visit me at my blogs:
www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com
My Etsy store:
www.heart2home.etsy.com
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| elah |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 05:23:42 AM
Lots of people barter on Etsy. You can actually search the Etsy forums to find the blogs, websites, and other posts dedicated to listing out everyone who is willing to do trades along with info on how to do a trade. It's super easy and fun. I've only done one so far and it was great! I'd do more but I'm really trying to save up my PP funds to buy a new serger.
Blogs:
Family Journal- http://thelahs.blogspot.com/
Sewing Projects- http://auntieemshouse.blogspot.com/
Etsy: http://auntieemshouse.etsy.com |
| junebug |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 04:49:19 AM
I've been thinking about bartering on Etsy, not sure we can, but I don't see why not? It's a cheap way to get new stuff just for postage? I know everyone is broke after Christmas so that maybe why sales are slow right now? What do you all think?
Visit me at my blogs:
www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com
My Etsy store:
www.heart2home.etsy.com
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| HeathersHeartfeltStitches |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 12:10:06 PM
Thank You, They are fun to stitch up while watching something at night, We are stuck on "House" right now, I love that show
My Etsy.com Storehttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5531954
http://heathersheartfeltstitches.blogspot.com/ |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 12:03:31 PM
Heather I love the little pillows. very cute.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| HeathersHeartfeltStitches |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 11:58:33 AM
I'm really not sure hwo my shop is going to go...I "opened" Jan. 29 (I think I'm remembering correctly) and have posted 7 items for sale. I have views in the 50-80's but so far no sales...it might just be to early for anyone to buy from me, I was told that ppl are still recovering from the Holidays so mmmm...
My Etsy.com Storehttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5531954
http://heathersheartfeltstitches.blogspot.com/ |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 11:52:04 AM
I opened my Etsy shop at the end of Jan 2008 (I was a buyer earlier) and have had 3 sales so far. When I do a google search my Etsy always comes up in the top 3 or so...I haven't promoted anywhere except here, yet. None of my sales were related to this site. I like the low listing fee and the ease of listing. So far so good.
I bought a number of items from Etsy sellers before I had an Etsy shop, and a few since. I occassionally buy on ebay (mostly buy it now as I hate the bidding). I am digusted with ebay's new seller policies and will join the boycott between Feb 18-25. I haven't sold there and am not planning to at this point. I may also stop taking Paypal as they are beginning to put a 21 day hold on seller funds in some cases. Like others I am waiting to see what happens with ebay. I have heard good things about selling on Amazon. No personal experience selling, but I buy a lot from Amazon. There is some talk of Google starting an auction site. I think Etsy will gain popularity as ebay sellers look elswhere. I have noticed the number of "primitive" sellers has increased rapidly the last month or so on Etsy.
So, as I said I will wait to see...
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 11:13:00 AM
one way of self promotion is create a website- even if it just 1 page- a landing page if you will. then that page gets optimized in the search engines and then you redirect the customer to your etsy store to make a purchase. This is the best imo..
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 08:22:56 AM
Naomi I will disagree with you. 95% or more of my sales on etsy have come from buyers ONLY. Not sellers/buyers.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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| junebug |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 06:37:46 AM
Go Martha and Rachel Ray!!
Visit me at my blogs:
www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com
My Etsy store:
www.heart2home.etsy.com
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| junkjunkie |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 05:49:44 AM
If I remember, not so long ago, Martha Stewart made mention of the Etsy site on her show. She said, "I love Etsy!".
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
| junebug |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 04:53:26 AM
I have to agree with the girls before me, it's really up to you to promote your shop. One thing that helped my shop is I joined a Etsy team, the advice, help and support has been priceless and I've gotten a few sales from there too!
Visit me at my blogs:
www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com
My Etsy store:
www.heart2home.etsy.com
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| knewslady |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 02:23:55 AM
I agree with Tina and Naomi, I think your success with Etsy really depends on your own willingness to self promote. The fees are so reasonable but I do know anything I list on Ebay always gets a lot more traffic. So, I think time is an issue here. But with Ebay making such a large increase in their fees, I think some of the sellers will drop by the way side there especially since you can sell vintage wares on Etsy. The main reason I wanted an Etsy store was so that when I am set up at craft shows I can tell people I do have a web site, because someone always asks. I would love to sell more but I really depend on the craft shows to generate my sales.
Kathy
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://KentuckyBackwoods.etsy.com
My blog: KentuckyBackwoods.blogspot.com |
| Naomi Michelle |
Posted - Feb 11 2008 : 12:05:32 AM
Etsy right now is just a few years old, and though there are thousands of sellers, there are very few that are there just to buy, and so the sellers, are usually buying amongst themselves. It'll take time, I think, for Etsy to really get out there and get more buyers and sellers, but I think it will really take off. Right now they are still working things out, adding things to the site, taking some away, getting peoples opinions.
But like mom(Tina) says, you really have to get out and promote...it just takes time.
~Naomi~
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be-Abraham Lincoln
Check out my blog:http://thebellamodiste.blogspot.com/
and my Etsy store: www.shesewsbytheseashore.etsy.com |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 10:21:42 PM
I don't think etsy utilizes anything like google ad words either..it's very possible that ebay does therefore when a term like "vintage vase" or some other term is typed in you usually wind up with an ebay listing in there somewhere. Ebay promotes much more than etsy does for sure with tv ads and magazine ads and so forth..but then they are nearly twice the age of etsy. I think etsy has quite a few "kinks" to get worked out yet to be a truly succesful route for some folks, but there are some folks selling thousands of items on there. Take for instance our own "
"Mugwort Maggie"..Babbette.."babs" here...she started out by creating laundry soaps and now has sold quite a lot of laundry soap and is branching out into her own website.
So..for some it has been a good success.
I think with anything it's all in how much time and effort you devote to it and how much you really want something.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 10:14:51 PM
etsy doesn't really promote their site..you have to do a lot of self promotion via blog or website or passing out and posting cards here and there...but since it is relatively a "baby" company it may have a ways to go yet on getting noticed...but here lately some celebrities like Rachel Ray have been talking it up on their shows..so that in itself may draw a few buyers eventually..and with ebay making changes a few folks may migrate over to check out etsy. I'm hanging in there and working on promoting more traffic to my blog which hopefully will migrate a few folks over to my etsy and other things.sales have been slow for me..but then I haven't been posting many items lately either.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 5:15:27 PM
I don't get it. but then again- as I said overall your individual stores cannot be optimized. A matter of fact I have often typed into google quilts, shawls, etc.. and never saw an etsy ad come up. I wish I had the time to build everyone a website!
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 5:11:55 PM
That was my experience with etsy - I never had a single sale - and this was at a time I was selling over $1000 at a weekend show.
Farmgirl Sister #98
Check out my new online store
http://www.shopthefrontier.com/VFstore/index.php?manufacturers_id=79&osCsid=6be4b25bf9555031c6e2e86bbde23dba |
