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Entrepreneurship:  How do I start an Etsy Shop?  |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 15 2011 : 07:14:43 AM
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Hello all,
I saw the thread about whether an Etsy shop is worthwhile.
Considering that galleries get a 50% (or more) cut in whatever I sell,
an Etsy site seems well worth it to me.
While I'm reasonably computer literate, I'm way behind in terms of all social networking.
I don't even do FaceBook (yet).
I am strong in Word and Powerpoint though and I know a little bit about PhotoShop and InDesign--so I know I could do this (eventually).
Is an Etsy site better than having my own website? I do own a (very) small business. I would love to hear your opinions on this.
Can anyone tell me how to proceed?
Thanks,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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WoodstreamDreambyNicole
True Blue Farmgirl
177 Posts
Nicole
Marlton
NJ
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2011 : 07:40:53 AM
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I like etsy for the traffic that I get, eventhough my sales are low, still. I only in the past month or so started marketing myself through Facebook, MJF Forum & SFGCTeam that was started last week, and with my blog.
Etsy is pretty self-explanatory. Click on Sell at the top of the Etsy page, upper left corner. Pick a username that you like as it will be your shop's name. Then just follow the prompts that etsy gives you. It's a very user friendly site. It costs $0.20 to list an item. If you have 5 of the same item, just list one and in your description let people know there are more available so you're only paying $0.20 instead of $1.00 to list the item(s). Definitely ONLY accept Paypal because it helps to alleviate the headaches of checks and money orders clearing. There are seller fees associated with PP and etsy, but they're relatively low - a few percent each per transaction.
Be specific with your tags. If you knit a scarf from wool that's handdyed orange then your tags should be: scarf, neckwarmer, wool, handmade, handdyed, knit, warm, gift, orange, autumn color ... use descriptive words and phrases. Etsy just changed their tagging rules, so read those.
After you're up and running, type on SFGCTeam into the search bar at the top and the Sunshine Farm Girl Coop Team should pop up, request to join. Then you will be able to tag your items with SFGCTeam and farm girl besides the descriptive tags above - to get more business.
Hope that helps you a bit!
Nicole
Shop
www.woodstreamdream.etsy.com
Custom Creations
www.woodstreamdream.blogspot.com |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2011 : 07:53:12 AM
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Wow Nicole,
That's a huge help--thank you!
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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Bensgrandma
True Blue Farmgirl
227 Posts
Alexis
White Oak
PA
USA
227 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2011 : 09:27:35 AM
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I have two etsy shops - well really 3. Two I sell from and one I use to buy supplies and presents. I did not know about the team tag. that is great. I have been doing better this year with sales. I do not do facebook either. I just read a lot of the articles and join circles and some teams - I have jewelry supplies so I joined that group. I also belong to the custom made team. I got a few custom jobs there.
I like that listings last 4 months for 20 cents and you can edit listings.
One thing someone stated was to be very clear in your profile so you get on the top in google searchs. So I have listed what I actually have for sale rather than a regular profile. Hope that helps.
Let us know when your shop is up and running so I can tag it as a favorite.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandStitches
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ACharmingExperience |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2011 : 08:27:30 AM
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Thank you Alexis,
That's also great advice.
I'll definitely let you know when I'm up and running.
Best,
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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Entrepreneurship: How do I start an Etsy Shop? |
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How do I start an Etsy Shop?
