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Entrepreneurship:  ETSY shop  |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 10 2014 : 3:47:50 PM
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Marybeth, I know you posted this a while ago but in case you're still thinking about it I say go for it! There is so much to learn that I wouldn't know where to start in explaining. It's really just a step by step process and the steps keep going.
I do recommend starting on the right foot and setting up any new Etsy shop as a legal business. Etsy doesn't require this, but your state and the IRS have their own opinion. That in itself was a lot of steps, for me, but it wasn't all that difficult after I researched what's required where I live. Your city or county may have a small business startup guide specific to you.
As far as Etsy, opening a shop is a snap. Really easy :) It's the photography and marketing and all the rest that can be a challenge! Etsy has it's own blog, and if you scroll through the posts almost anything you'd need can be found there. https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/category/seller-handbook/
There is tons of other good information on line, but I'd love to help if you have specific questions. Think first about your product. Is it something people will pay to buy, is it easy to ship, will it be unique in the marketplace or will you be fighting for exposure within a sea of competition? These are just a few things to think about!
For an overview of Etsy monthly sales, including the number of sellers in each category, top sellers, etc., Etsyology is pretty cool. I wish I knew about it before I set up my shop: http://www.etsyology.net/overview/
http://www.bluebirrrddreams.etsy.com |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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lovingewe
True Blue Farmgirl
212 Posts
marlyn-neleh
norwood
Ontario
Canada
212 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2014 : 7:42:31 PM
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Also thanks Sarah. I opened a shop but it is empty so far. Afraid to jump in I guess.
I am at the point of making sure I have a good description written down and redoing some pictures.
Marlyn
www.cherishedelegance.blogspot.ca |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2014 : 7:53:41 PM
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Marlyn, I did exactly the same thing as you...back in 2007! My shop sat empty until the end of last year, but at least I had my name reserved and it was there waiting for me when I was ready.
http://www.bluebirrrddreams.etsy.com |
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TeresaJ25
True Blue Farmgirl
975 Posts
Teresa
Medford
NY
USA
975 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2014 : 07:54:57 AM
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I opened up my Etsy shop a little less than a month ago, but like Sierra and Marlyn, I had my shop name reserved for some time! It was really hard for me to take the plunge, I guess in part of a fear of failure. But now, although I only have had 1 sale, I'm so glad that I did it! I create things that I love, I enjoy the process, and I'm having fun!
Sierra, I really didn't know all that about the IRS. I will have to look into that--don't want the IRS knocking on my door! Yikes!
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
Little Henhouse on the Island
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep loving. Keep giving. Keep smiling. Keep listening. Keep forgiving. Keep praying |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2014 : 6:30:28 PM
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Congratulations, Teresa! Etsy has been a huge learning experience for me, while being relatively risk free. I can't/won't expand beyond what I can afford financially, and in the meantime I'm learning so many business basics. I've always admired MaryJane so much for her creativity, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit and to be honest, her story was one of the inspirations behind reserving my shop name to begin with.
http://www.bluebirrrddreams.etsy.com |
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lovingewe
True Blue Farmgirl
212 Posts
marlyn-neleh
norwood
Ontario
Canada
212 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2014 : 11:10:04 AM
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Its been a learning process. I make and sell smocked baby bonnets and little girl dresses. I have been selling them at the farmers market with our farm produce but its nice to have something going throughout the winter as well. Hense Etsy thought.I kind of worry about my photo's and what I am saying about the product. Some things just look better visually then a picture. Hopefully I get things up and going before the garden season starts, if not at least I have my spot.
Marlyn
www.cherishedelegance.blogspot.ca |
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TeresaJ25
True Blue Farmgirl
975 Posts
Teresa
Medford
NY
USA
975 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2014 : 5:28:19 PM
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Sorry Sarah for calling you Sierra! I took a peek at your shop and your jewelry is GORGEOUS! I love the turquoise ring, it reminds me of my Aunt Sue. When I was growing up, she lived in Arizona and would create the most beautiful turquoise pieces for my mom. I think maybe I should hint to my mom that she should pass them down to me!
I think Etsy is such an amazing site. Very minimal cost, and commitment. And they really do a great job at laying it all out for you.
Marlyn, I had a hard time with my descriptions also, but mostly it's the pictures that really grab someone's attention. I sell hats & scarves and actually bought an absurd looking mannequin head to model them. I have to retake my pictures using a different setting… bald mannequin head isn't doing the trick! Just try to take your pictures with natural lighting and a plain background that will make the dresses pop. Try not to think too much about it. Sometimes you just have to hit the button that says "publish" and go for it!! You'll be glad you did! And besides, you can always edit your listing even after it's published.
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
Little Henhouse on the Island
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep loving. Keep giving. Keep smiling. Keep listening. Keep forgiving. Keep praying |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2014 : 6:33:09 PM
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No worries, Teresa! Sierra is a beautiful name and I knew who you meant ;) Thanks for the complement on my jewelry. Your Aunt Sue sounds amazing. Turquoise feels so good to wear, especially in the summer.
Marlyn, I feel your pain regarding photography. It's one of the biggest challenges of selling on-line. I've learned what light and background works best for me, but I also rely heavily on two free photo editing programs that help me with cropping, resizing, adjusting exposure and whitening backgrounds. It's a lot of steps, but I'm finally getting a feel for what works with jewelry. Clothing is a challenge all it's own I'm sure!
http://www.bluebirrrddreams.etsy.com |
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Entrepreneurship: ETSY shop |
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ETSY shop
