I am going to be teaching a class on selling on Etsy late next month at the Deluxe Craft Weekend (check here for updates). I know we all have different concerns and questions when starting a new venture, so I thought I'd ask for some advice while I'm writing out my class overview.
Current Etsy sellers: What did you wish you knew about selling on Etsy before setting up shop? What advice would you give to someone starting out?
If any of you who don't sell on Etsy have something to contribute, that would be great, too.
Thanks in advance! Please leave your responses here or email me (greyeyedesigns AT gmail).
3 comments:
I always say, think of etsy as just another tool to your business...A handy place for people to find your art and safely purchase it online. I think some people have these huge expectationst about opening a store, as if all you have to do is create the storefront and magically all these customers will show up. That is most often NOT the case. Things like blogging, handing out business cards, and getting knowledge out there in general about what you do is the key to success with etsy (well, to me any way) shops general start out slow and as you build a reputation and good rating, then your sales pick up. But it is a very slow process, most likely. So dont get discouraged, and see it as the handy component it is to your over-all business vision :)
Here are some things I would have LOVED to have known before I started selling on etsy:
-Photography and descriptions are endlessly important. Photos are best taken in natural lighting, and descriptions are best when they are as detailed as possible without rambling on.
-Come up with a good name! I made the mistake of selling under a silly username that I came up with on the spot when I decided to sign up to buy on etsy. I had to start a new shop with a better name and it was a huge hassle that could have been avoided.
-Come up with a consistent theme, and make sure it is something unique that reflects your personality.
-I think that every etsy seller would do benefit from having a blog, facebook fan page, myspace page, and twitter account. You can't rely on people just magically coming across your shop, so promotion is everything.
That's all I can think of right now, but I'll come add more if they come to me. It's awesome that you're doing this, Brigid! I'm sure there are many people who make beautiful things but don't know how to translate that into a successful etsy shop. You're awesome!
I know this would be invaluable to me as I'm an Etsy newbie!! Thanks for helping 'us' out ;)
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