After show season is over this year I want to open an Etsy account. What I want to sell is 2 fold: supplies (after making jewelry for 30 years, I have SO many supplies for things I no longer make!) and finished jewelry. I might try them under the same account or 2 different ones.
What I’d like to know is:
What pitfalls might you have encountered that you didn’t expect?
Did you find a tutorial somewhere or just wing it?
How did you decide what to charge for shipping? This is more of an issue with heavy supplies (like stone beads), but on the rare occasions when I take an order now, I am often surprised at the shipping cost. Even “bubble packs” are classed as packages now.
I feel like I need to insist on insurance. At least on the finished jewelry. Is that a deal killer for orders?
Thanks for any advice you can offer. I appreciate it!
Replies
Do you sell from a website or have you sold online before?
If this is your first venture online, there is more to learn.
There is a lot of info on the etsy site. I suggest getting to know your way around it.
spend some time looking at other shops, esp successful ones.
The forums have info, also.
Thanks, Judy. No, I have not sold online before. Up to this point I have tried to get people to buy from me at shows. But there seem to be a significant number of those who just won't decide on the spot or are prepared to buy then.
How do you know which shops are successful? Is there a way to select for number of transactions?
I was once in a mail-order fine craft catalog, that's the closest I've come. The biggest problem with that was the number of returns I had. Mostly people saying they thought it was bigger or smaller than the picture, even though I included a ruler in the shot. That experience has held me back from trying again, and that I see as a major potential pitfall.
Go to etsy and search for something as if you are a buyer, say, something similar to what you do. When the results pop up, you will notice stars for reviews.
Pick something that has a lot of reviews, which would mean a lot of sales,and start there. Go to their shop and browse around.
Go to the etsy forums, discussion area is prob best. The forums are massive with a huge turnover of questions/posts. Look for posts where someone is asking for help with their shop, how to make more sales, how to get found, etc. Read the answers, which you will find to be same advice repeatedly. Go to the shops of some of the people who are answering the questions, they are likely having sales.
I have a shop, but it is very neglected. I have learned selling online from doing it, which is the reason that I gave it a try. I have over 500 sales and get contacted from customers. I only have a few functional pottery items listed. I know what to do to have a better store, but I don't have the time, and I do not sell any art pots online. Eventually I plan to put more time into it.