Ways to Be a Better Seller on Etsy

Technology & Electronics - Websites

By: PriscillaBenfield 23-Jan-2011

Introduction:

Etsy is a site where people can sell their handmade items. Artists, crafters and even collectors of vintage,antique and retro items have their own "shops" where they sell their items. Here are 5 ways that you can improve your sales and be a more successful Etsy seller.

Store Policy

Set up your shop by spelling out all your policies. Do this in a way that is firm but polite. If you are completely lost on how to establish your store's policies, spend some time reading other store's policies. Make notes of what you like or dislike about other stores. You need to present yourself professionally and in order to make money selling your crafts, you need to stick to rules about how you conduct your business. Make sure the policies that your store has do not conflict with Etsy's rules.

Truth In Advertising

Whether the item you are selling is your own original creation or an antique that you found in the attic, you must be truthful when you post it for sale. Use good quality pictures to show the item. You are allowed 4 pictures per listing; take advantage of this by showing the item from different angles. Describe the item truthfully and include measurements, what the item is made of, washing instructions (if applicable) and any other details that you believe the buyer may want to know. If the item you sell is not in the condition that you described it to be, you will have an unhappy buyer on your hands and that will give your shop a negative rating.

Fairness In Pricing

Most artists have a difficult time in determining how much their handmade item should be sold for. You are an artist, not a retailer but to sell successfully you need to know if your effort to make the item is worth the price that you can receive for it. Do your research before deciding to open an Etsy shop. Many people start selling their art, handmade quilts, knitting or other crafts because they have already had some success in selling them. If you are brand-new to selling, first check out if the quality of your item is worthy to sell by comparing it to other similar items. From there you can decide what is a fair price to sell it for.

Communication

Etsy is big on buyers and sellers communicating. This is one way of spreading the word about your shop. Keeping customers happy is something that every business strives to do. Realize that you are a small business and adapt to being professional when communicating with other members. Be respectful. Respond to requests as quickly as possible. This is your business and you need to give it the time that it deserves. Deliver as promised and you will build a reputation of being a business that not only sells quality but deals with customers politely and efficiently.

Get Involved

Promote your shop but also check out other shops and "favorite" items that you like. This reflects well on you. Etsy is a site that promotes communication between shop members and has a blog where sellers can learn from each other. The community of people is varied from artists to crafters to those who sell items from estate sales. There is an interesting mix of people and getting involved can only help your business thrive by learning from others.

Final Thoughts

Etsy is also a great place to buy unique gifts.

Supporting Links

Treasures by Mimi

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Comments

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SimplyAbundantLife 7/5/2012
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Thanks for the quick guidance to a newbie with hopeful sites:-)
Katie 7/19/2011
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Great list on Etsy - thanks
snowfence 2/20/2011
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Thanks! H5!
toymaker 1/26/2011
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All useful tips, Priscilla!
BonnieDossKnight 1/23/2011
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I haven't heard of Etsy either. Sounds like an interesting venture. Thanks for the list.
gerrielynn 1/23/2011
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This is the first I ever heard of Etsy. Thank you so much for sharing about it in this article/list.
I'm not crafty at all, but will certainly check it out as a possible buyer...and share with my creative hubby and friends. High 5