Thoughts on Etsy

Here is an article about Etsy's Success and the possible growing pains the site is and will be facing. There has been a consistent movement on-site regarding vintage and supplies, mainly coming from the vintage and supply sellers that are trying to have Etsy broaden it's focus from Handmade to also include in it's scope a place to buy supplies and vintage items. Let me assure you the discussions have been fierce.

I weighted into one, more out of true curiosity rather than opinion. I asked these sellers who focus on Supplies and Vintage why they would join a site that clearly does not focus on this area, but then promptly demand they make it easier for them to sell their wares, when they clearly do not fit the Etsy vision. In fact here is Etsy's mission statement:

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade.
Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice:Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

I personally joined the site being completely aware that this was its focus and it was why I wanted to be part of it. I would probably be up in arms if they changed or altered the context of Etsy to cater to a broader demographic. It suddenly becomes less unique, and in my opinion panders. I hear the argument of the sellers of both vintage and supplies, but I have to wonder... this was the focus of this site when they joined, if it doesn't fit, move on to something that does.

Store Identity : Etsy 411

For anyone thinking about starting an Etsy shop, having a strong image and store identity is extremely important. Imagine your online shop as you would a bricks and mortar store, the signs outside, the way the product is displayed the colors and feeling of your shop, are all things that can and must be translated into your online identity. People need to know who you are, without this, they will not trust you enough to support your product by making a purchase.

Some people manage to be successful at Etsy by branding themselves. They are popular in a certain genre and capitalize on that reputation with their Etsy shop. Some great examples of this are Donna Downey, Emily Falconbridge and Betz White.

Most of us, though won't find a huge following of ready made customers this way. Our stores must be more product based. Here are a few key points to consider, before you even upload your first listing:

NAME:
At Etsy, the name of your shop is something to carefully consider. Your user name doesn't necessarily have to be the same as your Banner, but continuity is something that can simplify and make you more easily remembered.

BANNERS AND AVATARS:
Constant discussions take place in the forums of Etsy on this very topic. Is your avatar click worthy? Does your banner represent the spirit of your shop? Does it make you want to find out more? Personally I've had at least 7 other banners before finding my current one and I'm sure to continue tweaking, altering and trying to improve these elements of my shop. Green and growing or ripe and rotting...I'm always trying to learn and improve.

PHOTOGRAPHY:
A huge huge part of your business. In fact, some Etsians have done so well photographing their product, that the very photographs have spurned into a side business. Sunsetgirl is an amazing example of this. Her sock monkey's are truly the best in the world and her idea to start making the images of these handcrafted monkey's into greeting cards, to me is genius.

Another key element of photographing your product is to show it from as many angles as you can. The Storque at Etsy has some really great photography support that any new seller may find incredibly useful. I especially liked this article: Create a Story for your Product.

So there's some food for thought for anyone interested in improving, opening and enjoying a shop at Etsy.

Etsy Buyer 411

So you've found ETSY. You've fallen in love with a certain little something and decide it must be yours. Now what?

Sign up.
Think about your user name carefully. Should you want to become a seller in the future, this will be linked to your store identity. ETSY frowns upon multiple accounts for one individual and should you have more than one store or identity you are required to disclose that information in each store and in dealings with other sellers.

Why do I need to sign up? It is important for the seller to have accurate mailing information and contact information for you. By insuring this information is accurate, your ease of purchase in the future is clear and precise for the shopkeepers to access and ensure your product arrives safely to the correct address. Your mailing address and email are provided to the seller upon the sale of product and remain password protected in their individual account.

Add item to cart.
Once you've purchased the product, you are then given the options of payment. PayPal is the most universal online payment option. This allows you to keep your personal banking and credit information private, while still enjoying ease of online shopping at unique and diverse online stores. The fees for this service are paid entirely by the seller. You can also set your PayPal up to access funds directly from your bank account, all the while keeping your personal information as generic as an email address.

Some shops accept other forms of payment; such as money orders, personal cheques and may also accept Google Wallet. Most ETSY shops share this information in their profiles, so if you're not sure, or want more options be sure to check this area out, as it differs on a shop by shop basis.

Shipping.
Shipping really differs from store to store. Pricing is clearly marked on the main product page, but length of time for delivery differs greatly. Some shops make to order, so you may be waiting up to a month to receive your order. I have learned that this is a trait some buyers can handle and other's cannot. My best advice to any new buyer at ETSY is to read the shop's profile, ask questions, and order well in advance. Then give at least two weeks for the product to arrive.

I know I come from the Canadian school of thought on this topic but my advice is to relax; Etsians want to please you, they want a good reputation through positive feedback, so don't panic if you're order isn't there immediately. Should a parcel get lost or the timeline is extreme, contact the shop and together work for a positive solution.

ETSY is filled with artisans who excel at what they do, who have unique talents and abilities and have found a means to bring them to your door. This truly is one of the perks of our digital age. Embrace it and enjoy!

Low down on Etsy #1

I've had lots of people asking me about the benefits and disadvantages of opening an Etsy shop. I love the whole Etsy concept, and support the many shopkeeps doing their darndest to make some cash off of what they love to do. I'm going to do the hairclub thing and say: I'm not only a seller but a happy buyer.

Having said that, be prepared to pay 9% of your list and postage price in fee's. That's assuming you use paypal, which at this time is the most user friendly option. So before you list and price that item, be sure to take that fee into account. You can also accept money orders and perhaps even set up your own credit card system, but I haven't opted for those yet, as I'm still a "little gal" in the big pond.