Note from the Etsy Blog:
We are VERY grateful and impressed by sagittariusgallery. She’s been sharing this material in the forums with new members of Etsy and for the greater good of the community. It’s also helped out our Customer Support team immensely! Many of the resources below are from the community and thus developed in a conversational manner on the forums. Some of these forum threads offer up opinions and suggestions for newbies. This version is slightly edited by the admin. You can find the forum version of this Newbie Guide here. Please direct thanks and further suggestions to sagittariusgallery there (we’ll disable comments on this blog post). Here we go…
Ultimate Newbie Guide 4
YOU CAN SEARCH THROUGH THIS GUIDE IN FIREFOX!
****Did you know that if you use Firefox you can search for keywords in this guide by pressing Ctrl+F and typing the keyword in at the bottom of the browser? You can have it highlight the word you’re searching for. Then press the enter key to see every instance of the keyword used in the guide 
****
Table of Contents
Just follow the instructions above and copy and paste one of the topics below into the “find” box and it will highlight the topic for easy access.
â–º5 Most important things â–ºFeedback
â–ºNewbie help â–ºConvos
â–ºSetting up shop â–ºSpell Check?
â–ºProfile Help â–ºForum Questions
â–ºPhoto Help â–ºHelpful Forum Threads for reference
â–ºSelling â–ºHearts
â–ºSelling tips and tricks â–ºTreasury
â–ºPromote your shop and Etsy! â–ºShowcases
â–ºPackaging your items for shipment â–ºTime Machine
â–ºGeneral Shipping
â–ºShipping Internationally â–ºWhat is….?
â–ºPaying Etsy Bill â–ºTroubleshooting
â–ºBuying â–ºTechnical
â–ºTrading â–ºOther
â–ºBelow are 5 of the most important things you will find in this guide!!! Please check them out before going anywhere else!!! You won’t regret it.
Etsy Wiki – http://www.etsywiki.com
Etsy Do’s and Don’ts – http://www.etsy.com/dosdonts.php
Etsy FAQ – http://www.etsy.com/faq.php
Admin in the bugs section – know that when you see a post made by RevolvingDork, it has to do with site bugs or issues that you should be aware of (NOTE: You can also check The Storque’s TechUpdates!)
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â–ºNewbie help -
*Unofficial Etsy Mentors – Updated 9/2007 by tashamck – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5216323
Unofficial Etsy Mentor List – free help for Newbies! – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5047128
Newbie tips compiled by CavanaghCraft – great for starting out – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5021995
Newbies. Here’s why you’re not selling yet (created by scarlettcat) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215453&page=1
The Newbie’s Guide To Etsy Chat (created by Duet) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215562
What does Etsy stand for? Read at your own risk – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108044
Etsy sourcebook of suppliers compiled by SixthandElm – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5077902
Best kept supply secrets compiled by EtsyLabs and contributed to by the community – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5185116&page=1
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â–ºSetting up shop -
How to make a banner without a fancy program – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106326
How do I upload a banner? (banner help) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153443
Why is my banner blurry? http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114598
I want to open 2 shops, can I put them both on the same credit card? – Yes
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â–ºProfile Help -
Can I change my avatar? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5102835
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â–ºPhoto Help
How to improve your photos (from Etsy admin. HeyMichelle) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5169829
Eliminating backgrounds through GIMP photo program – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210409
Taking good close-up pics – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117177 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114072
Do you need Help with anything Photo-Digital related – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5205026
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â–ºSelling -
Saving a listing to post later, a tutorial. (Created by littleputbooks) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5147546
How long before I make a sale? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5023196&page=1
How do I tell if I have been paid? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114778
How long do I wait for payment? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114596
Can someone do a partial paypal payment? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106724&page=2
How do I create an invoice (revised or regular) through paypal? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115981 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113649
How do i add a different form of credit card payment besides paypal? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109980
How do I change the prices of my items for sale? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117161
Can I change the payment method for just one listing? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115257
How do I renew an item in my shop? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114127
How do I reserve something for someone in particular? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107116
“Illegal characters”? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112730
How do I indicate I am going on vacation? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112621
What is the secondary shipping cost? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111756
How do I find out how many people have viewed my shop? – This function no longer exists. Some have brought it up in the ideas section to bring it back – perhaps you’d like to add your name to it, Admin. considers all suggestions. http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114177
How do I cancel a sale? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5101379
How do I add my items to sections in my shop? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100441
Should I email previous buyers with sales and specials? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116122
Custom orders – to make or not to make? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=41342
Thoughts on accepting personal checks – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111907
What is a Certified Cheque? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154701
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â–ºSelling tips and tricks -
Tips for brand new sellers (brought to you by Analiese) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5035509
Tips on HOW TO HIT 100 SALES! (brought to you by blissbyheather) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112928
Tips for sellers from a buyers perspective – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=39790
I’m doing everything I can and still, little to no sales – what to do? – http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=SUCCESSFUL_SELLING_ON_ETSY
Thank your customers for their purchase! – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109599
Advertising Ideas! Brought to you by cocoapod – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=4505
More ways to advertise your shop – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=9230
Personal safety tips for online sellers from kateblack – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=38575
Online Safety When you purchase a Domain Name – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5211972
Tips for selling your work wholesale (compiled by littleputbooks) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5211111
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â–ºPromote your shop and Etsy!
Promote on Facebook! – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5195047
Promote on Craftzooka (created by enchantedwhimsies) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209614
Promote on Indiepublic! – http://www.indiepublic.com/
Promote Etsy with banners! – http://team.etsy.com/?page_id=31
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â–ºFeatured Seller – http://www.etsy.com/faq_selling.php#featuredSellers
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â–ºPackaging your items for shipment -
Packaging tips – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210961
How to package Bath and Body products – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5212307
How to package artwork – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210384 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5208764
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â–ºGeneral Shipping -
Suggestions for low cost packages/shipping – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110841
Shipping rates chart for new USPS rates (as of 5/14/07) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116528
Post office tips – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110870
Scales for shipping – what kind and where to get them – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209250
Shipping with Paypal – label question – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5208893
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â–ºShipping internationally -
*Setting up International Shipping in 5.3 steps (for US Sellers) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5193940
Reasons to ship internationally – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109150&page=1
How Do You Ship to Other Countries? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107999
International shipping preferences – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116879&page=1
International shipping tips – http://etsywiki.com/index.php?title=International_Shipping
Have CUSTOMS / DOUANE / ZOLL questions? Read here! – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5193320
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â–ºPaypal -
How much does paypal charge in fees? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116962
Paypal – e-checks – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098927&page=1
Paypal customer service phone number – For general PayPal account inquiries, please call toll-free at:
1-888-221-1161
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â–ºPaying Etsy Bill -
How do I pay my fees on Etsy? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5152778
Can I pay my Etsy bill with Paypal? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114354
â–ºBuying -
Ring sizer! Figure out your ring size – http://www.overstock.com/ringsize.html
Can you purchase from Etsy if you are not a member? No. But it is free and easy to sign up – http://www.etsy.com/faq_buying.php
What do I do if I accidently hit the “buy now” button? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117073
How long is too long to wait for an item to arrive? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113038
Item reeks of smoke – what to do? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111597
How do I leave feedback? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116987
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â–ºTrading -
The Etsy trading list – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5892
The trading list by category – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=41342
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â–ºFeedback -
How do I leave feedback? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5155043
When should I leave feedback? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116895
What is the “Kiss and Makeup” feature? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5119819
Who initiates a “kiss & makeup”? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154898
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â–ºConvos -
How do I report a spam convo? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5105969
Can I promote my shop to others via convo’s? NO! – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117214
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â–ºSpell Check? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5159089
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â–ºForum questions -
On Forum rules and consequences – by Stellaloella (admin.) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5134076
What is “bumping”? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116020
How do I add a link for an item in my shop in a post? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114962
Who locks a thread and why? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5099791&page=1
“What to do before lockdown” thoughts from admin on out of control forum threads – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5017070
who do we direct our lock requests too? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154965&page=2
How do I flag a thread? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115863
Please put “I’m looking for” & “Show me your” in Promos and Critiques – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5034872
How do I find what topics I’ve posted in? – Go to main forums page, top right hand side just above chat rooms “View topics you’ve posted in”.
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â–ºHelpful Forum Threads for reference -
Looking unprofessional and professional – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209762
Feedback on a home color/photo printer – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209612
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â–ºHearts -
Is it ok to email people who heart you or one of your items? – No. It is considered spam – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153058
All of my hearts are gone! Where did they go??? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108556
Why would someone heart me anonymously? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116288
Can you “unheart” an item or seller? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116186
Can I see if someone just hearts my item and not me? Yes – click an item and then click “see who hearts this item” in the lower right hand corner of the right column.
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â–ºTreasury -
What is the Etsy Treasury? – http://etsytreasurydemo.blogspot.com/ and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154942
How do I know if im featured in a treasury? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153683
For people who want a treasury (by sadielouwho) http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5205582
“Secrets to grabbing a treasury” – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106348
How do I add items to a treasury? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153418
What is the purpose of the alternate list in the treasury? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5151240
How long does a treasury last? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108099
How can I get Treasury page into my blog? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153676
How can the number of treasuries reach above 150? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5103741
Trying to add comment to treasury list and there is no enter button – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5103971
Why is it considered spam if I contact a seller I’ve featured in a treasury? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153771&page=2
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â–ºShowcases -
How do I know the next date for showcase to be available? – check the Blog, they always update and let Etsians know a few days in advance when the next batch of showcase spots will be available for purchase.
â–ºTime Machine -
How does time machine work? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153676
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â–ºWhat is….?
What is “Etsy mini”? – http://blog.etsy.com/?p=187 and is it flash or java? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107205
What is “PIF”? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113494
What is an ACEO? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108711
What are “T.O.U”? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098116
What is a locked thread? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5152903
What is Etsykids? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100914
What is a street team? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098814
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â–ºTroubleshooting -
**Remember to check the “bugs” forum and the Blog’s TechUpdates for updates on site issues by admin. such as RevolvingDork – http://www.etsy.com/forums_board.php?forum_id=3
Picture will not load – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111640
Why do the photos look different here than on Photoshop? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110564&page=1
Not receiving email notifications? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100118
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â–ºTechnical -
How do I update my flash player? – http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash – there is a download with instructions there.
How do I take a screen shot? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114527
Firefox or Safari? (Regarding browsers – Jared from admin. chimes in) – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215884&page=4
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â–ºOther -
How do I know if my convo abilities have been muted? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111563
What happens after you report a transaction? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109510&page=1
Business cards? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108167
Why do items that were just posted have so many hits already??? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107286
How do I get my items on the top of the front page? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5083019
Currency converter calculator! – http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
How do I close a shop? – http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5212632
NOTE: Impressive, no? Share your thoughts here.
