Survey Says: We Want to Hear from International Sellers

muka

Story by muka

Published on Jan 22, 2009 in Etsy News

Photo by irenesuchocki

UPDATE: The International Seller Survey closes at midnight EST January 23, 2009.  Please take the survey if you haven’t already. We want to hear from our international sellers!

Greetings!  As a new Etsy employee focusing on internationalization, I’ve had a great first couple weeks, highlighted by the opportunity to speak with about a dozen Etsy sellers from around the globe. (Many of their shops are featured below!) Everyone was super nice and very helpful in sharing ideas and suggestions on how to make the selling experience even better. 

From these conversations, we’ve put together a brief survey (which takes about 5-6 minutes to complete) focusing on issues unique to international sellers.  The survey will be open through next Friday, January 23, 2009.  If you are a seller who runs your business from outside the U.S., you are eligible to take the survey.  People with whom I spoke, and those of you on a geography-based Team outside the U.S.,  should also receive notice about the survey by email.  We’d love to hear from as many sellers from outside the U.S. as possible, so please spread the word and link to this post!

Click HERE to take the International Seller Survey.

Once we compile the data we’ll come back to you with the highlights about what we learned.  As always, thanks for your insight!

Cheers,

Liz aka Muka

Discuss: 117 comments

Related Items

117 comments

Sign in to add your own
  • siiri

    siiri says:

    Thank you very much! I am off to check the survey.

    3 years ago

  • deleteyourself

    deleteyourself says:

    Yay! I'm glad to see this:)

    3 years ago

  • LaveMeSoapCo

    LaveMeSoapCo says:

    i ♥ international sellers

    3 years ago

  • Snowberrylime

    Snowberrylime says:

    ohhh, perfect! I am so glad to see this addressed and will definitely take the survey. :)

    3 years ago

  • ptitebaloue

    ptitebaloue says:

    Let's do this :)

    3 years ago

  • roselabiche

    roselabiche says:

    I'm not an international seller as I'm based out here in the US but my handmade producst are proudly made by my international (French) hands!! Really exited to see more international sellers here - and see that the word is being spread about ETSY abroad!

    3 years ago

  • jodieflowers

    jodieflowers says:

    I love international sellers and buyers! Always welcome!

    3 years ago

  • ArtMind

    ArtMind says:

    Done! Thanks for taking the time to listen to our thoughts! :) Goodluck on your new adventure, Liz! :)

    3 years ago

  • quirke

    quirke says:

    I am so glad to hear Etsy is taking an interest in international sellers. We appreciate it very much!

    3 years ago

  • zoewoods

    zoewoods says:

    Thank you, have done

    3 years ago

  • annejulie

    annejulie says:

    so glad to see a survey about International sellers and their thoughts! Thank you so much for the interest :)

    3 years ago

  • MicroCirqueRinka

    MicroCirqueRinka says:

    thanks on behalf of all of us international sellers... I DO love Etsy very much, but I honestly got here by chance and it's pretty unknown here in France... LET'S MAKE ETSY WORLDWIDE TOGETHER!! <3

    3 years ago

  • MicroCirqueRinka

    MicroCirqueRinka says:

    hey, what about a special INTERNATIONAL FEATURING section?

    3 years ago

  • britishcreamtea
  • earlybirdcreations

    earlybirdcreations says:

    Thanks for providing this...off to check it out!

    3 years ago

  • capturedimagination

    capturedimagination says:

    Just completed the survey, hope it helps! I would say that at least 20% of my sales are shipped to international buyers.

    3 years ago

  • rainbowrevolution

    rainbowrevolution says:

    This is great news. I am off to take the survey now!

    3 years ago

  • raycious

    raycious says:

    Done.I'm hoping that we can choose own currency...

    3 years ago

  • ScarletteRoseFairy

    ScarletteRoseFairy says:

    Me too!! off to do the survey, all the way from Australia! X.x.

    3 years ago

  • secretjewellz

    secretjewellz says:

    Here's another Aussie, off to do the survey.

    3 years ago

  • cherbie

    cherbie says:

    did it!!! thank you! : )

    3 years ago

  • redrubyrose

    redrubyrose says:

    Excellent stuff, cheers Liz :)

    3 years ago

  • MonAmiGreetings

    MonAmiGreetings says:

    Done! (Canada counts as international, right?) :)

    3 years ago

  • InspirationPoint

    InspirationPoint says:

    How nice to see a special consideration for international sellers!

    3 years ago

  • FlanneryCrane

    FlanneryCrane says:

    I will also check this out. I have always had great international customers...Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • gretchenmist

    gretchenmist says:

    have completed this. thanks so much for working on this! hope you are enjoying your new job :)

    3 years ago

  • realisationcreations

    realisationcreations says:

    Fantastic - off to check it out now...

    3 years ago

  • timesandchimes

    timesandchimes says:

    Thank goodness for international buyers and sellers! The spice of Etsy! The variety of Life!

    3 years ago

  • Marzipana818

    Marzipana818 says:

    All of my dealings and the merchandise I've recieved from International Etsy sellers has been stellar! Glad to see that Etsy sees far beyond the US borders!

    3 years ago

  • AnnaDenise

    AnnaDenise says:

    Done! Thanks for doing this!

    3 years ago

  • annamatic

    annamatic says:

    Thanks so much for doing this! I think it's time for Etsy to go worldwide... ^_^

    3 years ago

  • bunnyboutique

    bunnyboutique says:

    Thanks ETSY, for always looking out for all your members. I'm on the other side of the world, in the land down under, Oz, Australia ;) Off to complete the survey now.

    3 years ago

  • VintagePaperParade

    VintagePaperParade says:

    Thi sis great. Thanks for doing this. Off to do the survey.

    3 years ago

  • peppermac

    peppermac says:

    How nice is etsy?! Worrying about us internationals fitting in. :-) If etsy were a country, it would have the best immigration policies around. Thanks muka!

    3 years ago

  • SPUNKbyCM

    SPUNKbyCM says:

    taking it now o.O

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    Thank you for this survey - it was a pleasure adding my 2 pence (can you tell I'm from Scotland??) I look forward to reading the Storque article!

    3 years ago

  • YuraPockylover

    YuraPockylover says:

    i took the survey ^^ great job

    3 years ago

  • GalleryJuana

    GalleryJuana says:

    I am a seller in Japan. Thank you for putting the survey together.

    3 years ago

  • HodJewelry

    HodJewelry says:

    i would take this survey as well

    3 years ago

  • theaxx

    theaxx says:

    Australia is high in the stakes t seems. I'm a sydney-sider in oz. Have taken the survey etc. I love the fact that etsy DOES allow for international sales. I think it makes the products and creations so much more diverse, exotic and enticing! What a lovely place to explore the creative crafting WORLD... Thanks Etsy!!

    3 years ago

  • Sinta

    Sinta says:

    Yay, you care about us international sellers ^_^

    3 years ago

  • alibli

    alibli says:

    I'll do it right now!

    3 years ago

  • Kanlayanee

    Kanlayanee says:

    Thanks for doing this!. I 'm a seller in Thailand.

    3 years ago

  • bijouxboutique

    bijouxboutique says:

    I have done it, thanks for caring about us too!

    3 years ago

  • EmmaGordonLondon

    EmmaGordonLondon says:

    I've just completed the survey. Happy to help from here in sunny England!

    3 years ago

  • sophiestansfield

    sophiestansfield says:

    Thanks for asking for our input! :)

    3 years ago

  • Chianne

    Chianne says:

    I just took the survey. I'm a seller from Cornwall in England. Its great to know that Etsy values our imput as much as the local sellers.

    3 years ago

  • Silvia66

    Silvia66 says:

    Done! Thank you from Italy!

    3 years ago

  • danugs

    danugs says:

    Hi, I am from Brazil. I will check the survey. Great idea!

    3 years ago

  • Bumpkin

    Bumpkin says:

    I'm delighted to see this survey, as a British seller living in Belgium I'd certainly like to see europe added as a location for postage costs. Just off to take the survery :)

    3 years ago

  • MonjioCreations

    MonjioCreations says:

    Thanks for including us!

    3 years ago

  • therainbowroom

    therainbowroom says:

    Nothing like a good survey : ) Hooray for the big wide world!!!

    3 years ago

  • dangerousmezzo

    dangerousmezzo says:

    Thanks for the thought, but this survey is just about useless. It doesn't address any of the problems that international sellers (like me) have been trying to bring to Etsy's attention for years. None of them. Translation? Shipping types? Whether we've bought a Showcase? I'm not sure what the agenda was for this, but it isn't about making the site more friendly for international buyers or sellers. Liz -- please check the Fora. You don't need to look at the tiny results from a skewed survey that only a few people will ever fill out. On the Fora you will see two main threads begging for your attention (perhaps even a visit from you!) Please state the currency of the site clearly in all places and please let all buyers filter search results that cannot be shipped to their countries. Do that, and you'll go a long way to solving the problems of international buyers and sellers. Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • jewelzodonnell

    jewelzodonnell says:

    Thank you so much for this opportunity!

    3 years ago

  • arcticcircles

    arcticcircles says:

    Thanks so much for making us international sellers feel part of the etsy community. I'm off to do the survey....

    3 years ago

  • meeabee

    meeabee says:

    It's a great start and I am looking forward to the developments that will come from this. Thanks Liz!

    3 years ago

  • virsaq

    virsaq says:

    Done...and thanks a lot for the opportunity...hopefully Etsy will go more global in the coming years...

    3 years ago

  • lilumi

    lilumi says:

    i believe etsy will save the planet someday! you guys are awesome and I believe you work harder than the president! you're taking care of everything diligently! love you guys!

    3 years ago

  • pouch

    pouch says:

    just completed it :)

    3 years ago

  • Artistico

    Artistico says:

    just complited

    3 years ago

  • SoapRevolution

    SoapRevolution says:

    Just did it! And it was a good little survey. However I did add one 'problem' in the comments because I face this issue A LOT. In Canada the postage for shipping within Canada is a LOT higher than shipping internationally. Why? Well Canada Post instituted a 2cm rule, meaning ANY ITEM that is thicker than 2cm automatically becomes Small Packet Parcel Post and not regular post. So for instance shipping from Quebec, a soap to the USA would be $2.75 and to Ontario it would be $5.50. That is a HUGE difference, and not understood by Canadians, as it is assumed shipping from Canada to Canada should be cheaper, but it really isn't. If anyone is curious about the whole thing, they can check out Canada Post's website at: http://www.canadapost.ca/offerings/lettermail/can/rates-e.asp I have been accused of trying to rip off my Canadian customers, but really I am only trying to cover my shipping costs, and when they get their items they realize that the postage really was as much as was tated, or even more. And rarely charge actual postage because it is different for every Provence and town, so I usually pay the diff out of pocket. It truly is a stupid thing that Canada Post did, but unfortunately there is no getting around it, and therefore my Canadian Customers get the brunt of the shipping fees. I just wish there was more awareness of this issue. I hate leaving people thinking that they are being "ripped off" by a seller when it truly is not the case.

    3 years ago

  • limitz

    limitz says:

    Thank you ETSY for maling this survey! I filled it up and am passing it on to all my fellow Israeli Sellers.

    3 years ago

  • giusypatch

    giusypatch says:

    thank you for this survey! just done!

    3 years ago

  • brownbunnybyiris

    brownbunnybyiris says:

    Thanks Liz, I'm very happy you are doing this survey for us etsians, outside of the US! We are very thankful that etsy cares so much about us! It was such a pleasure to talk to you!

    3 years ago

  • CutieDynamite

    CutieDynamite says:

    Fantastic! I LOVE selling to international buyers!

    3 years ago

  • JulieWebb

    JulieWebb says:

    Thanks for the survey, I look forward to seeing what comes of it! :)

    3 years ago

  • AlgaNet

    AlgaNet says:

    Done. Thank you to keep us in mind.

    3 years ago

  • Illusio

    Illusio says:

    I went, I read, I voted.. xx

    3 years ago

  • ARTBYDONNAROSE

    ARTBYDONNAROSE says:

    I live in the US but I have purchased, sold and traded with ones from other countries.

    3 years ago

  • Rejina

    Rejina says:

    done :o)

    3 years ago

  • LAMdesigns

    LAMdesigns says:

    Done, but isn't it somewhat long overdue?

    3 years ago

  • MGMart

    MGMart says:

    Thanks for the article Liz. Just done the survey :) Marianna

    3 years ago

  • BluCille

    BluCille says:

    Those decals are pretty cool! And I like the nest ring.

    3 years ago

  • mukaAdmin

    muka says:

    Hello everyone. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions -- and for taking the survey! Please know that we are following the various threads about the US $, currency conversion, and the like, and are definitely aware of these issues (and appreciate the suggestions for various solutions!). There were a ton of possible questions we could have asked but wanted to keep it short/quick and hope to get some great new learning to make Etsy an even better place for sellers and buyers around the world. Thanks again and have a great weekend--some of you are probably close to saying "TGIF" on Friday afternoon!

    3 years ago

  • felicitycrew

    felicitycrew says:

    thank you etsy for including us internationals into the community! i look forward to seeing the outcomes of the survey!

    3 years ago

  • littlemoandfriends

    littlemoandfriends says:

    thanks for the survey guys! I'm also part of the australian sellers here on etsy! Hopefully some of the issues/solutions/suggestions will be put to good use in making etsy a really international friendly site for both sellers and buyers!!

    3 years ago

  • SusanRodio

    SusanRodio says:

    I am in Australia and so far 90% of my customers are from overseas *heads off to do survey*

    3 years ago

  • zone

    zone says:

    Thanks for the survey I will go and do it straight away

    3 years ago

  • FascinatingHobbies

    FascinatingHobbies says:

    Hi to all Etsy members from Paris France. Very happy to look at this survey and to discover members around the world with their wonderfull work. I am new - last october - but I already dealed with US, australian and europeen members very friendly, its was a pleasure. Thanks for your help on international sellers and buyers, long life and success to Etsy, good health and happiness for 2009 warm reegards

    3 years ago

  • modesign

    modesign says:

    I just done the survey, i hope it helps. I live in Poland and my experience with international buyers and sellers is always great!So wish you good luck Everybody-sellers and buyers in this New Year!

    3 years ago

  • stringmealong

    stringmealong says:

    Etsy: Thank you so much for considering the unique issues that international sellers face. Although I am right next door in Canada, there are many things that I need to take into consideration such as currency fluctuations, shipping etc, each time I list an item. Anything that can be done to help make the process quicker and more efficient would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Oh, Etsy around the world!

    3 years ago

  • MiliJewels

    MiliJewels says:

    I done it and I hope it will help! Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • AnthologiE

    AnthologiE says:

    I am SOOOOOO glad to have the opportunity to see work and purchase from international sellers. I love styles and art from all over the world. It's such a pleasure to buy directly from the artist -- without a doubt you know you're doing the right thing, instead of having to wonder just how and under what conditions your purchase was made/produced. I can't say enough good things about Etsy's focus on going global!!

    3 years ago

  • LoriCitsay

    LoriCitsay says:

    Why does shipping from US to Canada take longer than from US to Australia???

    3 years ago

  • hanginmoon

    hanginmoon says:

    Hungry

    3 years ago

  • rubywren29

    rubywren29 says:

    Ooh I'm so pleased to read this article and that etsy are considering us international sellers! Off to answer that survey now :)

    3 years ago

  • pearlswirl

    pearlswirl says:

    I completed it and thought the questions addressed some good issues. In the "improvements" section, I suggested a special section in the Storque devoted specifically to international sellers and buyers, and the issues of interest to us, for example, rapidly fluctuating exchange rates, how to deal with more expensive shipping (ie. should we cover part of the cost), and interesting articles on internationality. It could have a list of specific etsy words translated into other languages for non-Native English speakers (ie. What a treasury is, what a showcase is, etc.) Maybe also a section on how to proceed through an etsy purchase, from search to checkout, translated into other languages. Many non-English speakers might be interested in becoming part of the etsy world but may find it too daunting to actually take part. I would love to contribute "internationality" articles and would be happy to do some translating into French.

    3 years ago

  • mukaAdmin

    muka says:

    Thanks for that suggestion pearlswirl! My guess is the Storque team already saw your post it but I'll be sure to pass it along just in case.

    3 years ago

  • tostoini

    tostoini says:

    I took the survey but I forgot to say the most important thing in the survey! I'd really, really appreciate to see also prices in euro on etsy. It can be really useful for all customers from europe (and they're a lot of people..)

    3 years ago

  • intrigued

    intrigued says:

    done :)

    3 years ago

  • aj1801aj

    aj1801aj says:

    This is a great idea. I am about to take the survey and will check back in once completed.

    3 years ago

  • aj1801aj

    aj1801aj says:

    I found the survey very useful and hopefully a start to many more things to come on this subject.

    3 years ago

  • tatchy

    tatchy says:

    very good idea!!! thanks a lot!!!! kisses for all...

    3 years ago

  • akinamina

    akinamina says:

    Done!Thanks a lot!

    3 years ago

  • Timeless

    Timeless says:

    I especially liked question no. 19; are people in your country used to receiving parcels in the mail (or words to that effect). Yes, they are. The Royal Mail has been around for 350 years, people are quite, quite used to receiving parcels through the mail thankyouverymuch.... This survey did not even scratch the surface of the problems non-US sellers face here on Etsy, even though we have been telling you about our problems for years now. I often feel international sellers here on Etsy are not seen, and only thought of as an after thought.

    3 years ago

  • Timeless

    Timeless says:

    Oh, and if you wanted people to know about this, maybe emailing everyone or all international sellers would have been a good idea...

    3 years ago

  • strawberrycouture

    strawberrycouture says:

    I LOVE catering to the international buyers. Especially those who heart my shop. This way I know they exist.

    3 years ago

  • Glitzer

    Glitzer says:

    Done the international survey! Love the idea!

    3 years ago

  • Leeya

    Leeya says:

    i have been spreading the word all over Israel!

    3 years ago

  • Happyfairytale

    Happyfairytale says:

    I'm internationall Seller so I will do the survey!

    3 years ago

  • vantiani

    vantiani says:

    Dear etsy, terimakasih banyak sekali untuk surveinya! (thank you so much for this survey!) Vantiani from Jakarta,Indonesia

    3 years ago

  • SparkleMe

    SparkleMe says:

    I took the survey.

    3 years ago

  • SoapRevolution

    SoapRevolution says:

    LoriCitsay: The issue is the border! From the US to Canada or vice versa it is always longer because of the large volume of parcels crossing over every day and since 9-11 they have gotten a lot more vigilant about checking everything that goes back and forth. It is a pain in the butt because my stuff takes about 10 business days (on average) to get to the USA. Sometimes longer if it is way down south out out west. It is just the way it is now.

    3 years ago

  • AnvilArtshop

    AnvilArtshop says:

    Took the survey -- thanks for taking the time to reach out to international sellers. Globalization is here to stay! :)

    3 years ago

  • raegunfabric

    raegunfabric says:

    excited for the results and in love with the related items, they are so pretty

    3 years ago

  • WingsDove

    WingsDove says:

    I love that Etsy is International and I have bought from sellers outside of the US. I just wish the exchange rate was in my favor! :-)

    3 years ago

  • haannh

    haannh says:

    Done surveying!

    3 years ago

  • rosiemusic

    rosiemusic says:

    I took the survey! It was fun : ) Gracias! greetings from Mexico.

    3 years ago

  • felt4u

    felt4u says:

    Interesting and fun to complete the Survey- from Elaine and Elana in Israel

    3 years ago

  • designbynihan

    designbynihan says:

    ooops great idea!!!! i will absolutely take the survey now ;)

    3 years ago

  • zahidshams

    zahidshams says:

    Do you dream of conquering the catwalk? The time has now come to turn your dreams into reality through, the modeling format of Uploaded.TV. All that you need to do is shoot, your modeling video and upload it in www.uploaded.tv. Your video will appear on real TV, worldwide

    3 years ago

  • mukaAdmin

    muka says:

    Merci, gracias, obrigado, danke, dank je, tack, toda, arigato, koh-mahp-soom-ni-da, shyieh shyieh, thanks, etc. to all 1580 of you who took the survey! We're just beginning to analyze the enormous amount of data, but I can tell you that people from 67 countries participated - how great is that?!

    3 years ago

  • rivieragirl

    rivieragirl says:

    I seem to have missed the survey (so sorry) such a great idea. However, I will be taking part if there is another one. Merci, thank you.

    3 years ago

  • ALEALE

    ALEALE says:

    hello from Czech Republic !

    3 years ago

  • CreativeMaster

    CreativeMaster says:

    Hello from Ukraine!!!

    3 years ago

  • Birkh

    Birkh says:

    Hello from São Paulo, Brazil!!!

    3 years ago