Holiday Boot Camp: A Flying Start

I am so ready and I have a buddy too!

And so it begins! I'm looking forward to your tips during my planning process!

Great post, interesting spreadsheet. I actually use the 'Etsy goals' spreadsheet from Handmadeology throughout the year its really useful to see the spread of sales over a year!

Thank you for such helpful resources/tools! =)

Great, I'm so excited! Thank you so much for posting this for us- can't wait!!

Just what I need to get my butt in gear for the holidays! :)

I am so excited to start the bootcamp. I will start working on the to do list. and thank you for the great advice

looking forward to the holidays!

Exciting!

Can't wait for the holiday season and to participate in the bootcamp.

Love the paper snow flakes - pretty

this is great! I'm getting started...

Ready and waiting :o)

Great ideas and reminders!

Whoo Hoo!!!!

Looking forward to all of your help!

Wee, what fun, this is super cool!!! Thanks

Quick qusetion about offering gift wrapping as a separately paid for add on; will this be allowed during the holiday season, or is there a way of doing this which is not in violation of the TOU?

Quick Qestion about offering gift wrapping as an add on; will this be allowed during the holiday season, or is there a way of doing this that is not in violation of the tou? Thanks so the post!

sweet!! i'm so excited! if anyone is looking for a buddy, i could use one!

Ready to go; looking for a buddy!

Love it! Let's get ready!

ready and looking forward to this holiday season! and also looking for a buddy. :)

Really looking forward to my first holiday season on etsy!!

I've got a great BCB and we already challenged each other to do at least one new listing a day - so far it's working! We're ready - let the fun {and work} begin.

I've been prepping some new Christmas prints, so I'm excited to follow this plan!

I'm under re-construction as far as my shop design and the few holiday venues I've got planned. This should help me promote my business more effectively! thanks

Can't wait!

Great ideas - especially the express shipping Danielle!

I bought boxes for holiday shipping!

"Offering custom wrapping as a separately paid add-on to help cover some of your costs." Why wouldn't you charge enough to cover ALL of the costs?

Found a buddy, thanks!

This is awesome. I love all of the graphics, too! Thanks Danielle!

Let the planning begin!

So excited for my first Christmas with my Etsy shop. Here we go!

WOO WOO Lets get this rolling!!

Thank you. This is great!

huh, not sure how U do the custom gift wrap part, maybe I'm dense but would love to offer it but can't figure it out!?! oh well, zeech am I old, peace and love Karen

I really like the idea of Express Shipping options and Gift Wrap options as add ons but I thought it was against Etsy policy to list these items?

Excited to get started on this! Would anyone like a buddy who does letterpress printing?

I am SO ANNOYED with Etsy right now. Why on earth would they put up an article like this that so clearly encourages us to all break the Etsy TOU? As a seller who used to offer upgraded shipping and packaging and got shut down within the first hour, as a seller who has begged for shipping options at checkout in the forums, I cannot believe what I am reading. I'm going to make upgraded shipping and packaging listings available at my shop and the first time my item gets terminated by Etsy I'm going to cite this article. If this is the first "helpful" article in this series, I'm scared to see the rest. Next thing you know admin will be suggesting we start selling store-bought items. Thanks Etsy for making it so easy for sellers to offer upgraded services! Pardon my bitterness, but I'm just fed up.

Thanks for giving us a helping hand... This will be my first christmas on Etsy, I'm hoping my quirkyness will be popluar!!! Very well prepared for excess orders... Need a buddy though lol

looking forward to the holidays!thanks!

Looking forward to joining Danielle and the rest to start of the Holiday season running! Good luck and much success wished to all the etsy sellers!

Hi I'm truly looking forward to being apart of this. I don't have a buddy yet. boo hoo Buddy or not..I'm ready to go!

Love this! One question - How do we setup a way for callers to choose express shipping (with increased shipping amount) in Etsy? All I see is to assign prices by country, not by type of shipping.

We can add shipping upgrades and gift wrap now as stand alone? Or as usual I am missing something? lol I am super excited if this is the case! :D

This is so amazing and exciting. I can't wait to get started, Etsy inspires me and I'm on the quest...for Success!

I am SO looking forward to this holiday season! I'm going to work so hard this year!!

how can we clear the info on the speed sheet?

I don't even know what to do with such a spreadsheet. Total number of additional products sold for the holidays? "Well I've sold 2 items this year, so hopefully another 2 more!" ??? Average product price is hard to use when your prices range from $3 to $150.

I am so ready for this Boot Camp!! Thanks Danielle for starting us off in the right direction!!

:)

Really looking forward to the Holiday season!

Just the kick in the right place to get me moving with this. Printed everything off and already worked through some of it as well!! Woohoo, just waiting to hear about matching up with an Etsy Bootcamp Buddy. Thanks! ;O)

First holiday season with Etsy - appreciate the guidance!

Exciting! Can't wait to get started!!

SO awesome!! I hope I can find the time to do it all!!!

I'm really scared!

The calm before the storm :)

Sure would help this holiday season if more of us got featured in etsy finds etc ... Have never had an item there since joining 6 yrs ago. Since etsy discontinued the voting on items submitted by etsy shops.. (What was that feature called?) there seems little chance to have a featured item... Mix it up abit more, etsy!!!

I am so excited...now i need a buddy!

Hoping the boot camp helps...Can't wait to try the step by steps. I have been offering free gift wrap on higher priced items.. But the upcharge is a great idea..especially fir the holidays! Am looking forward to and hoping for more continuous sales now that I have been seeing "clusters" of sales the last few month. Thanks !!

Thanks! This is my first year both as an Etsy seller and doing the Boot Camp, and I'm excited!

I am Hoping the boot camp helps...Can't wait to try the step by steps. I have been offering free gift wrap on higher priced items.. But the upcharge is a great idea..especially fir the holidays! Am looking forward to and hoping for more continuous sales now that I have been seeing "clusters" of sales the last few month.

I have had my first sale of Christmas gifts! This was good for me last year. Good luck and have fun everyone!

Locking forward to Hollydays. Thanks for the great advises. All the best Vanya

I am very excited and haven't read the blog yet or seen spreadsheet yet. I am in need of a buddy as well. I should say my partner and hubby is ready as well. I am excited about the buddy part who is more experienced with the way etsy works. Our only customer is my mom, LOL. So needless to say we need this boot camp. Off to read blog and print labels and spreadsheet. Blessings, Debbie

Ready to have the best holiday season yet!!

I really need this structure! Thanks for the guidance guys!

This is a great tool, now just need to find a buddy...

ok let's do it, I have been lagging on my etsy store.

Perfect!! Just in time. I've been waiting for a kick start :D

I need a buddy! I am a very new etsy seller who is looking forward to the holiday selling season.

looking forward to it!

Thank you, this is wonderful info! Can't wait to get started!

Love this!! I'll be looking forward to the newsletters and to-do lists.

Can't wait, hopefully this will get me working on my shop more!!! I need a good kick start!! I also need a buddy too, any takers?

Looking forward to this holiday season.Been loading my store with lots of new things. Thank you!! Linda

Thank you so much..We are ready to go although very new. I could use a "buddy".

Hi all - thanks for the great feedback & comments! I can't answer the questions re: Etsy upgrades, unfortunately - I'll have to leave those for the Etsy team. But there are a couple of questions I can answer: @IndieLookKnitwear asked, "Why wouldn't you charge enough to cover ALL of the costs?" Yes, absolutely - cover all your costs, and then some if you can (i.e. enough to cover the admin time it takes to ship things out, in addition to the hard costs). Of course, sometimes your customers may not be willing to pay the full cost of shipping so you may want to adjust your prices so that a portion of the shipping costs is bundled into the base product price. @SimplyMaco wrote, "Average product price is hard to use when your prices range from $3 to $150." I'd suggest that you make a couple of different copies of the spreadsheet, for different price points. Also, as a general note: If you're able to access the Google Spreadsheet, it will be a much more useful tool than the PDF, since the spreadsheet file contains a bunch of automatic calculations - if you enter your prices, quantities, etc. you'll get customized results. It's much easier than performing the calculations by hand (which is what you'll need to do with the PDF). (@Bananamoo, I'm hoping this answers your question about how to clear the info… Just create your own copy of the spreadsheet & you should be able to edit it to suit your needs.)

If I weren't getting ready for my second international move in the past three months, I'd be right on board with this. Alas, I will be a couple of weeks behind, but I vow to catch up and get back up and running as soon as I can!

Great idea, I can always use a boot in the right place. Looking forward to a great Holiday Season, Good Luck everybody.

Thank you for this...I am so excited. Although very new, I am so ready to learn. I need a 'buddy'!

Looking forward to these great tips to help everyone have a rocking holiday season!!

My shop is new. How does the spreadsheet work with fine art paintings and the marketing of beaded jewelry.

I am sooo excited. I am looking for new ways to get my name out there and find homes for my crafts. I hope to find a buddy, that will be fun!

We are also new and in need of a boost. Looking forward to the holidays.

I am interested also in *HOW* to offer express shipping without violated etsy policies. I had offered a shipping upgrade and got the listing removed by etsy. also---I wanted to list products by price "under $25" but shop sections do not allow "$" signs! (that was another etsy suggestion from last year that could not be implemented....

I can't get the checklist to show up! Help!

Okay, I'm taking a deep breath and diving in!!! ;)

Thank you for the post. Sounds good, guess I'm as ready as I'm ever gonna be! Luck to all thru this holiday season..........

So excited to use this as a way to revitalize my shop! Let's do this!

Great stuff!! Lets do it!

My Halloween bags are already online, but someone said the name has to start with Halloween. Is that a newby of yours?

It is all helpful even if it raises questions - thanks etsy.

I am so ready. Do well at craft fairs but online not so. Looking for helpful tidbits.

What fun!!! We just love etsy!

This should prove to be very interesting! I'm with so many of you,re: the express shipping. Shipping costs are outragous! I may just stick with a cut off date. Not sure on this one. Looking forward to the holidays! Lets have many sales, all!

Looking forward to this!! Can't wait to find a buddy!!

I'll try to stick on this! :)

I am nervous and excited. Thank you for being so helpful!

This is GREAT! Thanks so much! I'm off to look for a Bootcamp Buddy. :)

I can't believe it's time for this already.

I have to admit, I'm a bit overwhelmed! I've just gotten onboard with Etsy & haven't even set up shop!! All I have right now is some great handmade stuff, a few amateur pictures and a pay pal account! I need LOTS of guidance & a buddy.

I'm new to easy, so I can only hope I'll get busy enough to need this. Either way, very helpful thanks!

Yayy! My first boot camp! So excited

Thank you for all of the great positive energy!

Very excited to start my 1st Etsy Holiday Season! We are looking forward to learning all there is to know! Thank you!

So excited to start! Thanks for all the support!!! Got my buddy...now to get started!!

Many useful tasks to keep in mind,Thank You. I am very excited about the upcoming Holiday season.

This is going to be great. I just need a buddy though!

I have only just started an Esty store this month, got one product up, which has taken me a year of procrastinating! Read books etc. I'm very excited that Etsy are doing this bootcamp....... time to take serious action! And finding a buddy to help keep motivated is a great way to stay accountable to each other:)) Thx Esty

I've been looking forward to this all Summer! I can't wait to see how I do this Holiday Season!

Lots to do, this will be a big help. THANKS!

Ready or not, I suppose... here we go. Set up shop in March and after building a small website, and Etsy and Markets all summer I was sort of hoping for more of a restful fall. Guess the jokes on me! Good luck all!

I'm so excited. I'm new at Etsy, but I'm looking forward to the holidays. Big thank you for all the help. I need a buddy!!!!

love love love it =) I'm still hectic from the Halloween season but I am ready to start my Holiday too!

Just the kick in the butt I need to get rolling! Ready to Rock N' Roll!!!!!

Oh this is GREAT! The Holidays will be here before we know it!

I'm brand new and really excited about this!

I'm ready! Let's all have a great holiday season!

Feels like I'm strapping in for a roller coaster ride....yahooooooooooo! Come on holiday season I double dog dare you!

Looking forward to a great holiday shopping season! Boot camp is a great motivator. I do hope that Etsy doesn't emphasis "SALE, SALE, SALE" like they did last year.

Thank you so much for this opportunity ... i need help. peg

I'm in and ready for my first Etsy marketing campaign. Thanks for the motivation!!

Thanks for the help. Making my goals, looking at what needs to be done better, starting to get things in order for a great holiday season!

Looking forward to hear about ideas that may increase the sales over the holidays! Thank you:)

I ready to get ready!!

Thanks for the great Tools and thanks for the Motivation....I've already started making things in more Xmas-y colors...but am now ready to start getting more organized and focused on the "administrative" side of things!

Looking forward to the bootcamp and getting ready for the holidays!

last year I was so lucky to meet a wonderful buddy through her forum post looking for a match. We have remained great friends through this year and I enjoy her companionship very much. I really recommend reaching out and finding a boot camp buddy, sure you could do the tasks solo, but you'd be robbing yourself of a very important element to the program and a wonderful source of support and inspiration.

Im looking forward to this holiday season and I wish everyone success!

Two items already marked off my list. I shared my goals & I have a partner:)!!!! Yeah. I am on a roll now folks.

As always, this is so exciting and I am so ready and looking forward to following all the suggestions, wishing everyone a great season.

I can't believe I'm actually AHEAD of the game!!LOL...this is a first..have THREE checked off!!

I'm so excited to get started with all of this! Good luck to everyone-- let's make this the best holiday ever! If anyone needs a bootcamp buddy let me know :)

Let's do this!

I am in Google Documents and am unable to change any of the info to reflect my info. What do I need to do to make this Doc usable? TY =)

My goal for growth is to refine my new designs, make them in a range of colors, and make beautiful listings. I've been compiling my own checklist and timeline based on etsy articles as well as ideas I've been gathering/generating. Looking forward to combining these efforts with the holiday boot camp, but i too wonder when 2 out of 3 quick suggestions violate the TOU. Shipping options and add-ons have long been requested features, until then, I'll ship priority mail as my standard. With free materials, door pick-up, tracking, and a few days in transit, priority is the best fit for me and my customers. As for buddies~perhaps a fellow member of the sfetsy (San Francisco) team will join me!

flowerand bud: go to file in the upper left and download your own version or print. if you see in the upper right, the file is 'view only'. it seems to be a kind of template, but i don't think you would type directly there.

I had already printed it on pdf so there is no way to get a blank copy so we can fill in our own inf either? Oh and ty for answering my ? =)

I'm wondering if there is a special criteria in what we look for in a Buddy-product related, like I make perfumes so should my Buddy be in Beauty & Bath or maybe my Buddy should be in Stationary or textiles, a complimentary design element? Or same country based- I wonder? love some suggestions...

ooooooookay!!

Yeppers, saved the document to Excel and it works great! Formula works and calculates with my info. Awesome!

Yes, you can also chose "make a copy" under the file menu. I also just made the document a public template, which will allow any of us to start a new document from the template, i imagine that is what was originally intended. Google is uploading it, I'll post the link when finished.

great ideas!

What is the best way to go about doing these things? offer express shipping and gift wrap in own separate listings. b/c etsy charges 20cents then 3.5% plus paypal fees too, so hello $5.00 gift wrap charge :( Or just state in each listing that express is an option if you are contacted in advance of purchase to change shipping costs? b/c what if I don't respond right away and they find a different item elsewhere and lose my sale? where would the best place for stating a cutoff shipping date? announcements, listings, policies? Great advice but please explain further! Thank you.

The Holiday Budget as a template link: https://docs.google.com/previewtemplate?id=0AlDJlQ6H7mlhdGpJZWdwZVB3eV9wUmwtSC1Fb2l3UVE&mode=public If you open, the top button says "use this template". Click that and you'll have started your own version within google docs. Good for if you are a Google Docs user, but don't know how to copy the file or can't figure out how to start typing in boxes :)

handmadehempmomma, i think the best way is to go for a higher shipping cost as your base price. then ask people if they want a cheaper version to note that in the 'comments to seller' on checkout. then you refund (many sellers say they will refund anything over $1 (US). i agree that you will likely lose a sale, unless it's a custom item where there is a lot of communication with customer anyway, if you make the buyer try to contact you just to change shipping. another way is to offer alternate shipping on another sales site or your own website. if buyers are really wild about saving a few dollars, they will find the option to do so. anyway, curious what our hosts will say...

I am really looking forward to my first holiday season at etsy! Thanks for the tools and newsletters to come.

Awesome! Thank you. Can't believe its already that time of year again! Let's do it!

I always wrap all of my items in gift boxes so that they are always ready for giving out as gifts!

My first holiday season on etsy. Excited and can't wait! Printing everything out tomorrow and getting started. Will need a buddy....

This will be my first holiday season on etsy too! I'm excited to see how everything goes and am really grateful for all the fabulous tips and ideas. Thanks so much @Daniellexo! I always send my items ready to be gifted, but I think I'll add some xmas themed wrapping as an extra. I love the community aspect on etsy, and the support that the admin and other sellers provide for each other is amazing. Often in the world of business, people don't reach out or offer to help one another because they always want to be one step ahead. They are weary of others copying them, and so would never share their ideas for the benefit of the community. I suppose coming across selfish gain is inevitable in a capitalistic market. I think that this is what makes all of us appreciate etsy so much more. Thanks again! Really looking forward to all of the holiday advice.

I'm excited. This will also be my first holiday season on etsy. I have a whole line that I am working on that I hope to have up by next week. I like the idea of having a buddy. I am new to etsy, and much better at crafting than computers. However, I realize that I just need to do my best. This is a learning process...and such a fun one. Best of luck to all of you who are trying to make a go of this.

Why do you suggest offering shipping and gift wrapping add-ons when we're not allowed to list add-ons on Etsy?

Why do you suggest offering rush shipping and gift wrapping add-ons when we're not even allowed to offer those to our shoppers on Etsy without a the back-and-forth and lost conversions that a custom order requires?

I've made my goals over at the thread... I am a little worried this year as it's my first time as a full time self employed, last year I was working as well and it knocked me out... I'm really hoping that this Holiday season will be as big as last holiday season... hopefully even bigger!!!

Terrified, but excited! Still new to Etsy, still trying to read all the helpful blogs and articles... fingers crossed this will be a great boost and step in the right direction!

I can't believe it is already that time of the year again... lacin' up my boots, here we go!!!

thankyou thankyou thankyou I have two buddies to work with thankyou again

Hi I downloaded the Holiday budget worksheet but cannot erase the figures in there so I can have a blank~ am I missing something thanks

92 Days UNTIL SANTA ARRIVES...Thanks for getting us ready!

Just Do It Have fun be safe and healthy, Clifford Manthey

I'm ready!!!!!

Thank you for the tips. I'm really excited for this holiday season! Got a few new items to list and more on the construction in progress bin. I'm looking for a BCB! Any takers?

Here it is again...I am ready this time. Applying the boot camp strategy to the local team we just started three months ago. 24 members and growing...yay!

Thanks for the inspiring post and great support!

Doing my homework! :D

I've been at Etsy for over a year now and still have no clue about so much stuff here...or about promoting my shop. so Going to try and follow along with this to see if I can pick up some more ideas.

This will be my first Holiday Season and I am super excited!! Thank you very much for the tips :)!

Thank you :D

I also tried using the google spreadsheet, and you cannot clear the numbers to use yourself. FRUSTRATING! It would also be valuable to have clarity on how to best handle shipping upgrades, please!

nadene says: The Holiday Budget as a template link: https://docs.google.com/previewtemplate?id=0AlDJlQ6H7mlhdGpJZWdwZVB3eV9wUmwtSC1Fb2l3UVE&mode=public If you open, the top button says "use this template". Click that and you'll have started your own version within google docs. Good for if you are a Google Docs user, but don't know how to copy the file or can't figure out how to start typing in boxes :) --------------- When you try "use this template" it says "We're sorry, your spreadsheet cannot be copied at this time." So frustrating!! Also, we really do need more info on just how to do shipping upgrades within Etsy's protocol, please.

Love this! Thank you for sharing! I've shared w/ my world too!!

I'm not sure why the budget worksheets doesn't include our own hourly wage and base materials as costs? It seems like the sheet is meant to focus on the additional coats and profits of the holiday season, but the numbers wouldn't be accurate without including base costs.... I added that to mine to keep it all in one place.

I'm still fairly new to Etsy and am so glad to learn all that I can. Thanks for all this great info! Helps to keep me inspired to grow my business. I don't have a buddy yet if there is anyone else that doesn't either.... Would love to have a fellow Etsy person to communicate with! ~ Lisa :)

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way....the sound of money in my pocket, LOL. Thank you for the great holiday tips. As a newbie I am sure I will glean from all of them in order to have a successful season:)

Okay this will be our first holiday season on Etsy. We are migrating from Ebay so still are learning the rules and the uses of Etsy. We are good on the business end have run the business online for 8 years now. I use a program called Quicken and some excel. I am pretty experienced in Excel if someone needs help I use it at work all day. Not so experienced at the Etsy outlook. Thanks for allowing vintage items that is all we do old vintage items. If there is someone else that does vintage that wants a buddy..I will give it a try...not that I know what I am doing right now...but I am working on it and I am learning.

I'm a little late on the draw, but here I am! I think I might be ready for this....hehe..... Heidi

I am excited! I sell supplies so I am thinking my peak will be in November or so. Let's go!

Last holiday season I was disorganized and chaotic but still made a nice profit. This year thanks to your help I'm going to be planned, organized and add to my customer base & make some money too

I just signed up last night for the Etsy Success Team and now boot camp! so excited! ... did I miss some info being e-mailed out yesterday?

Wanted to do this last year but couldn't find the time. I am going to really try hard to do this year. Thank you for this!!

Like a few others here, I'm new to Etsy and still figuring it all out. Good luck to all the other newcomers! Some of the formulae in the cells on the template spreadsheet are not set up correctly (S29, D30 and D31 are not multiplying by the number of items despite being per-item costs, might be a copy/paste error). I read this post yesterday, noted the concerns of people who said that adding shipping and gift wrap options were against Etsy's TOU, and waited until today to see if the article would be amended, or if some statement would be put up to clarify... I'm surprised that nothing has been done yet, and I couldn't find any comment from Etsy in the forum either. If anyones does hear something, can they post it here as well please? Wishing everyone a fantastic end of year!

Thanks! It's my first holiday season on Etsy. Welcome to my shop http://www.etsy.com/people/LadybugBabyKnitting?ref=si_pr

Can't wait! I'm going to hit the ground running!!

I'm excited to take part in this year's Holiday Boot Camp but also a little nervous. After a very long time planning, I've just opened my shop this past week. Is it too soon to take part in something like this? Could I be setting myself up for failure if I take a task like this on too soon?

ADMIN- please respond to questions about offering shipping upgrades and gift wrap options in seperate listings. We are all under the assumption that this is against Etsy TOU, but it was suggested in this article as somthing to do. Please clarify! Thanks =)

This is my first holiday season with Etsy. Hope it is a successful one. Will put some of the ideas to work. Having trouble with the social networking. Have a lot to learn. Probably should just take one new thing on at a time. Thanks for the encouragement!

I'm excited as well and determined not to fall off the wagon this year. I am committed to making my shop the best it can be for the holidays!

I'm chiming in for further explanation about shipping upgrades and gift wrap. I have wanted for a long time to allow add-on type items in my shop but when I listed a shipping upgrade a year ago, etsy shut it down pretty quickly. So... what's the scoop admin! We need to get these shops ready for the busy holiday season! :) :) Sarah Jane

Going to give it a go this year! Hooray!

Taking a deep breath and hoping for the best. Not on Etsy for even a year, hoping this holiday season will boost things a bit.

For the budget. Open it in Google and then select File, Download As, Excel (or whatever your preference is). I did Excel and can save it to my documents and it seems to be working fine.

Thank You! Great Tips ;)

Thanks for the checklist....I had to pencil in "Have a Baby" smack in the middle of the season, but hey, we can do this! ;). Off to look for a buddy!

I'm new and had my first sale last week. I hope this christmas helps me to catch up on my current expenses and perhaps allow me to get myself some cheer. ;) Interested in knowing about giftwrap/shipping addon's and the TOU. No buddy, and looking to have a successful season!

Sounds awesome, I'm in!! Thanks for the motivation :)

I've got a great muddy buddy and we're ready!!!

Really great ideas! I'm printing out the stickers and getting ready to push. Thanks.

I'm looking foward to the holiday season with great glee. Thanks for the great info.

Great idea!! I'm exciting! I loved last year's B.C. :)

You can save the budget spreadsheet to your own google docs by clicking >Google Spreadsheet >File >Make a Copy

Great post. Going into "Little Engine that Could" mode, and love the checklist...

I have a friend. I hope she will be my buddy...

I would like to join a team that has my circle - we seem to be very compatible. I can help in any you want. Photoshoot, color select, graphic design support,,help with product definition. email:jimfee@cox.net, (949) 489-0616 Thanks, Jim

I am new to etsy I am looking forward to the up coming holiday season

I too am new to Etsy. I am a retired teacher trying to make a little extra income making children's clothing.

I've found my buddy, checked my list, & really hope this works. This is my 1st holiday season w/Etsy. Good luck to all. Anyone out there see if I'm doing something wrong, please let me know. Thnx.

I hope I am not too late to sign up for this. I am truly looking forward to this wonderful opportunity :0)

I can't get the checklist to open. It says it is unrepairable.

Priceless information, as always, Danielle! Thank you so much for sharing!

I am another newbee to etsy. Still busy photographing and stocking my shelves. My immediate goal is to design my virtual storefront with charm and pzazz and of course, to bring in customers. I would love to partner up with someone who is on a similar journey? Anyone out there interested?

OK, I am going to do better at this, this year!!

Last year, I read the Boot-Camp articles, but did not really accomplish much at the time. I have been trying to use the advice throughout the year, and have gradually been improving my shop. I have been working on holiday ideas all summer, but found myself developing a product that is not ready to market! I'm hoping to pull it all together very soon! In the meantime, I'd really like to find a buddy. I sell sewing patterns, and make things. I am a professional dressmaker, with 30 years Bridal experience. My handmade items on ETSY are my form of play! I am trying to build up my inventory, and am hoping to learn how to be truly successful. I'd love to partner up with someone I can talk to over the phone. I'm in Arizona, and have unlimited long distance in the USA. Anyone interested?

So many goals this holiday season! We worked really hard last year and it paid off with 8 sales in December. We're proud of that total, as we are still getting started! We hope to match that amount, but ideally, pass it. Thank you for all of the support and tips. Good luck to everyone. Keep calm and carry on!

I'm new to etsy so this is a very awesome forum. I need a buddy!

I just printed out my stickers, and posted 4 months of calendars on the side of a large file cabinet. I am now having a slight panic attack! There really isn't a lot of time to create new product for the holidays! I am working on a strategy. I am going to have to really plan my time well to be able to finish my projects! Once I put the selling and shipping deadline stickers in place, It hit me. We need to be ready NOW!!!

Do you know that our country, Philippines, celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and the season lasting up until January? This Boot Camp would really be helpful for me, as I am really an aspiring entrepreneur. I wish to learn more on how to organize my inventory and how to stick on my budget. I know this season would be stressful but it would also be full of love. This is my first holiday Boot Camp with Etsy, I need a buddy, and good luck to us all! ♥

awesome tips! ...looking for a buddy :)

good info - thanks again!

Yay!! I can't wait!!! :-D

Very excited to start the boot camp process! I better get started on the to do list! :)

If nothing else, even if the specific tips aren't applicable to my situation, Boot Camp always gets me more in order and excited to be working - otherwise I tend to think I'm just playing around. Thanks, Etsy, for your encouragement and motivation.

Its great to get concrete ideas. I am very new to Etsy and am taking all the advice I can get.

heere we go....holiday boot camp! im all in

YAY!!!! LETS DO THIS!!!!!

The Christmas season is my first Etsy adventure... I just had my first baby and am hoping that this will be a way to keep my creative juices flowing... And maybe make a little money :) I've always made my own cards, and LOVE getting "real mail," I hoping that other people agree!

Is an admin going to address: "Offering custom wrapping as a separately paid add-on to help cover some of your costs." This was also suggested IN THE BUDGET in the Cost of Goods Sold section - "Gift wrapping supplies – consider adding gift wrapping as an “extra cost” in your Etsy listings to cover costs" A whole lot of us are curious about whether or not this is even possible given Etsy's terms of use that specifically address this as no-no.

Dear ADMINS, could one of you PLEASE clarify our questions on add-on wrapping and express shipping as it was suggested in the first boot camp blog post? The post has been up for 3 days now and there is no clarification! Please address this in the forums or here!

This will be my first christmas on etsy and crafting and hoping to sell online. Unfortunately I am having to move in a hurry as I am being evicted from my flat. And I and another have just received a large commission - it never rains but it pours! Take care, wanderwitch

I am all set, ready to learn how to make this the best Christmas season ever. I have been selling at living history events (pre 1840's) for 8 or more years. I need to learn hoe to sell online now because we can't travel like that any more. I miss talking and teach to the customers. I would love a buddy to help me learn this new arena. Thanks Karen

Got myself a Boot Camp buddy -- Dreaming Phoenix. THE BEST thing about my Boot Camp experience so far. Also -- Thanks for the connection with The Boss of You book and writers. Another book to study but it's time to learn. Will soon be done with week 1 To-Do's! Yeah me!

Here's to a productive and profitable holiday season. No to find a buddy?!?

I am so new to all this that my head is swimming, but I am hoping to get a grip soon and all the help I can get is very welcomed Thank you for all the good tips (HELP)!!

Newbie here but so excited about learning all I can ! Don't have a camp buddy yet though .

I am new to ETSY as well, and look forward to learning new ways to advance my business. Thank You for your assistance!

I'm MOTIVATED!!! Let's get going and sell, sell, sell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck to everyone out there in ETSY land!!!!

I need to get it going. I am so ready for this. I am new to this. I have no buddy either. I have been disigning for many years. But now I'm on my own. no boss :) , no employees to babysit :) , no pay check :0.

It's going to be a challenge, but one that's going to be worth taking on :)

This boot camp idea really gets you motivated. Time management and organization are at the top of my prioriiiities. I need a buddy, too.

Just checking in to see if Admin has answered any questions regarding shipping upgrades and gift wrapping?

Looking forward to the Holiday season! Thank you for the valuable information.

I'm about 5 days behind on this week's assignments. And I need a buddy! I make pins using vintage and antique findings, lace, trim, ribbon, broken jewelry bits, and whatever else I can find that will fit on a 2" diameter suede circle. I'm new to Etsy and want to make my shop as memorable as I can.

Looks like I'm a bit behind this year, too, but I plan to catch up quickly! Looking forward to a holiday season that will be double what I sold last year (my first year). Yeah, I said that! ;)

Ooh, and my other goal this season is to finally write and sell some crochet patterns for my original designs. I have people asking for them, so I know there is demand out there!

Thanks so much for all of the resources & tools. I'm so excited and looking forward to getting all set and organized for the upcoming holiday season. Good luck everyone...and here's to a prosperous season!!

I had a customer purchase a few of my ID badge reels this week. She said they were Christmas gifts. I nearly fell out of my chair. But then there are only 86 shopping days until Christmas. I best get busy!

Just found this, but great timing as I'm looking to jumpstart my shop again. Looking forward to the future parts!

Re: selling gift wrapping on Etsy - You must list this as a separate item listing (if it is commercial paper, list it in supplies) and be willing to sell the gift wrap on it's own. Best, Danielle

I, my self are behind on work sheets. But have been busy up loading. New products. Plus adding Recycled handmade toys child play time items...I also have sold 0 in five months time. As I've sold my products before. Its surely that I've missed somethings in the trancefer from face to face interreacting to Esty being computer rised. But I'll not give up on myself, Being motivated I will work all this out. Short on marketing skills, circles, spelling, blogs and twitting too. Check me out if you want a buddy also. Thanks all of you I Iearned today I need a buddy,

Great!!!!!!

Super excited for this boot camp! This is be my first time selling on Etsy for the holidays. I plan on featuring more inventory - more often, and really focusing on ways to expand my business. I need a buddy!!!

Looking forward to this year's bootcamp :)

This is my first holiday season with Etsy and I'm so confused!! I'm having a really tough time gearing up. I have all these ideas floating around in my head and so I'm on overload. I need help!!

I am very excited about the upcoming Holidays and very much appreicate the count down to success! Thank you Etsy! I love, love , love this site :)

Determined to make this year better than last! I am ready!

I am a newbie toEtsy and trying to gain and put into practice the information being provided. So thank you for all the help you are sharing with us. My store is under construction and I can use all the help I can get, for the success I'd love to have.

This is great... cant wait for the coming weeks... =)

well in a perfect post, under this one it would say "17" days ago" I would Like a buddy .This is very scary for me. The way I deal with it is to throw what I need to out the window in order to enjoy what I'm doing. I think I make good Items but I loose track of time. I'm working on branding, packaging, learning the mailing process,and potographing my stuff. So it's the perfect week to jump in. Somehow I'll catch up. I love everything I'm reading and the excitement that everyone has. seeing others who keep on keepin on in their newbie state is very encouraging. I got my profile done and some other basics. I'm working on my banner photo, then I can start making product and writing the posts for it. If any one doesnt have a buddy yet and would like to work with a newbe please contact me at greataccents@gmail.com

Eeeek I am so excited!! This is going to be my first Christmas as an Etsy seller. I'm not expecting great things to happen, but I'm excited to be taking part! I'd love a buddy!! I'm a newbie so prepare for plenty of questions! I'm great at motivating others, but need lots of motivating myself! Not so good at that :( I'm currently working on photography, packaging, my blog(s), and stocking my shop full! It's got a few items, but I need someone to give me the motivation to make many more! I also talk too much. Sorry. If you dont mind the above and would like to be my buddy, contact me here! Or if you fancy a general chat because you talk too much, like me, message me! Why not?! :D

I'd never heard of Boot Camp here on etsy before. Guess I should have been paying more attention.

Thank. This is exactly what we need!

Geared up for boot camp! Exactly what we need!

I can't wait to start:)

We are wiggling in our seats! And starting our Holiday Ideas too! This will totally help us!

Excited and ready! Good luck to everyone! Thank you.

Very excited about my firsy Christmas with Etsy! Thanks!

I have been an etsy seller for a little over one year, and have only sold three items. I still feel so new. I'm frustrated and can't figure out where I've gone wrong. If there's some one out there with the knowledge I need, and you are willing to be my buddy, I'd love your help!

:) ... I need a buddy!

Unfortunately due to a few equipment failures, I am probably not going to be as ready this year as I wanted and was hoping to be. My poor shop looks like its down to the bare walls. Once the equipment problems are solved though I should be ok, even if that means next year. Hoping to get in at the last minute though this year. Need some buddy advice maybe... I have sold only one item since I opened last year. Not sure what I am doing wrong other than just not having enough items in the shop. I do know though that I am my own worst critic. If something I make doesn't look right to me, I will tear it apart and start over, rather than try to sell what I feel is a sub standard item.

Very good holiday tips. :-)

I'm new here, as well and in need of a buddy!!! I hope I'm not too late! I can tell I'll be up late nights, doing homework n stuff.....hey....am I back in school???? yep n it doesn't seem so bad! Thanks for all of this detailed assistance for all of us fledglings!!!!

Wonderful Tools and so Informative!! Thanks so much for letting us be part of it and for using our photo. Merry Christmas Everyone !!