|
piddix says: |
I have found, read and loved a ton of advice on how to run a successful etsy shop here in the etsy forums, wikis, blogs, and especially the storque.
At the same time, I find myself still searching for true, unique, or super-helpful advice. Perhaps when someone stumbles upon that perfect amazing idea, they'd rather keep it to themselves.
So, I thought I would share one of the best things I have done for the success of my etsy shop, in hopes that others may want to contribute some of their etsy success tips as well.
Here's my etsy sales secret:
After I had my etsy shop up and running for about five months, I created a survey using www.surveymonkey.com. Their free service is limited to 100 responses, so I created a digital collage sheet sampler to give away to the first 100 people who completed the survey. I then advertised the survey in the etsy forums and on craftster in their giveaway section (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=333.0).
For the survey itself I asked eight questions about my products in general, including opinions on:
*Their previous experiences with my product (collage sheets)
*The most important features they looked for when purchasing
*What sizes, shapes, and themes they would want to see
*What type of sales/pricing they would prefer
and so on
I also included an "anything else" question, which is where some of the most interesting answers came from, plus gave them the opportunity to sign up for my newsletter. About 90 of the 100 people signed up for the newsletter, and 89 of them are still on the list almost two years later.
In addition to gathering information, I also used the survey to educate people about myself and my products. Here's an example from my first question:
1. Digital collage sheets are 8.5x11 inch, high resolution files of graphic design images that are emailed to you upon purchase. You can print them out and use them up to 100 times for items to sell or for personal use. These can be used to make jewelry, collages, ACEOs, cards, and more.
Which one of the following best describes your experience with digital collage sheets:
A. I'd never heard of a digital collage sheet before today.
B. I'm interested in them, but have never tried one before.
C. I've bought a couple of sheets in the past.
D. I've bought many sheets, and use them all the time.
E. Other (please specify)
Looking back on the people who filled out the survey, I'd say about 20% became regular customers. But beyond seeing the survey as a marketing tool, I have to say that the information I gathered during the survey has been essential to the growth of piddix. I learned things such as the number one reason why people do not buy my product, what influences their buying the most, and what they could care less about. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about at least one element of what I learned.
I have continued to create surveys and ask opinions of my customers, newsletter subscribers, and in the critique section of the forum on a regular basis about everything from color choices to wording on my listings. And every time the information has been invaluable.
So, what's your etsy sales secret? |
|
Posted at 2:30 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
AbbysAlley says: |
|
What great information, thank you so much for sharing! I don't have any great secrets yet, still in the "start-up" stage. |
|
Posted at 2:43 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
HazyDaisy says: |
This is a great idea,I think I'll do something like this soon.
Thank you for all this information.Your shop is great too! |
|
Posted at 3:51 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
|
|
babythebaby says: |
Love it :) thank you! I will certainly be using your advise!
I don't have any secrets :) I am a Christian and view my shop as a ministry. No, I don't donate all of the profits, but I faithfully tithe and pray and give away some merchandise and all of my knowledge for free. I see that giving things away for no charge brings in sales.
There's a promise in Malachi 3:10
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
:) God is certainly fulfilling His promise - I do have more business than I can handle at the time (being a homeschooling mother of 3 I can't handle much). I actually have to stop advertising and listing from time to time to slow down the sales to the point where I can handle them. God is good :) |
|
Posted at 4:41 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
molehilltreasures says: |
babythebaby says:
Love it :) thank you! I will certainly be using your advise!
I don't have any secrets :) I am a Christian and view my shop as a ministry. No, I don't donate all of the profits, but I faithfully tithe and pray and give away some merchandise and all of my knowledge for free. I see that giving things away for no charge brings in sales.
There's a promise in Malachi 3:10
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
:) God is certainly fulfilling His promise - I do have more business than I can handle at the time (being a homeschooling mother of 3 I can't handle much). I actually have to stop advertising and listing from time to time to slow down the sales to the point where I can handle them. God is good :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes He is ♥ |
|
Posted at 4:45 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
SleipnirDesigns says: |
I think after I'm in business a little longer, and I've got a feel for how to handle my shop more easily, I am definitely going to try using surveys as a way to poke at my audience for some great information.
Thanks for sharing, looking forward to more great ideas! |
|
Posted at 5:25 am, September 4 2009 EST - Report this post
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Login to post a reply |
|
|
|
