Etsy's Handmade Blog
Prep Your Shop for the Holiday Rush: 2009 Seller Workshops
Story by daniellexo
Published on September 24, 2009 in Events 		Photo by

ecovintagevegan

Looking at the upcoming calendar can be a daunting prospect for Etsy sellers this time of year. If you're wondering how to optimize your shop to appeal to the coming influx of holiday shoppers, you're in luck! We've created a series of live workshops in our Virtual Labs, hosted by your fellow Etsy sellers and Etsy Admin. We'll talk about everything from developing the perfect gifts that will fly off your virtual shelves, to making sure you're prepared to ship all of those items.

These workshops are sure to whip you into shape for the holidays! Most will be held on Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs.  Core tips from these sessions will also be shared in the Etsy Success newsletters, so be sure to sign up here.

Wondering how our online workshops work?  Have a look at this blog post to get a quick understanding of Etsy's Virtual Labs.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

 

 

 

Product Development and Photography

Hosts: Daniellexo & MaryMary

Topics covered:

  • Product development brainstorming session
  • Colors and styles that will be hot this season
  • Tips for photography and tagging from a merchandising expert

For more info, check out these posts on creating great products.

Sept. 28, 2009 at 9 p.m. ET

Creative Ways to Gain Exposure

Host: Amy from Pikaland

  • Brilliant ways to gain exposure
  • Building a solid reputation
  • Start thinking outside the box!
Recommended reading: Creativity, Competition and Copycats by Pikaland.

Sept 30, 2009 at 8:00pm ET

 

 

 

Oct 1, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ET

 

 

Oct. 1, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ET

 

 

 

Bigger Than a Breadbox: Photography for Medium to Large Items

Host: Amby from JulipBags

For more info on JulipBags, check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

 

Photography for 2-D Artists

JenKiaba will cover taking photos of paintings, prints, collages and drawings.

 

Jewelry Photographing for Etsy

Host: Rhonda from ProlifiqueJewelry

For more info on ProlifiqueJewelry, check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

 

Oct. 8, 2009 at 5 p.m. ET

How to survive your first Holiday Season on Etsy

Host: Aja from SagittariusGallery

Topics covered:

  • Question and Answer session for newbies
  • Making your first sales on Etsy
  • Lots of tips and insights for your first holiday season

Check out SagittariusGallery's Ultimate Newbie Guide.

 

Oct. 15, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Tagging, Titles and Descriptions

Hosts: Daniellexo, HeyMichelle, MaryMary, JulieinCharge

Topics covered:

  • Using tags to get noticed
  • Creative descriptions to woo buyers
  • Optimizing tagging, titles and descriptions for SEO

Recommended reading: Guidelines and Tips to Tagging on Etsy.

 

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Promo Mojo: Get Recognized This Season

Host: Jen from JStephens13

Topics Covered:

  • Spice up your shop
  • How to coordinate your look and get recognized
  • A complete look, from your shop banner to your packaging
  • Etsy friends who can help
  • Where to get labels, banners, tech help and packaging
  • How to get the word out there

For more info on JStephens13 check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

 

Oct. 29, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Brown Paper Packages Tied up With String

Host: Kristal from RikRak

Topics covered:

  • Beautiful, budget-savvy, eco-friendly DIY packaging ideas
  • How to make a great first impression with your package
  • How to efficiently organize your packaging supplies
  • Packaging and shipping materials and shop branding

For more info on RikRak check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

Nov. 5, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Shipping Tips

Host: TBA

 

Nov. 12, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Make the Most of Cyber Monday

Host: Beth from DiffractionFiber

Topics covered:

  • Product tips
  • Having a sale
  • Promoting
  • Customer service and more
For more info check out these videos from DiffractionFiber's last workshop.

 

Nov. 19, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Customer Service for Your Handmade Business

Host: Stephanie from StephanieFizer

Topics covered:

  • Great customer service communication
  • Handling tricky situations with style and grace
  • More nifty skills to help run your business

For more info on StephanieFizer check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

 

Nov. 24, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Staying Organized in the Holiday Rush

Host: Nicole from Lillyella

Topics covered:

  • How to prepare your shop
  • Maintain your sanity and stay on top of your work load
  • Organization, time management and efficiency

For more info on Lillyella check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

Dec. 3, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Top Ten Tips to Bring in Last-Minute Holiday Sales

Host: Corrina from Piddix

Topics covered:

  • Small changes that make a huge difference
  • Research on holiday buying trends for 2009
  • Great places to find last-minute packaging supplies
  • What to do if and when those sales start pouring in

For more info on Piddix check out this Quit Your Day Job interview.

 

Dec.10, 2009 at 8 p.m. ET

Sell Local

Host: Kimm of Kimmchi and leader of The NewNew Etsy Team

Topics covered:

  • Setting up your location for more local sales
  • Etsy Teams
  • Utilizing local boutiques and galleries
  • Finding and selling at local craft shows

For more info about The NewNew, check out this Featured Team article.

Dec. 17, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET

Holiday Recap and Party

Host: Etsy Lab Rats Team

  • Reflections, reactions, and fun!
 
  

Looking for more Holiday Tips?  Check out this list of all our Holiday How-To's:

The Seller Handbook | Visit the Virtual Labs | Virtual Labs FAQ

Tags business, calendar, customer service, DiffractionFiber, Events, Holiday, holiday how-to's, holiday preparation, JStephens13, Kimmchi, Lillyella, live online workshops, newbies, online workshops, organization, packaging, Piddix, pikaland, prep, prolifiquejewelry, RikRak, SagittariusGallery, seller, Seller Handbook, Seller Help, sellers, selling, StephanieFizer, time management, virtual labs calendar, virtual labs schedule, workshops
All articles in Events
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137 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. BeadinBabe

Thank you for all of the tips! :) Can't wait for the Holiday rush! ;)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. BluLima

Great suggestions!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. BabbidgePatch

Fabulous & valuable information ~ I hope to join in at least one session ~ Thank you!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. evihan

can't wait:-)...thanx a lot for sharing tips:-)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. Morado

Thanks! I guess I need to get over the fact that summer is gone *Sniff!*

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. LemonGrove

This looks awesome! Thanks so much.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. LuminousDreamDesigns

Looks like a lot of really great and useful topics! Hopefully I can make a few.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ShaneLilyRain

GREAT tips - Thank you :)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. mythunderstood

Oct 1 photographing.... Oct 1 photographing.... Oct 1 photographing.... Oct 1 photographing....

God help me.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. LHogan

Brilliant! Thank you so much!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. mtcoffinz

Great tips! Thank you :)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. LaveMeSoapCo

i hate to disappoint but i cannot gift wrap lol. ok, i can, but prepare to laugh when you see what look like a 5 year old did it.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. LuttrellStudio

Thanks for letting us know! These look like great ways to prepare for the holidays & I plan to be at as many as possible!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. jewelstreet

Ooh, can't wait! You never stop learning.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. BlueTerracotta

This looks great, I'll try to make as many as possible...a big THANKS!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. gloilocksandbody

Oh wow. I'll defiantly be attending these workshops

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. WoodPigeon

I'm so excited for the Holiday rush!!!! Thanks for all the tips

Sept. 24, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. SeaFindDesigns

Thanks Danielle!! I LOVE the Holiday Rush!!!!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. SudsNSuch

Wonderful! Thank you!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. aBreathofFrenchair

Lots of great help! I'm bookmarking this!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. vivikas

Thanks for that! I can't wait for the holidays, it's just so fun.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. JulieMeyer

It's been a while since I've attended a Virtual Lab, but there is a lot of good ones coming up. I need to get them on my calendar! Thanks

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Awesome, I am definitely going to try to make it to the labs! Thanks!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. philosophi

These look great...I would also love to see a workshop on administration - something that will make accounting and keeping records fun!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. floresdelsol

ooo im looking forward to these and learning more info!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. rikrak

woohoo!
i'm there!
hope everyone will join me on october 29th for the packaging & gift-wrap idea workshop!

yay etsy!

great links to help us out, by the way!
thanks!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. daniellexo

Good idea philosophi! Perhaps this would be a good one for the beginning of 2010. I'll keep my eye out for a good host!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. lovelygifts

Great suggestions.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. poppyswickedgarden

Great article lots of good info! Canbt wait for the holiday madness to begin;)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. DreamzBoutique

very good tips...

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. billyandwinston

Great tips! I can't wait for Christmas!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. HibouCards

Thanks for all the tips, it's great to have help we can rely on when we're so busy with our shops that we can forget about all the other things we need to take care of in order to have a successful business!
I love your picks too, that wreath is just amazing :)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. UglyBaby

This is such great information -- and all in one place. Thank you!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. nomadcraftsetc

I will be reading for the next 3 hours! Thanks for the great compilation of very useful information! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

Wonderful!!!
Thanks for all your help! :-)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. classicc11

Thanks for compiling these great tips! I'm so excited for my first holiday season on Etsy and a seller and not just a buyer.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. RageoftheAge

So helpful, thank U!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. pinkytoeclothing

Thanks for the tips :)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. jessiemccann

So many good information. Hope this will be a great selling season for everyone!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. SuppliesHandcrafted

Thanks so much! I'm going thru the tips, 1 by 1!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. KnockKnocking

Wonderful resource of information, thank you thank you!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I love all of these great tips and resources! Big kiss to Etsy from Girl Tuesday Jewelry!!! XXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. MagicMarkingsArt

Since this is my first christmas/holiday season here - I look forward to all the great advice and hope to participate in your workshops. Thanks for the tips!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. warpedLaurie

good read, thank you for the helpful tips.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. bhangtiez

Such great ideas...can't wait to check 1 of these out. Thanks!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. 2TrickPony

My first winter holiday season here, really looking forward to it, thanks for helping us get ready:)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. VixVintage

Thank you so much, I have a few jitters as this is my First!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. paramountvintage

it's great you offer advice on photographing. a great picture can really make a store look professional.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. jodieflowers

I can't wait for the Holidays!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. EJPcreations

So cool!! Can't wait!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. bylynnkrestel

marking my calender - i will be there!!
yesterdays lab with julipbags - quit your day job - was really good!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. littlealouette

THANK YOU!!! I am so excited!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. Schmutzerland

This is going to be really great. I can't wait for this! I have a feeling this Holiday season is gonna be totally rock n roll ^____^

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. moonscreations

haha! I'm going to have to quit my day job just so I can take part in Etsy's Virtual Labs! I really wish I could show up for more.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. stitchesbysara

Yay! I'll definitely be there for all the great tips!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. roslyntaber

these all look so informative! i can't wait !

Sept. 24, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. moonovermaize

Wow! What a great line up of information! I seriously hope I can get my kids engaged in some sort of craft during this time so I can join in. Thanks!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. TheCottageCheese

Great info, I'll be popping into a bunch of these virtual lab workshops!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. blueskyclouds

Lots of reading ahead! Thank you!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. GeorginaKay

excellent tips! thanks so much, only 92 days to the big day!! :) Thanks for showcasing my mini stockings too! :)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. Tumus

Seriously amazing list of workshops. I work 7:30-4 at my normal job so it will be tough to get into these, but dang it if I'm not going to try!

And for those who've never been in a Virtual Lab they are lots of fun and very insightful. It's a really great and unsung hero for Etsy sellers.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

Here's to lots of sales this holiday season!!! :-)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

...and I miss my beloved golf ball markers in the gift guides terribly, oh to be replaced!!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. LittleWhiteDresser

SIGN ME IN FOR EVERYTHING!!!!

:)

Sept. 24, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. BlueGremlin

This is my first holiday with etsy.....i just cannot wait!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. amoronia

Wow! I am definitely staying in tonight to do the relevant reading...

Sept. 24, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. wristielove

ooh, lots of labs to choose from!!! thx danielle!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. pitoreskni

I'll definitely be staying up late for a few of these!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. hellobrowneyes

Thanks! This is awesome.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. aimeesarmoire

Ah yes, let the holiday excitement begin!!!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. Ryanplz

can't wait for the holiday season to start up!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. momochas

Marked all these dates on my calendar, it seems like there will be a lot of good and useful tips to learn.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

Amazing collection of info, thanks so much!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. babook

What a much great suggestion of holiday Tip !! I would to read all ...http://www.babook.etsy.com/

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. jbeaudet

Some of these look like they'll be ver informative. Thanks!

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. EleanorsDesigns

This is my first year on Etsy for the holidays, so I
really appreciate your info. Thank ever so much.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. bytheway

Great set of workshops - thanks! Now that I've been through one holiday season, it will be nice to have this info to go with what I already know :)

Sept. 25, 2009 at 2:05 a.m. GgaBulShop

great stuffs

Sept. 25, 2009 at 6:34 a.m. VintageFashionVixen

I'm getting ready to fill up my store. This is great advice for the upcoming holidays.

Sept. 25, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. Tias

Like the sound of the word 'holiday rush'....

Sept. 25, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. jessgonacha

This is so great-- I'm bummed that I had to miss the workshop yesterday, but I'll be sure to tune in to the ones coming up! I'm looking forward to gleaning some great tips and getting my shop ready for the holidays!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. HarrietsHaven

This is great! I'm marking my calendar for sure. I hope I'll be involved in the 'holiday rush'!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. riricreations

I'm getting ready and already have had some holiday sales! Thanks for this helpful info~

Sept. 25, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. FatBatShop

Time to add new things to the store in preparation for the holidays! Thanks for the reminder!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. SeptemberStars

Halloween is coming up fast!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. miladesigns

Thank you for the article... I hope to join some of the labs!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ThePattypanShop

This is great for holiday shopping. Thanks for getting us started!!! :D

Sept. 25, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. feltalicious

Great article, thanks! :)

Sept. 25, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. BySaraLynn

So excited for all these!! And of course, I'm a Lab Rat!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. SecondHandNews

Such Great Labs planned, thank you so much!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. GarageInc

Thank you for all of the tips...

Sept. 25, 2009 at 10:33 p.m. LilithEvy

I think I'll participate to some of them... It'll be the first time! I'll read on virtual lab to see how it's work!! Thanks all to share these tips with us!

Sept. 26, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. 3dots

Thanks!!
I Loooove the Holiday rush!! :)

Sept. 26, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. DianeLDesigns

Thank you!..Great ideas! The Holidays will be here before we all know it:)

Sept. 26, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. clubviv

such a lovely info. Thank you so much for the info.

Loving!!!!!!!

Sept. 26, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. SurrenderDorothy

I'll be there!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 5:18 a.m. vantiani

Oh what a thoughtful idea!
Thank you soo much!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 5:20 a.m. gretchenmist

sounds like lots of very useful info coming up! thanks :)

Sept. 27, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. lostmitten

Sounds like it will be highly informative and a lot of fun! :) I love the Virtual Labs!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. PoPkO

oh i cant wait!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. prendasbyenid

LOve this!!! Thanks a Lot, I will be at the Labs for sure!!!!!

Sept. 27, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. RinconRoad

Thank you! This should be great prep for my first Etsy holiday season. Can't wait!!!

Sept. 28, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. Tutuki

This will be great! So excited!

P.S: I am sooooooo in love with those Christmas puddings :)

Sept. 30, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. jstephens13

Hope some of you can make it on October 22nd!

I can't wait to lead for the first time on WEBCAM!!!

See you all soon.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jen

www,jlstephenscouture.com

Oct. 2, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. prendasbyenid

Yes, I'm getting ready for my first holiday season!!!! woooojuuuu!!!!!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. meredithfenwick

going to mark my calendar, i'm so nervous about the holiday season !! :)

Oct. 14, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. novaofsweden

I can't believe the holidays are already coming! Yikes I need to get back in the studio!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. YourTime

Awesome, I look forward to these events!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. rebeccasanchez

Can't wait for the rush to begin!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 12:13 a.m. worksandfinds

Great, I just re-organized my craft room. I love it.

Oct. 15, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. Nyblaque

Sweet! thanks for the tips;-)

Oct. 15, 2009 at 5:12 a.m. raghousenternational

Definitely looking forward to these workshops!

Ren

Oct. 15, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. spacejam

cool

Oct. 15, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. rethinkink

Thanks for the tips!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. LazyTcrochet

It would be nice, but the room is full. Why can't you fix it so that we all have a chance to attend?

Oct. 18, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. riorita

Great tips! Thank you!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 4 p.m. underoakstudios

Great tips! Super thanks.

Oct. 21, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. StudioCherie

Looks like a great line up!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. riorita

Great gift ideas!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 5:20 p.m. rebeccasanchez

This will be my first Etsy Christmas! So exciting!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

This will be my first Etsy Christmas too!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ThePaperTray

Bring on the rush!!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. greeniemarie

Yippppeeee Holidays!!!!!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. friendlycreationss

that wreath is so cute! i cant wait for the holidays :D

Oct. 22, 2009 at 12:56 a.m. RosesDesigns

I can't wait! I hope I have the xmas rush everyone talks about!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. stylmagazine

Share what you are doing to prep your shop here...!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php...

Oct. 22, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. happygolicky

SoOOo much to learn and the holiday season is already here!

Oct. 22, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. shopgoodgrace

This is fantastic! Thank you for a wonderful post. :)

Oct. 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. lavenderrabbit

Thanks for the info!

Oct. 30, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. mojospastyle

thank you for the helpful info. It will be very useful!!!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. ladaworks

Thank you for the info.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. lassandaliasdeana

good information!! ;)

Nov. 4, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. mykky

I love learning new things everyday. I will be there!

Nov. 10, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. kidgiddy

I'm looking forward to many of these labs coming up! Thanks!!! k

Nov. 10, 2009 at 5 p.m. MySweetPrints

Thanks for the great info!!!!!!!!

-----
Original artwork for the home, nursery and the heart...
www.MySweetPrints.etsy.com

Nov. 10, 2009 at 9:04 p.m. evgie

That is a quality tips! Nice post.

Nov. 15, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. gandolphoto

Cool! Hope I can attend some of these.

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