Storque articles by contrary

About Us: Mary aka MaryMary

2008-06-06T17:47:00-05:00

Etsy has had quite a growth spurt in the past year, and we have the awkward pictures to prove it. We've been posting a series of About Us pieces to help you get to know the Etsy admin (and since many of us work remotely, for the admin to get to know each other!). You've seen the admin badge, and maybe you're a bit curious about the person behind it! For more on Etsy's mission and about the company, please see our About page (the link is in the little blue footer of every Etsy page).

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Mary steps up as our next installment of the About Us series. Mary works as our Community Advocate and spends a lot of time in the forums. She uses the admin username MaryMary and you can email community@etsy.com if you have any suggestions for making Etsyland a better place to be. You can also often find her in the Virtual Labs, critiquing (in such a friendly way!) Etsy shops and doing how-tos via webcam.

Mary is one of the original Richmond, VA Etsians and she's proud of it! She's an awesome member of the Etsy Team and bring such valuable insight into the experience of being an Etsy seller. Mary still sells her jewelry and other items through her shop contrary.

Here's tween Mary, spazzing out in the snow.

And a more pensive toddler Mary, reading the newspaper.

See all posts in this About Us series.

Etsy Success Stories: GudonyaToo

2008-02-19T14:23:00-05:00

You've seen those big sellers on Etsy who seem to be making sales left and right. You have to wonder how they've made it to where they are: can they actually be FOR REAL? What's their recipe for success? And just how do they do it?

This week's installment features Brian and Tina of the success that is GudonyaToo! This team of two resides in Bluffton, Indiana and has made over 2,600 sales with their bath and body line in just six months. They strive to be the best at what they do and offer the top quality in bath and body products in the market today. If you think this is a mighty feat already, think again, because this duo also run another shop called phoenixglass! Keep reading to find out just how they keep it all together:

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
We did an internet search, and by total happenstance, stumbled upon the site. We loved the low costs to get started, and the diversity of all of the sellers. Most importantly, we thought our products would fit in and sell.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Our key factors are quality, innovative products with reasonable prices. Other factors include great packaging and customer service to round out a pleasurable buying experience. Listing new products often with the best possible pictures help with the success too.

How do you promote your shop?
We let the products do the promoting. If someone really likes what they buy from you, they will buy more and tell their friends. They might even review or blog about your products.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Since all of our products are done in small batches, we make what we want to list, list them and roll. Make it, list it and ship it. We try to keep things simple. A good old fashioned cork board and lots of sticky notes help to keep the memory on track!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
We hope that every buyer will BECOME a repeat buyer; this is where getting their orders quickly shipped, adding personal touches, and making sure that they are happy is key. I think is pretty much even on new versus repeat buyers.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
We are natural “workaholics” especially doing something that we love to do, for ourselves. So motivation is natural. BUT sometimes stress can really put a strain on things and that is the time to walk away, refocus and get it done.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
We both have other jobs for now, but hopefully that will change in the future!!!

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
We love the Forums, but do not have much time to participate. Open debate and all of the information shared is a great thing!

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Convos most definitely, it keeps the channels of communication open to the buyers and help out on the customer service end.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
Have a bunch more new and cool items, and more options for buyers to make us a “one stop shop” for all their bath and body needs.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Keep your items fresh, list often, and be totally unique with your descriptions and products…STAND OUT!!! Keep focused, keep your goals in mind, and WORK SMART and HARD to get what you want. You will get out what you put into your Etsy experience. I have to thank all of the folks at Etsy for giving us this venue to work hard and grow!

Thanks Brian and Tina! Check out their favorites on Etsy in the Gallery below:

Etsy Labs Shop Critique: Thursday this week instead of Friday!

2008-02-13T18:15:00-05:00

Each week the Etsy Labs critiques a brave seller and gives them tips and tricks to enhance their shop. As most of you already know, we usually hold our weekly critiques on Fridays at 1pm EST; however, this week the critique will be on Thursday (February 14th) at 1:15pm EST instead of Friday.

So please join us in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs at 1:15pm EST Thursday. This week's critique is TBA! You'll find out when you get there!

If you'd like to volunteer to be critiqued, please add your name on this thread. See also, past Shop Critique articles.

Wednesday Workshop: Learn to Make an iPod Pocket with fernfiddlehead

2008-02-12T13:21:00-05:00

Join us Wednesday, February 13th in the Virtual Labs, specifically the "Sewing Room" room, at 12:15pm Eastern sharp for the next Labs Online Workshop!

Cathy of fernfiddlehead has graciously volunteered to host an online webcam tutorial demonstrating how to sew your very own iPod or mp3 player pocket cozy! She will be going through the demonstration step by step.

iPod Pocket supply list: Here's what you'll need ahead of time if you'd like to follow along!

Fabric for pocket  cut into 2 pieces (measuring 4.5" x 14") — can be the same or contrasting.  One piece will be the outside, the other the lining.

applique shape of choice cut from fabric, felt, plastic or whatever (important point is that the applique should be no wider or taller than 2.5").

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one button
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thread
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seam ripper
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scissors
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sewing machine
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iron
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stitch witchery to hold applique (if desired)

Bring a notebook and something to write with, and see you tomorrow!

Etsy Success Stories: GreenThumbDesigns

2008-02-11T12:30:00-05:00

This week's installment features Leighanne of GreenThumbDesigns. Leighanne lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children and is the sole bread winner for this family of five. This truly is the story of a successful woman who has taken the reigns and control of her life with her Etsy business. In little over ONE year on Etsy, Leighanne has managed to sell over 4,600 items. It is incredible. Keep reading to find out exactly how she does it.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?

I first stumbled across Etsy when doing a web search for something else. I had never heard of it before. Then, my mom called me a few days later and said I just had to open a shop here. My shop first started as a hobby but, when my husband became ill and had to quit full time work a year ago, it became both a hobby and "job" (which has been both fun and rewarding).

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?

Well, I think the thing to say first is to find your "niche." Once you find your niche, I think the rest slowly falls into place. I think the key to listing is to consistently list a few items scattered over the course of the day so when someone does a search, you are more likely to be found. I would also say that, almost as important as listing, you need to make sure your photos "tell" the story of what you are selling. Creative presentation, clear photos and many angles or views of your item and creative descriptions help to do that. The buyer, I think, needs to feel a connection to that item, whether it is a pair of earrings or a fine art piece.

With pricing I definitely think you have to be competitive with similar goods, but I think you also need to compensate yourself for the hard work that you put into your work. There has to be a balance there.

One of the things I strive for is providing excellent service to my buyers. I try to always answer questions/convos promptly and get orders mailed out in a timely manner. I get creative with my packaging partly because it is fun for me but also because I want the buyer to get my package in the mail and say "wow." I want them to be happy!

The most important thing I would say to any artist/crafter is to have fun with your work. If you love what you do and put your heart into it, the buyer will see that.

How do you promote your shop?

When I started on Etsy I posted a lot in the forums, promoting my shop, and I do think that helped get my shop off the ground. This past year has been a whirlwind of craft and art shows. I will pass out my business card to anyone that stands still long enough in my booth! I have actually received some sales from people that have purchased my work at recent shows which has been so reassuring. I also belong to several online artist swap groups which has helped in spreading the word about not just my shop but Etsy in general.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?

Sometimes it gets a little chaotic, but I just keep plugging away. I do all of the packaging myself, which I really don't mind. I am so glad to be a part of a "handmade only" community, so I like to put a personal touch on each package that I send out. I do have a husband and three children so sometimes I get "help" from them!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?

A lot of my orders are from repeat buyers or people that have heard about me from a friend or family member that purchased from me in the past. I think it is just natural for a person to buy from a store again if they are happy with their first experience. I always try to make my buyers happy so they will come back. I like to send extra goodies to repeat buyers as a way of showing them my appreciation.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally? Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job, too?

I do feel motivated most of the time, mainly because I am always thinking of my husband and children. Since my husband's illness, things do get a little crazy around our house. It is hard sometimes being the sole "breadwinner," but I made that choice so I could be at home with him and our children. I feel so blessed to be able to do something I love each and every day and am so thankful for the opportunities that being a part of Etsy has given me.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?

Since I don't get time to browse Etsy much I just love looking through the Time Machine! Plus, I think Pounce is way cool!! I love that you can search shops that have not had a sale yet.

What features do you use most on Etsy?

Mainly just listing things in my shop, but I try to view the Time Machine now and then for fun. I also love perusing the articles in the Storque.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?

I'd like to be totally full time with my work, with a set schedule for everything so that I can have more time with my family. I'd also like to have more of my pieces in local shops. I'd also like to start a blog.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged?

Do NOT give up!! Keep listing regularly, promote in the forums, join a Team for support and encouragement.

Check out some of Leighanne's favorites on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Labs Shop Critique: Introducing Mondays!

2008-02-08T17:32:00-05:00

Each week the Etsy Labs critiques a brave seller and gives them tips and tricks to enhance their shop. Due to the great success and interest we have received in the weekly critiques, we hace decided to add another one to the schedule!

This week we will be holding our next critique this Monday evening at 7PM EST in the treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. This week's critique is TBA! You'll find out when you get there!

If you'd like to volunteer to be critiqued, please add your name on this thread. See also, past Shop Critique articles.

Tech Update: "How They Found You"

2008-02-08T12:03:00-05:00

Thanks to the community's help and suggestions in the ideas forum, we have been able to add some helpful text during the checkout process. Upon checking out during the "submit order" step in the process, the following text now appears above the text field:

"Message to the seller (optional): Please share how you found this shop, confirm address details, or anything else you'd like to say!"

Now your buyers will be prompted to enter details of how they found your shop or the specific item they purchased from your shop!

This is the perfect opportunity to go buy that item you have been eyeing in your favorites so you can see exactly how it work...Hint hint...

Thanks for another great idea from the community!

Etsy Labs Shop Critique: (Week 16)

2008-02-07T09:34:00-05:00

Each week the Etsy Labs critiques a brave seller and gives them tips and tricks to enhance their shop. This week we'll be holding our critique Friday at 1PM EST in the treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. This week's critique is TBA! You'll find out when you get there!

If you'd like to volunteer to be critiqued, please add your name on this thread. See also, past Shop Critique articles.

Wednesday Workshop: Create a Story for Your Products

2008-02-06T10:43:00-05:00

Join us Wednesday, February 6th, in the Virtual Labs, specifically the "photo lab" room, at 4:00pm EST sharp for the next Labs Online Workshop!

This week we will be discussing the advantages of creating a story for your products. There are so many creative ways you can tell a story in the photos and product descriptions of your items! We are going to give you all the secrets we have. Please join us and give away your secrets too! You'll wanna bring your pen and paper to take notes with for this one!

See you soon,

Etsy Labs

Shop Makeover Series: Hello Brand New World

2008-02-05T23:21:00-05:00

Over the course of January, we published the Shop Makeover series here on the Storque. We tailored it to helping Etsy sellers make tweaks, changes, and overall facelifts to their shops for the New Year. It was our hope that by offering advice on how to better the look and feel of one's business, that sellers would take a look at what changes could be made to their own shops to help boost their sales and overall brand. In addition, when we hold all of our shops to a higher standard, the overall look and feel of Etsy gets taken to a higher standard, which helps us all in the scheme of things!

The following are a handful of sellers who read, made changes, and posted their "before and after screenshots" for everyone to see:

MayaBella took tons of advice from the shop makeover series and gave her shop a total transformation. Check out pics of her shop front before the makeover:

...and the transformation of her shop after the makeover:

She redid her banner to incorporate the look and feel of her items. The red color of the banner also ties into many of her items' backgrounds.

Here is a subtle yet effective change from jakrandomart's shop before she started making over her shop:

And take a look at her shop now! You can see she made both banner and photo changes to give a more rich and inviting feel to her overall shop. Her avatar also matches her branding.

Another wonderful overall shop transformation comes from hippiehempstress; hippie not only drastically changed the look of her photos, but also took advantage of the wondrous Etsy bannerator to give her shop a brand new look and feel! Check out the photos from hippiehempstress' shop before she made changes:

...and just look at the improvements she made to her shop now:

Look at that! The focus issue is cleared up (macro lens setting perhaps?) and the backgrounds are much more styled and of a piece.

Two sellers took advantage of the advice from this "What's in a name" article and changed their shop names. feltsewwhimsical changed her name to CorkandCotton and MalibuBarbie112 changed her shop name to quintessentially; they both systematically kept the look and branding of their new shop names the same as their old ones to create less confusion during the transition. Both of these changes were smart choices in my opinion, way to go ladies!

pawandclawdesigns changed her shop's photos to more colorful shots after taking the advice from the "makeover you shop with color" article, and she also took advantage of Etsy's new bannerator mixed with some of her own design skills to get a fresh new banner design:

ShannonButler changed her shop banner and avatar to match each other, as well as the ordering of several of her photos to show off her items much better and create an enticing thumbnail shot for her shop viewers:

Congrats on the Make Overs! YOU LOOOK MAAARVELOUS! And this are just some examples of the hard work that many Etsy sellers undertook in January. If you took some of our shop makeover advice as well and are happy with the results, please share what you did and how it has helped in the comments below. Before and After screenshots are always encouraged and welcomed!

xoxo,

Etsy Labs