Storque articles by sagittariusgallery

Gallery Go-getters: Confronting Your Fears, Artfully

2009-02-09T16:30:00-05:00

Aja Apa-Soura, aka sagittariusgallery, has been a fine artist since '99, went to college for it in 2001, and has been selling her work online since 2003. She just celebrated her 2 year Etsyversary. As a member of the Etsy community, she's known for helping new sellers get their footing on Etsy. In this post, she shares the story of getting her own footing in the gallery world.

If you're anything like me, the prospect of putting oneself out there and approaching galleries can be particularly daunting. Just the thought of it once left me with sweaty palms and flashbacks of standing up at the head of the class and attempting to stumble my way through a presentation, mouth dry, words trembling and breathless as I feebly try to control "the shakes."

Stage fright. It's something all of us experience at one point or another and is nothing to be ashamed of. But it does eventually need to be addressed and conquered. Confidence is a must in this business. Charming as it may be for an artist to approach a gallery introverted and obviously intimidated, it certainly won't leave a positive impression on a gallery owner – it is a must to project a confidence in one's self and one's own work. Otherwise how can you expect a gallery to take you seriously enough to represent your work?

Yes. I know this is much easier said than done. I'm not kidding when I say I was scared to death of being put on the spot like that. I had to get past it. It was October of 2003, and I had heard about an artist statement slam at Oni Gallery in Boston, MA. It would require me not only to stand up on stage in front of hundreds of gallery goers and recite my artist statement but also to actually be judged on it. I toiled for weeks preparing it, and was so intimidated by it that I couldn't sleep the night before. I saw it as a purification. Meeting my fears head on, like someone with a fear of heights jumping from a plane. Making a leap.

I was petrified.

fear by soopajdelux

If I was going to do it, I was going for broke. I painted myself blue and purple and dyed my hair to match. I wore a cape. Seriously. As I stepped on stage the lights blinded me and I began to sweat, some of my makeup melted and smeared. The judges, who were from the Guggenheim, MoMA, and Montserrat College of Art, glared up at me and winced through the high pitch squeal of the microphone as I stepped too close. I began. Shaking and breathless I made my way through my statement, quivering and fumbling words as I went. I nearly tripped coming off the stage. I sat back down, knowing it could have gone better, but I felt an immense sense of relief and personal accomplishment. I tackled my fear head on. Nothing could be more liberating than making the fool I made of myself that day, because nothing would ever be that outrageous in the real world. I had to expose myself completely to feel comfortable in my skin and confident to present myself and my work.

Now, this might not be all that practical for you. I mean, it's not everyday you get the right chance to paint yourself up like a fool and stand up on stage to get past your fears, but it's crucial to challenge yourself and climb that mountain so you can focus on confidently presenting yourself and your work to a prospective gallery.

(Photo courtesy strawberryluna from the "Sweet: The Graphic Beauty of the Contemporary Rock Poster" show at The Art Gallery at the University of Maryland, 2/2008)

Presenting yourself and your work to a gallery.
So you've gotten past your initial fears – what now? How do you go about presenting yourself and your work to a curator?

First, scout out prospective galleries. You don't want to waste a curator's (and your own!) time by presenting your charming watercolor botanicals to a gallery specializing in meaty abstracts. You don't want to schlep your predominantly impasto expressionist musings around town and present it off hand to a gallery owner only interested in black and white photography. Do your homework. Attend gallery openings. Many galleries have embraced the technological age – with the click of a mouse you can get an overview of a gallery you're interested in, from past exhibitions to open calls to information on the owners and curators. Doing the leg work will ensure you will be able to target galleries more efficiently. It also ensures you walk in more prepared, confident (because you know something about the venue) and professional. First impressions are everything!

Now that you've found galleries suited to your particular work, don't just then walk in off the street with your portfolio. Always set up an appointment. Walking in "cold" might give the impression you don't value the curator's time. They might have a hectic schedule and might not be able to fit you in the moment you walk in. They might be with a client. They might be out to lunch. They might be in the bathroom... Calling beforehand is a professional approach and shows the curators you appreciate their busy schedules (whether they're busy or not!).

You've handpicked the right galleries. You've made your appointments. What should you have with you?
Well, obviously you should have your portfolio in hand – which you should be prepared to leave with the gallery. Your portfolio should consist of your resume, bio, business card and 8-10 prints of your work. You might choose to bring slides or a CD as well. Do have prints on hand though, they offer instant gratification for the gallery owner. Instead of holding a tiny slide up to the light and squinting to catch a glimpse of your super realist details or expressive mark making, they can admire a glossy high quality print of your offerings in all their glory. Make sure the images you present are of pieces you have available. If a curator falls in love with one of your pieces from a print it's going to be somewhat embarrassing if you then tell them they cant have it because it's been sold. Try and bring a few of your original pieces as well. Don't bring too many though – gallery owners might not appreciate your tossing a stack of your work on the table in front of them. Bring 2 or 3 of your best pieces with you so they can see the real deal in real life.

What to wear?
Well, we artists do get away with more...shall I say...eccentric garb than any other "interviewee," but that doesn't mean we should walk in with a tie dye shirt and Swiss cheese jeans. Allow your personality to shine through your chosen outfit, but don't be messy. You don't need to be "stuffy" either, clad in a business suit and heals, though if that's you, then by all means go for it. Point is? Don't pretend. When you are uncomfortable it shows. Just be yourself. Dressing like "you" will help set you at ease and it will show through your interactions with the gallery owner / curator. When you're at ease, they're at ease.

Biggest thing to remember when speaking to a gallery owner? They're people too. They understand you might be nervous. They don't expect you do be super artist. The less pressure you put on yourself the more enjoyable the meeting will be for the both of you.

(Aja's work hangs with Emil Almazora's sculptures for the Summer group show at Karin Sanders Fine Art, Sag Harbor, NY 8/2006)

I did it! I got a show! Oh no. I got a show!
Breathe. It's true the only thing more intimidating than approaching a gallery is putting on your first show. Be honest and ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. My first show I stumbled around like a bit of a fool during set up. Find out the procedure for hanging a show. Every gallery is different and you aren't going to know if you don't ask. Some galleries leave it to you to hang the work and present it. One show I had to bring all of the hardware, including a hammer. Others take your work and you don't see them till the opening. The biggest issue is not being prepared – that's why asking questions and being informed is imperative. You want to be able to work the room the day of the opening instead of running around, sweaty and defeated, trying to locate a missing hanger....

(Photo courtesy strawberryluna from "This B.U.D.'s For You!" at HeroDesignStudio of Buffalo, NY 10/2008)

Although the prospect of talking up your work for a handful of hours might be slightly scary, this is your moment to shine! Take it all in. Get to know your prospective patrons. You can learn a lot from them. This is your chance to learn something about yourself, your work, your audience, and your chosen venue. It's a marvelous adventure! Go for broke.

Though I don't particularly recommend painting yourself up blue and purple and wearing a cape. That's just weird.

Looking for more artwork? Stay tuned into the Artistic Endeavors series.

Art Category | Gallery Go-Getter Series | More Art Related Posts

Holiday How-To: Sagittariusgallery's Top 10 Tips for Newbie Sellers

2008-09-18T11:25:00-05:00

Attention Newbie Sellers!

If you don't know Sagittariusgallery, you should. Not only a painter and an experienced seller, she takes it upon herself to share informative Newbie Guides on the forums (and on the Storque too — see here for her past posts). We invited her to list her Top 10 Crucial Holiday Rush Tips for Newbie Sellers.

The holiday season can be a maddening, glorious time for veteran sellers and newbies alike. For sellers who call the 2008 Holiday Season their first, it can be especially confusing, exciting, and stressful, not knowing what to expect and how to prepare. As a natural "fact finder" (not to mention online sales veteran of six years and Etsy seller since January 2007), I'm constantly looking for ways to make things more manageable, and of course, obsessively categorizing my findings and presenting them in countless forum threads ;)

So, without further ado, I present to you a list of 10 ways to make your life a little bit sweeter as a seller this Holiday season.

P.S. If you have your own helpful holiday tips, please feel free to share them in the comments! We're all in this together :)

1. Just because you post it, doesn't necessarily mean they will come. It is true that there is a "holiday rush" — but even the most successful Etsy businesses had to start somewhere. They needed to learn the ins and outs. They needed to advertise. They needed to learn their demographic, know their target audience...they had to teach themselves the marketing savvy they needed for their businesses to flourish. You need to figure out who you are selling to, find them, and bring them to you. Which brings me to....

2. Utilize targeted outside advertisement. It is up to us to bring potential customers to our storefronts. For example, several artists came together under AndyMathis' The Artist Collective and split the cost of a co-op ad in American Art Collector Magazine – our demographic. Know who your audience is and devise a marketing plan. You are directly responsible for your own success: Don't leave it to chance by dropping links everywhere without a plan. (See here for more advertising how-tos.)

3. Diversify your price points. Etsy has new buyers and sellers signing up every single minute of every single day, so there is no shortage of patrons for what it is you are offering. However, if you only offer products at one price point, you could be cutting out a big chunk of a viable customer base. As an artist, my originals are at a higher price point. I began offering prints of my work to be able to offer my artwork to a wider range of patrons who might not be in the market for a pricey original. My sister, a jewelry artist, offers lower priced earrings and zipper pulls as an alternative to her more expensive pieces utilizing higher end gemstones and metals. (See here for more pricing how-tos.)

4. Set certain times of the day or days of the week aside for certain tasks. Organization is key! For example, I ship on Tuesdays and Fridays. You might want to set aside certain days to ship, certain times of the day to check your email and respond to convos, etc. If it becomes a part of your routine, it becomes easier to keep it all under control. Budget your time accordingly and you'll be less pressed for time and end up less stressed at the end of the day. We all know stress kills productivity! (This post from a WAHM deals with organizing your work day.)

5. Have your shop policies clearly outlined and in order. During a busy retail season, it is wise to keep all pertinent information about your shop at your customer's fingertips. You need to account for the all important impulse purchases. It's not going to be an impulse purchase if a buyer needs to convo you and ask a question. Think of all of the questions you might ask a seller, and answer them within your shop, be it in the shop policies, profile, or the descriptions themselves. What courier do you use to ship your packages? What is your return policy? Do you offer expedited shipping? Do you offer multiple item discounts? Will you offer gift wrapping services? Would you consider sending the package straight to the gift recipient? Do you insure your items during transit? What about tracking? (See here for more policy how-tos.) Ahh...that brings me to another important tip....

6. Try to utilize courier pick up. USPS, FedEX, UPS and DHL all offer online shipping services. Don't want to stand in long post office lines this holiday season? Got a working printer with ink just begging to be used? This is the way to go. All you need is a postal scale (I got mine for 15 bucks on discount – just search online and you'll find them!). You can even order shipping supplies for free for Priority shipments through the Postal Service. (Remember, these free supplies are for Priority shipments only!) It's also important to remember that international shipments will still need to go to the post office directly, but having currier pick up for domestic packages is truly a time saver. (See here for more shipping how-tos.) Speaking of international shipments....

7. Offer international shipping! Etsy is an international site. If you are from the United States and only offer domestic shipping you are cutting out a huge customer base. Shipping internationally is not as scary as you might think. I know that is a big reason people end up holding back. Forms, rules, regulations: it seems daunting, I know. However, it's nothing to shy away from. If you have a question about a country's rules, USPS has a nifty area of their site where you can read up on what is and isn't acceptable as well as how much it will cost you to ship to any destination you choose. Bookmark it and pull it up anytime you have a question.

You can also go to your local post office and ask for a big stack of customs forms so you can fill them out at home instead of in one of the long lines at the post office. It saves time. I will say that the postal service is least expensive shipping option by far for international shipments. The rule of thumb: If it is under 78 inches when you add length and girth (you get the girth by wrapping the measuring tape around the package width wise), then you can send it through the post office to any international destination. Of course, it's important to consult your local post office if you have any questions. They are usually more than willing to help you out!

8. Expect the unexpected. You never know what could happen. Say you advertise in the right spot, a blog picks you up, you get featured, or you end up creating the "it item" for the Holiday season. Are you ready? Start preparation as early as you can to ensure you have enough stock, just in case. This is not to say everyone's shops are going to blow up with orders, but yours could. Plan accordingly.

9. Have a "stop date" in mind for shipping *and* custom orders. Keep in mind many people will be ordering closer and closer to Christmas for a special someone and will expect their gifts in time for the holiday. It might be best to put in your shop announcement the cut off date. With international purchases, it's important to remember that unless you send it guaranteed for a certain date delivery or express, there is no way you can guarantee that a purchase will be there on time. Be up front with your customers about what you can and cannot guarantee to them. They will appreciate it.

10. Last but not least, enjoy the time of year! Don't allow yourself to get overstressed and overworked. Only you know what you can handle. If you have too many custom orders and you've got a convo from someone about one more? Politely let them know you're booked, but appreciate their interest, and ask if you can put them on a waiting list. It's not rude to be upfront (but polite, of course!) that you already have enough on your plate. When you're stressed, it shows in your work — and you want to be able to give each piece (and customer!) the attention they deserve! We do this, after all, because it's what we love to do — and stress can make you want to tear your hair out and make you start to forget why you love what you're doing. Nobody wants that. So sit down, have a cup of cocoa in some cozy pj's, create something awesome and remember how cool it is to be doing what you do!

Read more how-tos for sellers. And post YOUR suggestions for newbie sellers in the comments below!

Seller How-to: sagittariusgallery's Newbie Guide — Holiday Season Edition 2007!

2007-11-16T23:06:00-05:00

sagittariusgallery has another forum thread going which helps newbies through the holiday rush. Check it out!

How to Use Etsy: sagittariusgallery's Ultimate Newbie Guide 4

2007-09-18T10:25:00-05:00

Note from The Storque:

We are VERY grateful and impressed by sagittariusgallery. She's been sharing this material in the forums with new members of Etsy and for the greater good of the community. It's also helped out our Customer Support team immensely! Many of the resources below are from the community and thus developed in a conversational manner on the forums. Some of these forum threads offer up opinions and suggestions for newbies. This version is slightly edited by the admin. You can find the forum version of this Newbie Guide here. Please direct thanks and further suggestions to sagittariusgallery there (we'll disable comments on this Storque post). Here we go...

Ultimate Newbie Guide 4

YOU CAN SEARCH THROUGH THIS GUIDE IN FIREFOX!

****Did you know that if you use Firefox you can search for keywords in this guide by pressing Ctrl+F and typing the keyword in at the bottom of the browser? You can have it highlight the word you're searching for. Then press the enter key to see every instance of the keyword used in the guide :)****

°`°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º° TABLE OF CONTENTS °º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°`°
Just follow the instructions above and copy and paste one of the topics below into the "find" box and it will highlight the topic for easy access.

►5 Most important things ►Feedback

►Newbie help ►Convos

►Setting up shop ►Spell Check?

►Profile Help ►Forum Questions

►Photo Help ►Helpful Forum Threads for reference

►Selling ►Hearts

►Selling tips and tricks ►Treasury

►Promote your shop and Etsy! ►Showcases

►Featured Seller ►Alchemy

►Packaging your items for shipment ►Time Machine

►General Shipping

►Shipping Internationally ►What is....?

►Paypal ►Etsy Chat

►Paying Etsy Bill ►Troubleshooting

►Buying ►Technical

►Trading ►Other

►Below are 5 of the most important things you will find in this guide!!! Please check them out before going anywhere else!!! You won't regret it.

Etsy Wiki - http://www.etsywiki.com

Etsy Do's and Don'ts - http://www.etsy.com/dosdonts.php

Etsy FAQ - http://www.etsy.com/faq.php

Admin in the bugs section - know that when you see a post made by RevolvingDork, it has to do with site bugs or issues that you should be aware of :) (NOTE: You can also check The Storque's TechUpdates!)

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►Newbie help -

*Unofficial Etsy Mentors - Updated 9/2007 by tashamck - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5216323

Unofficial Etsy Mentor List - free help for Newbies! - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5047128

Newbie tips compiled by CavanaghCraft - great for starting out - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5021995

Newbies. Here's why you're not selling yet (created by scarlettcat) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215453&page=1

The Newbie's Guide To Etsy Chat (created by Duet) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215562

What does Etsy stand for??? Read at your own risk hehe - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108044

Etsy sourcebook of suppliers compiled by SixthandElm - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5077902

Best kept supply secrets compiled by EtsyLabs and contributed to by the community - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5185116&page=1

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►Setting up shop -

How to make a banner without a fancy program - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106326

How do I upload a banner? (banner help) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153443

Why is my banner blurry? http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114598

I want to open 2 shops, can I put them both on the same credit card? - Yes :)

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►Profile Help -

How do I set my location on the Geolocator? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215815

Can I change my avatar? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5102835

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►Photo Help

How to improve your photos (from Etsy admin. HeyMichelle) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5169829

Eliminating backgrounds through GIMP photo program - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210409

Taking good close-up pics - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117177 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114072

Do you need Help with anything Photo-Digital related - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5205026

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►Selling -

Saving a listing to post later, a tutorial. (Created by littleputbooks) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5147546

How long before I make a sale? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5023196&page=1

How do I tell if I have been paid? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114778

How long do I wait for payment? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114596

Can someone do a partial paypal payment? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106724&page=2

How do I create an invoice (revised or regular) through paypal? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115981 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113649

How do i add a different form of credit card payment besides paypal? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109980

How do I change the prices of my items for sale? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117161

Can I change the payment method for just one listing? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115257

How do I renew an item in my shop? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114127

How do I reserve something for someone in particular? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107116

"Illegal characters"? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112730

How do I indicate I am going on vacation? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112621

What is the secondary shipping cost? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111756

How do I find out how many people have viewed my shop? - This function no longer exists. Some have brought it up in the ideas section to bring it back - perhaps you'd like to add your name to it, Admin. considers all suggestions. http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114177

How do I cancel a sale? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5101379

How do I add my items to sections in my shop? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100441

Should I email previous buyers with sales and specials? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116122

Custom orders - to make or not to make? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=41342

Thoughts on accepting personal checks - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111907

What is a Certified Cheque? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154701

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►Selling tips and tricks -

Tips for brand new sellers (brought to you by Analiese) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5035509

Tips on HOW TO HIT 100 SALES! (brought to you by blissbyheather) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5112928

Tips for sellers from a buyers perspective - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=39790

I'm doing everything I can and still, little to no sales - what to do? - http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=SUCCESSFUL_SELLING_ON_ETSY

Thank your customers for their purchase! - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109599

Advertising Ideas! Brought to you by cocoapod - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=4505

More ways to advertise your shop - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=9230

Personal safety tips for online sellers from kateblack - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=38575

Online Safety When you purchase a Domain Name - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5211972

Tips for selling your work wholesale (compiled by littleputbooks) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5211111

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►Promote your shop and Etsy!

Promote on Facebook! - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5195047

Promote on Craftzooka (created by enchantedwhimsies) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209614

Promote on Indiepublic! - http://www.indiepublic.com/

Promote Etsy with banners! - http://team.etsy.com/?page_id=31

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►Featured Seller - http://www.etsy.com/faq_selling.php#featuredSellers

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►Packaging your items for shipment -

Packaging tips - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210961

How to package Bath and Body products - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5212307

How to package artwork - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5210384 and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5208764

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►General Shipping -

Suggestions for low cost packages/shipping - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110841

Shipping rates chart for new USPS rates (as of 5/14/07) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116528

Post office tips - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110870

Scales for shipping - what kind and where to get them - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209250

Shipping with Paypal - label question - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5208893

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►Shipping internationally -

*Setting up International Shipping in 5.3 steps (for US Sellers) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5193940

Reasons to ship internationally - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109150&page=1

How Do You Ship to Other Countries? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107999

International shipping preferences - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116879&page=1

International shipping tips - http://etsywiki.com/index.php?title=International_Shipping

Have CUSTOMS / DOUANE / ZOLL questions? Read here! - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5193320

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►Paypal -

How much does paypal charge in fees? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116962

Paypal - e-checks - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098927&page=1

Paypal customer service phone number - For general PayPal account inquiries, please call toll-free at:
1-888-221-1161

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►Paying Etsy Bill -

How do I pay my fees on Etsy? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5152778

Can I pay my Etsy bill with Paypal? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114354

►Buying -

Ring sizer! Figure out your ring size - http://www.overstock.com/ringsize.html

Can you purchase from Etsy if you are not a member? No. But it is free and easy to sign up :) - http://www.etsy.com/faq_buying.php

What do I do if I accidently hit the "buy now" button? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117073

How long is too long to wait for an item to arrive? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113038

Item reeks of smoke - what to do? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111597

How do I leave feedback? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116987

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►Trading -

The Etsy trading list - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5892

The trading list by category - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=41342

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►Feedback -

How do I leave feedback? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5155043

When should I leave feedback? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116895

What is the "Kiss and Makeup" feature? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5119819

Who initiates a "kiss & makeup"? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154898

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►Convos -

How do I report a spam convo? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5105969

Can I promote my shop to others via convo's? NO! - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5117214

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►Spell Check? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5159089

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►Forum questions -

On Forum rules and consequences - by Stellaloella (admin.) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5134076

What is "bumping"? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116020

How do I add a link for an item in my shop in a post? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114962

Who locks a thread and why? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5099791&page=1

"What to do before lockdown" thoughts from admin on out of control forum threads - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5017070

who do we direct our lock requests too? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154965&page=2

How do I flag a thread? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5115863

Please put "I'm looking for" & "Show me your" in Promos and Critiques - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5034872

How do I find what topics I've posted in? - Go to main forums page, top right hand side just above chat rooms "View topics you've posted in".

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►Helpful Forum Threads for reference -

Looking unprofessional and professional - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209762

Feedback on a home color/photo printer - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5209612

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►Hearts -

Is it ok to email people who heart you or one of your items? - No. It is considered spam - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153058

All of my hearts are gone! Where did they go??? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108556

Why would someone heart me anonymously? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116288

Can you "unheart" an item or seller? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5116186

Can I see if someone just hearts my item and not me? Yes - click an item and then click "see who hearts this item" in the lower right hand corner of the right column.

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►Treasury -

What is the Etsy Treasury? - http://etsytreasurydemo.blogspot.com/ and http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5154942

How do I know if im featured in a treasury? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153683

For people who want a treasury (by sadielouwho) http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5205582

"Secrets to grabbing a treasury" - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5106348

How do I add items to a treasury? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153418

What is the purpose of the alternate list in the treasury? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5151240

How long does a treasury last? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108099

How can I get Treasury page into my blog? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153676

How can the number of treasuries reach above 150? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5103741

Trying to add comment to treasury list and there is no enter button - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5103971

Why is it considered spam if I contact a seller I've featured in a treasury? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153771&page=2

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►Showcases -

How do I know the next date for showcase to be available? - check The Storque, they always update and let Etsians know a few days in advance when the next batch of showcase spots will be available for purchase.

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►Alchemy -

What is alchemy and why was it closed? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5105251

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►Time Machine -

How does time machine work? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5153676

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►What is....?

What is "Etsy mini"? - http://blog.etsy.com/?p=187 and is it flash or java? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107205

What is "PIF"? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5113494

What is an ACEO? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108711

What are "T.O.U"? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098116

What is a locked thread? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5152903

What is Etsykids? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100914

What is a street team? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5098814

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►Etsy Chat -

Chat room 101 - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5149664

Etsy Chat Room Available On IRC? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111382&page=2

Why am I taken to a random shop upon leaving Etsy chat? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100442

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►Troubleshooting -

**Remember to check the "bugs" forum and The Storque's TechUpdates for updates on site issues by admin. such as RevolvingDork - http://www.etsy.com/forums_board.php?forum_id=3

Picture will not load - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111640

Why do the photos look different here than on Photoshop? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5110564&page=1

Not receiving email notifications? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5100118

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►Technical -

How do I update my flash player? - http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash - there is a download with instructions there.

How do I take a screen shot? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5114527

Firefox or Safari? (Regarding browsers - Jared from admin. chimes in) - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5215884&page=4

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►Other -

How do I know if my convo abilities have been muted? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5111563

What happens after you report a transaction? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5109510&page=1

Business cards? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5108167

Why do items that were just posted have so many hits already??? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5107286

How do I get my items on the top of the front page? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5083019

Currency converter calculator! - http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html

How do I close a shop? - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5212632

NOTE: Impressive, no? Share your thoughts here.