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Story by
sagittariusgallery
Published on September 18, 2008 in How-To |
Photo by bunnyninja — Lil Lost Chickadee |
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!
| Tags | business, Holiday How-Tos, holidays, HOW-TO, newbie guide, organization, sagittariusgallery, Seller Handbook, selling, tips, Your Shop 101 |
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118 comments Login to add your own!
thepairabirds
Great article, Sagittarius! I'm not a newbie and I learned something today (I never thought about asking for a stack of custom forms to keep at home).
sillylittlelady
Wonderful wonderful tips! Thank you so much it is so generous of you to help out us newbies like this!
craftyfolk
here's to holidays! it'll be my first as a seller on etsy and i'm working towards great things:)
sagittariusgallery
I'm glad everyone's finding them useful!
Here's to a successful holiday season!
~Aja
francesphoebe
another idea for saving on shipping is to make your own mailers.
I found out it only cost me 20 cents a mailer opposed to 60 to $1.20.
And you can use festive paper for the holiday.
islandgirlkreations
Great info, organization is challenge for me so this article was a big help.
EyePopArt
Thanks, great article! I just got myself a big stack of those custom forms, all ready to go!
limitz
Thanks for sharing. What I still cant fugure out it how can I advertise in a blog... what should I do for that to happen..??
MyNovember
Thanks so much for the great tips! I'm still so new to selling and I'm definatly more than a little nervous about the upcoming holiday season! I apprecaite you sharing your experince and wisdom with us.
thefunkyfelter
These are great tips for everyone - not just the newbies :O) thanks a bunch!
sunshinecupcake
I echo the sentiments, thanks for taking the time to write this! We just started selling this week and have so much to learn.
bluejn
great tips i am a newbie and completely forgot about holiday shipping. i want to make sure my customers get it before the holiday. can't wait for christmas!
baddinsdesign
this is so energizing! thanks for your super helpful article! to the studio with me!
CherWisdomFreer
thanks for the tip on purchasing your own postal scale. I assumed they would be super expensive.
cre8tvekarma
Truly grateful for these newbie tips!
A friend shared that he recycles received usps shipping boxes by cutting them open, then using them inside-out. This way they get several uses, if passed on to a recipient.
RubyBeets
Wow,Thank you for info! I look forward to the holiday rush! Bring it on!
petalandpink
this is my first holiday season on Etsy, thanks for the tips!
Studio618
A newbie who appreciates all these newbie tips. Thanks, especially the last tip. :)
CaptureCapeMay
Great points! #1 is crucial. The reason Macy's is so mobbed on Christmas is because they've got a lot of long standing customers and because they advertise. One can't assume that they're store will be like Macy's at Christmas just because there is increased buying activity during the holidays in-general. You need to find you market and advertise to bring that Christmas "mob" in :-)
If you can't or don't want to advertise, at least don't allow yourself to be buried in the searches. Re-list to make sure your items aren't appearing on page 500...no customer is going to search that far to find something. Good luck!
PamperMePlease
Thank you for the tips! This will be my first holiday season here on Etsy. I have been working on getting new products listed now so I can focus on my customer's needs during the holidays. Good luck to everyone!
jakesladder
this is my first holiday season on Etsy, thanks for the tips!
TrixieAndBeever
We're new to Etsy, but have a few years' experience with holiday shipping headaches. Really great advice about being upfront with what you can guarantee or not. Every mail and courier service is super-busy during the holidays, and the border can slow things down some more.
But we've also had several customers who are really cool about gifts arriving a few days after Christmas. If they've ordered something unique and special close to the holidays, some folks just accept it and wrap a photo of what's on the way! Of course, go with honesty first, so the customer can decide!
APenny4UrThoughts
Thanks so much. As a "newbie" I am anticipating the joyous holiday rush>
warmhart
This made me think again about intn'l shipping. I had bad experiences with another venue and had decided against it, now I may start again.
MonasMane
Your posts are so useful, sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the things that I have to learn. Thank you(-:
foreverandalways
Fantastic avice - thank you! "Have a "stop date" in mind for shipping *and* custom orders" is a particularly good point and something many sellers may not have thought of on their own.
Pattibear
Very good points. I recently found I was going in circles trying to do everything in one day and the one day for shipping etc. is great
DazyJane9
"Thank you" for the wonderful advise in multiple ways! I'm still trying to get my ducks in a row here to sell. How do people have a pic in there little box? "Thank You" SOOO much! :)
CarolsCraftsAndMore
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into helping all of us "Newbies" handle our first holiday season.
jANonCapeCod
WOW, ALL THAT ADVICE! I have been onboard since Oct 1,
and have not had my first sale yet, boo,hoo; however I am optimistic that this will just be the "honeymoon" and
I'll be busy, I have stock in hand and more in the works.
I did my first $7.00 show yesterday and had some "lookers", I do hope it was worth it, no I'm sure it was....I'm thinking positive. Thanks for the encouragement. I won't give up my job YET, smile.
thanks for the encouragement it means a lot.
jAN
HannahBellaMemories
i had questions...you gave answers...
thanks so much for the informative info...
raycious
This is very useful tips for my first holiday season on Etsy!!
Thank you very much :D
celestialfoundations
Thanks for the info...especially the international shipping tips!
Justalily
Thanks for the info Sag. I am an newbie to Etsy. however I do have an eBay store. although it doesn't relate to the items I sell on Etsy so I know a bit about promotions. In saying that, Idid learn a few new tricks. One things I really really stress are the blogs. If there is a particular blog you read often, you could send a sample to the wirter of that blog and ask that they mention it if they like what you have. I do it all the time :-) I have great gift boxes in my store if you giys want to check it out, will have even more within the next week, holiday thememed.
Thanks again guys! Etsy rocks!
TwoOfThree
Thanks for the great info. I just listed for first time today and am new at all of it!
glassbyhelene
Thanks for the tips. I am hoping to be able to use some of them soon.
simplywillow
I've been selling at shows for more than 10 years, but this is my 1st holiday season on Etsy. We just started selling here in July of this year. I really, really appreciate the tips!!! Excellent advice!
jennifersjewelry
I'm very appreciative of this well thought out advice! It's very helpful, thank you... Happy Holidays Everyone!
elefint
awesome! thanks for the encouragement! i can use these tips for my NEW CLOTHING SHOP!!!
lzubal01
Thanks for the insite, I am new to Etsy. I hadn't thought of international shipping- I am going to look into it. Lisa (Creative designs by Lisa)
LeftHandHats
It's a great idea to have specific times of the day set aside to specific tasks. I've just set up my shop and I can see where going back and forth between tasks could be a huge time drain! Organize! I'm on that right now!
Blakenetizen
Thanks for the tips i hadn't though about external advertisement other than online!
4pottery
I really agree with the idea of finding your target audience. That's the most difficult for me, and I've now been through the holidays without truly finding my target audience. I certainly get many compliments on my work, but not many purchases. Is it the economy for everyone, or just me? I am still new to Etsy and trying to navigate the waters here. Thanks for the great tips.
PolarBearJournals
All very good points. The one that speaks most to me is the first point. One of the things I have been giving most thought to recently is how to let people know I am here...
susieq08
I,too,am new to Etsy and trying to promote my shop. No sales so far, but with your tips I hope I'll be seeing a difference soon...Thanks!
forthebettys
This, even now after the holiday rush is great to read!
thank you !
thumbelinaWonderland
Thank u for your tips!You are really helpfull!!!
xxxxxxxxx
ninasnook
Thank-you so much for the wonderful information. I'm one of the newbies here and it does seem a bit daunting. But with your help, it might not be so bad after all. Thanks again!
nichan
"When you're stressed, it shows in your work.....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. "
===============
(^O^)...agree!...this is what I feel when I'm too much thinking to "business"-produce, produce, produce rather than happily-create create create...
GemstonesbyDSign
Wow!! Thank you so much for this article!
It is great information!
:D
360Jewels
I think it's most important to put heart into work and don't be overstressed as it deteriorate your passion.
Great article, thanks!
pamshushpuppy
Newbie here - just signed up today and your wonderful tips have helped greatly in setting up my little shop. Thanks.
scottshandmadecrafts
I am a newbie (1 month) and was feeling frustrated because I have not yet made my first sale but after reading your article on Why you are not selling? and how to establish connections I feel better. Thanks for the advice,
Lisa
needles1
I am a newby.and I appreciate all your tips. will be
saving this for use in the future. thanks again.
yarnbender1sunny
Thank you for your tips and information. I realize now that this will take time to get the information of my shop across. It has been fun researching the existing sellers. Now is time for action,
Thanks for your efforts,
McWhirterPottery
Thanks for for being so generous with your time and info. We are new to selling online and really apreciate your tips!!!
TheCuckoosNest
Great advice! It's helpful to have some guidelines and suggestions as I try to figure out how to organize.
crazyqueen
Thanks SO MUCH! for taking time to help the newbies!!great advice - has made me stop to think about my store - I see changes!!!
kuaiaku
Thanks. This is great information. Especially the international shipping info.
cheleenm
I'm fairly new and appreciate the time you took to give these wonderful tips. Thank you!!!
AnLieDesigns
Loved the tips especially the diversity in pricing and setting aside certains days for shipping.....
vibrantmosaics
Thanks for taking the time to write the tips -- they are truly helpful!!
ArtBoxDesigns
Thanks for the great insight on managing a Etsy Shop. As someone new to this it is very helpful!
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy
That was great information -- thank you so much for sharing. Good tips for all! :)
gnormyle
I agree with all of the great information presented here. I beleive that Glenna's Garden is sucessful becuase I started out the right way. It is by reading articles like this one. Thank you! Glenna from Glenna's Garden
orangecrushme
"When you're stressed, it shows in your work"
That is so true!!!!
JackiesHeartandSoul
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I think being organized and having a plan of action as suggested helps keep down the stress levels.
AlteredPhoto
Thanks--I especially appreciate the guidelines re international shipping. I's great that Etsy goes all over the world!
PrairieCoastArt
Newbie here. Great tips. I was initially thinking International shipping was too intimidating, but the tips will change that. Thanks!
heatherbeauchesne
Sometimes you just need someone to lay it down for you. Thanks lady:)
When is buying season (shops) for the Fall?
jam42302
Wow this helped me sooooooo much...... so much to think about ...... so much to do......♥
ten23designs
I have been using Etsy for a little while now & never came by to read these helpful posts. I must say, I found this very useful & wish I'd read it sooner.



dogties
TresFleury
HomemadeZen
jamieribisi
SnappyBibs
BlackStar
WingsDove
dancingcircle
CountryLanes
rkdsign88
ConstantGalore
craftedbyteri
PhospheneDream
SamiBelle
ilovemysewingmachine
daniellexo
sandicakes
Anika
PatiR
uvlightstudios
DayPieces
horseshoecrab
vetrinagirl
sweetcreekherbs
spoiledrockin
IlluminatedPerfume
pixiepotions
ladybughugz
ALEALE
vivilian
jpulsipher22
MiMisJewelryDesigns
doyoulovelucy
sewingpossibilities
SamAndCoop
DETHROLL
NgaireB
erikaservin
LibellulaDesigns
SimarubaDesigns
sureynot
smdstudio
ScrapHappieAZ
amberstudios
All great points! My favorite is "organization is key" and don't forget to stock up on supplies.