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Story by
marymary
Published on January 15, 2009 in How-To |
Photo by |
Hey there shop owners!
A popular strategy for maximizing traffic and sales in your shop includes broadening your target audience. Think about your niche — if your items have a distinctive brand or style, you can extend what you make in order to start inviting new types of purchases. Consider the items you offer in terms of their "giftability" and the different price points or "lines" you are offering.
- Items as Gifts: Picture the types of people for whom your customer would buy gifts. Everyone has their loved ones, family members, best friends, casual friends, office-mates, etc. While you might want to offer a pricier, more involved item for the people closer to your customers' lives, you can also have the smaller, more affordable gifts, perfect for casual friends. Some sellers find that once a shopper buys a smaller item, she may support your store again — as a happy returning customer, perhaps spending more money because she trusts your craftsmanship and has enjoyed her interaction with you.
- Ongoing Celebrations: There are so many events throughout the year that are great for gift giving, including anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, weddings, housewarmings and hostess gifts. Think about these types of celebrations and the types of items you may be able to make and market for the type of person who may be receiving the gift. Get creative!
- Seasonal Lines: Don't forget the bigger year round gifting holidays such as Valentine's Day and Winter Holidays; having a small seasonal product line that would fit well with these holidays will also help you get a leg up on maximizing your traffic. You don't have to add hearts and snowmen to your items if they have nothing to do with those holidays, but you can consider marketing your items as seasonal gifts. Changing of the vignettes and colors of your listings' photography could add that special connection point for shoppers.
- Item Lines: Introducing a new line or series of lines to your shop with different price points can open up a new audience to your shop. Please have a look at our articles with our best tips, strategies, and the benefits of introducing tiered pricing and trying out a new line in your shop.
Sellers, have you noticed any tiered product lines like this working for your shop? Share in the comments below to let us know what did or didn't work through your experiences.
And if you're participating in the Shop Makeover Series, post a link to your before and after shots! Check out the Etsy Shop Makeover Flickr pool here.
| Tags | How-To, HOW-TO, lines, marketing, niche, pricing, sections, Seller Handbook, selling, Shop Makeover Series, target audience, target market, tiered product lines, traffic |
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130 comments Login to add your own!
EarthCadets
Great article MaryMary. Super valid points. I will be sure to make my shop price points more diverse and be on the look out for more eco friendly products that allow me do this. I'll let you know how it goes!
maisiehandspun
hi mary!
thank you for a brilliant article...love the items you chose--a lot of them were in my favourites too!
x
4TheSparrowsNest
These are wonderful ways to maximize shop marketability. I think many of the items in my shop are suitable for Valentines or spring, as they have a romantic/nostalgic, nature feel. I try recategorizing items and tweaking descriptions to represent different holidays or seasons, and changing my avatar to feature items from my shop for the season/holiday. Offering different price points or tiered discounts is also a great idea.
Feltathome
great article & good to see both some trusted favourites & also some new ones too in the treasury collection.
girlscantell
Totally!
While many of my buyers love the bigger, pricier placemat and cloth napkin sets from my shop, one of the best hits I have are coaster sets and printed notebooks for around $10. People love these items as a little something extra on a bigger gift, or as a casual gift for a coworker or a housewarming present.
katieblairdesigns
I love these articles!
For my Valentine's lines, I've started offering some 'tiering' in my stationery offerings. Within a line, you can find a $6 set of notecards:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
A mini notebook for $6:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
Or a set that combines the two for $11:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
I have a similar set up with a line of rose stationery that has bigger notebooks. My hope is that by having so much variety in what a customer can find within a line, they are able to find exactly the gift quantity and price point that will be perfect for whomever they are giving stationery to.
It's pretty new, so I'm not sure yet how's it working. I'll report back! :)
Good luck to all. Thanks again for the article.
baconsquarefarm
Thank you marymary for the article, full of valuable info. Shops need tweaking every day, tiered pricing is good point, new lines~ we need a break with the snow-blizzards so pete can work in his shop instead of blowing out the farm yard and driveway. lol. Thanks again~!
craftgasm
I'm actually getting ready to change up my product line a little that will put it into different price points. This is a great resource for that, so thank you!
I am putting more info about the changes in my blog (along with a giveaway running from now until the end of Tuesday), so check it out!
http://craftgasmdc.blogspot.com
Thanks for the info!
JeweledAmbrosia
These are all excellent ideas. Thanks! I will refer others to this article.
HeyChica
Thanks for the helpful ideas. Now, I'd like one of all of the above please!
deeHAYmer
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! You suggestions are so diverse, I'm sure that many of us can use at least one or two of them. Thank you, Mary!
WingsDove
Appealing to a broader range of potential customers is excellent advice. Consider buying your favorite Etsy seller a gift certificate for custom Etsy shop graphic designs, such as http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
littlepancakes
hmmm... not sure how to do this with my shop. i'll try though!
SoapRevolution
Again, great advice :) So much info lately I need to take notes ;P LOL!!
EmmaGordonLondon
I really love Neawears work! So delicate...
Thanks for the ideas!
I'm a handbag designer by trade but I do think I should try and introduce some smaller items to my shop so there is something for everyone.
I do already concentrate on the different holidays and find that it brings more a little exposure and traffic if you have products that are relevant to what people are looking for at the time.
NestaHome
These are awesome tips Mary!
Especially significant if you are trying to make a living selling your crafts!!!
daniellexo
Great pointers! And I love the Featured photo up there by Ms.Neawear!
nfall2rt
I think a range in price points is very wise advice. Especially in this kind of economy. I've been working on expanding my bags and purses line for the upcoming spring/summer season by adding small coin purses/wallets. I think this will help.
FeltedwithLove
This article gave me some good ideas that can help with my tiny little shop. Thanks for the heads up and constant great ideas.
bibs4drips
Very helpful tips and ideas! I am adding more items to my shop which are in different price categories. So everyone can find something. :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
AutumnLeavesJewelry
Kudos to BeadsInTheBelfry! I noticed her shop after her holiday, she had reorganized it looks fantastic! My prices range from 20 - 400$ and it works out well for me.
neawear
Oh wow!! My pin necklace looks so nice up there! What an honor ;) Thank you Mary!!
I have found indeed that "upgrading" or "downgrading" (price wazi, that's what I call it lol) items that work good in my shop always brings new sorts of buyers around! It ads variety and range to the shop, plus they are fun to do and think about ahead of time :)
Like a puzzle or something ("How am I going to do this necklace similar but worth less money?" "How can I make this item even more unique so I can make it more worth money").
Because "upgrading" works too, even in hard economic times! You just have to be ready to be patient that the right buyer will come along eventually! :)
Hope that helps!! :D
Thanks again!!
tinyhearts
I was just making a list of new strategies for 2009, and finished it. Then I read your article and you had it all! Plus more! Thank you Mary, very helpful article!
lovenatalie
This was a helpful article. I noticed once I added items that were less expensive for the holidays I started to sell. Very good advice!
muxoriginals
I find that items $10 and under are great sellers. I started making headband, hat, and underwear sets for dolls, and they've been popular. So if you make clothing (for dolls or people) consider doing a line of accessories or supplementary items!
CraftZany
I just love this article! I did do something like that in my shop. I started out making my bird nest tags.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
and seeing how much people liked them I decided to make them into something wearable.
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction....
Very great advice mary! Thanks!
dragonhouseofyuen
I have tiered pricing in place and found it to be beneficial.
All of my work are originals, and even the handmade cards are all different - being made and cut by hand with different wording and colours of the 3D raised rabbit images.
I am looking at bringing in some new product lines whilst maintaining cohesiveness - after all - I mainly sell lagomorphia!! I have some textile ornament ideas I am currently working on.
I have just added my 'new baby' cards for the fur-baby (or non-fur-baby) in your life with real fluffy diapers and safety pins. They are pretty cute - have a look
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
Different people are attracted to different ranges in my shop (and it is wonderful when they let me know too!) and it is nice to be able to offer this variety. I am glad to say that all my ranges have sold well.
I would like to offer prints of my ACEOs and I am concerned about the reproduction quality, so I am researching the options.
thanks for asking for my opinion, another great article from etsy!
dragonhouseofyuen
Great point by neawear!!
especially this bit - (thank you!)
Because "upgrading" works too, even in hard economic times! You just have to be ready to be patient that the right buyer will come along eventually! :)
OutOfSomething
Thanks for the hints! I've been having a rough time starting up! The more I work on narrowing my product line, the more I branch out! I'm afraid my items aren't cohesive enough for the right people to find me! Any help?!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
Thanks again!
budpnq
Great article! This is actually something I began to do this week. All of my items are under $40 already, but I've begun a new line of items under $15 and put them in one Section. Not sure how this will affect sales, but I'm happy to offer them and will continue to do so :D
juicychristians
This is a really great article! I am working on offering pieces at different price points. I also have a few different product lines so I think I am good in that area. I do think I have a niche and am working on fine tuning that. Again, thanks!
thelonebeader
I am working on adding more items at different price ranges! :D
Sinta
This is great advice! Thanks again for guiding us sellers to the right direction :)
OmadKramsky
Great!! This is my vision:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php...
thequeenofcups
Thanks, mary, for the great tips. I'm pretty new but am trying to list some cards under $5 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?... while the most are at $6http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19693599 I started making tagshttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19769943, too, which obviously cost less than cards, but are more expensive than my competitors! We'll see how that works out!
worksofwhimsy
Definately something to think about as I refocus my shop after Feb 10th.
artichokey
I loved the suggestions in this article. I am trying really hard to improve the appeal of my shop. So I went to update my shop sections using these suggestions and to my surprise and disappointment, characters like "$" or "( )" are not allowed. Hmph. I think the limitations on the sections feature need some work to make ideas like tiered pricing more user friendly.
strangelittleduck
This article is right! I have zombie shirts that sell like CRAZY around halloween, but they contnue to make sales throughout the year, for birthdays or just-because gifts. It really is a good tactic to focus on a holiday, but also make sure it can be marketed throughout the year.
crochetgal
I've started teaming up with various soap makers with these
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
and listing them in larger quantities at a substantial discount as well. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
It was in collaboration with a fellow Etsian that this product was developed for her shop!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
KalliopeGifts
Spot-on great article!
This shop is my gift line of Kalliope Jewelry, which is a pricier line. They're both poetically inspired though!
poorpitifulpearl
This is great info. I just recently started pricing with tiers. I now have tops that I sell for 29.99 and it draws alot of people in who are on tighter budgets but like the vibe of my shop. I am now trying to muster up something I can offer for gifts.... clothing is tough to buy for gifts, so I am dabbling with totes and vagabond bags and such.... but the gift thing I still need to expand on...articles like this make it more clear to me... that I need to be expanding my target customer.
thanks for the pep talk in 2009---- Im inspired!
LittleMamasDesigns
Great ideas. I love this series of articles. It can be difficult to meld the artisticlly-creative with financially-creative sides together sometimes. These ideas help out a lot. Appreciate it!
PDXfabricdeli
Great picks and very informative.
For the new year I will add my own special treasures...little cards, satchels and delightful treasures.
jcjewelrydesign
Thank you so much! You always provide very helpful information!!!
HAREandDRUM
I have been reluctant to add typically seasonal items. The tip about simply retaking photos or rewriting descriptions to get the buyer in the mood for the seasons' shopping is awesome! Thank you for this!
RotsinaCreations
Thanks for this article. There are so many great tips list here; I sure would use these advices for my shop. My items can definitely fall in the category of gifts-I should perhaps expand on this. Thanks again!
delightdesign
In terms of item lines - I've done both things - introduced tiered pricing AND a new line for the new year (mini valentine's day cards). So far it's working very well for me. I'm still fairly new to etsy, and have been trying a variety of things to see what works best. Having multiple options in terms of price point has been a good choice.
Thanks for the great article!
thelittlebrownwren
Thanks for the suggestions! Also, great picks...I want to try that complexion soap!!
theaxx
This article has inspired me. I have a pair of red socks with little white hearts on it.. I am off to create a little masterpiece!!
www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com
Thanks Etsy!
pinkbuttercreme
My holiday items are always popular. I usually focus on keeping the "current" holiday front and center..this article inspired me to try keeping the not so current holidays up as well...and as see what happens!
pamglew
bravo for another great article! thanks,
I'm thinking of ways to give people more choice for my shop...... lots of creative ideas here, i just love the etsy community for sharing ideas
Glitzer
useful points.... in fact i am currently trying to revamp my sights... will bare these points in mind during my revamp..... useful tips!
TheHappyPots
Just started my shop this week, and found the artical very helpful, will add some less expensive pots maybe as soon as this weekend. Still working on getting the pictures where they need to be. :) I wish that we had a tab/space to leave feedback where more experience shop owners could give us feedback on what we are doing right and what we not doing so well... Would love to sell our first pot!!
preppypeach
Love the article and advice - working on Spring hats and accessories now; I also look at what the retail stores are doing as well and they already have Spring displayed (I live in the South) - I don't want to fall into the trap of "seasonal" only.... I was selling like mad through New Years and now it's a little slow...normal?? I'm new on Etsy...
Thanks again! Lori Jo/Preppy Peach Boutique
www.preppypeach.etsy.com
treefox
i just did that first tip recently & it's helped so much! all are very great suggestions! thanks!
suza
Thank you for this article....I'm not very familiar for the promotion of my production....
greenWinkle
Great ideas! Adding a Valentine's Day tip was a good one. Thanks.
pagepottery
all things i need to do, but just haven't made time for!
a true procrastinator!
but i gotta' get with it!
hilariagalleries
you make excellent points and this is something I've been working on for quite a while now. thanks for the awesome tips!
MyJunkyTrunk
Fantastic tips! I've learned that it's really important to diversify your product line for a broader appeal. For example, many of the most popular and successful shops seem to start out with one product, like maybe art or stationery, but later they add keychains, totes, calendars, and coffee mugs! That way, there is something for every kind of buyer. I love it! I am working now to add more variety to my Etsy shop, so articles like these really help. Thanks so much for sharing!
AJKArtistry
This was great! I recently added $1.50 gift tags to my shop of $3-$4 greeting cards and they started selling right away! Even some as add-on sales!
Isabelcards
Thaks for the idea. We do some of this with our notecards. Actually, we offer greeting cards for $2 individually, and blank notecards for $1.50 to $2, then offer those same notecards in a 6 pack for $7.50. We even have some mixed packs. .....
risingphoenixtoys
EXCELLENT ideas! I'm going to work tiered pricing into my next line!
WanderlustBling
Great ideas. Keeping customers and their price points in mind is a great business strategy.
designstash
I love reading everyone's input and great ideas! I have noticed that customers coming to my shop are interested in very girly custom banners, so with my first daughter on the way, I decided to introduce new products appealing to girls and mothers of girls ~ all with very different price points!
Thank you for the great articles! They always give me extra motivation to continue on this handmade adventure! :))
fireflyforge
Excellent points! I hadn't quite had the realization that categories beyond just rings and earrings were needed, but this opens a whole new window on ways to group things so that they have the most appeal.
Exclusivedesigns
I just had my second sale. I was very please and so were the customers. I am thinking of adding postcards with my photos and art work photos too.
Mimiandlola
Thanks for the great info! I always look forward in reading Etsy's weekly tips!
Lily1010
Hello Marymary,
As a spoof and for some humour, I added "swine flu designer masks" to my etsy back in the later part of April. Talk about tags. The site got over 2,000 hits within 3-4 days. If you were to have googled the above term at one point during that time frame, I would have been #4 on the first page. Tags really do work.
mammysshop
This is great info. My shop seems to be off to a slow start but i will try some of these suggestions and not get discouraged.
EricSuch
Awesome stuff. I'll be working on adding Pricing Tiers to my shop asap! It seems to be a must with Original Oil Paintings, to also have Prints, and Studies (smaller, cheaper paintings done quicker) in order to Tier the giant price gap.
4jan
Love the article ideas and the posts!! I will try... anyone who wants eco-friendly re-usable fabric gift bags or little girls seasonal and different styled bows check out my shop!
blackrockdesign
As someone new to Etsy, it's great to find articles like this to help. Thanks!
AgShap
I never stop learning. Getting started on Halloween now! thanks.....
mojospastyle
This was some great info. I have decided to expand the selection of lower priced items in my store to get more sales while still being able to sell my couture handbags.
DesignsByRobynLove
never thought of listing all the different options in a line. Maybe just expecting the customer to ask...but now I see that I should really list it. Thanks



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