We've decided to get back to basics with this Team Tip. Have you been wondering what Etsy Teams are all about, and whether or not you should join an Etsy Team? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about becoming part of the ever-growing Etsy Teams program.

What are Etsy Teams?
Good question! You can find a lot of information on what Teams are and what they do in this informative article.

I love Etsy, but I'm a buyer... Can I join a Team?
Absolutely! Many Etsy Teams welcome Etsy buyers who simply love handmade items and want to promote Etsy.com and the Team as a wonderful place to shop! It's also wonderful for buyers to belong to Teams to get to know their favorite artists a little better. There's also a buyer-only Team, Etsy Patrons, that's welcoming new members!

Why should I join an Etsy Team?
There are many reasons to join a Team! Teams are formed to share skills, network with other artists, promote your shop, meet other Etsy members where you live, or just branch out socially to other people on the site! Etsy Teams often work together to promote their shops as a group, hold Team trunk shows in the Virtual Labs, or inspire each other to make different items for their shops, with initiatives like creative challenges. Each Team is a little different, so if the first Team you join isn't the perfect one for you, don't worry! Try out another Team for size until you find ones that fits your personality, your schedule and your goals.

What kind of Team should I join?
It depends on what you'd like to get out of your Etsy Teams experience. If you'd like to meet local Etsy members, you're in luck. About half of the existing Etsy Teams are based on location — so there's a good chance that by joining your local Etsy Team, you can meet other crafty lovers of handmade where you live. If you'd rather not meet up with people in your area or if there's no active Team where you live, the good news is that the other half of Etsy Teams are not location based! There are hundreds of Etsy Teams that have formed based on medium, craft, lifestyle, general interest or just about anything you can imagine.

Once you've found a Team you're interested in, check out the "How to Join" section of the Team's profile page. For many Teams, you'll be sending a conversation to the Team leader or contact person, perhaps with a little information.

What if the Team has not gotten back to me about joining?
There are a couple of scenarios here — first and foremost, be patient and remember that Team leaders are people, too! It's a busy job, being a Team leader — many are running their Etsy shops, managing their Teams, planning Team events and countless other things, in addition to their lives outside of Etsy (life outside of Etsy?!?). It's okay for Team leaders to take a few days or even a week to get back to you about joining.

Also, sometimes Teams need a few weeks now and again to regroup, reorganize and get themselves together — it's not unusual for a Team to put accepting new members on hold. When Teams are more organized, everyone involved benefits! In addition, some Teams are juried, and this is okay, too! You and your Team want to be sure you're all a good fit. If things don't work out with one Team, don't be discouraged — there are many, many Teams that would love to have you!

If it's been a little longer than seems normal, the next step might be to contact another member or two listed on the profile page, to politely inquire if the Team is still active. You might also check any websites or blogs they have listed to see what the Team is up to. If no one from the Team gets back to you, you're left with a couple options — you can either start a new Team based on your area of interest, or you can find another Team that suits your fancy, and inquire with them.

What if I am already part of a Team?
Remember, you can join as many Etsy Teams as you have time to actively participate in. Being an active member is the key to really getting some bang for your buck with Etsy Teams. Ask your Team leader how you can get more involved to help the Team achieve its goals. If you love the Teams you're on, it's okay to branch out and join more Teams!

We love the Etsy Teams, and we're so happy with its successes to date and how fast it's growing! Teams are a fantastic way to really get to know other members of the Etsy community. For more Team Tips, please check the Teams Resource page.  Also, we discuss the Team Tips, news and ideas in the Etsy Teams email list! Keep up the great work, Etsy Teams!