Etsy's Handmade Blog
Team Tip: Shop Critiques!
Story by daniellexo, EtsyTeams, sarawearsskirts
Published on October 20, 2008 in How-To 		Photo by

Anda

Your fellow Etsy Team members can be a really valuable resource for running your Etsy shop! At this critical time of year when you're marketing your handmade wares and driving traffic to your items, you want to make sure you're really putting your best foot forward. Below are some ideas on how to take a few simple steps and really kick your Etsy shop into high gear with the help of your fellow teammates!

  1. Pick a time when several Team members can meet online. Make a chat room for your Team (you can even set a password on it, if you'd like) or use the Virtual Labs application to reserve a room in the Virtual Labs if you're expecting more than 20 members to attend.
  2. Decide if you're critiquing whole shops or just a certain aspect of shops - for example, you might focus on photography one week, tagging another, pricing another, etc.
  3. Invite some buyers! Members of Etsy who don't have shops can give great advice from a slightly different perspective! Remember not to spam buyers to get them to help your Team, but rather if your Team has members who are buyers-only, be sure to include them. Reach out to your friends and acquaintances.
  4. Keep it constructive! Remember, you want to give each other enough feedback to make the session worthwhile, but keep it useful and constructive. Try not to be negative without offering ideas for the person to improve the aspects of their shop that aren't currently in top form.
  5. Schedule a follow-up session! Plan to meet again in a week or so to check out the changes that have been made. Keep each other motivated to make improvements.
  6. If you can't all meet online at the same time, perhaps take turns making a forum thread for different members' shops with helpful tips on changes they can make.

There are a nice added benefits of shop critiques among your teammates: not only does it raise the quality of the shops you're working with to promote, but you'll get to know their shop in more detail and learn more about the items everyone is selling. This makes it easier to recommend your teammate's shops by word of mouth, increasing everyone's traffic.


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!

Tags constructive criticism, critiques, Etsy Teams, HOW-TO, improve your shop, selling, shop critiques, team building, Team Tips, Virtual Labs
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21 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 20, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. Weezawear

Joining an etsyteam is great. I've joined Etsymom. I've already learned a lot and it has helped me to gain exposure.

Oct. 20, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. BooneBooks

teams are awesome. also, critiques can really change your experience of selling here on etsy...my shop was critiqued by some admins when there was a series of critiques being done, last year at some point. it was so incredibly helpful. any feedback is so useful! great article, thanks for the suggestions.

Oct. 20, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. dogties

Teams rock... Share the love.

Oct. 20, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. SeaSideSupply

Teams are the greatest benefit on Etsy as far as I'm concerned! Safety in numbers!! Go Julie B!!!

Oct. 20, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. myshrunkenhead

Thats great advice when you live in the sticks.
Thanks.

Oct. 20, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. designsbywendyt

I've learned SO MUCH from my team members! I love them! :)

Oct. 20, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. nanouke

My team, European Street Team, has the most wonderful, unique, funny and loving sellers on Etsy.
I don't know what I would do without their support. Translating, cheering up, featuring me on treasuries.. A lot of good karma there!

If you don't live in Europe, I advise you to do so, so you can join us crazy girls (and boy).

Oct. 20, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. Hatdiva

I joined EtsyFast awhile ago. I wanted to be a part of a group, and add awareness for my product. Though with a busy toddler I haven't figured out how to make it work for me yet. I never have time to go to chat rooms. Though I do know my major points to improve on are photography (especially with a live model!) and more listings. I learned that from the forums critiques. I never realized a team could be helpful with this as well.

Oct. 20, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. Dynamicarthouse

Hi Everyone,
I am very very new to etsy.com I creatd my shop last week and added new items on Saturday and today. I opted to showcase in Storque on the 22nd. Would greatly appreciate any feedback or tips about my shop. I live in Co Springs CO and if any of you live near me let me know.
I have had my online business since 2001 and was introduced to Esty 10 days ago.
Thanks for all your help and if there is anything I can do to help you let me know
Smiles
Lisa

Oct. 20, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. MeghanT

I'm trying to find a team to join at the moment! I have written to a few people, and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I think teams are a great way to colaborate with other members, and get support.

Oct. 21, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. MissAnn

A very good idea for teams.

Oct. 21, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. camilita

How do I join a team? I'm very new to Etsy-just a couple of weeks- and I need all the help I can get.
I've visited with a critique chat room last week and I thought there was o lot of good advice going on.

Oct. 21, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. Dynamicarthouse

Hi Meghan,
Great idea about teams (mastermind group) I am interested let me know
BTW your jewelry is wonderful I was drawn towards your bracelet
Smiles
Lisa

Oct. 22, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. Dynamicarthouse

Stopping in to say hi to everyone
Have a super inspiring day
Smiles
Lisa

Oct. 23, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. daniellexo

Awesome tip, Sara!

Oct. 23, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. kittyd

Great idea!

Oct. 24, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. Dynamicarthouse

Have a great weekend
the weather here in Colorado is beautiful today blue skys and sunshine
Thanks so much for your comments on my store front and I welcome more.
If I can help you out in any way give me hollow at dynamicarthouse@aol.com
Smiles
Lisa

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. Mycraftgarden

Hi
Thank you for your tip

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. sycamorestreetpress

this is a great idea. i am a part of the etsy team columbus, and i need to figure out a way to be more active in it!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. Studio206

I just joined Big Sky Montana Team this last week, and it has been a wonderful experience. There is great comraderie and support. It's fun being the only male around! I look forward to putting some of the ideas in this article to work.

June 4, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. lilyofthevall77

I am looking to join a group with others in Portland, Oregon area.

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