Shop Critique

[Former_Member]

If you would like some advice don't be afraid to ask!

[Former_Member]

I would appreciate any critique of my shop.
thanks in advance

[Former_Member]

Hi Kevin,
I think you have a very neat shop! That being said there are definitely a few areas of improvement.

Backgrounds: Treasuries are a big way to get noticed. The more noticed you become the more sales you get. Now one way to have people chose you for treasuries is to have consistent, bright backgrounds. Also in some of your backgrounds they are kind of dirty which distracts from your item.

A great quick fix is to grab a box,some glue 2 pieces of white construction paper, some lights and build a studio. Paste one of the white pieces of construction paper to the box. put the other on your table,countertop or wherever you are shooting. Get enough lighting to make bright, clear photos.

Inventory get busy buying or if you have more get busy listing. 100 is the magic number, you have listed the quicker the sales role in.

Your S.E.O needs work! for this listing...http://www.etsy.com/listing/112235681/exotic-hardwood-heirloom-vintage-panel

tags like "wooden","car","plane" do nothing to get you noticed on Etsy or in google. You need to use google adwords and group your words

example old toy,old vintage toy,wooden toy car,wooden toy truck,wooden toy plane.wooden toy,toy wooden,...think of phrases someone might type into google to find your item.

Also you should open up to international buyers, more then half my sales go over seas and I rarely have any issues

I hope that helps! good luck and let me know how it goes!

[Former_Member]

Thanks a million Chris!
I'll get back after I make some sdjustments
Kevin

[EpiphaniesAfield]

Hi Chris--if we want to offer someone help with a shop, we can click some place to view the keywords used in order to offer a critique. I don't remember where to click...

[Former_Member]

Hi Tanya click on an item. Go to the bottom left click on show item details.

[Former_Member]

Ooh ooh, critique my shop! I'm sure I'm struggling everywhere.. lol

[DoorCountyVintage]

I'll gladly give you a critique in the morning time so I am lucid enough to really help :)

[Former_Member]

I'm so confused by these time stamps. Yours says 2:26 am but my clock says 2:15 am! @Chris Tanck, are you from the future?!? Do they say "Holy cow!!" in the future??

[Former_Member]

@Kevin:
Hey! I just took a look at your shop! Your stuff looks like it would take a TON of time to make! Kudos to you!

My first observations were that some of your pictures seemed really busy. If you go to the front page of Etsy you'll notice all of the featured items usually have a simple white background. I don't think you need to get rid of any of your pictures, maybe just try to move one with a simple background to the front of the listing so maybe you can make it to the front page! :)

Okay, also, I clicked on your Policis, and there were none? Do you not have any? LOL! Might want to fill that in - I buy a lot of stuff on Etsy and almost always read the shops policies first.

Most importantly, move the info about providing a toy to kids in the hospitals to your Announcement on the front of your shop! That's great info! People love that stuff! I read some other boards where people are always talking about making charitable donations. Tis the season for gift giving so let people know!
Toodles!

(P.S. when you type in CAPS LOCK it looks like you are yelling.)

[DoorCountyVintage]

Hi Jill,
First off I like your shop and candles are very cool.

Here goes critique time..

Inventory: As I said in prior posts the key to success is to reach 100 items and try and maintain (which I have been struggling to do myself..lol)

Photos: Backgrounds should be white and well lit. A good trick is to buy a large piece of construction paper,find a box and glue that piece to the box the get another piece of white construction paper and set it on the table and position the box as close up or far back on the table paper as you need. Get as much lighting as you can, the brighter the better as long as you dont wash out your product.
Your current backgrounds distract from your problem and give the illusion of a yellow tint.

Shipping charges: nearly $14.00 for a candle seems a bit excessive and may turn buyers off

Shipping International: You are severely limiting your options only shipping to the US.

I hope this helps! keep me updated on your progress!

From the future,
Chris

[Former_Member]

Ugh, you tell me how to ship a 3 pound candle cheaper than $14 and I will gladly do it. I've tried everything.

[DoorCountyVintage]

Have you tried a USPS flat rate box? The listing I was looking at said 1 pound 8 oz. for $14.00. Perhaps I misread?

[Former_Member]

Hi Chris,
I would love a shop critique!
Hopefully there will be good news mixed in with the not so good news!!
Go for it, and I'll be a good sport.
I'm looking forward to it!
Laurie

[Former_Member]

My candles range from 1-3 pounds. The weight doesn't matter because I put them all in flat rate boxes. With insurance it is $13.95. Every. Single. Time.

[DoorCountyVintage]

Try a shipping tube of appropriate size and see if there is any change in price because alot of time the "flat rate" is higher then the normal rate. Also first class gets to its destination in almost a speedy fashion as priority. Also if need be you could go parcel. If you can get those shipping rates down I'm sure you'd generate more interest!

Chris

[Former_Member]

I know my pictures aren't always great but any advice for me?

[DoorCountyVintage]

Hi Drew,

Ok first of all love the concept,items and banner of your shop!

Now for the critique..

Obviously we both know your photos need work!

Backgrounds..Get yourself a large white 30 cent piece of construction paper and you are set since you shoot over the top.

Lighting..You need more or better lighting! Perhaps invest in a set of LED light box lights. Also you may want to turn up the exposure on your camera because you can always edit to lower exposure but when you are too low
there is really no way to fix it. For coins detail is everything so this really is a must!

International shipping.. You are really robbing yourself of a HUGE opportunity to ship worldwide! Like those here who love to collect foreign coins in other places, especially Australia and Asia this is just as common a practice! You could increase your business ten fold with this change alone!

Other then those issues you are doing quite well as far as I am concerned!

Hope that helps! Keep me updated!
Chris

[DoorCountyVintage]

Laurie your turn,

Beautiful shop! Your photos are "treasury ready" in most cases!
Your products are very cool and your banner is excellent!
Your titles and Keywords are good.

The only issue I see is International shipping..do it!...lol

[Former_Member]

Thanks Chris!
I will keep working on the pics and items. Just got to over 100, and trying to add a few things every few days.
I have set myself a goal to do a treasury a day.
Here is today's- it's climbing the treasury pages- now on page 5!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA0OTQxNDN8MjcyMTEyMjUzMQ/a-few-of-my-favorite-reds-for-christmas?ref=...

give it some love, team mates!!
Laurie

[Former_Member]

Hi, I would really love some feedback. I know I can improve my banner and the amount of items I have in stock, but any other feedback?

Thanks! :)

[DoorCountyVintage]

Hi Katie,

I am swamped right at this second but if you come back around 6 pm central I will have a full critique of your shop for you! :)\

[DoorCountyVintage]

I havnt forgotten you Katie I'm still a bit swamped but as soon as I'm free you are my number 1 priority!

[DoorCountyVintage]

Katie,

First and foremost I love your shop so far and can see your passion in every piece! I love the banner and the fact you ship worldwide!

Now for the critique...

Photos I love your backgrounds they are workable but you need more lighting and to turn you exposure up on your camera to really make your listings pop!

Obviously.. Inventory. It is real important when you recover from your tragedies you get real motivated and get 100 items listed a.s.a.p once you do you will see an increased exposure on google and etsy!

Your item titles..100% wool Hand knit fishnet mug cosy in pink

I would first put.. Handmade Pink Mug Cosy Fishnet 100% Wool..

Put what your buyers would be looking for first and repeat it in the first line of your description
to get more views, also I would capitalize the first letter of each word in the title. It just stands out more.

Tags..Think of tags in the mindset of a buyer. What would your buyer place in search to find your items?

Things like ,wool ,yarn ,mug, cup ,cosy, cozy, wooden ,buttons ,cosies ,
I would steer clear of and add as many multi word tags as you can.....wooden buttons,handmade cup cosy,handmade cup cozys,cup cosy handmade,cup cozy handmade,mug warmers etc...

I hope these help you! Let me know how it goes :)
Chris

[Former_Member]

Thank you Chris, that is great advice and I will get to work straight away! I agree with everything you have said, sometimes it just takes another person to point them out, which is why teams like this are great!