Researching pitfalls before opening!

[Former_Member]

I've never used etsy before, not even as a buyer! I'm still learning how the site works, what it looks like, and narrowing down choices of which kind of art to sell. I am a jack of all arts ranging from painting (watercolor/ink/oils) to chainmaille to felt.... trying to figure out if its better to have lots of smalls, or spend my time on larger projects to sell at higher prices.

In other words, my shop is nowhere close to ready for business! Since my product isn't ready yet, I'm researching for the best advice I can find on all topics new shop related.

Specifically, what is the one thing you wish someone had warned you about before committing to opening a shop? Also, what item (or type of item) in your shop is the best seller?

[SandysLeaf]

Julia,

I did not know about etsy until last February and was nervous about opening a shop, but now I am happy I took the chance.
I think you would have a better range of customers if you could do both big and small. As a buyer I like art, but can not afford to buy the big ones so I have to settle for small. Other people who have lots of money will buy the larger ones. This is only my opinion.
I have only been opened four months and so far have not found anything negative. My best seller is my brass items.

[CountryChicDesignss]

Julia,

The best thing I found out that I wish I had known from the beginning was that using Etsy shipping is cheaper than the post office. I did not believe it would be true but it is easier and cheaper! I tested it out. I bought a small kitchen scale from target so I could weigh my items before I mailed them because it asked what the weight was and this way I didn't over pay in shipping.

Also, when you do start to post items in your shop don't post them all at once because you will not show up in the search as frequently.

But Sandy is right, you need to make sure to have a wide range of pricing/sizes to appeal to a wider audience. Some people want expensive bigger items, other want smaller cheaper items.

Good Luck to you!