5 Things I've Learned

Hi everyone! I wrote a blog post today about 5 things I've learned about selling on Etsy that I wish I could go back and tell myself when I was just starting out. The article is here if you'd like to check it out...
http://saltcityspice.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-5-things-you-should-know-about.html

What have you learned from being an Etsy seller? Anything surprise you?

Have a great Monday,
Katrina
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Former_Member
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Great blog post SaltCity :) I'm seeing the same thing. I'm finding it more and more interesting trying to get out there and network. That is what has surprised me the most just how much networking you end up doing.

Another is the amount of time it takes to run an Etsy Shop and the fact that you are forever learning!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

That was a good read. and I'm looking forward to cooking/Etsy/Life tips!!! I'm following! Gimme the good stuff ;~)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

I love your post. Its the kind of stuff I love reading! Beautiful proffesional blog!
Following you via twitter, facebook and google! ;)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Great tips, thanks for the info!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

As always, wonderful post!!! I wish you could set my blog up for me. Yours looks awesome!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Thank you all! Glad you're finding this helpful :)

SpringWood - the networking thing has been so surprising for me, and a big learning curve. I think the term "independent business" is a misnomer - being an Etsy seller is so much easier when you have a support group of teammates to share creative inspiration. And yes, forever learning is right!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Thanks for sharing, I'm checking out your blog. Now for the questions...

I've learned that being an Etsy seller is not as easy as just posting and running. There is a lot of work to maintaining a professional appearance on our shops. I am by no means perfect but I do the best that I can and implement what I learn as I go. I think that if people would just take the time to get to know me as a seller they would learn that my jewelry is about more than just making money. I design because I love it and sell because I want to share what I love. The only thing that has surprised me so far is that there are a lot of people on etsy that don't care if they make any kind of profit and sell their products dirt cheap and others that are all about profit selling their products for so much that no one could afford it. I know the handmade market is vast and there will be different prices and viewpoints. I just think that these two points are two extremes that take away from what us honest sellers have to offer.
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

great insights, Katrina! My experiences on Etsy have helped me grow so much as a creative person, and I am forever grateful to Etsy and the Etsy community for that growth :-)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Thanks for sharing! Going to read it now! :o)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Good thoughts presented well on your blog. sometimes wish I had one myself, but everything has been said so well by others, why bother....thanks
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

saltcityspice says

Thank you all! Glad you're finding this helpful :)

SpringWood - the networking thing has been so surprising for me, and a big learning curve. I think the term "independent business" is a misnomer - being an Etsy seller is so much easier when you have a support group of teammates to share creative inspiration. And yes, forever learning is right!
----------------------------------
networking has never been my strong point but I'm quickly jumping on! The support of my teammates has helped beyond what I would have ever thought :)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Sisterly - constantly learning here too! I've found that sometimes low prices mean that someone hasn't actually sat down to figure out their costs or used some of the Etsy tools to help. Some might be surprised to see it all on paper and realize just how much time and money goes into creating, listing, and shipping one product from start to finish. I agree though that that can sometimes be frustrating for someone who knows what they need to charge in order to pay themselves fairly for their time & materials, but in my experience I've found that customers will pay more to get more too. It sounds like you're passionate about your products and I'm sure customers will see that as well.

Judith - Blogging definitely isn't for everyone, but if you were to start I'm sure you could put your own spin on things through your unique experiences. For me, my blogs is another creative outlet to write and explain a bit more about my products and ideas, but it's definitely not for everyone :) Anyway, it's more than ok to just read blogs too without writing one!

Thanks again for your comments everyone - I like hearing what other's have learned too.
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

This is fabulous Katrina! I love your upbeat attitude and I love your spices : )
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Former_Member
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Such a good post! Thanks for sharing, SaltCitySpice.
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

GREAT blog post. Love your blog....awesome banner! Left my comment there :)
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Former_Member
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Awesome post - all things I've discovered as well since opening up shop on Etsy!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Thanks for sharing...........good tips!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Thank you everyone for your comments here and on the blog!
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Former_Member
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Great post (and blog in general for that matter). Now I'm off to go try to generate that "stream of non-stop chatter" you eluded to. Thanks again for the tips.
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

thanks for the post! i have learned the same things in a few short months..it def. takes alot of time and effort, as any new business venture entails. After helping my husband start his new business (which is still in the process! lol) I learned quite a bit. The support team on etsy sure does help alot! and knowing what sells/what dont sell. Thanks again!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Great post! I had NO idea what I was getting myself into just 3 months ago when I listed my first item!! But I'm learning something new every day. The learning curve is WAY, WAY bigger than I ever imagined, but I think that's actually what I love about it. Keeps it interesting on every level...creatively, from a business aspect, marketing, etc...whew!!!
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

Great Post! I think a lot of new Etsyians would do very well to read your advice that you have very generously compiled. I see a lot of posts like 'I Feel Like Giving Up' - when I was a new seller I really thought if I listed it, they would come - errrrm, NO, the listing is just the beginning!
I'm taking a long view on this whole Etsy shop thing - most business ventures don't make a profit in their first year, if your still going my year 3, then well done, again, most businesses don't make it this far. I've just about broken even this year (most of my sales are private commissions - I want my Etsy shop to do well but I know it will take time to find out what sells and to build up contacts).
Once again - thank you for sharing - it's one of the best things about Etsy - people sharing their expertise - Feels like doing an MBA in Craft sometimes!
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Former_Member
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

This was so helpful and relieving to hear. Being the new Guy on the block isn't easy to begin with but its so much easier when you read others have gone through bumps in the road getting started too. Thank you for some great insight ;0)
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Re: 5 Things I've Learned

love it, great work katrina!
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