Adding completely different section.

[Former_Member]

I started out making fleece blankets, then moved on to wood and rock candle holders and zen gardens. Last night I wanted to learn to make earrings, so I taught myself and now added an earring section. Does your shop make one type of thing or various? Does one section sell more than the others? I will be curious to see what sells. P.S. I made my 2nd and 3rd sale last night! :)

[Former_Member]

I sell crocheted baby blankets, and just recently I added iPod Touch covers. So far I've sold 8 blankets since I opened in February of last year, and I haven't sold any of the covers. In fact, quite a few of them haven't even had any views! But I tell myself that it's ok, because if they don't sell I can always use them for my iPod! :)

And congrats on your sales!!! It's such a wonderful feeling, isn't it? :)

[Former_Member]

I was getting really bummed at only having one sale a month ago. I made my whole day! :)

[KaysKollectible]

This brings up a great question! I have been thinking about opening another shop on Etsy to branch out into other areas, perhaps some handmade items (my shop is Vintage items).

What's the thinking out there on whether or not you just keep adding sections, or open a different shop?

[JDsBowCreations]

I don't know if I am going to answer your question appropriately because I am a little new to Etsy and I just concentrate on one craft. What I can tell you is that when I look at a shop and see a bunch of different things-jewelry, photos, stained glass, vintage, etc. it has a tendency to turn me off. It seems as though the artist cannot make up his//her mind as to what to make or just looking for any type of sale. I would think that starting another shop would be the way I would go.

[KaysKollectible]

Jan: Interesting comment...never thought of it that way. Only problem with opening new shop is you can't take your feedback with you, so it's like starting all over.

[Former_Member]

Suggestion....You can custom arrange your shop.
So if you have a few secondary things, put them in their own shop section, and move the posts to your last page. People will still find them by shop section, tags and SEO.
Meanwhile, your shop front page looks cohesive.

[Former_Member]

Regarding feedback, you have to disclose all your shops. Your potential buyers can check your feedback at your other shops. Make sure you link all your shops on each one.

May I make a suggestion to the OP? I'm pretty new at making earrings too. I've learned that buyers want to know what type of materials you're using - especially the ear wires. Some people are allergic to certain metals and need to know when those are being used.

[Former_Member]

Oh my gosh, I ddn't even think to list the metal used - Doh! Thank you for the reminder. I hate to say it, but I am not sure what kind, it just came in a standard earring making kit. I put silver as I was thinking the color silver, not the metal. Shoot! I will have to check that out tonight. (Smacking hand on forehead...)

[KaysKollectible]

Magraf: Brilliant! Didn't know you could move listings to back...thanks!

[Former_Member]

Cindy, if they're in an earring kit you got from the craft store, they're probably nickel, or silver plated brass. My ears are highly sensitive to base metals, so putting that in the description will help your buyers out tremendously.

If I don't see what the ear wires are made of in a description, I move on.

[Former_Member]

Hi Erin,
I added a "Allgery Warning" to the description as I am also very sensitive to most metals. Thanks for the tip! :)