Be Mean...er, I mean Honest.

[Former_Member]

Tell me what was one thing that stopped you from making in a purchase in the last Etsy shop that you looked at?

There you were, admiring all of the lovely things, and you thought about cracking open your wallet ... and then you decided, no. Why? Was it the price? The shipping? The store policies? Something in the seller's profile?

Without naming names, or calling anyone out, what is the one thing that will keep you from actually buying something that you want on Etsy?

:-)
Bits
"The Bulldozer"
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/the-bulldozers-guide-to-selling-on-etsy/

[LaurasLastDitch]

I saw a backpack that was AWESOME, but it was $175, and I can keep the "distressed" backpack I already own. So when it comes down to it, I guess I just didn't really need it badly enough to pay the price.

[Former_Member]

I had a zine in my cart all day and then decided against because I figured I didn't really need it.

[Former_Member]

I have walked away from lots of items because the photographs only showed one angle. I always wonder, 'what are you hiding?'

:-)

[Former_Member]

I was browsing items in my favorites last night, and came across many shops that had items I loved. After narrowing it down between 3 items, I decided to go with a certain one. I didn't base my choice on the price, shipping, or policies. I just truly loved the individuality of the item and wanted to purchase something from someone who I'd never bought from before. I have bought from the same seller more than once, but most of the time even if I really like an item from a seller's shop who I've bought from before I'll go with the shop that I haven't bought from... I just like it that way :)

[EmarcidOrchid]

There were two shops of jewelry supplies (which are probably owned by one person) that have fabulous gemstones. However when I saw the awful feedback the seller(s?) gave to the buyer, I didn't dare to buy - Most of the feedbacks from buyer are positive but most of the feedbacks from the seller are either neg. or neutral with very rude words...

[WildWildernessPhotos]

Hmm, I'd have to say first impressions of the shop will either lure me in, or turn me away. Do I like the banner and overall look of the shop? Is the photography good, (doesn't have to be amazing, but sometimes photos look really dark, or it looks like someone just threw an item on a table and snapped a picture). If those appeal to me, I will look further into the items, pricing/shipping costs. I actually haven't paid close attention to shop policies or product descriptions as much as I probably should.

[Former_Member]

Lack of funds; I need to make pittance for fun etsy purchases :)

[Former_Member]

I hear a lot about price. I understand about not having funds for something expensive. Have you ever decided that the price of something was suspiciously low?

[Former_Member]

high prices, not many items, questionable feedback, but never low prices

[Former_Member]

High international shipping, sometimes it's more than the item itself. Stopped me from buying many times.

[Former_Member]

Recently saw something I LOVED, then saw it in a store.... SO irritated. I make all of my shop items and expect that others do as well. When I find people just reselling something that was store bought as their own it makes me mad. I have to say in general I have seen a lot of this lately and it's turning me off to Etsy.... but that's another rant for another day. Oh, and I did but this particular thing in the store :)

[CalicoBloomVintage]

I've decided against an item when the shop had zero policies. It made me a little nervous. Also, when the item description includes aggressive wording...in all caps..."I'M NOT RUNNING A CHARITY." Eeeek, stop yelling at me.

[Former_Member]

For me it is a combination of things. I also consider these things when making treasuries. First, something has to grab my attention. Things that are attention grabbing for me are clean backgrounds without too many props. I don't like to see a dirty house in the background (kinda grosses me out). No, the photography does not have to be wonderful just clear not blurry. I do check feedback. If there is a recent negative I would like to know why. It doesn't turn me away unless it really is something that the shop totally did wrong. I also like to know that a shop takes customer service seriously. HERE IS THE BIGGEST: Shops that I have to figure out if they are abandoned! I have been about to buy a few times then realized "Hmmm this shop hasn't listed or renewed in a couple weeks, are they still active?" I end up emptying my cart. They are usually newer shops with few sales and feedback. New shops please add and renew at least a couple times a week, so we know you are ALIVE, it will increase your sales.

[Former_Member]

Like many of you, I'm sure, I've got tons of favourites, among which some I will eventually purchase.

The main question remains "will I really use it, wear it, or find a nice place in my house to display it"

This being said, of the favourites I have and that I will buy, what would deter me is the description: if it is not elaborate enough (not enough info on materials used nor sufficient mention of dimensions), I might find something similar somewhere else.

[Former_Member]

In my case, I am wandering around with my husband (he works on cell phone towers) from place to place for the summer. We gave up our home, sold most of our stuff and we are going to WA around the end of the month to find our new home.

Until then I am drooling... And restraining myself from buying anything until I get a home! lol

[LittleShopofElleSee]

I am really turned off by shops that have a crazy price for shipping. Why would I pay $5 for an item and then turn around and pay an extra $15 for shipping. Especially when I know it is an item that I know should not cost that much to ship.

I also do not like shops that don't have good photographs of their items. If your photos are blurry, I don't really know what the item looks like and I am going to move on. Same goes with not having enough angles or different ways of displaying the item -- such as jewelry. I find it really hard to buy jewelry when I don't have a context of how big it is or what it will look like around my neck or on my ears.

I also have to admit that I don't pay enough attention to policies, and even feedback. I should be more careful about that.

[Former_Member]

Not enough funds in my paypal account. Not really needing an item.

[Former_Member]

A couple of people have mentioned not needing an item. Etsy is full of wonders, but not many things that I really /need/.

When you are shopping on Etsy, do you usually have a specific objective in mind? Like, "today I must buy that baby shower gift for Mimi at work".

Has there ever been a time when you saw something on Etsy and thought, 'omigosh, I have never seen one of those before. But I have to have that."

[Former_Member]

Inflated shipping costs. I know shipping is more than just the stamp but also envelope, wrapping, etc. but it seemed excessive and made the item too expensive.

[sixtybeansVntg]

Shipping can be a major issue for me. Maybe I like the item a LOT, and the price is reasonable. But then a high shipping cost makes is seem overpriced. I am researching the issue for my items, one of the things that seems to take a lot of time in these initial stages of the process. Any good ideas on keeping those costs minimal?

[Former_Member]

im poor.... : (

[Former_Member]

I agree with the comments on shipping prices. As a seller my shipping price reflects the actual cost to ship via USPS - I checked it out in advance so I am not making money on the shipping. That is a real turn off for me. As a buyer I generally am looking for something specific and when I am viewing Etsy shops from my search I hone in on the ones that have unique items. There are many many duplicates out on Etsy - I look for something that makes the item unique. I try to keep that in mind when posting the items in my shop as well.

[WrappedbyDesign]

This is a great thread for learning :)

I would be put off by high costs/shipping costs, poor photos, bad feedback, but also if most of a persons items look poorly made, even if I love this one item of theirs, I would be put off.

Also, I really can't stand descriptions that put others down, for e.g. 'I am the only person on Etsy selling *Whatever Thing* at this bargain price' or something along those lines, why not just say 'this is a real bargain' no need to bring other sellers into it.

[LaurasLastDitch]

If someone is selling a vintage item and doesn't mention anything at all wrong with the item (even if it's just minor scratches), that means either there are no problems, or there are problems the person didn't mention. In my mind there's always the possibility it's the latter.