✦ Dec.12 @ 11:30am: Let's Celebrate! Top Ten Things You Learned this Season

[#1]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
__________________________________________________

Subject: Let's Celebrate! Top Ten Things You Learned this Season
When: Monday, December 15th @ 11:30am (EST)
Where: etsy.me/labs
__________________________________________________

On Monday, December 15th at 11:30am (EST) we'll be hosting the last live video session of the year in the Online Labs.

Sellers, share the top 3 things you've learned this Holiday season. We'll then highlight some of your findings during an informative and celebratory 30 minute session on Monday the 15th in the Online Labs - etsy.me/labs

[TodoPapel]

The 3 things I learned this Holiday season are

1) Create a calendar plan with goals and deadlines
By keeping your business organized you will save on late nights working when you would rather be with family or friends.

2) Follow proper business etiquette - don't make it into your customer's naughty list
Not everyone follows the same Holidays or Religions - if unsure then just play plain Jane

3) Give back by getting involved in your local charity
Volunteering or donating money to a good cause will not only be beneficial for the people you’re helping, it can also increase morale on those participating and the community‘s opinion of your business.

[Former_Member]

I can't find the online lab that is mentioned above. It just says that none are scheduled. Should I be looking elsewhere? I am on the West coast. Thanks.

[Former_Member]

I learned to be careful about fair and sales events since the real winner is actually the organizer. So I learned to ask a lot of questions about clientele and number of attendants, type of events and so on. At the end, I am better of organizing my own even with very little affluence.

[Former_Member]

I've learned that when I help my community, the community helps me back(:

[Former_Member]

Hi folks,

This event has now passed. Visit etsy.me/labs in the next couple of days to see the archived video!

Jazmaraz - you posted your comment at 12:25pm EST, the live event was at 11:30 am EST. You can take a look back at the Labs page (see above) to view the recorded video. Hope that helps!

[Former_Member]

Hello Everyone

Looking forward to being part of the Team.

HarrellsPlusFashions

[CrystalFallsAttic]

Hello,
I can't wait for the last video. All of them have been SO helpful. 3 things I have learned that have REALLY helped:

1. Give a shipping cut off date
2. Give that extra little something i.e.: Coupon
3. COMMUNICATION with your customers

Thank you for all the help and a GREAT SEASON!

[thelavenderpear]

1. Make sure your photo's are the best they can be
2. The more items you have the more you will attract viewers to your shop
3. Make sure you have great tags...

[Bravina]

I. I began stocking my most popular items sooner

2. I increased my 'promotion' dollars to $l.00 per day for the whole month of December. My sales increased 3 times what they were last year. Worth every penny.

3. I used tags in the language of my most popular overseas countries.

Thank you ETSY for the wonderful opportunity you offer sellers.

[Former_Member]

I thought once the beginning of December hit, most holiday shopping was already done. Oh how wrong I was! Next year I will have plenty of items ready for those last minute shoppers who purchase the week before Christmas.

[Former_Member]

I have learned so much the past couple months. I opened in March, but I didn't begin my shop until recently, I felt so intimidated. Now, I wish I'd started sooner! lol
I've learned:
:to keep changing up titles and tags
:LOTS about taking good pics, and that it's true: good, bright pics DO help.
:coupon codes- use them.
:what pricing works for my items and my area
:etsy is also a fun place to BUY! lol (got my son a reasonably priced gift he loves)
:balancing networking, using social media, with making new pieces
: don't get discouraged, but work more hours at getting my shop name and work out there instead

there is more, I'm sure, but I need more coffee :)

[Former_Member]

I am not very good at the computer. Really having a hard time with getting on the social site and what do you do after that. Next question how do you get on a blog and what is a blog? Just having a hard time learning a new language. Thanks.

[fluidinkletterpress]

1. I learned (from a wholesaler I visited) that your eyes and tastes for your industry are perhaps 2 years ahead of the trends of the general public's. So, while you may be producing something that you feel is on trend and now because you are immersed in your particular field, the general public and shoppers may not quite be there yet. This happened to me with my neon range of Christmas cards. I designed and printed a range of neon pink and green last year and they weren't received as well as I thought. But this year, sales increased and hopefully next year - although they will be 2 seasons 'old' fingers crossed, they will do even better!
2. For Christmas items (specifically for use at Christmas), traditional red is the best selling colour.
3. streamline your postage. It takes a while to work it out when you first start but when you get a method and all postage resources are in one place, this are much quicker.

[bespokeeffects]

This was my first Christmas on Etsy. I learned this:

1. Don't over promise.
2. Answer all questions.
3. Purchase shipping materials ahead of time.
4. Stay calm.
5. Take breaks.
6. Stay focused.
7. Keep popular items in stock.
8. Enjoy the season!

[Former_Member]

Great ideas and attitude thanks

[Former_Member]

O, Hi Michael!

A blog is an online journal of sorts, a place to write about your interests, experiences, etc to share with online subscribers. Some blogs have a really great readership. If you could find a blog online that your target demographic might read you could ask if they could feature your shop. It would be a great way for some exposure of you and your shop!

Also, if you'd like to start your own blog for free try, https://wordpress.com/.

Hope this helps. I love your Daliesque jewelry box!

[IndigoCanyonSoap]

My big lesson is to never underestimate your sales potential the first year. I'm fairly new to Etsy. I've been a member for over a year, but really did not start adding product until about June/July. I did not think we would do as well as we did. I had all my packing materials, and accessories, but sold out and/or became dangerously low on product and panicked. It's a good problem to have, but I would feel much more comfortable had I had a little more wiggle room. We squeaked through, but i'll be ready next season!

[ArtOnAJourney]

There are a few things I am happy I did:
1.) I started ordering supplies in October, so happy I did this.
2.) Due to an event the beginning of December I started printing in early November to stock up my inventory. I was only caught short once when an order came through shortly after and hadn't re-stocked.
3.) Started re-photographing in early September to have a more cohesive shop.

Things I wish I had done:

1.) Started printing in October. As my listings grow, it takes a long time to have enough inventory.
2.) Had plunged into Pintarest and Instagram. I think my sales would have been stronger.

Overall I'm pleased after my first full year. A lot to consider for 2015.

[WhatnotGems]

The better my photos the better my chances of an item selling.

Descriptions are key

Shipping promptly helps me stay on top.

[CalicoRoseStudio]

Really excellent information. Thank you all.

[Former_Member]

I've learned that:

1. You have to be prepared for the holiday season. Waiting until December to purchase, create and stock holiday themed items is a big mistake. Start way in advance. I mean, way in advance! I'm currently planning for Valentine's Day and Spring.

2. You have to do a little extra coddling. People are overwhelmed with sales and discounts from every store on earth at this time of year. A little extra attention to your customers during the busy seasons goes a long way.

3. Insure EVERYTHING you ship. It's crazy how many packages can go missing this time of year. Covering yourself allows you to offer better customer support to your buyers without losing money.