No I didn't meet my goal last year or the past few years, but I did this year!
I'd opened this shop in June 2011 with hopes to sell jewelry that year. I only just got the opportunity to stock this shop in July of this year.
My advice, from my three shops over the years here on Etsy, would be:
- Getting as much listed as possible is really important, and continue to list through the holidays (people do buy Christmas day! and the day after, all hours of the day, etc). People can't buy it - if it isn't listed.
Like Stef and Mark mentioned,
- If you can, think about using and offering the upgraded postage options. People do use them!
In the USA you can order postage supplies, and print labels through Etsy or Paypal - with a small discount.
Express and Priority padded envelopes are great!
The upgrade shipping supplies ship free to your home, they have built in insurance and tracking, and with text message and email updates available.
https://store.usps.com/store/Just be sure to know the usage rules to avoid any overdue fees. As well as know the cut of dates for timely delivery - be honest with your buyer and never promise an impossible delivery time. You may lose a sale but you can also avoid buyer disappointment.
And if you don't use all the supplies you order, just return some to a post office for others to use. Recently, I was only able to ship an express package thanks to someone bringing supplies to my local post office. :)
- Also, it's a simple thing but answer conversations/contacts from buyers as soon as possible, even if it's just to say you will need to contact them with information later in the day, etc. Be polite even if the information is in your shop already. Some buyers just like to know you are there for them during the ordering process.
