Feeling like my craft does not measure to Etsy "standards"

[Former_Member]

Hello to all,

I have to admit, I feel like I might not belong to this venue of Etsy. I made crafts and have won juried shows for years. Yet, when I look through Etsy, all I see is: Jewelry, Clothes, Knitting, Painting, Printing from a Printer, Clay, Pottery, etc.

Please, someone tell me if I am wasting my time on Etsy? I have almost 60 items to list from Christmas Wreaths, Disney Themed Hat Wreaths, Christmas Ornaments and I was going to list my Bridal creations. ( I have been doing weddings for 5 years) I am debating listing Bridal as there is so much.

This is becoming very frustrating to me. I went to vote on the Handmadeology Etsy Top 10, and again all I saw to vote on were the above. (Yes, I added my items) They are averaging around 7.92 to 8.6.

I really feel this weekend will be my decision point. I don't mean to be a downer, but am I the only one who feels this way?

Thanks for the ears,
Darleen

[Former_Member]

I think your wreathes are beautiful! I'd be careful about listing disney-themed ones... you can get into copyright issues there.

You probably aren't seeing many Christmas items yet because its out of season still... I'm new to etsy so I don't know what it will look like come fall.

Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

Would you leave the internet sales altogether? or maybe make your own website to sell from? I did one on vistaprint and it was super easy since you work from as template. I make jewelry...but I would hate to see the variety here on Etsy diminish!! Sara

[Former_Member]

Darleen,

I'm sorry you feel that way.

Are you ready to hear some harsh reality? Honestly, I don't know how anyone was going to be able to find your shop. With only six items listed, your shop gets lost in the crowd. If you already have many items made, I would list them. It's only 20 cents. List a few new items everyday so that you stay current in the searches. Take your wreath pictures outside and get some good pictures with natural light, instead of indoors with a flash.

Change your shop announcement to what you specialize in because no one will find your shop. No one is going to type : "Welcome to Vienna Sparkle" into google. So no one will find your shop through the search engines. And that is sooooo important. They are going to search something more like "Handmade Christmas Wreath" or "Shabby Chic Christmas Items". Something to that effect.

Also, if you have a blog, twitter, or facebook note all of your accalades. That gets more shop exposure. Also, coming here to the forums is great exposure.
Don't give up unless you are not willing to try harder.

I think your items are beautiful. :)

Hugs,
Diana

[Former_Member]

I think your wreaths are great. I agree - I think using natural lighting instead of a flash, and a little brightness/contrast editing in Picasa or Photoshop will make your pictures look so much better.

- Danielle

[Former_Member]

There is a definite current "look" popular here on Etsy, but the more I've explored, the more I've found wildly successful shops that have never been featured and don't fit the stereotype.

[Former_Member]

Diana,

Your words are not harsh, I welcome them. Thank you.

Danielle,
Have to admit, don't know much about photoshop. Help would be appreciated.

Sara,

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Former_Member]

I guess that bears a question or thought. Do I need to just take the word Disney out and keep the characters names. I see alot of Etsy sites that have characters and list the characters names. A few say Disney.

I googled my wreath: Disney Custom Wreath and it came up #1. Below mine listing on google, are other Disney Custom Wreath. Please advise. I love making these and they are my best sellers in shows.

Also, I do know I am "lost" with 6 items. But I needed imput and more if anyone wishes, before I go all out in my listings. I don't mind the 20 cent fee.

Thanks guys,
Darleen

[Former_Member]

I have been around here a little while and haven't come across many wreaths, you might just have found your niche! and just don't know it yet.

I was pretty naive at first on Etsy and thought that "they would all come," but it turns out that to be discovered here needs A LOT OF WORK (pretty fun work actually). Start here and follow the links

http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/the-etsy-seller-handbook-all-our-how-tos-about-selling-2...

As your shop already suggests, wreaths can prove to be a nice decoration for any occasion all year long, and themed wreaths... a must.

You could also create small items inspired by your wreath work, for example, table/mantle/shelf decorations that could sell for a lower price and attract people with a bit less money in their pockets, since lately it would appear that buyers are more cautious.

Also don't be afraid to list everything as suggested by Diana even if it is Xmas or Easter themed, there are avid collectors who buy themed creations all year long.




Since I joined and participated in some teams, my views have more than doubled. Sales haven't increased yet but I don't despair.

I'm very very shy in nature and waited too long to participate in teams. So don't delay, come in, have your say on many topics and you will see interest in your shop growing.

As for photo tips and tricks, Etsy may be the best place in the whole Internet to get sound advice and help. Just browse

[Former_Member]

Oops, inserted text at the wrong place, my post is all messy. Sorry

[Former_Member]

Handustry,

No problem with the grammar here. I was in Honor's English and I still have issues. My thoughts and words are flying faster than my hands.

Take Care and thank you so much.
Darleen

[Former_Member]

I need to check out your shop, I was busy listing my newest items when I saw this post so I'm taking a break from my promotion run to give you something.
In order for me to catch people's eye I have to blog. The best place I have gotten feedback and a soon to be customer is on Kaboodle, It's a social bookmarking site with a neat way to save items and create neat styleboards that is like making your own ad though you have to make sure you do other things besides your own stuff. And they have a 'blogazine' you blog about your pictures, items or whatever, the site is mainly for fashion but I got a LOT of followers because I talk about art, choosing paintings, sharing my work and making polls and friends there. You can't just put stuff on Etsy and think that's it. Its BIG here, find places outside to pull buyers in like Kaboodle or other bookmarking sites.

[Former_Member]

I don't think your disney/mickey wreath is a copyright infringement or problem at all. You are using pre-made disney items & plush to decorate a wreath. That is completely acceptable. If, however, you were copying their character, hand sewing a black tan & red mouse plush toy of your own, and tagging it with Disney, and calling it Mickey Mouse... that'd be a problem. :) See the difference?

But, your shop completely fits on Etsy! Perhaps it does not fit with Etsy's trendy Front Page selections or popular categories, but that doesn't mean your shop can't thrive here. You just have to market yourself and draw customers in more creatively. And use the same guidelines for tagging, item descriptions, photography, and everything else that Etsy suggests to make your shop successful. :)

I agree with others that your shop would benefit from more items to choose from and photos taken in natural lighting with a white background. :)

Best of luck!!! Don't give up!

[Former_Member]

I agree that your wreaths are very cute! I think you could do very well by spending a little bit more time on your shop. Taking pictures outside will improve the quality and it doesn't take a skilled photographer to take the pics. You do need more items. If you already have a lot created that shouldn't be a problem. And renew your items often. Since the Etsy default it to put the newest items at the top this will help people find your items on Etsy.

Best of Luck!

[Zehland]

There is such a diversity of artwork here on Etsy. If it is your passion and you make it, it fits! That's the easy part.
The difficult part is the marketing. We cannot rely on Etsy to do this for us any more than we can rely upon a craft show to sell our items for us.

The difference between a real world craft show and online is that customers cannot hold the product in their hands before purchasing, talk to us face-to-face or have an instant interaction with us. Our personalities at a show sell our work as much as the artwork itself does.
We also would most likely not show up at a show with only a handful of items, so the same applies to our shops.

To substitute for the above, we need to
1. Take great compelling photos that pull people in - since they cannot touch or see the item in person.
2. Write descriptions and titles that are keyword rich and tell everything someone might want to ask about the item.
3. Let people get to know us as much as possible in our profiles, on Facebook, by blogging, in the Teams or on Twitter. Build relationships with people online. That's what takes the place of face-to-face.
4. List as many items as possible and renew them on a regular basis.

I hope this makes sense to you. If you think of what sells your work at shows, then you'll find creative ways to substitute for that online. It's not easy, it's tons of work! But craft shows are tons of work too. :)

[opendoorstudio]

your items seem nice and well made...I believe what you have to offer is more seasonal....also it is about trying to draw business to your shop. add folks to your circle, they may return the favor.

take photos in natural light and maybe do some general summer, or floral wreaths for this time of year... or some wedding themed or gardening items.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65044148/romantic-red-wedding-day-lovers-yarn?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search...

here is an example of a shop that sells all year round! I believe the bright difused light they use helps to sell the items.
good luck and don't give up. find a team and build up some support!

[Former_Member]

dardawn,

I make wreaths too but don't sell them on etsy and mine are made with live greenery and embellishments! I love your wreaths and you do good quality work. I like the idea that you can make them year round and they won't die. There is a ton of free information on etsy in the handbook and from everythingetsy.com there's information on how to take photos and market and price things. I haven't made any sells to date but I've learned an enormous amount about how to sell and market and take pictures. To me that has been invaluable. I keep hearing about how many items you need in your shop and it seems the magic number is 100! I personally have a long way to go, but I'm not loosing hope! :) I Favorited your shop so I can see what new things you list as well as adding you to a future treasury. I wish you the absolute best in your success on etsy.

Sincerely, Belva

[Former_Member]

Hi there
I really love your wreaths, the white one in particular. I do agree with all what has been said already, its good that you have been able to talk openly here about your feelings. I've only really started to participate in threads more recently as I am a shy person so I find it rather daunting.

Although you have only a few items for sale, you are sure getting views.

Keep at it, I've only had two sales so far, I keep thinking that when people start purchasing for Christmas then it will change, so I'm waiting until I've been here for one year to decide whether to keep on going or not. So if you can, give yourself the time too.

Good luck

[Former_Member]

Yes, I think you should stay, your items are beautiful. I agree with the above, add more items and join teams to promote. It does take a lot of time and work but as handustry says it is fun work

[JeannieRichard]

We believe you should stick around, Etsy needs diversity.
We create jewelry and though its a VERY thick genre here... we believe that as long as we design OOAK work, there is bound to be people (seller & buyers alike) who appreciate the work and effort.
So same goes to your artistry.
Keep working on it, improving on your store and photos and you never know ;)

PS: We have to agree with BarbieBoutiqueBasics on the Disney theme point. Copyright and IPs can be a very tricky thing. Best steer clear of it.

Peace and All the best to you :D

[Former_Member]

Wow!!! I cannot thank you all enough for your compliments and eIncouragement. It seems I need to work on my shop and pics. Ok. I need to find out what needs to be worked on in my shop. More items? Yes. Do I need better pics? Yes. Are my descriptions well written and informative? Are my policies clear? I just learned about the importance of relisting my items. Never knew about this. I am ready to continue. If anyone sees something I need to be doing, please be specific, as I am new and need to learn the ropes. I can handle constructive critism and welcome it.

Darleen

[JeannieRichard]

Hi Darleen, we are all fellow Etsians enjoying what we make and trying to make good sales while at it, so don't sweat it ;)

Photos are really important in a 2D world here.
Because buyers cannot feel and see the actual colors, we need to feed them as much perspective views of the item.

As most would suggest, use natural lighting, as much as possible.
Flash lights would be harsh on glitter stuff and cause flares in your photos.
If you have a porch, use that as your venue. Or a place near a window that lets in nice sunlight.
You can put your lovely wreaths not only on a door, but even on a nice wooden table, or prop them up against a nice wall on the table.
Take one overview full shot, and the rest you can take different angle shots.

As Handustry suggested, browse around Etsy to get inspired.
Need not be the same kind of stuff you do, sometimes you can get inspired from something else ;)

Have fun at it, experiment!
Jeannie & Richard

[Former_Member]

Your wreathes are adorable - and the more unique, the better on etsy! If you do something no one else is doing, that's etsy gold!

You've received some great advice already.... I think with a little tweaking, you'll have a very successful shop.

Wishing you the best,
~amy

[SilverMoonBathandSpa]

Sometimes reading a thread like this is just what I need to rekindle my fire : )

[LeahsHeart]

Couldn't agree with you more, beachinabox :) What is written in response to someone else's question, is what I learn from.

Happy sales to everyone today!