HELP! Should I delete all my listings and start fresh?!

[SaraFeiss]

I work full time and I haven't had much time lately to even focus on creating anything new or even list what I do have. The items I currently have for sale are just "gathering dust." Should I simply remove all my items and start fresh with brand new inventory for the holidays or just close up shop and leave Etsy for good? Some feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sara

[Former_Member]

Your items are great! I don't think I understand the question- why would you want to delete your current listings?

I think unless you are absolutely swamped with non-Etsy work, or are not enjoying selling on Etsy than you should keep your shop open at least until the holidays are over. I wasn't here last Christmas, but from the forums it sounds like sales are higher then. Just list things as you are able.

[Former_Member]

Hi Sara,

I don't think you need to close up shop, I think you need to tweek your titles. You have some super cool work, but no one who searches is going to search for "magical alpaca"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79995876/the-magical-alpaca-original-aceo

Instead of that wording why not try ACEO Alpaca Handcrafted Geometric Illustration

I'm not saying that is the perfect wording...just a suggestion :) Anyway you have very cool work I think if you go through and tweek your titles, tags and the first paragraph of your description (using similar words that are in your title's and tags) you will find you get more views and hopefully sales.

[SaraFeiss]

It just feels like I'm wasting more money relisting items over and over and I have some things in my shop that have been up for what seems like eternity. I've listened to the advice of others and done everything to them to get them sold but I don't know whether my art is just bad or my prices are off or what it is, why I'm not selling.

[SaraFeiss]

Thank you Angie!! That helps a lot, I'm going to make those changes right now!!

[Former_Member]

Good luck Sara!

[Former_Member]

There are always several reaons a person might not be selling. It could be titles, tags, photos, lack of adequate descriptions, unclear policies, lack of inventory, etc.

It takes a long time to get noticed on Etsy even if your shop is polished and organized to the nines.

If your work schedule is not permitting you to add new items or keep up your shop, then go ahead and deactivate your items (that way you still have to option of re-activating if you change your mind, but your items can still expire while deactivated).

Even if you close down shop, you can still be part of the Etsy community by adding favorites, creating treasuries and sharing your thoughts in forums and teams!

[StarJewels]

I would move your items around a bit. I would put your Fox Trot watercolor (like this!) and fat cat (this too) on the first page, and the magical alpaca on the last page (not one of ypur best items IMHO). Of course taste in art is really individual, but you wanted feedback, so that's mine.

[Former_Member]

Find your target customer. I know a lot of the folks at MODCLOTH.com and on their forums would LOVE your work.

[SaraFeiss]

Thanks everyone for all your great advice and input!! I really appreciate it! :)