Holiday Boot Camp - Week 2!

[Former_Member]

Hi all,

Are you following along with the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp program? Week 1 is almost over, if you need to check out all the task for last week you can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/holiday-boot-camp-a-flying-start/

This week we're going to focus on developing the right products for the holidays (or tweaking the products you already sell).

Keep your eyes on your email inbox for your instructions.

And if you have any questions let us know in this thread.

I'd also love to hear if you plan on offering your buyers something different for the holidays!

Best
Danielle

[Chanchala]

Ah! Finally. I've now got myself a buddy so we were eagerly awaiting this :)

[Chanchala]

Would love to offer express shipping at a higher cost but there's no option to do this on Etsy, is there? i.e. the buyer currently has to contact me beforehand to arrange it, rather than be given an option.

[Former_Member]

I finally found a buddy and set my goals. What we're wondering is what's a reasonable amount to ask for gift wrapping as an extra cost?
Christine

[Former_Member]

Christine, I'd offer this at cost (materials+time it takes you to wrap it+etsy/paypal fees). More like a customer service thing for me than an opportunity to make extra money out of it. The extra money comes from a happy customer (hopefully) coming back.

[Former_Member]

chanchala - We currently don't have that option on Etsy, so sending an extra PayPal invoice is your best option. We know this would be really helpful for everyone and are definitely working on a solution!

[Former_Member]

A lot of sellers might be planning on having add-on gift wrap listings, especially since it was suggested last week. This would be a great time to clarify that point that was brought up after week 1's post and budget worksheet.

[MythOfTheWild]

Eeep week 2 already?! I better hurry up, get off my bum and finish week 1! I've admittedly been side tracked with vet trips :( but I think I only have one more point to do ^^

And yes a reasonable gift wrapping cost? I was thinking about £3 would be suitable, but for almost inexpensive items it might be a bit much? Certainly allows it to be a little more lavish though :P

[Former_Member]

Yay! Watching my Inbox! We're working on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas designs right now. One (our Spooky Eyeball cake pop) was listed today. Hope to have the rest live in the shop by the weekend! :)

[Former_Member]

I am thinking of offering gift wrapping -- but not the "regular" kind. It'll be TV themed like my artwork with a little red and green mixed in!

[Former_Member]

At the moment gift wrapping has to be a free add on or the price included in your listing. You can't offer gift wrap as a listing on its own, it's against the current terms of use for etsy, which is why many of us were wondering why it was suggested in week one to have a separate listing for it. Definitely offer it, just not as a single listing unless this issue is clarified and their policies have changed.

[TheSnapDragonsLair]

I'm offering free gift wrapping. I have enough paper in my closet to wrap all my items, I think!! :). Now, I just have to sell them . . ..

I also just bought jewelry boxes at the local flea market - a big bag for 50 cents!

Looking forward to Week 2!

[Former_Member]

I went ahead and released gift wrapping a couple months ago; haven't gotten any bites on it yet, but I'm hoping it'll come in handy when Christmas starts approaching. I charge $1.00 per item wrapped.

I just realized yesterday that it was Wednesday and that the next week of Boot Camp was starting soon, so I plopped down with a pencil and paper and didn't get up until I'd done some serious planning! Laid out my goals and whatnot, at least a start on them :)

[Former_Member]

Ohhh spooky eyeball cake pop! Love it! :)

[SweetEttaRose]

daniellexo,

I'm confused, gift wrapping has been suggested as a separate listing by etsy bootcamp in week one. And it is on the expense planning sheet also. But everyone is saying that it is against the rules to list gift wrapping as a separate listing and charge for it. Please clarify this for me.
Thank you!

[Warmth]

Hope you will clarify Etsy's policy on charging for gift wrapping..../

[Former_Member]

My understand is that it's not against policy to have gift wrap as a separate listing--as long as you have it available for purchase as just the paper! If you say, "You can only purchase this listing for gift wrap if you want something wrapped in it, you can't just have the paper" then you're violating policy. But if you list it as BOTH, you're okay.

Basically list it as a supply, not a service.

[Former_Member]

I've received the mail. Thank you it's very nice. I will think about the personalized items and to diversify my products :-)

[Former_Member]

Is anyone else having a problem with the spread sheet? I can download it, however, it will not allow me to change the numbers.

Thanks for your help!

[FantasyFairyTaleArt]

I was just wondering is anyone knows the deadlines for shipping yet? I haven't beenable to find it anywhere, just 2010 dates.

thanks, Julia

[Former_Member]

I'll be introducing some new scents specifically for the holidays, with soaps and lotions to match.

Nom nom nom.

[Former_Member]

I currently make bridal / special occasion accessories and I’m thinking about creating & launching a holiday line. I’ve already created a few pieces but I’m not sure how people will respond. For all of the ladies out there, would you wear a holiday flower pin on a sweater or on your hair?

[Former_Member]

agnesandamy is correct. You can list gift wrapping, but you must be willing to sell that item listing on its own (this probably won't happen!).

I encourage coming up with a creative way to provide free gift wrapping for the holidays! Even some creatively decorated kraft paper and a ribbon can make a big impression :)

[Former_Member]

SouthernTwistedSoaps - Your avatar is ready for fall! I love it :)

[Former_Member]

Here's what I found so far. . . check with your local post office for any changes or updates!!!

Domestic Mail Class/Product Cut Off Date
First Class Mail Dec-20
Priority Mail Dec-21
Express Mail* Dec-22
Parcel Post Dec-15
DNDC Drop Ship Dec-19
DDU Drop Ship Dec-22
International Mail**
Express Mail Military APO/FPO**
* Some Express Mail destinations may have extended service commitments