Holiday Boot Camp - Week 2!

[#1]

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

[Former_Member]

Hi, I can forward my email with the lists to you--just convo me your email.

[LinorStoreDesigns]

Daniello, can you pls give some feedback on adding gift wrapping as a shop item?

I had upgraded shipping last year and Etsy removed it.

I see several in shops already, but want to hear from Etsy first.

[LinorStoreDesigns]

Rachel, it depends on what you're selling, are they all the same or different? I would do a few different items, and if they're easy to make, relist them as they sell.

That's just me because I have some inventory sitting around.

[MysticWynd]

Is there any way to make sure that the worksheets are available in something other than PDF? If I want to share my worksheets with my buddies (or fill it in online,) there is no simple way to do it when the documents are only in PDF form. Week 1 we had the option to open the spreadsheet in google Docs or as a PDF, but for this week (2), I'm not seeing a similar option. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I have been furiously designing holiday cards, and got a bunch of them listed this past week! I am still designing cards and have more items I am working on (Holiday kids name cards, Holiday invitations, etc) but I am happy I got some listed.

I am really lucky to have found a couple of bootcamp buddies that I have connected with and we have been bouncing ideas back and forth.

I've decided to offer free gift wrapping.

I need to work on my To Do list, but it is an ever growing and changing list, so it may take me a little bit! I didn't really set any holiday goals, only because I have no idea what to set my goals as.

[LinorStoreDesigns]

Here's a reference to gift wrapping
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2007/holiday-how-tos-sellers-wrap-it-up-with-gift-wrap/

[sofisticata]

I'm thinking on offering the gift card option, and the gift wrap as well...

I contacted Anne (administrator) about it, and she gave me these links!

Gift certificates: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/?p=11340
Gift wrap: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/?p=548

[PiggyWigglebottom]

I am in the process of designing new collars for the holidays, and looking for unique options for packaging besides a stocking for the holidays as well. (I am going to do a cute paw stocking in three colors though, and I am working on finding a source of personalization for my stockings too!) I have also come up with a few more new recipes for doggie treats and I will tweak the ones I have by changing the yogurt colors and sprinkles. I am about done with my matching bottle cap id tags too, so look for those soon!!

[Former_Member]

I'm still brainstorming ideas for Christmas-themed items. Most of my items (wallets, cozies) make great gifts, but I want to offer more items that can be used in holiday decorating, etc.

I'm also looking into offering patterns or kits!

I'm going to offer free gift wrapping. I already wrap up my items, so I'm just going to tweak it to be more holiday-themed. :)

[Former_Member · Accepted solution]

Hi LindaB -

Here's what I posted last week:

Hi there!

Re: Gift wrapping:
You must list gift wrap as a supply and not a service to comply with the policies in the DOs & DON’Ts of Etsy. These guidelines should help:

The gift wrap should be a stand-alone listing in your shop. The buyer must not be required to make a separate purchase from your shop in order to buy the gift wrap.

List the gift wrap as a commercial supply or if the gift wrap is handmade by you, you may list it as a handmade supply or paper good.

Be prepared to sell only the gift wrap if someone purchases it without also buying an item from your shop. (You’re selling the gift wrap as an item, not the service of wrapping. It’s possible a shopper might just want the wrapping paper.)

You cannot sell shipping upgrades as Etsy items (because they just aren't a handmade item, supply or vintage item). Your shipping options should be clear in your shop policies. I suggest also mentioning your shipping options in your item listings. You can ask your buyers to leave a note for you at check out if they would like to expedite shipment. Then I suggest sending them a Paypal invoice.

Hope that helps!
Danielle

[Former_Member]

I sell crocheted flowers..... So I started offering some crocheted flower jewelry!! Bracelets and I have some earrings I need to get listed. Simple yet super cute!!

Great for teens!!! Fun colors and can be mixed and matched. (which seems to be a trend) !!

More to be listed...... :-)))

[Former_Member]

Hey Danielle,

I have to admit that the idea of holiday gift products has me stumped. I make women's clothing, and the price point is not super low....I was planning on making some new fall styles, some hand dyed scarves. But not sure how to translate that into gift sales?? Should I even bother selling that way, maybe make some party dresses?

[Former_Member]

I would keep pushing your fall/winter lines, too. No need to stop what you are doing. Adding hand dyed scarves for gifts and party dresses for holiday party goers sounds like enough to me!

[Former_Member]

I am planning to have lots of Holiday and seasonal colors in stock. Lots of Red and Gold Venetian glass for the holidays. I will also highlight the packaging for gifting - although I offer it all year round. I love reading all the ideas - sometimes I need a reminder to look at the product from the customer's point of view. So this really helps. Also on my TO DO list: add that gift certificate - thanks for the link on that.

And thank you for all the great inspiration.

[Former_Member]

speaking of express mail......I've underestimated the shipping cost a number of times and ended up eating the teeny profits I would have made. Is there anyway to do a calculated shipping or figure out the shipping ahead of time before they "buy it now"?

[cutterstone]

@judahross - The thing that came immediately to mind for holiday themed clothing was flannel pjs! Although it doesn't fit with the style of your shop too much, but they could be red or gold or something more classy that silly prints. Also just offering some clothing in red, gold, or silver could be an option, just tag with "christmas colors" or something. Love your clothing!

[Former_Member]

DecoratedEssentials - Check out this part of the USPS site http://dbcalc.usps.gov/

You can estimate shipping. My pricing typically comes from past shipments or the use of flat rate mailers.

[Former_Member]

I have a business question. I have a full time job plus my toddler at home and I'm currently expecting, so time is tight. I need to descide how to stock my shop and I'd like some opinions...

1) stock my shop with photos of available hats and bow and make the size needed as they are ordered

or

2) Offer less styles and have at least one in every size ready to ship when it's ordered

[Former_Member]

@BrandisBowBoutique - if it were me, I'd stock my shop with listings that displayed the different styles of hats & bows I make. Then I'd be sure to put in the description the sizes & colors they can choose from. {In fact I'd make a table of available yarn or ribbon colors as one of my photos} I also be sure to include that they need to let you know what size & colors they want in "message to seller" section at checkout. Another thing I'd state would be my custom order policy right there in the description & set a firm date for last day to place custom orders. HTH!

[Former_Member]

I typically wrap my baby onesies in colored tissue paper tied with tulle with a nice thank you not stuck in them. What else can I do to offer "gift wrap"? I think that regular wrapping paper would get squished and crumpled from shipping it in just a bubble wrap envelope.

[Former_Member]

@ Babyswank - Thanks for the suggestions. I pretty much buy the yarn as needed due to low shop funds at the moment, but it did spark and idea to list the patterns separately.

Thanks!

[ReginaLynnDesign]

danicad333 says

I typically wrap my baby onesies in colored tissue paper tied with tulle with a nice thank you not stuck in them. What else can I do to offer "gift wrap"? I think that regular wrapping paper would get squished and crumpled from shipping it in just a bubble wrap envelope.
__________________________________

I have this same issue. I place each of my pieces in a clear self sealing bag with a business card add a thank you note and wrap the whole order in tissue. It is closed with an address label with my shop info on it.

If I went to regular wrapping paper I am afraid that it will be crushed and torn by the time it reaches its destination in the bubble envelope. I really do not want to change to putting everything in boxes.

Will have to think on this to see how I can work it out.

[Former_Member]

very excited about this holiday season! i am adding some new items to my shop specifically for the holidays:

initial handbags and DIY kits! i've been thinking about doing both for a while now, but getting the holiday bootcamp email has inspired me to act.

thanks! wishing everyone a successful selling season!

[MsBittyKnacks]

As for gift wrapping, I usually wrapped the items as if they were presents, the buyers love it.
now for the season I will be including a surprise ornament on every other begining Nov. and will be doing various sales events begining black friday

[Former_Member]

Some great ideas here. things to think about.

I really thought at first I had no way of personalizing items in my shop, but then I Had a thought. Previously I have place on the back of a painting a personal note when a painting was given as a wedding gift. It said "Given in honor.....and had the wedding date and the bride and grooms name. etc.

So, I thought I could actually offer this in my shop. Free to customers that are giving it as a gift.