How to make my shop more professional?

[Former_Member]

A few days ago my friend said that my shop looks a bit tacky... I was upset by this, but took it as constructive criticism, and was wondering if any of you could give me any advice on how to improve my shop? I love warm bright colours, so that is why I wanted warm photos, but is that wrong? I just need a critique really, on my prices/items for sale etc... would be really really helpful, as I would love to make a career out of starting my own business creating things, so any advice would be really appreciated! :)

[ThekawaiiOD]

umm you have 100 + sells so far I think you are doing just fine. Your shop is lovely and has a nice feeling to it, but you could take all of those photos and brighten them, if you feel that would help.

[Former_Member]

I think your pics are good, with one thing I would take exception to - is that your bed you are taking pics on? EEK. Try using just simple white (or beige or cream colored) posterboard or art paper instead. It will clean up the background and make it look more professional without looking cold. And watch how you crop - some of the backgrounds have rumpled fabric around the edges & it is distracting.

[michellemach]

Amber's right. You do have *tons* of sales for someone who has only been open a couple of months!

I'd prefer photos on smoother, plainer backgrounds or backgrounds that have an intentional pattern (like wood). Something about items on wrinkled backgrounds bothers me. That's a personal preference; other people might not mind your backgrounds. You might change one or two photos and see if it makes any difference. I've found with some of my items it made a *huge* difference in sales/views to change the backgrounds.

By the way, have you tried "kawaii" as a tag for any of your items? I think that would help you find even more customers for some of your cute items.

[DexMex]

Grace I think your photos are terrific. Don’t change them.

[Babiease]

I think your shop is cute! You've done great so far! Keep adding more to your shop and perfecting it as you grow!

[Former_Member]

Noo I didn't take them on my bed, it is on some material that I liked the colour of... I thought the waved effect looked nice, but if it puts some people off then I shall take some new photos with different backgrounds to see what happens! :)

And I know I have had 100 sales but it still means I want to improve my shop as much as I can, always looking for new ideas :)

[michellemach]

I think it never hurts to do a little experimenting with a couple of photos. If the new photos don't work for you, then at least you'll *know* that you're right to stick to the originals.

[Former_Member]

Your shop looks professional and fits right in to the etsy family! :))

[HeyMichelle]

You are doing AWESOME so far! I agree about the backgrounds- a nice, simple white background would make everything look awesome. Your items are so colorful, it would really make them pop! Fabric as a background is a cruel mistress- it's nearly impossible to get rid of wrinkles. Try some white craft paper instead.

See if this article has any inspiration: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/how-to-create-a-cohesive-shop/

Good luck!

[SomsStudio]

I second Michelle Re craft paper. You can still take great pictures on your current location, just slide in the white paper.

You are doing great on Etsy!!

[Former_Member]

I don't think there is anything tacky about your shop. Maybe you have a tacky friend? Please laugh at that and not be upset about your friend. It just sounded like you were batting your head against a wall and needed a good laugh.

Totally understand what you are talking about. I am new to etsy myself and getting lots of views, but trying to figure out how to convert that to more sales.

Keep hanging in there.

[Former_Member]

I don't think your shop is tacky at all. :)
I agree with everyone that a unified background for the photos would help it look more "pro." I have been slowly re-taking my own pictures to do the same thing. Cute stuff, by the way! ;)

[Former_Member]

Thank you guys, you have all made me feel so much better! And my friend is a little critical at times, haha :) xx

[PebbleCreekStudio]

Tacky?! I think it's nice!! I just hearted you in fact. :)

[NAMUbody]

Hi my name is Nan and I am looking for some constructive criticism about my shop. Being honest I am not doing very well and I wanted to know if it is the look of the shop, the labeling of my items (inconsistent or too busy). the information, lack of product, etc but I am looking for your help. Thanks