I get lots of views without the sales

[OwlandWillows]

I get plenty of people looking at my shop but no buyers. I have had two sales and the first one didn't leave feedback even after i sent a nice follow up email once the item had plenty of time to arrive asking if they enjoyed the item and so would they help me get started and leave feedback.... but nothing. I did get my second customer to leave feedback after I ask her. I'm just getting very very discouraged.

[Former_Member]

I also get a lot of views and no sales. If people are viewing, that's a good thing! It means your items are being found and clicked on.

You've had 3 sales since August, which is a good start. It took me a month to make my first sale, and another month to make my second.

[NeedlesnPinsStichery]

It takes awhile to get sales when you just start. I got my first in a week and then went several weeks with nothing. Buyers tend to not leave feedback. Only half of my buyers have left feedback. I feel they do not think it is that important to leave feedback. I even had one buyer leave a feedback months later because she said she didn't know she was suppose to and didn't know how to do it. She just happened to stumble on it one day and then left feedback for everyone she had bought from so I don't think all buyers know they are suppose to leave feedback.

Unfortunately we all get lots of views but no sales. I just tell myself that at least I am getting views and hopefully people will buy once and awhile.

Good luck! :)

[Former_Member]

Who are you marketing to? People you're close with, by chance? Most of my initial sales have been from people I know and who know me. It took me a couple months to get sales from people that I didn't know; it really does take time. Try marketing to your family and friends so they'll be able to tell their family and friends, and word will get around about your shop.

I wouldn't worry about not getting reviews. I've sold almost thirty items since opening in June and have only gotten nine reviews; it's really not a big deal and hasn't slowed my sales at all. Use the energy you've spent worrying about getting reviews to work on marketing and continuing to build up your inventory.

Another tip? Fill in your policies. People want to know what they're getting into, and your policies page is a great opportunity to fill them in on exactly what they're getting into. Do you take custom orders, for example? Most of my sales have been through custom orders, and I wouldn't change that for anything! But people wouldn't be emailing me about custom orders if I hadn't been VERY clear about the fact that I do take custom orders and explaining what my policy is about custom orders.

[OwlandWillows]

The sales I have aren't from anyone I know ... I guess that is good or maybe :) not. Thanks for the adice about the policy page. I really didn't know what to put on there so I will work on that.

[Former_Member]

I think you're on the right track, you just have to keep plugging along. I'm sure the majority of etsy sellers aren't happy with the ratio of views vs. sales - so maybe start keeping track of it on a monthly basis to see if it goes up at all, even if it's by a little bit. I bet you'll see the holidays be a busy time!

[Former_Member]

I also have a bunch of views but since April I've only had three sales...I didn't worry about it though because I know everything starts off slow :] Just network, promote, be happy, and hakuna matata!

[Former_Member]

I think Etsy is really slow right now. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook but it's getting harder and harder.

I know what I need to do is step back for a few days and focus on creating. Endlessly checking my shop and activity feed, email and shop stats is doing me no good at all. It's kind of hard to feel creative when things are so hard.

Keep your chin up and try to stay above water until things get better.

--Carol

[EvesLittleEarthlings]

I think 3 sales is not too bad considering how long you have been open. A lot of buyers don't leave feedback, so youa re not experiencing anything unusual. I also think Etsy is slow now. It was slow for me last September too. People get maxed out spending for back to school.

[DragonflyHeartJuls]

It has helped me a lot today to read all of the comments to this post. I try not to get discouraged, but it is hard sometimes because II get so few views. I try playing around with my Tags while keeping them relevant, but my pieces must be buried somewhere! If anyone you has a moment to take a look at my shop, I welcome any suggestions if you see something I'm doing, not doing. I think I may need a better banner too?? Go ahead and be honest and hard on me!

[Former_Member]

carolatfireinice:

You rightly captured my emotion.. I do exactly the same.. continuously checking the shop stats & activity which nothing but a time consuming activity if done very frequently. I dont know how to go ahead really with just one sale after opening.. & that too from someone whom i know! I hope things improve for all of us in this holiday season!

[Former_Member]

I haven't had any sales on here... yet. I have only been open less than a month (opened Labor Day) and have had almost 540 views and 33 faves. I have made 1 sale (not on Etsy) and she has put in 2 more custom orders. I also have another sale pending right now from my husbands office. It is hard and discouraging, especially when your paying to list your item and no sales to follow. While I have not had any sales (thru Etsy), I am using this time to stock up on my inventory (something my husband doesn't understand).

Just remember, the holidays are fast approaching.

[BeMyBee]

I started off trading with fellow etsians - since both parties have something to gain from positive feedback you're much more likely to get that feedback. It's nice to do when you're starting out because it gets you thinking about packaging and labeling your items and gets you in the mindset of what you'll do for those actual sales. Good luck - you have a very nice shop and things should pick up for you soon! - Marcia

[Former_Member]

Ive had alot of views also but since opening in sept i have had no sales. I don't know what im doing wrong.

[Former_Member]

I try to think of it in the same way as a brick and mortar shop - if I want sales then people need to know what I'm selling and where to find me.

Step One - tell everyone you know and ask them to pass your name, details, business cards along to others. If you have a blog, web-site, twitter account or Facebook page, make sure people can click directly through to your shop.

Step Two - help people you don't know find you. Think about how buyers are likely to search for your item and make sure your title is relevant - the first three words are key thanks to recent Etsy updates. Also make sure you use all of the tags when listing your items - think use, occasion, colours and current Etsy trends.

Step Three: Network. Join teams and make treasuries. I've found treasuries to be a great way of increasing views - both making them and having my work featured in other sellers' treasuries. Basically, it's other people promoting your work for free! More views increases the likelihood of sales and if the treasury makes it to the front page that's huge exposure for your shop. Good photography is key to having your work included in treasuries, so take a look at some examples and see how other people are presenting their products in an attractive way - this may give you ideas on how to maximise the presentation of your work.

I hope that's helpful. It's still a lot of hard work so good luck!