I'm the New Boy at school! I'd really appreciate some pointers!

[LostApostle]

Hi one and all, it really does feel like week one at a new school! I've got some marbles in my pockets and a couple of scuffed knees already, but would love to hang out with some of the kids that have been here a while and can show me around!
I just moved to Vancouver, BC, and it seems one of the biggest challenges for us here selling on etsy is the shipping costs. Does anyone think my shipping prices are too high? I've done a bit of homework into it but any advice would very gratefully received!

Also, how do you guys package your things? I sell jewelry that I make, and, being a dude, am terrible in the wrapping department...I can barely wrap a tortilla. So any help in that department would also very very very welcome.

Thank you all and to anyone in Vancouver today - what a pearler it is! Stanley Park and its brilliant little raccoons are calling...

Have a good one and thanks again,

James

[FalconandFinch]

Wow, James, some gorgeous things in your store. A thought about wrapping - your jewelry doesn't lend it's self to a lot of pink tissue paper and other frou frou stuff. I think something very handsome and modern would work nicely. Kraft boxes and a simple thin gold or black ribbon?

Your photos look great - clear and clean. I'd love to see more variety in the textures of your backgrounds though - I think that would give you a wider variety in the treasuries you find yourself in. And I'm often sold by one photo of the piece, especially pendants, being worn. Something about seeing it on a miodels neck makes me think, "hey, if I buy that piece, I took could have such a slender, gracefuly, and elegantly adorned neck...." Just my thoughts. Good luck!

[FalconandFinch]

Dang it, I hate spelling errors. Sorry about those.

[EviesToolEmporium]

Hi James-

I agree with FalconandFinch-Kraft boxes would suit your style well!

I love this pendant!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70140667/monkey-wrench-nut-pendant-in-bronze

Looks like you've had some nice sales already!

Best of luck!

[Former_Member]

WOW such unique jewelry Hard to find items for a male. I know you will be very successful. Shipping prices you asked about do seem a little high but if you already did the research and that is what it cost there isn't much you can do. I would have no problem paying the costs you list to ship to the U.S. And of course your shop went into my favorites, teenage grandson that will love some of these designs

[Former_Member]

What does your shipping include? I am also from Canada. One of our biggest challenges is shipping costs from Canada Post. For sending internationally, there is an option called Light Packet. It is for items that are (I think) under 500g and 2 cm thick.

For shipping within Canada, have you looked at the FedEx prices or anything like that? I would recommend them for international shipments unless specifically requested by the customer because it can lead to high brokerage fees but you don't have those within Canada.

[Former_Member]

I love your day of the dead skull necklace!!

As for shipping,and I'm definitely not an expert on this, but I think it does look a little high. Though I'm not sure about shipping from Vancouver of course. I just know I can ship one of my glass tile necklaces for around $2.50-3.00 throughout the US. I saw the skull necklace had $7 for shipping to the US. Again I don't know how shipping from Vancouver works, just something to look into.

Btw if you want to invest $20 or $30 you can buy a postal scale on Amazon. Then you can weigh your products at home and plug in the info into Paypal calculator, and find out how much shipping will really cost. Plus when it's time to send the item you can print out a shipping label and not have to wait at the post office. That's what I do now. It's very handy.

[Former_Member]

Hi. Great items.
I use the Kraft boxes and bubble mailers from royalmailers.com.

You can see my box in this listing in the last picture: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69374050/floral-pattern-shiny-silver-bouquet-ring

[Former_Member]

Little boxes could work out well. They have tonnes of different kinds of jewellery boxes. You can also have your own made. Picobaby has his own boxes, and they look fantastic!

Some people use little plastic baggies instead. Personally, I think the boxes look nicer, but if you're on a budget...

[Former_Member]

Wow, something like 11 sales in the last three days...we need to be asking you for advice!

[justweddingbouquets]

I agree with kraft jewelry boxes but use twine or hemp cord. Your pieces are amazing. I love the clasp you designed. I think you will do very well. You also might want to go to Seattle (pike place market) area shops. To see if some shops would carry your jewelry. Its perfect for that market. And being in Vancouver you are very close.