New Shop Owner - Need Advice

[WrenGifts]

I have asked this question in the forums and have gotten tons of conflicting advice and we are confused.

We get a bunch of views and have had 12 sales, the results show 11. The post office smashed one and I forgot to add insurance, so that cost me $$ but I won't do that again.

Are our prices in line ? Is our product good ?

Many questions I know but we so want this shop to take off.

[Former_Member]

I think your prices are low to fair. What I mean is, they are low and you might want them like that. However, after some sales you could easily raise them and still be considered competitive, in my opinion. Shop around, what is everyone else selling them for?

They look nice too, maybe not the best photos though. They are in the bright light, which is nice. Try to keep the background color the same, all one color background.

[Former_Member]

you are in better place then most shops on easy. I opened my shop in 2011
and have only 26 sales. persistent and patient and improve the shop again and again. I would have the pictures taken in natural light and show more close ups.
I am making jewelry but you can check my shop to get the idea. Other then that learn as much as possible about SEO and apply it to your listings, this what bring traffic and the pictures are what make people want to see your product. The price range looks good to me however, think like the customer. when I purchase something I take into consideration also the shipping price. so, if the item I purchase is $11 and the shipping is $5 the item in reality cost me $16 and then i will think if the item I want worth $16. Good luck and much success to you. it is a lot of work and joy. I hope this helps :-)))

[WrenGifts]

I have a light box on order so that should help with my backgrounds, should I use the same background for everything ?

[Former_Member]

No, I don't think so. This listing would look good in the grass only. Instead the piece of wood and the toad itself blend together. Use one solid background that shows the item nicely. It also helps the entire look of the shop if all the look similar. Take the pics at a similar angle and distance.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/153566904/concrete-porch-toad-large-cement-garden?ref=shop_home_active

[WrenGifts]

I did notice a seller that sells similar items uses the same background for everything . The "2nd" place seller shoots in different locations.. I do see what you mean about the frog is lost because of the wood. Some folks think making concrete items is tough, I would say getting the right photo is tougher. I will be the first to admit I have been struggling to find the "perfect" background.

[Former_Member]

I like the grass for your shop. I also think a nice piece of white washed wood would look nice too.

[Former_Member]

Honestly, when I search for similar items, your photos are some of the best.