Post your questions for the experts!

[#1]

Hi everyone!

We are going to host some Online Labs for the holidays, and we'd love to get your questions! The guests will be:

Top sellers: PalomasNest and BlackbirdTees. Ask them anything about selling during the holidays (or more generally, successful selling).
http://www.etsy.com/shop/palomasnest
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackbirdtees

AND

Emily Bidwell, who is an Etsy merchandiser - she curates emails and on-site merchandised areas. Ask her about popular items during the holidays and her tips for getting your items featured!

You can see the schedule of the upcoming Labs here:

http://www.etsy.com/community/online-labs

Thanks in advance, everyone!

[GreenOrchidDS]

How does the Holidays affect the Wedding Sellers?? Is it a down time??I was to new last year to know.

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

I think one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind of getting their items featured is:
Does having a white background really improve your chances of being featured in Etsy emails?

[Former_Member]

I've always wondered if when we right a little note with our packages, if we should or should not be saying "Merry Christmas"? Or if we should go with more like a "Happy Holidays" type greeting? Silly I know, but I just don't want to offend anyone or anything.

[SantasSockCentral]

Is there a good way to decline a (custom) order for the moment (because there's no time to make it) and take it over to the new year? How?

I was thinking:
- coupon codes/ discounts: if people use a discount, it is understood (as per listings description, notes to seller, shop announcement and convo) that the order will be made in 2013
- or refer to facebook, blog, newletter etc. to keep up with discounts for next year (but that didn't really work last year)
- offer to contact them again when I have time (worked for some)

[SalemStyle]

Top Sellers: How did you find what your target market is and how did you reach out to them?

[Former_Member]

Top Sellers:

1) What types of advertising methods do you find most effective in increasings your sales?

2) I have a "fairy themed" shop, do you think it would be worthwhile to advertise in fairy themed magazines such as Faerie Magazine or Fay Magazine? Any other suggestions?

3) Lately I've changed the photographs of some of my items to the "Esty White Background" - do you think I have a greater likelyhood to make it to the Home Page in a Treasury with a white background? Should I post photos of all my merchandise with a white background?

Thank you So Much - I'm a Very New Seller, so I'm still learning. I'm doing a lot of treasury lists lately which results in a lot of views of my items and shop but no sales yet.

[Former_Member]

Please let me know if you have any comments / suggestions re: my Shop.

Thanks Again! : )

[Former_Member]

Top Sellers: This is my first holiday on Etsy, what should I, as a vintage seller, do to prepare for the upcoming season?

[Former_Member]

Are holiday "sets" a popular item? Like themed holiday items that are grouped together and ready-made for quick sales and shipping? Maybe there could be a special edition of Etsy Finds for these kinds of things!

[ModernSwitch]

For Emily: Will we be seeing the return of the merchandising reports in time for the holidays? Last year they had beneficial information in them as far as tagging for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Which helped me tremendously last year as I had received a lot of views and sales just by using the promoted keywords.

Also how far in advance do we need to tag our items for promotions like that? Do you curate Finds emails weeks or months in advance? Just looking for that exact window to hopefully try and make it in to one of the seasonal Finds emails :)

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

This is my first time selling during the holidays as well. If you have special Winter/Christmas related items, when is a good time to publish and and promote these?

[Former_Member]

Top Sellers: how did you realize that your products were right for Etsy?
How to promote your stores during the holidays?

[ThatOldBlueHouse2]

Top Sellers: How do you keep your sales consistent throughout the year? Do you advertise, etc......

[OpalMoonCreation]

So I have been on esty for awhile, since february, but I haven't made mug sales. How can I make more?
Is my pricing too high?
Do I need more details?

[BiscuitCuit]

Would love to join a critic

[LuckiestDuck2]

Hi!
I'd like tips on how to understand my market niche. People buy things from me but I know very little about them demographically. What are ways that I can improve that and understand my customer base more clearly, so that I might better serve them?
Thanks, so much
Katharine

[onthecuff]

Could I get a critique also please.

[Former_Member]

Hi!! How should I advertise my product online and off?? Easy, cheap ideas are greatly appreciated!

[Former_Member]

Hello, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on titleing and tagging??
Thanks!
~Madeline

[Former_Member]

I have a good amount of success with repeat business, but don't seem to have many new visitors who purchase in the etsy shop. I have recently become active with several teams, and this helps with shop visits, but not necessarily purchases. How can I get new buyers?

[Former_Member]

I would also love a critique. I am interested in pricing strategies, use of coupon codes and sales. Thanks

[WedunitJewels]

there are some excellent questions on here. I will be looking forward to hear the tips. I would also love a critique.

[sugartreecreek]

i would LOVE a shop critique if that's being offering

[Former_Member]

Both top sellers and Emily:

My main obsticle at this time is figuring out how to - if at all - wholesell my mostly one-of-a-kind- pieces. It's been a conversation I've had with several people but there seems to be no consistent concept to this.

Any pointers or references to sources would be appreciated.

Zsuzsanna

[auntyanndesigns]

Top Sellers: Do you have any suggestions for bringing more views to the shop? I can't figure out what happened .. something about the changes with how the tags were being featured? Can you help?