Seller Handbook *Content Suggestions*

[CactusCurio]

Hey Etsy Sellers!

Do you read the Seller Handbook (www.etsy.com/blog/en/category/seller-handbook) on a regular basis? Maybe you're a new seller, or you've been on Etsy for years and just keep coming back for the puns and pictures of animals doing adorable human tasks :) Hopefully, wherever you're at, you've been able to find some valuable information on growing your Etsy shop and reaching your business goals.

We would love to hear what you feel like you *haven't* been able to find on the Seller Handbook blog in terms of content. We'll look closely at your suggestions, and strive to address them in the coming months!

If you choose to post here, it would be great to know:

How long you've been on Etsy?
How often you read the SH blog?
What your Etsy aspirations are? (Are you a hobbyist? Hoping to become a full time seller? Already a full time seller?)
What would you like to see more of on the SH blog?
Is there anything you're sick of seeing on the Seller Handbook?

And, if you'd prefer to share your ideas/this info privately, feel free to shoot me a Convo with your thoughts.

Thanks for being a part of this incredible, collaborative community. Can't wait to hear your ideas!

[Former_Member]

I've been on etsy for a few years now and I read the handbook thoroughly before setting up shop. I still check back for new additions to the blog/handbook every other month.

I think it has everything in it already, what you need to do is make it more noticeable and maybe compulsory for new sellers to read before opening up. Almost half the questions in the forums are answered in the handbook. A good % of sellers don't even know it exists.

If there's one thing that could be touched on more, promoting outside of Etsy. Without relying on social media :)

[heartsabustin]

I would like to see tighter definitions of what a reseller is in the Seller's Handbook. I've been here five years, almost, and I find the handbook to be fuzzy in this regard.

I agree with missbell - I think the instant someone clicks on the Sell button, it should send that person to the Dos and Dont's, and especially the info on what can and cannot be sold on Etsy. It might not stop everybody, but it would probably cut down on a large number of infringements.

[Former_Member]

I've been on Etsy for a little over 3 years. I started as a hobbyist, but now need it to become a steady part-time income.
I didn't know that the handbook existed until I heard about it these teams. The teams I just discovered about 6 months ago. Even now I'm not sure what the handbook is.
Is it an actual downloadable guide? If so, I haven't been able to find it.
The only thing I have found is the Etsy blog. I've read bits and pieces of the blog, but it is hard to keep track of where I stopped last to go back and finish it later. Blogs are great, but they don't read like an actual book. They read more like these threads, where you skim through what you need and may or may not go back to it again later even though there may be new information later.
I would prefer an acutal downloadable guide that I can highlight, bookmark and easily referance whenever I need to.

[PithAndRootStudio]

I've been on Etsy since late 2011. I think it's pretty difficult to make a living as an artist through Etsy alone, but it has been my goal since the beginning. For that reason, I've spent a lot of time reading the handbook.

I remember when I first started, there was a page where the main topics in the handbook were organized in a way that was geared toward new sellers. In helping other would-be sellers, I've looked for that link and couldn't find it. It would be great to have something like that accessible for new sellers where topics are more organized . All that information can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start.

I don't often go back and read older articles now, but I do read the newsletter religiously. The only thing I can take or leave at this point is the "Quit Your Day Job" articles. They don't really drill down on important topics, even though I know they are inspiring for newer sellers.

[hollymarshmallow]

How long you've been on Etsy? Actively selling since October 2011.

How often you read the SH blog? At least on a weekly basis.

What your Etsy aspirations are? (Are you a hobbyist? Hoping to become a full time seller? Already a full time seller?) I would love to have it as my only F/T job! Currently, it is my third F/T job, behind my F/T day job, and taking care of my 22-month-old!

What would you like to see more of on the SH blog? I would like to see more stories on successful sellers and one aspect of how they run their business that makes them unique and successful. I would actually love to see it a little more organized, like a main table of contents (more organized than the one that exists), and have it able to download as a PDF (I would love to be able to access it on my iPad when I'm out of wifi range.

Is there anything you're sick of seeing on the Seller Handbook? I know there are times where an article needs an update, and it's nice to see updated articles, but I go through the, "Didn't I read about this already?" I would rather the article keep the old headline and add an "Updated" wording; it keeps us SH followers from going crazy, and still keeps new SH followers informed.

:) Excited to see changes to the SH! It has been super duper helpful for me!!

[andralynn]

I am a full-time artist and I've been selling on Etsy for around two years.

The Seller Handbook is a great resource and has answers to just about everything...IF you're a seller. It would be great if there was either a second handbook or a section dedicated for buyers. Many buyers are on Etsy for the first time and need help with checkout, search or other things that we sellers don't think twice about because we are so familiar with the site.

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

I have been on Etsy since October 2011. My business was my full time job before coming to Etsy. I would like to do at least 75% of my annual sales here. I am not there yet but do see a path to get there.

I read the blog when someone in teams posts a link. I rarely think to go to the blog on my own. The articles are well written and tend toward motivational. I would love to see more action plan type articles sort of like to do lists.

Thanks for asking

[Former_Member]

I have been on Etsy since November 2012. I hope to become a full time seller.

I try to read the SH blog monthly checking for new content and still trying to catch up with all of the previous posts.

I wish the guide was more tangible. Set up like a book that I could download, read, highlight and use for reference. With the updates clearly noted. Maybe with different search options by date and by topic.

Thank you!

[Former_Member]

I've been on Etsy since November 2011, and I remember reading through the SH before listing any items.

My 'Etsy aspirations' though I suppose I am just a hobbyist at the moment, I would love to eventually sell enough that I can do this full time, or at least count it as my part time job.

I really would love it if the SH was more noticeable; there are so many new sellers that come to the forums asking questions only to be pointed to the SH. Also, I think it would be great to see a bit more on legal info, such as collecting taxes, and what you do to get a business license.

[Former_Member]

How long you've been on Etsy? a little over a year

How often you read the SH blog? every single day I read it.

What your Etsy aspirations are? I am a full time seller with over 6,500 sales. I would like to continue expanding my product line.

What would you like to see more of on the SH blog? how to educate buyers to read SHOP POLICIES BEFORE ordering.

Is there anything you're sick of seeing on the Seller Handbook? nope. I think it has valuable information and I still learn something new everyday, its the reason for my success!

[ModernSwitch]

How long you've been on Etsy? Since 2008
How often you read the SH blog? Usually I check it about once a week, and read whatever seems to interest me.
What your Etsy aspirations are? This is my job, it pays the bills...and hopefully someday a nice vacation.

What would you like to see more of on the SH blog? I think tips on organization of inventory, or packaging. I always like to see how people organize their work areas, and store their supplies and inventory. I think teaching people how to streamline their processes is very important. I think there could be a weekly article of someone requesting some sort of help, and a team of knowledgeable sellers could advise them in different areas. Something more in depth than what you would find on the forums, lots of pictures of organizing messy offices would be inspiring.

Maybe have people write in saying "This is the item I sell, how would you package it " (shipping/gift giving/etc)...there could be 4-5 different people's opinions on how to package with pictures.....one person might be an expert on 'pretty packaging' another on 'store shelf quality' packaging or 'cheap economical packaging' etc.

I think the first 2 years I was on Etsy I shipped out my light switch covers in ziploc sandwich bags because I just didn't realize that there were these little plastic sleeves that fit perfectly over my light switch covers that I could easily print out labels and attach them...and they costed way less then Ziplocs and looked way nicer!


Is there anything you're sick of seeing on the Seller Handbook? While I haven't seen any of this yet, I really would rather not just see "fluff posts, simply for the sake of posting every day' type of posts. As a seller my time is very busy, and I much prefer fewer posts with greater quality over daily posts with little information.

[Former_Member]

Well, I fall short in the reading of the SH:) I have been selling here at etsy since 2010 and while it is only at the hobby stage, I continue to strive to make it at least a part-time job if not full-time. I think I am going to have to work in some reading time right soon! :)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

I will celebrate my 7th Etsyversary coming June and my shop is a hobby that finances itself, plus it brings a little extra income.
I read parts of the Seller Handbook on a regular base.

I find two things important concerning the Etsy Seller Handbook:

1. Every seller and especially every new seller should know about it.

2. It needs a chapter on the basics of copyright laws (just a simple explanation on how you cannot (attempt to) make money out of someone elses design/trademark/copyright and cannot use someone elses photo's/text/etc.).

Lots of people that made the switch from, for instance, knitting sweaters or sewing clothes for their (grand)children, to selling them online do NOT realise they can now no longer use Disney characters, etc.
Also most social media websites make it look like it is totally normal to take someone elses pictures without asking for permission. (New) sellers need to know they can NOT use those for commercial purposes. And NO, it is NOT done to copy the designer necklace on that celebraty's neck either.

This is a big concern for Etsy, since the site is flooded with copyright infringement. And telling your members to report other members to the lawful copyright owners is NOT the solution.

[Pennyjanedesigns]

I have been a seller on Etsy since 2010 and read loads of the handbook at the beginning. I have to say that although I read all the links from the weekly emails I rarely look at the seller handbook any more. Perhaps it's time to have another look...?! I have read so many things about great quality photos and well-written descriptions so maybe there is more for me to find! I class myself as a full-time artist (with sales elsewhere) with a part-time job that pays the bills. Like many others I would like the online sales to take me into full-time work!

[Former_Member]

Hi Katy,
I just convoed you... thanks for asking :)

[Former_Member]

I've been selling on Etsy for 5 years.

I read the SH on a regular basis and refer people to it regularly as well.

My business is my full time job, of which Etsy is a part of the plan.

The one thing that I feel really needs to be in the seller Handbook is some sort of spreadsheet that people can use for basic tracking.

Back in April of 2008 I downloaded the "Etsy Seller's worksheet" from the Storque and have been using a modified version of it ever since.

I use it to track on a monthly basis what was listed, the price, shipping charge, who purchased it, sell date, etsy fees, paypal fees, shipping paid and when it was delivered to the customer.

I still have the original spreadsheet that I downloaded

[Former_Member]

Hi,
I've been selling on Etsy in one form or another since 2007. And as always, I tend to do everything backwards. I didn't really start reading or paying attention to the blogs or sellers handbook until just this year. Shame on me.
My dream, at first, was just to have a shop that was my excuse for being able to keep buying all the pretty fabrics and supplies (See, honey! I can sell this, so its okay!) But now, my dream has grown. My shop supports my family and I want a brick and mortar store some day. And of course, I want to make MONEY!
I've been writing a series of articles on my own blog about how to grow a small business from the ground up, and of course, part my research included pricing formulas. Now, here's where I ran into an issue and I'd actually like to see more about it in the blog and Seller's handbook.
The formula given calls for:
Materials + Labor + Expenses + Profit = Wholesale.
Can you guess where my issue was? Yup, that dreaded P word.. PROFIT. I watched the videos and got a bit of a better understanding but.. here's what I don't get.
If Profit is my value + Perceived Market value, then how do I break that down and come up with the profit for each product? That formula wasn't given. So, do I come up with my profit for a year? and then divide by 12 and then by total number of certain products I can create in a month? Clarity on this would be most helpful, because frankly, I want to make money. I don't know anyone who doesn't.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

The formula IS per product.

[PatsysPressedFlowers]

I opened my shop late 2010, but did not really make it active until mid 2012 when I started listing and selling, slow but sure.
I'm constantly searching and reading the SH, but do wish there was a table of contents page to make it easier to find what I need to know. Then, sometimes I have a hard time getting back to what I was reading after taking a break.
One of the funest things with the handbook for me is listening to any videos while I am working! I always learn something then too.
I also love all the Daniellexo stories and wish she would compile all her articles because they are so good.
I already had my little hobby/business going as a vendor before selling on Etsy, but I did not know how to use the computer very well, and still learning.
I get lost a lot and have a hard time finding what I want to know, dealing with the SH.
Thank you all for your support, though!!

[Former_Member]

I've been on Etsy since 1.5 years, and this is my full-time business.

I read SH a lot when I started out, and it helped me a bunch. I read the new updates ~ once a month now.

I think the SH already contains TONS of very valuable information, but most new sellers don't even know it exists. It would help if it was advertised more, maybe with links to SH that appeared in every new seller's shop during their first 3 months, or until they got at least 50 sales?

Maybe more emails sent to new sellers, of the type that you get once you've made your first sale, to explain you what to do now? :) (I loved getting that one!)

Different emails like: "Learn how to get found on Etsy and google" that they receive 2 weeks after opening, or "Learn how to make appealing photos of your stuff" 1 month after opening, or a "Reminder what kinds of items are not allowed to sell on Etsy" 6 weeks after opening their shop.

A contents list would help too, where I could easily click on topics of interest and see all the blog posts pertaining to that topic. Maybe I'm bad at searching, but I still find it hard to find stuff I'm looking for inside the Etsy blogs.

[Former_Member]

I've been selling on etsy one year now (celebrated our anniversary yesterday!), and I support both myself and my husband through our etsy shop. I agree with what several others are saying, it would be very helpful if there were a comprehensive guide that would be made available to sellers. The blog is nice, but having everything outlined in one place would be wonderful. Etsy's forums and blogs are very hard (or impossible) to search through (any way we could improve searchability there? I hate seeing hundreds of new threads opening when answers can be found many times over in other posts.)

Even though I feel like a bit of an etsy veteran with over 300 sales, I still have a hard time finding answers to some of my questions, and when I had just opened my shop it felt like finding the answers often seemed impossible.

I believe that Etsy does provide sellers with a lot of great information, it would just be more helpful if sellers always knew exactly where to go to find it.

[Former_Member]

Hello! I come back to etsy after more than 2 years, now I want to learn and follow the various opinions and suggestions, I have already read a few posts and all seem very interesting
thanks hospitality!

[PhotosbyJerryCowart]

I have to read the handbook. I sota just jumped in without doing a lot of research. I will read the handbook.

[BorgmannsCreations]

I had a shop on Esty about a year ago but I could not make all my expenses and so I stopped. I have decided to try again. I have been reading the SH and blogs to come up with a way to price my towels that I can make a profit. I see that the formula for pricing (material+expenses+labor+profit=wholesale x2 =retail) but if I price my towels that way my towel will come out to be $38.00. The towels I see on Esty are only $8 to $15. How do you make a profit?

I try to check back to the SH when I am looking for help.

I would like to learn how to get my shop out to the public more.

I would like to make this a full time business, I am just starting to get items in my shop. My husband and I are retired and not much cash to use for the business.

I would like to get the news letter.

I do check with the online vetoes once a week or two.

I would appreciate any help you can give.