There must be something

[hipposdream]

There must be something that I can do more to bring in more sales.
I think my pictures and my shop look are OK. I worked hard on tags, titles and descriptions.
Maybe my prices are too high?

This year is such a slow year for my shop and I want to check if I did everything right.
A lot of the time I am thinking why my shop is so quiet (only 3 sales in October till now) and how can I bring in the right views and sales.

So tips are more than welcome!

[Former_Member]

Hi Wendy,

I feel white things would need black background so that they are clear. This is just my opinion. Rest I feel seems perfectly fine.

[Former_Member]

Wendy,

What are you doing to make your customers aware that you even have a shop?
You've done a great job of setting everything up but unless your customers are aware that you even exist, they won't be buying.

I've found that it really helps to be active outside of Etsy with my marketing as the majority of my sales are to people who don't even know what Etsy is all about.

[hipposdream]

Hi Crochetgal ,

Yes I know and you are completely right but I find it difficult to promote my vintage shop.
To be honest not sure how to do this?

Do you have any tips?

[SnarkFactory]

Wendy,
Right now, I'm on a quest to double my income. (I'd really love to minimize my student debt, and I'm thinking etsy can help with that!) Right now, my average sale equals about $18, I'm in the process of expanding my shop so that the average sale is around $40 or $50. I'm adding necklaces to go along with my earrings and presenting a large inventory (that I know will entice my target customer) so they'll consider my tiered discounts like "buy 2 get one half off" or "buy 3 get one free", etc.

Perhaps you can interlock items in your shop so that your description suggests that if they buy this they'll "NEED" this also cause they go perfect together! I think customers like to see that merchants have sort of thought things out for them already :) Or maybe you can photograph grouped items so it'll attract not just vintage lovers, but people who enjoy eclectic/quirky décor.

Hope this gives you something to think about!

[Former_Member]

Wendy, I'm not sure what you are asking when you ask 'how to promote your vintage items'

Part of running a business is having a marketing plan. In your marketing plan you have outlined WHO your target customer is, Where they are and HOW to reach them.

Promoting is simply letting them know that you are around.

I've found that being active in the forums outside of Etsy that are related to my business and my hobbies has always been beneficial. For example my shawls are primarily purchased by guys between 30 & 60 for their ladies. Since I'm extremely active on a number of automotive forums I simply include in my signature a link to my shop. When I'm at the track I'm usually sitting with hook in hand between races and many of the guys have ordered from me for their gals. I've been doing this ever since I started this business, well before I opened my Etsy shop.

Another great way to market is to be active in your local community. Here there are numerous vintage collector groups each with their own 'niche'. Is there any sort of thing like that where you are?

I would suggest that you continue with marketing methods you were using before you opened your shop and build on those.

[Former_Member]

great advice CG! I definitely agree with cg's marketing advice. Also check your local flea markets or even post up flyers at local communities and link your etsy sites.

[ZeeBestCelebrations]

Great advice CG. Very clever on using the automotive forum. If you can provide some suggestions for my shop, would appreciate it. My sister and I sell greeting cards. From the 200+ sales we have thus far, most sales are from our milestone greeting cards (40, 50, 60, 70, etc.) and 90+% of our buyers are woman. Age range is tough but we estimate between 40 - 60. What forums would you suggest for us to reach out to? Thanks in advance.

[Tamarilloh]

Not sure that I agree about black backgrounds for white items. You can show white beautifully on white and it is a very popular minimalist look. I also find it hard to include black background images in treasuries etc - they're too stark and just don't fit in. If you're really worried you could use a soft coloured background but I don't feel black is necessary. I just adore your shop Wendy - happy promoting!

[hipposdream]

Thanks Kazaa , so nice to hear !!!

[ChicEtChoc]

Great advice from the comments above but I'd also advise joining some of the teams on Etsy that are related to Vintage and Promoting and promote yourself and your items. That way you get into peoples favourites and treasuries, it all helps.

[hipposdream]

Hi Amanda , I do that but I want to promote more outside of Etsy to attract new customers.

[Former_Member]

Oh my gosh! That is an awesome idea CG!!!! Where would we find the forums though?

[ThePartyDeeva]

Great advice!

I made up a flyer and put it up at the local gyms. Plenty of brides are trying to get in shape for their wedding. This alone generates alot of local business for me.

I also put up flyers at my nail and hair salon. On my Facebook page I follow and post to the local wedding/party venues as well.

Nice shop and I think your photos are good too!