Welcome to Holiday Boot Camp!

[#1]

Nothing says the holidays are approaching like the return of Holiday Boot Camp! Over the next 10 weeks we’ll share weekly tips on how to make the most of the holiday season.

This page will act as your Holiday Boot Camp hub:
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/holiday-boot-camp-2012-get-ready/

Also make sure you’re signed up for the Etsy Success newsletter, where we will share Boot Camp tips (and yes, it wouldn’t be Boot Camp without a little homework):
http://www.etsy.com/emails/success

Don't want to go it alone? Team up with a buddy here: https://www.etsy.com/teams/5002/etsy-success/discuss/10980639/

We can’t wait to read about your progress here in the weeks to come!

Now, let’s discuss -- what are your goals for this holiday season?

[Former_Member]

I want bring shoppers to my Etsy store, learn how to market my items.
Hopefuly I can stop doing craft shows and sell all my items on Etsy.
Blessings
Amira

[RhondasOriginals]

My goal this year:
I am usually behind in getting my Halloween and Xmas decorations designed on time and listed. Last year I was putting DIY decorations up the week before the holidays. Not good!

So far I am doing ok with Halloween 2012, but now I need to keep going so I have some great Xmas designs up early so customers can make them and enjoy them in their homes.

[Former_Member]

I have made up a list of goals almost weekly to help me prep for Halloween (which is done) and now for the Holidays. I try to update the list often so I keep myself in check.

I would like to do one small show before the holidays if possible.
I would like to get into a few consignment shops as well.
Also, I have a monthly income goal I am going to be shooting for and hopefully I go above and beyond it!

[Former_Member]

This is the first BootCamp/Holiday Season where I can make the time to really promote and participate in. I hope to get some more sales have the last month they have dropped off way too much!

I can't wait to get started!

[Former_Member]

It would be nice to sell SOMETHING!

[Former_Member]

My goals are to learn as much as I can and start a rolling momentum in my shop. I want to reach more buyers , improve product , and get to know some of my fellow Etsians.In short I want to be a successful Etsy seller.

[Former_Member]

So excited for it all!!! Holiday Season #2 for me. Planning to

...promote my shop more this year
...list the new holiday themed signs I've been working on (yay!)
...make sure my purchase deadline is early enough. Don't want to be losing my mind again close to Christmas :)
...packaging seems to be my least favorite part - must have enough supplies and have it all organized

Getting ready :)

[Former_Member]

I sure appreciate the tips and tricks that give me hope of my Etsy shop being the only income stream that I need while I do the things I actually love to do! Hopefully this year, I will apply more of the content to actual activity instead of just words on a page!

[TheNorthWayStudio]

My goal is to have at least 50 items listed by mid-November in order to bring in more customers for the Holiday Season.
Hopefully by New Years Eve I can meet my year-long goal of 100 sales!! Only 21 more to go:D

[Former_Member]

Hmmmm. Well, I have just re-opened my shop (for real, not just re-listing) for the first time in three years.... So, I am basically starting from scratch. I think my biggest goal is to stay motivated! Create. List. Stay happy. And sell whatever I can.

[Former_Member]

i want to be set up to ship from home by 10/15ish

I would like to double last years sales of Nov/Dec

And, I want to set aside time to watch the Steelers every sunday.

last year I was caught with my pants down.

[Former_Member]

I have already ordered my shipping supplies for the holiday season. I purchased them in bulk in one large order and saved almost $100. Now to make some items to ship!!

[Former_Member]

This will be my first holiday season on Etsy ( I just opened my shop a week ago!). I have no clue what to expect from this holiday season, or even what to offer. Holiday items? Everyday gift items? So many questions, so little time.

[Former_Member]

It's our first full season, but we signed up to boot camp last year to watch and learn. Can't wait! Just need to get the packaging table sorted after moving interstate :D

[MoonlightDesigns2]

I have been working hard stocking up my shop for all the holiday shoppers. Packaging supplies and gift boxes are already here and now I am ready to set my shipping station back up. I was caught off guard last year with so many steady sales so this year I am ahead of the game!

[KariLL]

I need to get all my items listed and be a lot more proactive in marketing my items.

[FromNancysHeart]

My goal this year to to increase sales from years past....
had a difficult first half of year and am getting geared up to make this holiday season so very damn JOLLY!!! :D

Best of sales to all

[myluckydragon]

This is my first holiday season on etsy and doing shows! Nervous as heck!

[aquablossom]

This is my second holiday season on etsy! Last year I was kind of a newbie and I was NOT prepared at all of the rush of orders. I've spent the last few months updating my photos, perfecting all my product descriptions, and being more active on facebook and twitter. My main goal is to finish getting all my products listed and my shop ready to go!! Woohoo, let's do this!

[Former_Member]

This is my first holiday season on Etsy. Is it usually really busy?

[TicaStudio]

It's good to be given a little bit of help in this time of chaos...Hope to learn ne w ways of developing...

[Former_Member]

My goals for the holiday season are numerous. Of course gathering unique visitors, return customers, and increased sales are very important to me, but there is so much more. I'm hoping to thoroughly review every listing, policy and about section of my shop. I also want to compare my creative process, listing process, and follow up routine with the advice and tips of my peers. The list goes on. I'd love to garner a few constructive critiques from those who have more sales experience and success than I do. I also want to get the hang of promoting outside Etsy without spamming my friends, family and followers.

But I'd have to say one of my main goals is making Etsy front page, whether as a featured shop, a curator, or as a feature in a treasury. I'd like to make it there before the end of the year!!! Good luck everyone!

[Former_Member]

My overall business goal was to double the $$ I sold last year, so this holiday season will be critical in meeting that goal. I'm trying to grow my business on Etsy substantially every season.

[claudine]

Lots of goals. I wanted to hit 200 sales by the end of the year but I need to hit 100 first. ;) I have a sales goal for the year, too that I would love to make between etsy and craft shows.

[Former_Member]

Right now, to start getting sales. Besides Etsy I have a booth at the Front Porch of the South, I have a website (www.hlroperphotography.com), and I'm registered for about 7 fairs in the area. I'm always open for ideas, suggestions, critique, etc. I'll be medically retired from the military shortly and hoping to turn my business into something that I not only enjoy but that can pay for itself.