What to do first?

[Former_Member]

Hello Everyone!
My name is Deanna and I'm brand new to Etsy! I'm opening a store to sell fabrics and sewing notions.

I've just applied to the fabric companies to purchase and sell their fabric and am now waiting to hear back from them. I do have my seller's permit and all of my tax information sorted out.

I imagine it will be a couple of weeks until I receive any of my shipments from the fabric companies. What should I be doing in the mean time? I've been reading the seller's Handbook and gather information but some of it I can't even begin to start until I have the fabric here in my house (pictures, etc) I suppose I can start a list of descriptions for the fabrics I intend to purchase so I will be ready to go.

Basically I'd like to be productive during this time to prepare myself for selling. Marketing is a big concern of mine.....should I focus on that?

Anything you wish you'd known before opening shop?

Thank you,
Deanna

[SkySpiritStudios]

Hi Deanna,
hang your banner,
open your shop
and let the fun begin:)
Once you get you banner up, you have time to start on your shop info and appearance; like your shop description for Search and your shop sections. You could even get started on your Policy page. Lots to do to get ready for the holidays. I am sure others will come by and welcome you with more How To's.
Best wishes:)

[decembermoondesign]

Working on descriptions and photos while you wait for your fabric will help you in the long run.
You can practice taking photos with fabric you have on hand.

If you can become familiar with your camera, your lighting, and your editing software before your fabrics arrive, you won't regret it.

You can also use a "draft" listing to practice. It will help you to become familiar with photo sizing and description layout etc..

[Former_Member]

Thank you both very much! Your advise is very much appreciated. I just purchased my banner tonight and will have that up tomorrow. I will start working on the rest of these suggestions tomorrow.

I love both of your stores. Such unique and beautiful work!

[Former_Member]

Hi Deanna, and welcome to Etsy!

Good suggestions from the above posts. I'd also take a look at other fabric suppliers here and see how they're setting up their listings as far as SEO goes (search engine optimisation). This includes item titles, descriptions and tags. Tags are descriptive words to use for each listing to help your items get found in Search. Each item is allowed to use 12 tags; if you scroll down to the bottom of a listing, you'll see the tags. There's also a great team on Etsy where you can learn all the ins and outs of SEO - Etsy Relevancy SEO and Stats team. The forums and teams here are fantastic for learning all kinds of things.

Hope this helps and wishing you all the best in your new venture!

[Former_Member]

Oops, sorry - make that 13 tags!