Questions

[Former_Member]

You can ask any questions you may have here.

[Former_Member]

My photography for my items is not that great, does anyone have any advice on how to take great pictures for your listings?

Thank you,
Katelyn

[BlueBellJewelry]

I have heard that natural light is the best light for photography, but for example in Finland, it is not possible, because here is most time of the year dark. I have used in the camera white balance, and thus received more light on images. The flash does not really work in photography of jewelry, because it often reflects back and makes the image too bright, the jewelry does not appear in the picture clearly. Hopefully, this will help to improve your photos.

[Former_Member]

I also do not rely on natural light. I find it easier to control my own light sources with a lightbox and lamps. Don't forget to use a good photo editor. Even with sunlight you have to set the white balance setting to the right place. One thing I've learned is the make sure all the lamps you use "match" so that if you're using CFL bulbs, that's all you're using. Mixing with incandescent (or vice versa) messes up the signal somehow.

[Former_Member]

I have a question about the "About" page. I worked quite a while on getting mine ready to go, and think it's at least presentable now. I notice a lot of sellers don't seem to have one to view though. Is this because they haven't done it or because I'm just not seeing it? It seems like a waste not to use a good introduction page like that , and it's fun to learn more about people too. What do you know?

[OldOakChair]

Hi everyone, I just joined your team because I have a question maybe someone can help me with. I read that having a blog attached to your store is a good thing. I now have a blog but I don't know where to put it in my shop. Does anyone have a blog attached to their site? If so where do you put it and are you finding it helpful?

[Former_Member]

Thanks for asking - I'd like to know too.

[OldOakChair]

I have been playing around and how about putting the blog address under announcements in Info & appearance?

[Former_Member]

Dear Donna,
I think a lot of people just don't want to take the time to write one. Or like me, didn't even know there was one at first. I think its great that you've written one though, it really helps the buyers get to know you better. I personally never have had time to write. I am planning on getting around to it one day though.

[Former_Member]

Katelyn - thanks for getting back to me. I guess I'm really a word a-holic and if there's another place to say who I am I jump at. It seems like the "other" job of selling stuff is telling your story over and over so that people feel like they know you. I love this page, by the way, it's much more beautiful than similar pages on either of my other sites and I love the chance to put in "behind the scenes" banner pics.

[OldOakChair]

Donna, Katelyn,
As of last night my blog is attached to my store. I can't wait for my first comment. I am hoping that one of my customers will post a photo of something they made using a pattern or book they purchased from me. Is that asking too much???

[Former_Member]

Wonderful Katy, where should I look for it in your shop? (I don't see it but I'm sure it's there).

I certainly don't think it's too much for you to ask for customers to do this, but if that's what you want you can't make them guess - tell them! Maybe even create a contest the way people do - at least give them a small percentage off so they can have something to aim for.

[OldOakChair]

Donna Jo,
Right under my banner there is a box, it starts out "My blog.............." click on read more, a box will pop up and my blog address is inside. Or I could give you my blog address: www.oldoakchair.com

What a wonderful idea to give them some type of incentive. I like the % off, I will think on it a bit and see if I can come up with something. Thanks for the idea.
Katy

[Former_Member]

I think your blog has a nice start - very pretty. Could I suggest that on the URL, you identify it right in that spot as your blog? You have the address, but it isn't identified. This doesn't show up as a live link, but people can still paste and click to go there.

The link that is live though is the one that says: "Check out the shop's About Page." It would be nice if you'd fill in a little information on here - I wouldn't mention it except the link is there, and you've put in some great photos. It would be nice to at least give a little hello message or something so the text doesn't look blank. Also (did you know?) there is a way to link your blog and other sites from your "About" page, so this would be another place to plug this in? Mine has that, if you want to look.

[OldOakChair]

Donna Jo,
I went to your shop (nice shop) and checked out as you said. I have added my blog and it works. I have been playing around with this but haven't finished as you could see. I will keep working on it. I love your About Page. Glad I joined this Team, I am somewhat challenged with technology so thanks for the help, I am learning.

[Former_Member]

Yes Donna, great About page, you did a great job.

[Former_Member]

Katy- hope it was helpful. Also I'm glad you both like my about page - I'm just glad when people are looking!

[Former_Member]

Hi im new and trying to post my first item for sale.. I've sold on plenty other sites before so not complete newb.. main problem is none of my pics are uploading,the only one i got to work is my profile pic..in sales page i go and choose pic on my camera (e drive) pics are jpeg all around 3 mo and once clicked the green circle just keeps on turning endlessly and uploading sweet nothing even after 20min..it shouldnt be longer 20-30 secs tops per pic no? Also since not uploading i clicked help and of course all the work i had done on page was lost..another nice touch not having a save button on that page..anyways so emailed etsy no response yet maybe somebody here knows whats up..im anxious to get selling thanks

[OldOakChair]

MB, I have had that happen to me sometimes too. Usually I just kill it and try again. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries. Maybe try another photo then go back to the original photo. I thought it was me or my computer.
Good luck and welcome

[Former_Member]

Hi all! We've only been open 2 ish weeks, no sales, starting to get nervous? What should we be doing? Long road to finally open here... Want to be doing all we can to be successful. Any suggestions?
Thx

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! If anyone gets a chance to look at my shop I would greatly appreciate feedback and constructive criticism. Thx.

[Former_Member]

Hi am I going about this the wrong way? I've posted questions but get no responses. Maybe on wrong site? Pls help.

[Former_Member]

This old dog is trying to learn new tricks. My daughter signed me up for Facebook, ok, but when do I have time to just sit and scan all that stuff? I'd rather be beading. But, I'd like to start a blog, just to throw around some info and reach out. So, I'm trying to force myself to come away from my beads and socialize. My first attempt is to join some teams and participate in the discussions (like now).

[Former_Member]

Suzanne,

Dont get nervous. It takes a while for your items to get out there. Just keep listing and joining teams that you think will help promote your shop.

[Former_Member]

Hi Suzzane, my store is new also. Am inviting people in to look at mine also. I checked your store out and even though I am new, I have been shopping on ETSY for a while. I think your shop looks great. Your photos are wonderful. But if you are like me, I would like a veteran ETSY seller to check mine out. Hope you have lots of sales and good luck :-)