Critique the shop above you

[Former_Member]

critiques from other shop owners help others by pointing out things they may not see :) a critique should be constructive and sincere. point out the good things and the bad things. supply suggestions. how about we start with mine
thanks!

[KittyBallistic]

Just had a quick look at your shop, and I love your banner, and you have some great items with good photos too.

~ I think you need more stock in your shop, as people tend to like to browse through at least a page or two of items. Apparently having plenty of items gives buyers the impression that you are 'serious' about your shop.

~Also, your shop sections don't mention gift tags any way - it might be an idea to have a section for that.

~ I've just picked on one listing for a closer look: http://www.etsy.com/listing/110428806/hallloween-gift-tags-double-sided

~The title looks good, but I would add the colours in there as well, or maybe 'Pumpkins' and 'Candy Corn', as those are both things people looking for Halloween items might use in their searches. Maybe you could also add a line or two about why someone needs the tags? So something like 'The perfect finishing touch for that spooooky Halloween gift!' It's very early here.;-) Also maybe mention the colours in the description, and perhaps in the tags?

~A very quick one for this wreath:http://www.etsy.com/listing/111189668/18-halloween-wreath-spider-glam

Again, I would put 'Halloween Wreath' at the beginning of the title (important words should go first), then add the colours, and maybe 'Spider' as well? I don't know if people would search for an 18" wreath, but they would search for a 'Halloween Wreath' or 'Orange and Black Wreath'.

Feel free to ignore any or all of this advice, as I sell jewellery, not home decor.

[Former_Member]

This sounds fun!! I had a look at Helen''s shop. Love your products!! Very consistent photos presentation. The only thing I would suggest is the shop banner. I'm obsess with different font with it comes to banner, perhaps a different font for a more modern look? The photo of the heart ring seems to be sitting on a awkward position. Maybe bring it to the far left so it align with the rest of your shop?

I really can''t find much to suggest. It is a great shop!! :)

[KittyBallistic]

Hi Emma, thank you for taking a look at my shop, and for your nice comments. Yes, my banner was something I threw together fairly quickly, and it does need some work. I will have a play around over the weekend and see what I can come up with.

Speaking of banners, do people tend to update their banner with the seasons (for Halloween, Christmas etc.)? I haven't done that in the past, but I wonder if it might be fun, and a good way to update the look of a shop?

[Former_Member]

I think it would be fun to make a Halloween or holiday-themed banner, but I never really have holiday-type stuff in my shop so I don't see the point for myself. I would be misleading people into thinking I have holiday stuff.

Emma: I think you should move your shop name further in to your titles, rather than the first 2 words. Like, for the glasses,
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111108720/vintage-hour-amazing-rare-vintage
Inside your shop, I'd have no idea they were Dior unless I hovered over the picture or clicked on the listing. I think the title should be more like "Vintage Christian Dior Sunglasses."
Also, I don't think buyers want to read "The picture speaks for itself." I think your descriptions should say the condition, what it's made of, etc. I like your items! Wish I could afford them! haha

Helen: not sure if you wanted another critique :)
I just love all your items and pictures. I guess the only suggestion I have is the banner. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

As for my critique - I'd like to know if anyone has suggestions for my Policies page, or my item descriptions. Sometimes I feel like I'm "missing something" when writing the descriptions.

[Former_Member]

Hi there!
I like the selection of items you have and I love that you aim to have as little an impact on the environment as possible. The sea glass studs are very beautiful. I feel you should be specific about what kinds of payment you accept. You state that you prefer paypal but are open to other forms. You should strive to have a consistent standard in accepted payments to avoid confusion. What does OOAK stand for? What condition do you expect for items that are returned? Are you responsible for the shipping costs or is the customer?

[KittyBallistic]

Just popping in to say I've added a new banner to my shop. It's just a first go, but I wanted to put a better one up asap. I'll be focusing more on listing new items this weekend, but didn't want anyone to think I was ignoring their advice. :-)

Will be back later to have a look at the other shops and see if there's any advice I can offer.

[Former_Member]

Hi Helen, You're shop looks great! I can't find any fault with it, but as its a critique thread, I'll just mention that maybe your rings could feature a photo of the ring on your finger, just to show scale.

Other than that- I love everything there! :D

[Former_Member]

Wow, what an exuberant display!

I don't really like critiquing either but I'm here for suggestions. I suggest that you perhaps broaden your scope from doors to windows to maybe whole Dublin houses? It's a very unique idea, but with more variations in different areas the more likely people are to find you!

Perhaps spreading out to parks and things might be another way to go...

[Former_Member]

Thanks Katelyn, that's some great advice! :D

[Former_Member]

No problem! I really do like the color and you get points for originality (love the cat profile pic too xD) ^_^

[Former_Member]

I love your shop image. The banner shows some of your work, there is no doubt what your shop makes. The photography of all of the items in your shop are consistent and good quality.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/muddywaterscc?ref=si_shop

[Former_Member]

Okay, jumping into the ring!

I love your shop. The items are beautiful, and beautifully photographed.

It seems like there are a lot of sections though. In general, I prefer shops with a very simple section system. And the banner looks a little campy especially compared to the quality of listing photographs.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CREAMstitchery?ref=top_trail