Hi All! Help please! :-)

[Former_Member]

Hi everybody!

I'm relatively new to Etsy, only had my shop open for a couple of weeks, but I'm struggling to get lots of looks and am yet to get my first sale :-(

I have been promoting like crazy inside and outside of Etsy, to no avail.

Anyone got any tips for me? Or any stories of their own about how they make their shop successful and how long it took them to get their first sale?

All help and comments much appreciated! Thanks :-)

Sam x

[Thenibandquill]

Hi Unicornsdesigns,
I remember being in your shoes. I have just passed a year on Etsy. It took several months for me to get the first sale. It has been pretty steady here lately. I did promote alot at first but found to lose more money than if I just renewed. That is what I tend to do now if I am just not able to have a new journal to put on.
Like your shop by the way and good luck to you~
Kristi Baker

[JessPetersonPhotos]

Hi there,
First of all a few weeks is not much time to be fretting about, for some of us it took months before our first sale.

Jewelry is also very competitive, so you need to make sure you have good photos etc. That said, keep at it.

I would highly recommend redoing your photos. Most are dark and blurry. Take a look at some of your competitors that do well, and see how they photography their items. Some of it you can take care of in editing, brightening and contrast but you need to start off with a good photo. Try using your macro setting.
Good luck and keep promoting,
Best,
j

[Former_Member]

As jesspeterson said, try to work some more on your photography. Try brightening up your photos and maybe using some props instead of just the tan background. Look around at the jewelry photos you see on the front page and in treasuries for inspiration. Try not to get discouraged!! Keep moving forward and sales will come.

[Former_Member]

Thanks guys, I'll try and work on my photos :-)

[Former_Member]

I feel your pain! no sales here either :( only opened since Dec. so i guess i'm too impatient. I'm willing to hang in there though! I love what I do and would rather crochet than anything else in the world.....lets keep each other inspired ok??!!!

[AngelosTreasures]

Hello and welcome - I believe everyone here has been in your shoes and it does take some time to make your first sale but perseverance, determination and lots or promoting will help you. Tim has great articles and have your own blog, that helps too. Best wishes to you.

[Former_Member]

I feel your pain right now :) im going through the same thing!!! But I definitely agree with AngelosTreasures, having a blog and facebook for your business really helps . Get to know your customers and ask them what they would like to see more of or less of in your shop!!! Good luck *_*

[TheSalvagedEdge]

Anyone mark that great article on the $12 photo lab? It had great tips for photos.

[DestinationHandmade]

It was almost 5 months before I had 1sale in my original shop. I stuck with it though and I'll probabLy reach 700 sales in one shop and 750 in the other this month. I would stress good photos and patience ! Also find a niche that you can be known for....good luck!

[RoughMagicCreations]

Echoing the good advice you've already received and saying read through the Storque blog and everything you can find on photographing jewelry.

Keep at it, and whatever you do don't get discouraged! It takes awhile yes, but you'll get there! :D

[ClayLickCreekPottery]

I'm going to echo many people, too---work on your photography. It would be nice to see the whole earring in the thumbnail. Have you thought of a banner? That would make your shop look more polished. Keep at it and best of luck.

[Former_Member]

This will help with the photos. Handmadeology:http://www.handmadeology.com/how-to-make-and-use-a-light-box-to-improve-your-product-photograph