How did you get your first sale

[InspireInMotion]

What did you do to get your first sale. I am still waiting for my. I sold items on ebay but no luck on Etsy yet.

[gristmilldesigns]

Hi SaintsFlowers-
I just checked out your shop, and you have some very nice vintage items! I noticed though that your photos are not very close up. If you could zoom in a bit more to see the detail, I think that might help. Also, you might want to get a profile picture. It's a mystery now with just the blank spot. People don't know what you sell, and may skip over it. If you put a really good picture of a nice item from your shop, or even a picture of yourself-it makes it more personal. It is slow on etsy for most sellers right now. You really do need to gather patience-something that I'm not good at! Also, join circles to network with people. That helps get the word out too. Hope this helps, and I wish you luck!
Sue :~)

[InspireInMotion]

Thanks Sue. I was going todo that this weekend. I am very impatient with a camera. Don't know why. I actually bought handmade success for etsy.

But any advice, I will take.

Thank You again

[gristmilldesigns]

My pleasure! :~)

[Former_Member]

im a newb but i would agree with smk.. get closer up pictures and maybe from different anlges to show off details. and i learned from one of the labs to try and use natural lighting and you can even go with a natural background as long as its not to distracting. I made a facebook page for my shop... there are lots of teams that will let you post on thier blogs just look for free advertising. and even watch moo.com and vistaprint.com for freebies (business cards) and leave them at local shops that may sell items that may be paired with your items......I've also heard that live models are better. good luck and i will keep my fingers crossed for you i will link to your page from fb to maybe help get your shop out. also take advantage of all 5 photos if you can...pics from the right pics from the left pics on a model pics way up close..etc

[Former_Member]

hmmm...

[InspireInMotion]

Thanks guys.

I have notice they are advertising on TV for us.

I see what your all saying. But I go to twitter and a draw a blank.

Also I see items relisted. what does that mean.

[Former_Member]

If you go to your account page, you can click the check boxes to the left of items, then click "renew". It costs 20 cents per item, but it puts you back toward the top of the "recently listed" list. I find it helps with gettin gviews, but don't know if it's actually sold anything for me.

[Former_Member]

Networking on here is great, but don't forget to let your friends and family know that you have a shop too. A simple email and/or post on facebook stating you have a shop please check it out with a link to your shop can get the ball rolling. If they like what they see, they will most likely spread the word on to others and be potential clients as well. If they buy something - eventually their friends may do the same.

I just got my first sale online out of the blue from a cousin living in a different country! It is also a good way to get people to leave some positive feedback for you.

Also if there is a national organization for your type of work, consider joining it to help network. For example I researched papercutting before I started doing it and came across "Guild for American Papercutters" I found artists and their work that have inspired me and have had a wealth of helpful tips that have helped me improve my abilities for selling as well as creating my artwork.

[InspireInMotion]

Thanks soundandWhimsy and Amy. Going to spend the time to redo pictures. Then I going to relist. I will try this for a few items. I always see this on my twitter account but never really understand. I set up a hootsuite account. I actually Like see the different medias all in one. Its better to keep track. Plus I going to put twitter on my cell phone so I can start tweeting during the day.

[Former_Member]

I am also having problems selling items. I sold one to a coworker, but nothing since then. It is so frustrating! I am thinking about renewing the items since it has been a while since I have had time to put anything new up.

Any other ideas besides renewing? I suppose putting more items is always good advice, right?

[InspireInMotion]

GoodGeorgie. yes that is what they say to do is but more on. good luck

[InspireInMotion]

I was just putting new pictures on and I got my first sale. Thank YOU

[gristmilldesigns]

AWESOME, SaintsFlowers!!!!! :~)

[Former_Member]

Congrats on your first sale! The top pics you have up close are definitely more eye-catching. Keep up the good work and happy sales! I am still waiting for my first....patience is a virtue right??

[InspireInMotion]

Actually I going to thank you guys. You gave me the tips.

[Former_Member]

I found that as I listed more items, that I started getting some sales. Renewing helps too!