Repost with Newbie Questions

[Former_Member]

Hope it's okay to repost since I didn't get any responses with my first post :-) Thanks!

Stephanie from ARTstandingDesigns says
Hi, I'm Stephanie, and I'm about to open my shop. I'm so excited and also a tad nervous. I'm a SAHM of two boys, and I love mixed media and paper crafting. So, I have a few questions and I hope it's okay to just post them. My shop will carry delicate items (12x12 scrapbook pages, cards, tags, bookmarks, etc) and I had a few questions for the BTDT shop owners out there:

1. For those shipping 12x12 scrapbook layouts, or other delicate items, how do you package them to keep them from bending and what type of envelope do you use?
2. What is the best scale to use to avoid trips to the post office?
3. Any tips for shipping First Class Mail (eg. Buying envelopes in bulk?)
4. How important is the etsy banner? I made a simple one and hope that is sufficient to get me started.
5. Best tips for shop policies re: something that is damaged in the mail even though it was packed properly?
6. Under what circumstances do you allow returns and refunds?
7. How do you make sure you are alerted on your phone so that you can respond quickly to convos/questions from buyers?
8. Best way to buy packing materials (bubble wrap, etc) online or in bulk?
9. How long did it take you to get your first sale?

Thanks so much! Any and all advice greatly appreciated! Stephanie

Posted at 6:55 pm Nov 10, 2014 EST - Report this post

[Former_Member]

1. For those shipping 12x12 scrapbook layouts, or other delicate items, how do you package them to keep them from bending and what type of envelope do you use?

Scrapbook sellers I have known in the past tend to use the larger size soft envelopes to save costs. Plus they are more accessible. Stiffer versions of larger size envelopes will probably cause you to go online to purchase and will cost much more. You can always go the soft route and line with chipboard so it does not end up getting rolled into a mailbox by the postman.

2. What is the best scale to use to avoid trips to the post office?

Dymo is a good scale for the less than 5 lb packages and smaller envelopes. Also visit stamps.com for a great selection to choose from. If you are looking at box shipping, visit Amazon for the larger weight scales. Keep in mind a scale is worthless if you are aiming towards avoiding trips to the post office. Look at Dymo and Zebra brand label printers for your address and postage labels.

3. Any tips for shipping First Class Mail (eg. Buying envelopes in bulk?)

Your local office store such as Office Depot or Staples will sell large stacks of envelopes for decent pricing such as 100 envelopes per batch.

4. How important is the etsy banner? I made a simple one and hope that is sufficient to get me started.

I find that a banner is a good way to brand yourself. While your avatar is currently just a picture of yourself, what about your logo?

5. Best tips for shop policies re: something that is damaged in the mail even though it was packed properly?

Allow customers the option to purchase insurance at their cost. You will probably not encounter many people concerned about this since it is such a rare occurrence. If something is damaged in the mail, it is better business to just take responsibility and refund them or ship out a replacement. If a customer reported a damaged item, I would request a picture from them. On the other hand, you will not find customers on Etsy running around taking the time to make false claims.

6. Under what circumstances do you allow returns and refunds?

It is always best to allow options to ensure 100% satisfaction guarantee. I find that a 7-14 day policy from receipt of the item or 30 days from purchase date is fair enough. If the item is returned, the buyer pays the shipping cost. You are out nothing either way. They paid the shipping there and pay the return shipping. You receive the item back and you refund their money. Fair enough.

7. How do you make sure you are alerted on your phone so that you can respond quickly to convos/questions from buyers?

Use the Etsy app. If you have an email hooked up to your smart phone you will also receive messages that way.

8. Best way to buy packing materials (bubble wrap, etc) online or in bulk?

Your local office store (Office Depot/Staples) will sell large boxes of bubble wrap that work well enough for getting started until you reach that 100 sale mark.

9. How long did it take you to get your first sale?

In my original first shop on Etsy, it took 2 days. This varies shop to shop with a long list of reasons as to why they may or may not be making sales.

Hope you found this information useful. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Former_Member]

iCraftopia WOW!!! That was an amazing response and so detailed!!! I really appreciate the time you took in sharing that information with me! The post was so informative, and it is so helpful! Thank you SO MUCH! Stephanie