"Etsy automatic download feature" feedback/thoughts please

[BLISSFULpatterns]

I am wondering if anyone using the new Etsy automatic download feature could comment on if you like it, thoughts, positives/negatives please.

I have been using Crafthub for several months as my automatic download software. Its great to have someone else take care of that step but I have been so frustrated with their inconsistencies and now they have changed ownership hands too and I don't know if that is good or bad. I have not switched to Etsy as I was initially concerned that there is not a specific message that goes out with the order and kind of wanted to wait and make sure it was consistent.

I would appreciate any thoughts from the designers who are using it as I think I am ready to make a switch.

Much appreciated,
Shannon

[TaraHandmade]

Hi Shannon,

I am using the automatic download and I recommend you to do so:

Your customers can download immediately the file after the purchase, and they also receive a general message that you create for all the automatic download items.

Also, this feature in Etsy is free, whereas -I think- you have to pay for it in Crafthub.

You will have to spend some time updating your listings, but then you will save a lot of time, as customers can download directly the files.

I hope that it helps you!

[TKCT]

I have been using it too. I would recommend it also. So much easier for the customer to be able to download it themselves immediately after purchase. They don't have to wait until I send them the pattern through email.

[TheMarbleTea]

Can anyone point me to the directions on how to set up downloadable PDFs as an Etsy listing. I am very new to this. Thanks so much.

[TheCraftPixie]

Alison, it's not too scary! When you set up a listing, at the end of the first boxed section you'll see the option to say whether it's a digital file. If you click that, you can then add a file in the next box. Just find it in your browser and click to add. It will load up after about 30 seconds (depending on how large it is). You can also add a note to buyers who purchase digital items. I put something like ... "you'll be able to download the pattern as soon as we receive confirmation of payment from PayPal". I also add something similar to the listing to make it totally clear what's going to happen. Give it a try! The listing then runs itself. Pippa

[TheMarbleTea]

Cool. Thanks. I found the instructions here: https://www.etsy.com/au/help/article/3850?ref=help_search_result But where it says Add Files, it says you can upload only 5 files.

Dumb question: do they mean 5 files for that one digital download or five files in your shop total? I've seen way more than 5 in shops. And I also can't figure out what kind of download would have more than one file in it.

Another dumb question: If it IS more than one file per download, does anyone else here break up their patterns so the instructions might be one file and the templates another? That would sure make it easier for me than trying to merge jpgs to a Word doc which I still have yet to figure out.

[TheCraftPixie]

Allison, don't worry - it is a bit confusing. It's 5 files for each listing. Normally I only have one PDF. However, you could, as you say, choose to add a couple: one for a pattern, and one for the instructions.

I create all my patterns in word by building up shapes (long and laborious but then they are more straight forward than clothes patterns). So it's all in one word document that I then save as PDF.

What I try to do is ensure the pattern can be printed out on A4. This does mean I have to kinda cut them up and create tabs so they can be stuck back together again. But how many people have an A3 printer?

You might also want to add a freebie? I am trying to work on a couple of tutorials I can include. Might be a nice idea? Hope this helps.

[TheMarbleTea]

Yes, it does. thanks so much!