I just opened my Etsy shop and need some feedback!

[Former_Member]

Hello all,
I am very new to Etsy. I just opened my shop last night and so, as you can imagine, I do not have too much experience :p. I would like to optimize my shop and my listings as much as possible!
For one thing, this weekend I will upload better photos of my products. I did not have a lot of time to do this properly. Also, I plan on having variations and letting people personalize their clocks (what I sell) with the colours they want on their hands and faces. Other than that, I have no clue what is going to work and what is not. So, I will appreciate any comments / advice you can give me!
Thank you,
Leo

[thewordnerdstudio]

I think you have a very unique and interesting product. I did limited searches for other items in this area and I think your prices are good; maybe a bit on the high side but for the work and end result, probably spot on.
Photos sell, so yes, that would be the only thing I would change. Your SEO tags are good. Are your items Ready to Ship or do you have a processing time? Are they customizable? Maybe I missed this in your item descriptions but be sure to include that.

It takes time. When it all falls into place and you have 20-40 listings you will see a big difference in your views!

BEst of luck!

[Former_Member]

I might use the first couple lines to describe your product and market the product itself and save the explanation of the Rorschach test for lower down in the description. Just because when it shows up in a google search it will be the first couple lines that someone will see in google. You want to get them interested in the product itself.
Also, your tags aren't bad, but I would include "rorschach test" or something in the tags. And also I would vary the tags in each listing. That way you have more chances of someone finding your shop. Try using "art clock" or "clock collectible" "clock gift" etc, as people searching to buy a clock won't be looking for a "psychology clock", but the "psychology gift" is a good tag.
Again, maybe vary that. Put "psychologist gift" or "psychiatrist gift" so that you have more chances of being found.
Try other tags like "red clock" "rorschach inkblot".
Try to think what would I search if I wanted to buy a clock? "unique clock" "metal clock" "wall clock".

Maybe in the description some information about how you made each clock, what you used to paint it, etc. People like to know about the process behind handmade things.

Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

Wow you do have a different product. I am not a picture critique, but I am glad you are going to take new pics. Too many shadows. Maybe a shot in a room for one of your pics.
I agree, keep making them and they will come.....the more you have it does make a difference. I am trying to get to 100 items this year.
It is a huge learning curve to open an Etsy shop. Ask lots of questions, you are not alone..
Good luck.

[Former_Member]

Wow guys, thank you so much for your feedback and encouragement!
It is nice to know some people other than myself like what I make :p
Your suggestions make a lot of sense. I will start working on my shop policies, photos, descriptions and tags. There is so much I have to learn and do! Hopefully soon I can add more products.
Btw, good luck with your 100 listing goal Lalena!
Do any of you guys recommend paying etsy to bump your listings to the top? I would not do that yet, but at some point I may need to.

[NicoleKuhaJewelry]

I will critique your policies section; I believe it's one of the most important things for a shop!

Payment Policy:

Do you accept direct transactions?


Returns:

What's an RGA? Some customers may not know what that is, and they may pass over it if your policy sounds like it will be too difficult to deal with. Trying a more simple policy like, "if you aren't satisfied, I accept returns within _____days. The customer pays return shipping, and the item must be in original condition." etc

Also, you as a seller are responsible if an item is lost during shipment. Even if the DC says that the package was delivered, it may not have been delivered to the right place. Showing the customer that you will work with them in such a situation will make them more willing to purchase from your shop, and you will be less likely to receive negative feedback.

If you do ship internationally, be sure to inform the customer that they are responsible for any duty fees, import taxes, or customs fees for their purchase, and that they may not receive the package for several weeks.

~~~~~~

Take a look at my policies page. I just got a TON of help from other sellers about what to put and what not to put in my policies.

Also, you product is awesome! Love them!

Nicole

[NicoleKuhaJewelry]

Also about paying Etsy to advertise your products.... once you start to make a profit, it might be worth it. But that's just my opinion. I don't have that many items yet, and I am not willing to spend even $7 a week yet because I'm not making much in the first place. If you want to see if it makes a difference, maybe try it for one week and compare your stats?

[Former_Member]

Thanks Nicole!
I have so much to do. You are totally right I gotta make it easier for people to understand. I might steal a couple of policies from you :p They sound very professional. Tonight I will start fixing this and hopefully upload new photos.

I think I will try the Etsy adds once I feel my shop is a bit more complete.

Did it take you guys a long time to make your first sale??

[FoxandWit]

Beautiful work Leo.

A few things: more items. 4 items really won't get you found. Even if it does you don't give the buyer incentive to browse around.

Your titles need work. I'm not sure I would search for inkblot clocks as a buyer. Is that a thing the general public would search for? You have to title like a buyer NOT a seller. What would a buyer search to find your item?

Also, why not include color? If all you're titles are the same you risk not enough variation for someone to find you.

[FoxandWit]

You have modern clock as a tag. Good! But that needs to go in your title.

Check this link for etsy relevancy. It would be a shame if no one could find your beautiful and unique work!!


http://www.etsy.com/teams/10713/cindylouwho-team/discuss/9227373/page/1/

Read up. It'll help greatly.

[larkandjuniper]

Your product is fabulous. I agree you could have better photographs, but really, I think you are on the right track.
Try to market yourself to design blogs and websites, I think you have the right item to generate a ton of interest there. In the end, its mostly how you promote yourself, but the advice you've received here is a good start.

[NicoleKuhaJewelry]

I opened my shop up in May, and I didn't get my first sale until the end of November! I was so surprised, haha.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the advice about titles and relevance Mary!
After reading about it, I realized my titles made no sense! Lol
I started playing with different titles that hopefully will help people find me.
Thanks Lisa and Nicole as well. Next week I plan to start working on some kind of press release. I've never done that, but I think it would be good to send it to design blogs and websites like you said. I wish I had a website though, but that's okay. I have enough work on my plate as it is.

I'm so inpatient! LOL cannot wait for my first unit sold. But I guess that will come eventually.