Help Please! What do I need to know to make some sales?

[Former_Member]

Just opened and have some items being favorited, but no sales yet. I am working on better pictures and changing item descriptions. I have paid for $7 weekly promotion. What do I need to change? I can lower prices if need be... I know there is a ton of jewelry out there. I'm trying to find my niche by seeing what sells and then I will concentrate on that area... any suggestions good or bad are appreciated.

[Former_Member]

Aimee,
I am very new to Etsy and selling my stuff, but I saw your cry for help and I am asking myself the same question - what am I doing wrong. I also noticed that no one had posted back to you, so I thought I would take a look and actually your pictures look great - I will tell you that I prefer the necklace shots that are on the manikin as the first picture - it really gave me an idea of the size and look of the necklace. As for the earrings, you have some amazing close ups, but I can't tell how big or small they are, I don't know if they make a manikin ear that you can get, but just a thought. I don't like big jewelry (for myself), so I am constantly looking at the size. I love your stuff and I think that you have it - but just like I got the advice from an "expert" at a show I just recently did - she told me - don't lower your prices - you know what your stuff is worth and she was right - shortly after she told me that, I had a lady walk into my booth (which I was stupid and lowered my prices) and she commented on how cheap my stuff was and how she just spent $20 on the last headband for her daughter and she walked out. I did not get offended by her, but knew that she was right, if I lowered my prices, then it sends a message that my stuff is not as good as that $20 headband, which I know is not true - mine is better! And I have stuck with that attitude ever since. So, actually, I am a little shocked at your prices - especially your earrings, I would think that you would be charging more. But as I mentioned before, I am new and open to learning and sometimes that takes the bad and the good, but comes out with something great! Good luck and I favorite your fresh water pearl necklace - would buy it, but have to make more sales before I can buy! :) Hey if anyone checks out my store, please let me know if you see anything that can help - I am open - for sale, for knowledge, for friendships - thanks - analisa

[Former_Member]

I think your pictures are amazing!
And also your prices are way too low. I am definitely one who looks for a deal, so I have a hard time giving advice on proper pricing, but I would easily pay $20 for a pair of those earrings. They look gorgeous.

This picture is great: you can tell one earring from the other.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125573967/lively-green-swirl-blown-glass-bead

However the following picture looks a bit jumbled and its hard to tell what the earring looks like, which isn't what you want in a first picture.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125574396/matching-pink-and-gray-acrylic-and-glass

How are you advertising outside of etsy? With all the competition on etsy I think it's harder to get sales from people already on the site as opposed to you actually bringing them to the site from outside sources such as twitter, facebook, google +' Pinterest, wanelo, etc..

[Former_Member]

Analisa and Lee Ann,

Thanks you both for taking the time to look at my site and give me some constructive feedback :-) You both think my prices are too low and that's great to know! I will add a coin to show size and will hang the earrings to show them off better.... both good points!

I do have a Facebook page and a website, but most of my sales have been at a boutique in Danville, CA where people can actually pick up items. I've signed up to do two local craft fairs and will see how that goes :-) Thanks again for you input!

Aimee

[PicksandStones]

I just saw this thread...your pictures are amazing! I agree about making sure that you can see the 2 separate earrings. I have to be honest when I saw that you made jewelry I thought "more jewelry" because there is a lot of jewelry on Etsy BUT your jewelry REALLY stands out! It is quite beautiful! It takes time on Etsy but it will pick up.
I liked and favorited your shop.
Good Luck!
Lori

[SethLovesGrace]

I agree with advertising outside of Etsy. You could reach out to photography companies in your area or all over. Some photographers like to have unique items to style a photo shoot and you can easily like their page, tell them you love their work, and share your etsy shop in a comment to them. I've gotten a lot of interest that way. Also with facebook they send email from time to time with a free $50 in advertising credit. I was leary at first and then gave it a go realizing I had nothing to lose. I got about 60 likes with that credit. You just limit your lifetime budget to the amount of the credit they give you and stop after you reach your limit. Won't cost you a dime. Your products are great and so are your prices. It took about a month before my sales really increased.

I favorited your shop and your facebook page btw! Good luck and keep at it you are SSSSSOOOO talented!

[Former_Member]

I have been open on my store for a couple of months now. I try adding new thing everyday. I have alot of people looking and have had a couple of people favorit items and my store. I have also due the $7 for the week and no sells. I'm try to stay positve but I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong. Can anyone help. I'm really trying. HELP PLEASE!!! Thank you

[Former_Member]

I looked at your shop, and I think that your prices are reasonable. I also think that some of the pictures you took cut off part of the jewelry so people don't get to see the whole image. My shop has not sold anything either, but I'm going to do a great deal of advertising. Etsy had a video I watched saying that most people sell their things below price. I have learned alot from that advice. The jewelry business is very competitive they said and in order to sell you have to find an edge. I'm still trying to figure out what mine is.