Definitly a Newbie!

[Former_Member]

I have only been a member of Etsy since January. I don't have a lot of items for sale due to a full time job and time available to make things. I am hoping the that only have about 8-10 items isn't hendering me, but I think it might be! Also, I haven't had any sales yet, but I do have a showcase setup soon. Do they really help generate business? Also, about shipping charges......do people tend to not want to buy things with shipping charges or is that expected? Any feed back would be great! So far I am having a great time.

[Former_Member]

Showcases are no good, I've spoken to other etsians and they said don't waste your money. I'm afraid having less items will hamper, and the fact your shipping is pretty high. Other than that I really like what you have in there:)

[Former_Member]

Your wreaths are beautiful!! I don't know about showcases, but I did look at your tags. You can use like 14. Add as many words as you can think of to describe your project. Wreath, tulip, bright, flowers, easter, etc might be a few to think about. By using tags, people have more chance of getting directed to you for what they want. Hope this is helpful.
I have not had any sales yet either. Still waitng patiently. Good luck!!
Chris

[Former_Member]

Atleast you have 5 items for sale! That's a good start! You can build your inventory and your knowledge at the same time! ;-)
I have discovered that when you put an item in your shop is when you get the most exposure even here at Etsy so if you put them all in at once you kinda melt into the soup as it were - enjoy your beginning and have fun growing ;-)

[Former_Member]

Your shipping is a bit high

[Former_Member]

So having more items to choose from, even if they are carefully handcrafted, will help boost sales? Is that the consensus? I'm new as well, opened my shop about a week ago and am hoping to sell a few items to put towards a fundraising goal. What do you all think is the ideal number of items to have for sale in your shop? And what are average shipping costs? I really have no idea what to charge! Any help anyone can offer would be much appreciated :)

[Former_Member]

Have you ghone to your local postal office? Thye would gladly tell you how much it would cost to ship a item, I have heard that 15 is a good number, but speard out when you post them

[Former_Member]

Awesome1 Thank you for the advice :)

[Former_Member]

Just passing on what I have learned from others before us.........lol

[Former_Member]

I think it is worthwhile to use showcase. Although it does not guarantee a sell, it gives your shop a lot more exposure and more chances of people marking your item as favorite. Then they may come back to your shop at a later date to buy when they are ready to do so. I had luck with my first showcase as I sold my listed item.

Your creations are very pretty. A suggestion is maybe to take more photos of the products. Maybe you can take some not as close-up photos so people can see more of the front of the house instead of just the door.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I actually have never done a showcase but, I have also never heard a good word spoken about them. Most ppl say they are a waste of money. I think when you have more items for sale ppl have things to choose from. Also having things at all price ranges I think helps.
best of luck with your shop :)

[Former_Member]

Actully, a treasury seems to give more exposure

[RaggyBaggs]

I got my first sales immediately after I posted on FB. You can link your ETSY shop to FB on your FB page, too. I also paid $50 for FB ads (the minimum)...pay per click, stops when you reach $50 in clicks. When I make a new bag, I post it to my FB ETSY page and it gets good exposure and comments. Still not selling much...trying to analyze why. Any suggestions?

[Former_Member]

Your items are beautiful! I think one way you could add to your listing would be to use ALL five pictures. Maybe a bigger one of the door with the wreath on it, and then (especially like the Spring wreath), you could hang it in the living room, dining room, kitchen, over the fireplace, etc. and take pictures of it there as well. Maybe a closeup of just ONE flower.

I would also add more suggestions to your description. "Remember, wreaths are not just for the front door anymore." Do you have a backdoor that is regularly used and sort of "forgotten?" And what about that bare spot on the livingroom wall? Suggestions like that might spark someone's imagination...the ol' "I never thought of that" syndrome!

Also be sure to use ALL your tags to help you get noticed.

And one last thing...don't give up! The sales will come.

Welcome to Etsy...happy selling!

Sandy

[Former_Member]

I am very new & haven't sold anything yet either but, I would recommend taking advantage of all 5 picture spots that are available per post. Take some close up shots, & some further away shots. Since people can't hold the product before buying, let them feel like they are there seeing all of it. You have beautiful wreaths!

[Former_Member]

The showcases can increase views, but I had no sales from the 2 showcases in which I participated. I'm not sure they are worth the money.

[HannahLongmuir]

You're wreaths are lovely and bright and cheerful - when I looked at them I wanted to know a little more about how they were made and what inspired them - with handmade items people want to buy a story and a lifestyle as well as a product.

I've not taken part in a showcase yet - can you let us know how it goes and whether it increases your views when you do one?

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I liked your stuff to!
And ya shipping is high but everyone commented about that alreay..
So my advice is pretty much useless since I am in your same position.
I have very little up for sale due to the fact that I work, go to school, and don't really know what else I can make.
Any advice for me would be approciated!

[GoblintoRobin]

I'm wondering the same things about my newly opened shop.

[threadsandthings1]

Having more items for sale is always good, but don't stress about it. Just try to list one thing as often as you can. If you have three things made and ready to list, don't list them all on the same day. List one thing each day. It will get more views that way. As far as your shipping, you could ask the post office. For something like a wreath, I don't think it would cost any more than $3.00 to ship anywhere in the US. But you might want to weigh your heaviest item in whatever you are shipping it in and ask the post office. Then you can base your cost on that.