Encouragement

[Former_Member]

I opened my Etsy shop in September and have yet to post anything. Everytime I start feeling confident and moving in the right direction, I get scared and stop. I love making things and everything I have made has had rave reviews, but the thought of someone rejecting what I have to offer becomes overwhelming. I would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has felt this way. Thank you.

[LittleBlueMoon]

hi there, I am new too... hmm... I guess I am not really in good position to advice as I only made 2 sales and haven't got a feedback from the buyer (makes me nervous).

Anyway, you said things u made had rave reviews! Hence, I thought your stuff should be alright. Other sellers told me to just do it, try posting daily (which I can't yet, sigh). Patience, Perserverence and do it with your heart. I am also in a delimma on publicity... cos I am nt a v social networking person... but I try to buy showcases spot and write in to blogs to asked to be featured. :}

[Former_Member]

I say go for it! Jump on in with both feet and post something! We would love to see what you have made. There are so many talented people who don't know they are! If anyone says anything negative (I don't think anyone will), just ignore it. Some people will like your things and some won't. As long as you love them, someone else will, too.

[Former_Member]

I agree, it doesn't matter if everyone likes your creations. It only matters if you do. If you love it then others will as well because they will be able to feel the love you put into it. I understand how you feel, thinking about someone rejecting your product can be daunting. But as cliche as it sounds it's true that if you believe in your creations, others will see that.

[Former_Member]

CharlotteRoseDesigns I was the same, I opened my shop over a month ago and I have finally just put some of my work up this weekend. It is scary and feels like a giant leap! I think the best thing is to not expect to know everything or to expect sales straight away and just jump to in like SteamTimeJewelry says. You learn a lot just by posting things!

I have already changed some of the photo's around as people didn't respond how I thought they would and actually it was just a case of swapping the first two pictures around! Ask family and friends what they think, it really helps!

Laura

[Former_Member]

Go for it Charlotte!!

I had felt the same way as well (and still feel a bit like that at the moment too...)~ I made some stuff and just left on the desk thinking that I should do more or that I need to make it better. But then my hubby (Bon of the BonΧ) said that nothing would happen if I don't post anything up. And I guess (like what the others have said above too) part of the process is learning from actually doing it. (e.g. I think I really need to improve my photos and I didn't really realize that'd be something I'd need to work on until I've done it.)

I'm still scared that people won't like my stuff too... but oh well there's bound to be others that will like it (or even just part of it?) and if you do end up in sites like regretsy, just think of it as getting some publicity! :) (I'm telling myself this as well~ hehehe)

Good luck! and hope to see your shop up soon! :)

Chi (of the BonAndChi) :3

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to Etsy as well and feel everything Charlotte is feeling. I opened a shop in Oct but just listed a few things this week. I didn't realize how much marketing effort went into the shops that succeed and get home page treasuries. It's as if there is a strategy to success way beyond your product. I am a bit overwhelmed by the learning curve as most of this Etsy site is still so foreign to me. Just take it a listing at a time ... and expect to not get it all at once. What I have decided to do is accept that I will be learning from doing. So Charlotte , just make that first step to list some things. When I think back to my first listing a few days ago I can't believe what I have taught myself in this short time. The hardest part is getting started so go ahead and list your items. We joined this team so we can all learn together and from one another ... and that is what we will do ! Lots of Luck To All .....

[Former_Member]

Charlotte, please post something so we can see it and ooh and ahh :) It's only 20 cents so there's not a big downside and a ton of reasons why you should do it.

I am new to Etsy in the past couple of weeks and keep kicking myself for not signing up years earlier when I heard about it.

[Former_Member]

it seems we all are in the same boat...i am sure this team will be soon big enough and we will be buying from each other and make us successful. We all buy things at stores, so it would be MUCH better if we support each other...right?

I am trying to learn what is the deal on ETSY and I ask you all to investigate how we can get more views...there's got to be a secret!!!! xoxoxox and thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!

[Former_Member]

Everybody's looking for something. Thats my new moto for etsy. I am in a little different boat than most because my items are not my own creations. They are vintage items, mostly music and books. But you never know what someone may want. Just post it. In my case, some of the records that I thought would move like hotcakes haven't and the ones I thought would be up for a while sold. So you just never know. Post what you can, when you can and you never know when somebody will be looking for exactly what you got. Good Luck to all.

[Former_Member]

I love your word of encouragement, brainosvinyl. One of my mottos is...I don't have to be THE best, I just need to be MY best.

I guess the way to tackle this whole Etsy thing is to deal with it one bite at a time. They say that's how you eat an elephant, so I'm sure it will work here too :-)

[Former_Member]

I just want to say THANK YOU!! to everyone. I feel so silly to feel this way, but it is so good to know I am not the only one!!

[Former_Member]

You are not the only one, trust me!

But I read once......It is better to paint 1 minute a day that think about it 24/7 !!!!!

so....once you start it does not mean it gets easier, but if you never try it, well....you know the result......just start with the mentality of having fun.....the less you expect, the less you suffer !!!! have fun and that's it !!!!!

[Former_Member]

my advice is to embrace rejections ... what an opportunity to get inside peoples heads to make your product better. I have had several people at shows that reacted a little off or negatively to my jewelry, and a simple open ended question had them gushing information about my jewelry that I couldn't see. For instance, some of the crystals i was using were chipped, my designs were all heavy and they wanted simple and light. This kind of conversation is hard to hear...gotta have thick skin. but I recently sold a pair of earrings and recieved the most amazing feedback! it was my first feedback. It actually made me cry.

ALSO: some peolpe just love to be meany head and complain for the attention, ignore those ninnies. If you do something well, do it so that you heart so that you can be proud of it and cherish/love it ... then the world will follow your lead. your stuff ROCKS!

[Former_Member]

Go to discussions and read the post
GREAT NEWS, it is about facebook!!! important info for the team, i am looking for new ways to boost our views, therefore our sales!!!!!