I realized that not enough people USE the system to make it worthwhile. :) So I removed it. Continue to write comments normally, now! *winks*
If you're wondering how to remove it from YOUR blogger blog, please click HERE. (Thanks, Clara!)
ALSO: How to import comments made using Disqus to blogger: http://www.starrguide.com/uninstalling-disqus-comment-system/ .
Showing posts with label business tutorials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business tutorials. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Bye Bye Bargain Hunters
Megan makes some great points in her blog post here: http://megansbeadeddesigns.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/saying-goodbye-to-the-bargain-hunters/ . :)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Firefox + EtsyHacks = Etsy Lurve
I really hope that I can truly delve into the wonders of EtsyHacks and how to use it one of these days.
For those of you who are already familiar with Firefox and GreaseMonkey, AND have an Etsy Shop... then EtsyHacks are really, truly, just what the doctor ordered. ehax.etsy.com has created some lovely hacks to make your selling++ experiences easier and more fun. He's got: copy listing hacks, forum hacks, receipt hacks, convo hacks... I think you get the idea.
I promise- one of these days, I'll post a tutorial for newbies on how to get started. ;)
(If you know of a newbie faq already in existence, please let me know! I'll post it!).
<3,
Andrea
For those of you who are already familiar with Firefox and GreaseMonkey, AND have an Etsy Shop... then EtsyHacks are really, truly, just what the doctor ordered. ehax.etsy.com has created some lovely hacks to make your selling++ experiences easier and more fun. He's got: copy listing hacks, forum hacks, receipt hacks, convo hacks... I think you get the idea.
I promise- one of these days, I'll post a tutorial for newbies on how to get started. ;)
(If you know of a newbie faq already in existence, please let me know! I'll post it!).
<3,
Andrea
Thursday, May 22, 2008
More neat things from the 'net, (and Etsy, of course)!
A snippet from Digital DIY, "Digital Marketing for Small Business":
"I Can Do That Myself" Syndrome
Over and over in the Etsy forums and in other places I hear artists and crafter complaining about incidents where people make rude comments about their arts and crafts and tell them,” I could make that myself, why should I pay you for it?” The artists and crafters defend themselves, like they should, saying that they have expertise and skills and use finer materials than most people would have access to. So why do artists and crafters then say “I can do that myself” when it comes to marketing and promotion?
Click HERE to read the full-length article. It's worth it! =*^.^*=
***************************
If you're looking for daily cool bits to drool over, you can head on over to "Daily Candy". According to the website, Daily Candy is, "a free daily e-mail newsletter and website, is the insider’s guide to what’s hot, new, and undiscovered — from fashion and style to gadgets and travel. As useful as it is entertaining, it’s like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend. The one who knows about secret beauty treatments, must-have jeans, hot new restaurants — and always shares the scoop."
Take a look- I bet you'll find something you can't live without!
***************************
Two worth-while reads about RME/RMX on the Etsy Forums...
How do I sign up for RME payment acceptance?
AskTripp from (Revolution) MoneyExchange
***************************
Random fun on the Etsy Forums:
Come Play Isketch with Me!
***************************
Come and give RobWhite (Etsy Admin) your two cents about "Feedback and non-paying buyers" here.
***************************
You can also help RevolvingDork (Etsy Admin) about why "Shop Policies (are) being cleared out -- Help us with more info!"
***************************
I dare say that's enough linkage for one night! =*^.^*=
<3!
"I Can Do That Myself" Syndrome
Over and over in the Etsy forums and in other places I hear artists and crafter complaining about incidents where people make rude comments about their arts and crafts and tell them,” I could make that myself, why should I pay you for it?” The artists and crafters defend themselves, like they should, saying that they have expertise and skills and use finer materials than most people would have access to. So why do artists and crafters then say “I can do that myself” when it comes to marketing and promotion?
Click HERE to read the full-length article. It's worth it! =*^.^*=
***************************
If you're looking for daily cool bits to drool over, you can head on over to "Daily Candy". According to the website, Daily Candy is, "a free daily e-mail newsletter and website, is the insider’s guide to what’s hot, new, and undiscovered — from fashion and style to gadgets and travel. As useful as it is entertaining, it’s like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend. The one who knows about secret beauty treatments, must-have jeans, hot new restaurants — and always shares the scoop."
Take a look- I bet you'll find something you can't live without!
***************************
Two worth-while reads about RME/RMX on the Etsy Forums...
How do I sign up for RME payment acceptance?
AskTripp from (Revolution) MoneyExchange
***************************
Random fun on the Etsy Forums:
Come Play Isketch with Me!
***************************
Come and give RobWhite (Etsy Admin) your two cents about "Feedback and non-paying buyers" here.
***************************
You can also help RevolvingDork (Etsy Admin) about why "Shop Policies (are) being cleared out -- Help us with more info!"
***************************
I dare say that's enough linkage for one night! =*^.^*=
<3!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Is this REALLY how you want people to see you?
TotusMel made a wonderful post- not only in the Etsy forums, but in her blog as well. I would HIGHLY recommend reading her blog post in particular. Then, you can also just check out her fabulous blog & Etsy shop!Reminder: "Use your grown-up words, please!"
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Home Jewelry Business Success Resource
I haven't had nearly enough time to look over this website, but it looks like an AMAZING resource for jewelry makers everywhere. =*^.^*= If you take a look, let me know what you think about this site on this post's comments! <3!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Etsy Advice!!!
Ok, I found this smattering of FABULOUS Etsy advice from another Etsyian, ChristineRenee. I'm copying it & pasting it here, but you should totally hop on over to her blog and say "hello!" (And maybe "Thanks!" too. =*^.^*=). Here's a direct link to the original blog post. *grins*
I got a message from someone on Etsy today, asking me for some advice about how to promote her shop. I was surprised to be asked, because I certainly don’t consider myself to be an expert. But the more I thought about it I realized that I HAVE learned a lot over the last 2 years on Etsy.
Here is what I told her:
1) The most obvious thing is to list on a regular basis. At least one thing per day if you can. The way the categories are set up and the searches work you’ll be viewed by more people if you have recently listed items.
2) If you don’t have enough stuff to list something new every day then renew a listing that has been up for a while. It will cost you another 20¢ to do it, but that item will show up as if you just listed it and you’ll get the same benefits of having a newly listed item.
3) Diversify the stuff that you make so that you can list in more categories. The more your stuff is spread out across Etsy the better chance someone is going to find you.
4) Be part of the Etsy community. Post in the forums, visit the chat rooms, put together a treasury. Most sellers are buyers too, so make sure they know who you are (in a positive way).
5) Offer really great service so you’ll get repeat customers and they will recommend you to others. Also, they’ll mention how awesome you are in your feedback and that will result in more sales in the long run.
6) Promote yourself outside of Etsy. If you can afford it, take out some ads. But be very careful about where you spend your money. For me the top three crafty magazines are Adorn, Craft and Readymade. (So far I’ve only been in ReadyMade, but I’m hoping to advertise in the other two soon.) Also, carry business cards with you at all times so you’ll be prepared if someone asks you about your work. If possible, carry examples of your work with you. Leave flyers all over town in places where potential buyers shop and hang out.
7) Participate in the Sampler: http://www.homeofthesampler.com/ !! This may be the only truly valuable piece of advice. The way the sampler works is this: You send in samples of your work. Make it something small and inexpensive, but representative of what you do. Then all the samples that are sent in get divided into packages and sent out to other contributers and people who pay to get one.
All of that is great for getting your name out there, but what is REALLY amazing is there is a Media Only option. For $25 you can get your some of you samples sent to people in the media. Marie, the woman behind the Sampler, has tons of connections in the media. Basically, it’s like working with a crafty PR agency. And the more regular samples you send in the more samples she’ll send to the media for you. It is absolutely worth the $25.
8) Have a blog and try to get mentioned on other people’s blogs. It all comes up in google searches and you can lead people to your shop. (Plus it’s fun.)
9) Be part of the crafty community in general. Participate in the forums on sites like Craftster.org and GetCrafty.com. And try to get involved locally if there are any groups that get together in your town. Or start one. Also, participate in local craft shows. A lot of people who don’t buy from you at the show will visit your shop online if you hand out cards, and will buy from you later.
10) Join a street team (or two or three). This is something I have been meaning to do but haven’t yet…
I got a message from someone on Etsy today, asking me for some advice about how to promote her shop. I was surprised to be asked, because I certainly don’t consider myself to be an expert. But the more I thought about it I realized that I HAVE learned a lot over the last 2 years on Etsy.
Here is what I told her:
1) The most obvious thing is to list on a regular basis. At least one thing per day if you can. The way the categories are set up and the searches work you’ll be viewed by more people if you have recently listed items.
2) If you don’t have enough stuff to list something new every day then renew a listing that has been up for a while. It will cost you another 20¢ to do it, but that item will show up as if you just listed it and you’ll get the same benefits of having a newly listed item.
3) Diversify the stuff that you make so that you can list in more categories. The more your stuff is spread out across Etsy the better chance someone is going to find you.
4) Be part of the Etsy community. Post in the forums, visit the chat rooms, put together a treasury. Most sellers are buyers too, so make sure they know who you are (in a positive way).
5) Offer really great service so you’ll get repeat customers and they will recommend you to others. Also, they’ll mention how awesome you are in your feedback and that will result in more sales in the long run.
6) Promote yourself outside of Etsy. If you can afford it, take out some ads. But be very careful about where you spend your money. For me the top three crafty magazines are Adorn, Craft and Readymade. (So far I’ve only been in ReadyMade, but I’m hoping to advertise in the other two soon.) Also, carry business cards with you at all times so you’ll be prepared if someone asks you about your work. If possible, carry examples of your work with you. Leave flyers all over town in places where potential buyers shop and hang out.
7) Participate in the Sampler: http://www.homeofthesampler.com/ !! This may be the only truly valuable piece of advice. The way the sampler works is this: You send in samples of your work. Make it something small and inexpensive, but representative of what you do. Then all the samples that are sent in get divided into packages and sent out to other contributers and people who pay to get one.
All of that is great for getting your name out there, but what is REALLY amazing is there is a Media Only option. For $25 you can get your some of you samples sent to people in the media. Marie, the woman behind the Sampler, has tons of connections in the media. Basically, it’s like working with a crafty PR agency. And the more regular samples you send in the more samples she’ll send to the media for you. It is absolutely worth the $25.
8) Have a blog and try to get mentioned on other people’s blogs. It all comes up in google searches and you can lead people to your shop. (Plus it’s fun.)
9) Be part of the crafty community in general. Participate in the forums on sites like Craftster.org and GetCrafty.com. And try to get involved locally if there are any groups that get together in your town. Or start one. Also, participate in local craft shows. A lot of people who don’t buy from you at the show will visit your shop online if you hand out cards, and will buy from you later.
10) Join a street team (or two or three). This is something I have been meaning to do but haven’t yet…
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Few More Great Tips & Tricks
smilingsoul asked about "learning the promo techniques used by higher end jewelers." And she got some fabulous responses. =^.^= To read more, click here.
And more about jewelery...
soap asks us jewelery designers to do a few things. Here are her requests:
"please
-photograph your pieces(s) modeled (live person or facsimile)
-provide dimensions (too) in your listings (metric, imperial, i don't care)
- photograph your piece in its entirety
- at least one photo of your piece hanging
i buy jewel(lery) and even with the dimensions listed (i'm conversant in metric or imperial), it's hard to tell
(1) relative dimensions from just a close-up
(2) how a piece hangs without the above pics
also - if you say "silver," i'd like to know - are you talking fine, sterling (.925), plated or other?"
and a link to the original forum thread. =^.^=
And more about jewelery...
soap asks us jewelery designers to do a few things. Here are her requests:
"please
-photograph your pieces(s) modeled (live person or facsimile)
-provide dimensions (too) in your listings (metric, imperial, i don't care)
- photograph your piece in its entirety
- at least one photo of your piece hanging
i buy jewel(lery) and even with the dimensions listed (i'm conversant in metric or imperial), it's hard to tell
(1) relative dimensions from just a close-up
(2) how a piece hangs without the above pics
also - if you say "silver," i'd like to know - are you talking fine, sterling (.925), plated or other?"
and a link to the original forum thread. =^.^=
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
And even MORE lovely advice from Etsyians...
dottyral started an Etsy forum thread about ETSY ETIQUETTE. (And you will laugh at my caps when you visit this thread).
Next on the list is a forum message from one of our very beloved admins, RevolvingDork- and it has to do with our Etsy bills. !!! In a nutshell, (and the title of the thread, even): Autocharge not happening this month, check your balances.
Lastly, some wonderful advice from NormasBathandBody ... her thread is titled, "If something is not working for you.. Then Re-Vamp your shop." She's compiled a great list of new things for you to try to get some sales over these summer months, (and anytime!). A very handy resource for those looking for a shop-pick-me-up. =*^.^*=
Next on the list is a forum message from one of our very beloved admins, RevolvingDork- and it has to do with our Etsy bills. !!! In a nutshell, (and the title of the thread, even): Autocharge not happening this month, check your balances.
Lastly, some wonderful advice from NormasBathandBody ... her thread is titled, "If something is not working for you.. Then Re-Vamp your shop." She's compiled a great list of new things for you to try to get some sales over these summer months, (and anytime!). A very handy resource for those looking for a shop-pick-me-up. =*^.^*=
Saturday, June 23, 2007
An Easy Etsy Business Tutorial
Written by meringueshop, and you can find it here, (in the Etsy Forums).
And a very brief excerpt...
"Many people have started threads recently about how they are not selling much at the moment.
Think for a second how that looks to potential customers...they don't want to hear that your pieces aren't selling, they want to hear the positives about why they should buy from you." (italics mine)
And a very brief excerpt...
"Many people have started threads recently about how they are not selling much at the moment.
Think for a second how that looks to potential customers...they don't want to hear that your pieces aren't selling, they want to hear the positives about why they should buy from you." (italics mine)
Monday, April 9, 2007
"Who Pays Anyways?"
sweetcharlotte asks a very good question in the forums:
"
Do you guys pay taxes (sales or income) on your Etsy sales? Just wondering what the criteria is? I guess each shop is different, but I figure that I pay sales tax on the materials (fabric, etc) so the end product shouldn't have tax...is this right?
"
She's gotten a lot of great responses to that question. If you were wondering something similar, you should definitely check out this forum thread!
"
Do you guys pay taxes (sales or income) on your Etsy sales? Just wondering what the criteria is? I guess each shop is different, but I figure that I pay sales tax on the materials (fabric, etc) so the end product shouldn't have tax...is this right?
"
She's gotten a lot of great responses to that question. If you were wondering something similar, you should definitely check out this forum thread!
Friday, March 30, 2007
5 reasons I would by from you
littleputbooks kindly made a list of the reasons she WOULD buy from a seller, (with some kudos to odkins for the idea). Here it is, in all its' glory:
"
(in honor of Odkins well worded niceness that got lost in another thread)
1. Your ideas are original and your products are unqiue
2. Your products are well made and Nicely photographed
3. Your descriptions are clear, playful and accurate
4. Your shipping is reasonable and I know where it you are mailing from
5. Your presence on Etsy adds value to the site.
C&P of well worded niceness:
I will go out of my way to buy things that are unique, that make an effort to be different from products you can buy at big box stores, where I can tell that the person cares about what they make, and has morals and values that are not completely at odds with my own.
"
Here's the original Etsy forum post. =*^.^*= Thanks littleputbooks!
"
(in honor of Odkins well worded niceness that got lost in another thread)
1. Your ideas are original and your products are unqiue
2. Your products are well made and Nicely photographed
3. Your descriptions are clear, playful and accurate
4. Your shipping is reasonable and I know where it you are mailing from
5. Your presence on Etsy adds value to the site.
C&P of well worded niceness:
I will go out of my way to buy things that are unique, that make an effort to be different from products you can buy at big box stores, where I can tell that the person cares about what they make, and has morals and values that are not completely at odds with my own.
"
Here's the original Etsy forum post. =*^.^*= Thanks littleputbooks!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Top 5 reasons I'm not buying from you.
aorta posted this fabu list of reasons why she won't buy from Etsy sellers- and I agree with her! Here's her list:
"
1. you don't make anything bigger than a medium that looks like a small.
2. i know what it really costs to mail that and you're way past the mark.
3. i have no idea where you are.
4. that item might be pretty simple, but i want more than 1 picture.
5. i can't tell what you made it with and, yes, i wanna know!
the odds of me convoing a seller to get these missing details are slim to none. i know this has been talked about dozens of times. but this is a list i have in my head. it comes up repeatedly when i'm so close to buying something, but just can't. i'm not trying to offend anyone or start any arguments with this. i just felt like posting it.
jessica
"
Here's her original forum post. Thanks for sharing aorta!
"
1. you don't make anything bigger than a medium that looks like a small.
2. i know what it really costs to mail that and you're way past the mark.
3. i have no idea where you are.
4. that item might be pretty simple, but i want more than 1 picture.
5. i can't tell what you made it with and, yes, i wanna know!
the odds of me convoing a seller to get these missing details are slim to none. i know this has been talked about dozens of times. but this is a list i have in my head. it comes up repeatedly when i'm so close to buying something, but just can't. i'm not trying to offend anyone or start any arguments with this. i just felt like posting it.
jessica
"
Here's her original forum post. Thanks for sharing aorta!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
What One Buyer Has To Say.
As posted by MinuOriginals, *here*, in the Etsy forums. To summarize, it offers opinions on Sales, and price-point shopping for similar items. Read it!
Making pieces you like or pieces that sell.....
LaLaFelt asks a very good question- and one that all artists ask themselves at one point or another. To read the great advice & input she received, just mosey on over to this forum thread. =^.^=
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Money Orders - To Accept or Not?
DreadTalmage posted something very helpful (page 2) in response to this Forum question by dgordon. Here's what DreadTalmage has to say about money orders:
"
You may already know this, but I believe it is important information none the less. After years of working in a bank, it seems money orders are the highest risk. When you receive them, check for a 1800 number printed on either the front or back of the MO. You can call that number and verify the MO has no stop payments and is an authentic MO. Also, find out how long your bank will hold the funds to make sure it is not counterfeit. The institution I worked at held them for 10 days, no exceptions. It seemed the postal money orders were most likely to be counterfeit, whenever I have been paid in those I usually take them to the PO to cash as that way I can know right away if they aren't legit.
"
"
You may already know this, but I believe it is important information none the less. After years of working in a bank, it seems money orders are the highest risk. When you receive them, check for a 1800 number printed on either the front or back of the MO. You can call that number and verify the MO has no stop payments and is an authentic MO. Also, find out how long your bank will hold the funds to make sure it is not counterfeit. The institution I worked at held them for 10 days, no exceptions. It seemed the postal money orders were most likely to be counterfeit, whenever I have been paid in those I usually take them to the PO to cash as that way I can know right away if they aren't legit.
"
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A plea to jewelry sellers: Photos
Posted by finnau in the Etsy forums-
"
A plea from an Etsy jewelry addict to all those of you who sell jewelry here: Please, whenever possible, include photos of someone *wearing* the jewelry. Seeing an item on a nice outdoorsy or artsy backdrop doesn't help me to picture how this thing is going to look on me, which is my #1 criterion for buying. Rings and earrings often look quite different on a person than they do lying on a table. This issue is especially important for items that are unique or funky - it can be hard to picture quite how they're going to work. I have definitely given up on items because I couldn't get a good enough sense of them from the photo, and didn't want to be bothered contacting the seller to get more information. Good photos make it easier for shoppers to fall in love.
"
Some great advice finnau! I'll have to find another model, myself. =*^.^*= Also note, there's more advice from your fellow Etsyians in that thread! *grins*
"
A plea from an Etsy jewelry addict to all those of you who sell jewelry here: Please, whenever possible, include photos of someone *wearing* the jewelry. Seeing an item on a nice outdoorsy or artsy backdrop doesn't help me to picture how this thing is going to look on me, which is my #1 criterion for buying. Rings and earrings often look quite different on a person than they do lying on a table. This issue is especially important for items that are unique or funky - it can be hard to picture quite how they're going to work. I have definitely given up on items because I couldn't get a good enough sense of them from the photo, and didn't want to be bothered contacting the seller to get more information. Good photos make it easier for shoppers to fall in love.
"
Some great advice finnau! I'll have to find another model, myself. =*^.^*= Also note, there's more advice from your fellow Etsyians in that thread! *grins*
Monday, March 19, 2007
Tips for someone new to selling with (E)tsy
RuthChesterman asked:
"
Hi
I am new to Etsy and selling through Etsy. Has anyone got any tips, words of wisdom, things I should watch out for(?)
Thanks
"
It seems that the general consensus is that the Etsy Wiki is our best bet! Thanks for asking RuthChesterman! =^.^=
See the original Forum post here.
"
Hi
I am new to Etsy and selling through Etsy. Has anyone got any tips, words of wisdom, things I should watch out for(?)
Thanks
"
It seems that the general consensus is that the Etsy Wiki is our best bet! Thanks for asking RuthChesterman! =^.^=
See the original Forum post here.
{Possibly} Helpful Info RE: When To List (on Etsy)
Hints & Tips from our beloved gemmafactrix, as posted in the Etsy Forums here. =^.^=
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