1. The first article, the guide to blogging, was extremely helpful. It has always been a mystery how blogs just seem to come out of nowhere and get super popular. I never really know what type of tools things like Technorati and Google analytics were. I didn't know there was a method to getting your blog noticed other than hoping people stumble upon it.
2. The second article also had some good resources for driving blog traffic. My only question would be, what do you do if none of the blogs feature you even after you've had reasonable communications with them? What is the next step after that, and how do you go about revising your message to ensure that it gets exposure the next time?
3. I really liked the article about kaboodle. Kaboodle is a different kind of shopping site that can be basically used for taste making. I like the idea of kaboodle because you can pair your items with other items, on etsy or not, that you think would be suitable for pairing.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Art of Promotion.
1. I really liked the article about selling local and how to find local sellers on Etsy. This is a cool feature, because not only are your items close enough for pickup, it can also be useful for finding nearby sellers to start teams with or exchange ideas. You can also find out about craft classes, local events, or even things like wholesale and supplier sources.
2. Circles are something I'm just getting into on Etsy. Circles are cool because they allow to discover things you might not otherwise see. It takes some of the work out of finding unique things. You also have a direct connection with other etsians, and they can in turn see what you pick, and what new items you list. This makes both shopping and promotion easier.
3. Bringing up some of the issues with social media is helpful for sellers. Promotion via networks like FB is fairly new, so many sellers just try whatever they can to promote their shop. It is important to make sure that your content is engaging, directed at prospective customers, and doesn't take up too much of their time. You want to ensure that potential customers want to read your communications and don't tune you out.
2. Circles are something I'm just getting into on Etsy. Circles are cool because they allow to discover things you might not otherwise see. It takes some of the work out of finding unique things. You also have a direct connection with other etsians, and they can in turn see what you pick, and what new items you list. This makes both shopping and promotion easier.
3. Bringing up some of the issues with social media is helpful for sellers. Promotion via networks like FB is fairly new, so many sellers just try whatever they can to promote their shop. It is important to make sure that your content is engaging, directed at prospective customers, and doesn't take up too much of their time. You want to ensure that potential customers want to read your communications and don't tune you out.
Art of Taking Photos
This set of blog articles was very extensive. It also included a lot of information, so I've chosen the three major points I find most relevant.
1. I did not know there were so many different resources for editing photos on the internet. I've had problems with the limitations of iphoto and similar programs, but I'm not experienced enough to successfully use editing features of photoshop. I found pixlr especially easy to use. I didn't do much editing on my photos, but I think I would use pixlr in the feature for that purpose.
2. The article explaining light and exposure was very interesting. I still do not feel comfortable evaluating light conditions on my camera, and usually just set it to auto. However, it is good to understand how lighting works to your advantage or against it. At some point, I would like to improve the quality of my pictures, and light is an important influence on the quality of your pictures.
3. I really liked the article about incorporating props into your listing pictures. It is helpful to see how the artist would style a certain item. Props also allow you to add even more of your personal style or voice into your items. Props can tell a story just as powerfully as a strong description.
1. I did not know there were so many different resources for editing photos on the internet. I've had problems with the limitations of iphoto and similar programs, but I'm not experienced enough to successfully use editing features of photoshop. I found pixlr especially easy to use. I didn't do much editing on my photos, but I think I would use pixlr in the feature for that purpose.
2. The article explaining light and exposure was very interesting. I still do not feel comfortable evaluating light conditions on my camera, and usually just set it to auto. However, it is good to understand how lighting works to your advantage or against it. At some point, I would like to improve the quality of my pictures, and light is an important influence on the quality of your pictures.
3. I really liked the article about incorporating props into your listing pictures. It is helpful to see how the artist would style a certain item. Props also allow you to add even more of your personal style or voice into your items. Props can tell a story just as powerfully as a strong description.
Art of Writing Descriptions
Picking your etsy name...
1. Picking a name is very important because you can't just change it later if you decide you no longer like it. You lose all your feedback and publicity when you switch over to a new name. Preempting this problem by finding an appropriate name upfront is important.
2. I think it is important to not to box yourself in with your name. It's good to do something that isn't specific for a particular type of craft. That way, you have the flexibility to sell a number of different things.
3. Looking ahead to the future by investigating domain name availabilities is a good idea. Doing this helps you to pick a name that you can branch out with. You will have continuity between webstore and etsy. This is good because it makes it easier for customers to find you anywhere on the internet and not just etsy.
Profile
1. Your first paragraph is very important to a successful profile. If readers are just skimming, they are most likely to see the information earlier on in your profile, so this is a good spot for the most important details and a good first impression.
2. People take for granted simply being able to easily read and understand text. It's important to keep your writing professional and free of grammar errors. It's also important to remember that that not all prospective buyers will be stateside, so you must take care not to use any regional slang that would be hard for an international customer to interpret.
3. Finally, it's important to remember to write in a friendly and approachable way. Ebay is a community, and buyers value friendly, approachable sellers. This is especially important if you plan to do lots of custom work. You don't want to scare away potential buyers by seeming too strict or overbearing.
Product Descriptions
1. It is very important to tell your story with your products. Connection is important, and pieces with unique or relatable backstories are often of interest to customers. For me, backstory makes a piece have more meaning and be special.
2. It is also important to understand how placement of information and the structure of your descriptions are. It is important to put important details early, so that customers who just skim are more likely to catch these. Additionally, you should put your tags/keywords throughout the description as well, as this makes it easier for possible customers to find you on google.
3. I appreciated the example descriptions given in this set of blog articles. It's easy to imagine the concepts of good descriptive writing, but hard to do once you set down and try. Examples show the ways other sellers let their own personalities show through and enhance their listings.
1. Picking a name is very important because you can't just change it later if you decide you no longer like it. You lose all your feedback and publicity when you switch over to a new name. Preempting this problem by finding an appropriate name upfront is important.
2. I think it is important to not to box yourself in with your name. It's good to do something that isn't specific for a particular type of craft. That way, you have the flexibility to sell a number of different things.
3. Looking ahead to the future by investigating domain name availabilities is a good idea. Doing this helps you to pick a name that you can branch out with. You will have continuity between webstore and etsy. This is good because it makes it easier for customers to find you anywhere on the internet and not just etsy.
Profile
1. Your first paragraph is very important to a successful profile. If readers are just skimming, they are most likely to see the information earlier on in your profile, so this is a good spot for the most important details and a good first impression.
2. People take for granted simply being able to easily read and understand text. It's important to keep your writing professional and free of grammar errors. It's also important to remember that that not all prospective buyers will be stateside, so you must take care not to use any regional slang that would be hard for an international customer to interpret.
3. Finally, it's important to remember to write in a friendly and approachable way. Ebay is a community, and buyers value friendly, approachable sellers. This is especially important if you plan to do lots of custom work. You don't want to scare away potential buyers by seeming too strict or overbearing.
Product Descriptions
1. It is very important to tell your story with your products. Connection is important, and pieces with unique or relatable backstories are often of interest to customers. For me, backstory makes a piece have more meaning and be special.
2. It is also important to understand how placement of information and the structure of your descriptions are. It is important to put important details early, so that customers who just skim are more likely to catch these. Additionally, you should put your tags/keywords throughout the description as well, as this makes it easier for possible customers to find you on google.
3. I appreciated the example descriptions given in this set of blog articles. It's easy to imagine the concepts of good descriptive writing, but hard to do once you set down and try. Examples show the ways other sellers let their own personalities show through and enhance their listings.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Finding your Etsy Niche
Customer Care Tips
1. The customer care tips are very good about showing you where to find all the things you'll be using on a regular basis but just aren't familiar with their locations on the site. Its very helpful to be able to easily access utilities regarding payment, as cashflow will greatly affect your business.
2.It is also helpful to do the same visual explanations for paypal transactions. Even though it is now very commonly used, paypal can still be intimidating for new users, especially if you jump into paypal and selling all at the same time.
3. Being able to easily cancel orders is important. This is a courtesy to buyers who may select something by mistake. Additionally, it prevents your item from being tied up in a transaction that won't be successful.
Packaging and Shipping
1. Understanding different options for tracking is useful for sellers. Keeping up with tracking numbers means you can provide excellent service to customers. It also covers you in the event that an item becomes lost in the mail, because you have proof that you actually shipped it.
2. I really liked all the videos about creative packaging, especially the fabric folding. Not only do unique packagings make a great impression on customers, they're also good for saving money. You can be green and fully utilize all the materials you have at hand.
3. I love the idea of having packaging act as an experience for your customer. People no longer take the time necessary to write letters or send mail. Etsy purchases can evoke this type of excitement for customers.
Service Tips
1. Repeat customers are very important to your success. I've found on Ebay that I get a number of repeat customers, and they'll usually make larger purchases on later items. It's important to provide good service to every customer, because they have the potential to shop with you again in the future.
2. I think clear shop policies are an important overlooked aspect of customer service. Having a clear policy means that your customer knows upfront what type of things you can and cannot do. For instance, being clear about no returns if items don't fit. This would hopefully make buyers more attentive to their purchase, and will more than likely buy carefully.
3. Polite communication is a great way to provide service. Etsy is a community, and it's appropriate to thank buyers, keep them updated on their purchases, and foster a sense of community and positivity. I think generally the best concept is to communicate in a respectful way that is similar to how you'd like to be communicated with.
1. The customer care tips are very good about showing you where to find all the things you'll be using on a regular basis but just aren't familiar with their locations on the site. Its very helpful to be able to easily access utilities regarding payment, as cashflow will greatly affect your business.
2.It is also helpful to do the same visual explanations for paypal transactions. Even though it is now very commonly used, paypal can still be intimidating for new users, especially if you jump into paypal and selling all at the same time.
3. Being able to easily cancel orders is important. This is a courtesy to buyers who may select something by mistake. Additionally, it prevents your item from being tied up in a transaction that won't be successful.
Packaging and Shipping
1. Understanding different options for tracking is useful for sellers. Keeping up with tracking numbers means you can provide excellent service to customers. It also covers you in the event that an item becomes lost in the mail, because you have proof that you actually shipped it.
2. I really liked all the videos about creative packaging, especially the fabric folding. Not only do unique packagings make a great impression on customers, they're also good for saving money. You can be green and fully utilize all the materials you have at hand.
3. I love the idea of having packaging act as an experience for your customer. People no longer take the time necessary to write letters or send mail. Etsy purchases can evoke this type of excitement for customers.
Service Tips
1. Repeat customers are very important to your success. I've found on Ebay that I get a number of repeat customers, and they'll usually make larger purchases on later items. It's important to provide good service to every customer, because they have the potential to shop with you again in the future.
2. I think clear shop policies are an important overlooked aspect of customer service. Having a clear policy means that your customer knows upfront what type of things you can and cannot do. For instance, being clear about no returns if items don't fit. This would hopefully make buyers more attentive to their purchase, and will more than likely buy carefully.
3. Polite communication is a great way to provide service. Etsy is a community, and it's appropriate to thank buyers, keep them updated on their purchases, and foster a sense of community and positivity. I think generally the best concept is to communicate in a respectful way that is similar to how you'd like to be communicated with.
Art of Being Unique
9 Tips to be more...
1. Life experiences give you ideas and ways to be creative. You have to make sure to do and explore everyday so that you have these experiences to build on.
2. I think it's very important to jot down or otherwise document your ideas. Something that seems silly or little could lead to a great idea, and it's important not to forget about it.
3. Lastly, I think practice is very important. While practicing seems like work, or you really know how to do your craft, it's a great way to think of new ideas or new ways of doing things. Practicing also allows you to become more familiar with your own areas of strength or weakness.
A different thing...
1. Making videos is a great idea for product differentiation. I love knowing the store behind things I buy, and actually getting to see how something is made, and who made it, is extremely appealing to me. I think this is a great way to make your products stick in the customers' minds.
2. Photos are also especially important. This is similar to visual marketing efforts for boutiques. Presentation is very important, and photos are the only way you can do this on the internet. It's important to make sure that customers know exactly how the item looks.
3. Lastly, customer service is extremely important. Your customer is already paying more because they're purchasing a handmade item. This higher price also likely means they will expect a higher level of personal customer service. Customer service is also a way to show added benefit to the customer and allows you the opportunity to form an interactive, lasting relationship with them.
1. Life experiences give you ideas and ways to be creative. You have to make sure to do and explore everyday so that you have these experiences to build on.
2. I think it's very important to jot down or otherwise document your ideas. Something that seems silly or little could lead to a great idea, and it's important not to forget about it.
3. Lastly, I think practice is very important. While practicing seems like work, or you really know how to do your craft, it's a great way to think of new ideas or new ways of doing things. Practicing also allows you to become more familiar with your own areas of strength or weakness.
A different thing...
1. Making videos is a great idea for product differentiation. I love knowing the store behind things I buy, and actually getting to see how something is made, and who made it, is extremely appealing to me. I think this is a great way to make your products stick in the customers' minds.
2. Photos are also especially important. This is similar to visual marketing efforts for boutiques. Presentation is very important, and photos are the only way you can do this on the internet. It's important to make sure that customers know exactly how the item looks.
3. Lastly, customer service is extremely important. Your customer is already paying more because they're purchasing a handmade item. This higher price also likely means they will expect a higher level of personal customer service. Customer service is also a way to show added benefit to the customer and allows you the opportunity to form an interactive, lasting relationship with them.
Entrepreneur's Life
Five Money...
1. I think it is very important to pay a lot of attention to how much money you'll really need to make. Things like insurance are very expensive, especially for the self-employed. Often times, these things are taken for granted in error.
2. Having a part time job is extremely important. Not only does this provide money to invest in your business, it also provides money to cushion you in case you have a really bad month of sales.
3. Last but not least, it is important not to burn your bridges. You should take care to leave employers on good terms. This is because you may want to return at some point, and also because they may be potential customers or know people who could be your potential customers.
7 Tips for...
1. I think getting your family involved in the business is a great idea. This gives them a way to be "investors" in your success without monetary risk. This is also good because it allows you to spend time with your family instead of strangers/employees during a time that you'll likely be very busy.
2. You give up a lot of personal time when starting a business. You have to be really committed to your success in order to make the time committment required.
3. I think making good use of your time is most important. Not only can you just get more done, you can also use leftover time for a part-time job with the intent of raising money for your business.
Starting a Part time vs...
1. The most important point in this article was making sure your idea has potential. It is important that a good idea be sustainable. If you are going to make Etsy, etc. a full time job, it has to be via products that will not just be popular for a year or two.
2. Finances are also an important aspect for deciding to go from part to full time. Even though having a great idea is critical, you must also be able to successfully support the idea financially. This could be by saving, or with an SBA loan, but you must be able to pay for the advertising, supplies, and administration needed for your business.
3. I like how this article also mentions how important it is to involve your family. When you're working from home, your career involves them also. Additionally, you're likely to be stressed out, and having a family support can help a lot.
You don't have to...
1. This article makes some great points about why it's smart to keep a part-time day job. The best point I think was that part-time employment takes the pressure off of you with regards to fast success. You still have a source of income, so the money pinch isn't on you.
2. Doing both just crafts part time can also be supplementary income during a regular employment. You can craft when you want, because you aren't completely dependent on that particular source of income.
3. Lastly, starting as a part-time operation also is easier in economic climates like the current one. Part time requires less start up capital. Less capital necessary just means less of a risk/investment.
1. I think it is very important to pay a lot of attention to how much money you'll really need to make. Things like insurance are very expensive, especially for the self-employed. Often times, these things are taken for granted in error.
2. Having a part time job is extremely important. Not only does this provide money to invest in your business, it also provides money to cushion you in case you have a really bad month of sales.
3. Last but not least, it is important not to burn your bridges. You should take care to leave employers on good terms. This is because you may want to return at some point, and also because they may be potential customers or know people who could be your potential customers.
7 Tips for...
1. I think getting your family involved in the business is a great idea. This gives them a way to be "investors" in your success without monetary risk. This is also good because it allows you to spend time with your family instead of strangers/employees during a time that you'll likely be very busy.
2. You give up a lot of personal time when starting a business. You have to be really committed to your success in order to make the time committment required.
3. I think making good use of your time is most important. Not only can you just get more done, you can also use leftover time for a part-time job with the intent of raising money for your business.
Starting a Part time vs...
1. The most important point in this article was making sure your idea has potential. It is important that a good idea be sustainable. If you are going to make Etsy, etc. a full time job, it has to be via products that will not just be popular for a year or two.
2. Finances are also an important aspect for deciding to go from part to full time. Even though having a great idea is critical, you must also be able to successfully support the idea financially. This could be by saving, or with an SBA loan, but you must be able to pay for the advertising, supplies, and administration needed for your business.
3. I like how this article also mentions how important it is to involve your family. When you're working from home, your career involves them also. Additionally, you're likely to be stressed out, and having a family support can help a lot.
You don't have to...
1. This article makes some great points about why it's smart to keep a part-time day job. The best point I think was that part-time employment takes the pressure off of you with regards to fast success. You still have a source of income, so the money pinch isn't on you.
2. Doing both just crafts part time can also be supplementary income during a regular employment. You can craft when you want, because you aren't completely dependent on that particular source of income.
3. Lastly, starting as a part-time operation also is easier in economic climates like the current one. Part time requires less start up capital. Less capital necessary just means less of a risk/investment.
Links to Other Online Venues for Crafts
buyhandmade.org is an alternative way to sell handmade products. Buy handmade has a pledge for customers to buy handmade, and is an outlet for artisans to publicize their blogs, etsys, or webstores specializing in handmade goods.
folksy.com is a website which allows you to buy and sell similar to Etsy. In addition to the commerce features, this website also has many tutorial sections with features about making your own goods.
folksy.com is a website which allows you to buy and sell similar to Etsy. In addition to the commerce features, this website also has many tutorial sections with features about making your own goods.
Finances
Business Growth
1. I think it is an important point to separate your finances. I have noticed that the more money you start making, the more overwhelming it is. You forget where payments are coming from and who needs to get paid.
2. I definately think a business checking account or credit card is vital. It is very tempting to just use the same one for everything, but that makes it harder to actually see what your expenses and profit are.
3. I hope to be able to get bookkeeping software as recommended in this article. The closest I am to financial documentation currently is a file with each ebay order and the correlating shipment receipts. However, if I could have a system for doing this all electronically, it would easier to keep track.
Tax Tips
1. I like that this article makes it a point to mention the most important things about tax for Etsy, and make it know that taxes aren't as scary as they seem.
2. Many people take organizational skills for granted, but I believe this was the most important thing in the article. Being organized makes all the aspects of managing your etsy business better. However, it is most important for taxes because you have your bases covered. This way, even if you don't know what you are doing, you have concrete documents you can bring to an accountant or someone more knowledgeable in tax rules.
3. I was unclear about what the hobby loss deductions were. I wasn't sure how this worked, or exactly who this applied to. The article could do more to explain this, because it seems like an important thing for etsy sellers to know.
Holiday Tax Tips
1. Time management is very important during the holidays. Not only do sellers have to deal with a seasonal increase in business for their shop, they will also likely have a busy schedule because of their own shopping and holiday obligations.
2. The holidays will mean you will need more inventory. It is wise to make sure you have budgetted the funds early so that you can maintain inventory levels throughout the holiday season. These are sales you can't get back until the next year, so it's important to be able to sell and strike while the iron is hot.
3. It is also important to make sure your store is in customer's minds during the holidays. Budgetting to increase your advertisting efforts is also important during the holidays.
1. I think it is an important point to separate your finances. I have noticed that the more money you start making, the more overwhelming it is. You forget where payments are coming from and who needs to get paid.
2. I definately think a business checking account or credit card is vital. It is very tempting to just use the same one for everything, but that makes it harder to actually see what your expenses and profit are.
3. I hope to be able to get bookkeeping software as recommended in this article. The closest I am to financial documentation currently is a file with each ebay order and the correlating shipment receipts. However, if I could have a system for doing this all electronically, it would easier to keep track.
Tax Tips
1. I like that this article makes it a point to mention the most important things about tax for Etsy, and make it know that taxes aren't as scary as they seem.
2. Many people take organizational skills for granted, but I believe this was the most important thing in the article. Being organized makes all the aspects of managing your etsy business better. However, it is most important for taxes because you have your bases covered. This way, even if you don't know what you are doing, you have concrete documents you can bring to an accountant or someone more knowledgeable in tax rules.
3. I was unclear about what the hobby loss deductions were. I wasn't sure how this worked, or exactly who this applied to. The article could do more to explain this, because it seems like an important thing for etsy sellers to know.
Holiday Tax Tips
1. Time management is very important during the holidays. Not only do sellers have to deal with a seasonal increase in business for their shop, they will also likely have a busy schedule because of their own shopping and holiday obligations.
2. The holidays will mean you will need more inventory. It is wise to make sure you have budgetted the funds early so that you can maintain inventory levels throughout the holiday season. These are sales you can't get back until the next year, so it's important to be able to sell and strike while the iron is hot.
3. It is also important to make sure your store is in customer's minds during the holidays. Budgetting to increase your advertisting efforts is also important during the holidays.
Entrepreneur: make your own product or have people do it for you?”
My ideal type of entrepreneurship would involve me being heavily involved in the design or creation process. My future goal is to open a vintage store. While this doesn't involve a lot of design directly, I still would want to be the main decision maker with regards to what types of clothing and products we would carry.
More than likely, my ideal boutique scenario would be that I was directly involved in the buying of merchandise. If it is not physically possible for me to be present during purchasing trips, I would like to be personally involved in making specifications for what types of products I need.
More than likely, my ideal boutique scenario would be that I was directly involved in the buying of merchandise. If it is not physically possible for me to be present during purchasing trips, I would like to be personally involved in making specifications for what types of products I need.
Etsy Reflection
I have learned a lot of new things in FM 438. At first, I was skeptical simply because I was already somewhat familiar with online selling. However, Ebay and Etsy and are totally different. Ebay is a lot more like regular retail, and customers already know what they want. There is a specific demand, and they will seek out your product if they want it. On Etsy, it is different. You must make your own demand, because most of us in the class made products that were unique or out of the box. While similar products exist, you had to make your product stand out and really speak to the possible customers. This made elements of promotion so much more important for Etsy.
For the most part, I enjoyed the class materials. A lot of the tutorials were funny and interesting. Using these types of learning materials makes it a little more fun to do your work. Because this was a class based on equal parts entrepreneurship and creative ingenuity, using a boring textbook wouldn't have made much sense. The only criticism I have is that some of the reading articles tended to repeat themselves, especially the articles pertaining to shipping and packaging. I would personally pare down these sections a little bit, and maybe expand more on promotion. I found firsthand that simply having a neat product isn't enough to generate sales. While we did cover things like promotion through blogs and social media, I think this is the most key element to Etsy success. This also parallels the real world of entrepreneuship. Having a good idea isn't enough; people have to see that idea also.
I found the assignments ok, if not a little long. I would recommend breaking these up into smaller parts and spreading them out a little, especially since there aren't many of them. However, they do a good job with getting you comfortable with Etsy.
I really enjoyed our guest speaker time. I especially liked going downtown to the various boutiques. It is very helpful and motivational to know that entrepreneurs start exactly where we are now. Having someone break down how things work also helps you realize that while it's a lot of work to start a boutique, it is definately doable.
I would not recommend changing a lot for future FM 438 classes. I found it a nice change from most business classes. It was also great because it gave real world applications to so many of the concepts we've talked about in other classes. I also gives you a way to gauge how "in tune" with you entrepreneurial side you really are.
The one recommendation I have, other than the minor concerns with the structure of the blogs and assignments, would be to address product options for students who are not artistic or creative. While I didn't have a hard time deciding what to make, I think some other students ran into problems and got in over their heads. It might be good to have some resources/information available for craft classes or possible mentors.
For the most part, I enjoyed the class materials. A lot of the tutorials were funny and interesting. Using these types of learning materials makes it a little more fun to do your work. Because this was a class based on equal parts entrepreneurship and creative ingenuity, using a boring textbook wouldn't have made much sense. The only criticism I have is that some of the reading articles tended to repeat themselves, especially the articles pertaining to shipping and packaging. I would personally pare down these sections a little bit, and maybe expand more on promotion. I found firsthand that simply having a neat product isn't enough to generate sales. While we did cover things like promotion through blogs and social media, I think this is the most key element to Etsy success. This also parallels the real world of entrepreneuship. Having a good idea isn't enough; people have to see that idea also.
I found the assignments ok, if not a little long. I would recommend breaking these up into smaller parts and spreading them out a little, especially since there aren't many of them. However, they do a good job with getting you comfortable with Etsy.
I really enjoyed our guest speaker time. I especially liked going downtown to the various boutiques. It is very helpful and motivational to know that entrepreneurs start exactly where we are now. Having someone break down how things work also helps you realize that while it's a lot of work to start a boutique, it is definately doable.
I would not recommend changing a lot for future FM 438 classes. I found it a nice change from most business classes. It was also great because it gave real world applications to so many of the concepts we've talked about in other classes. I also gives you a way to gauge how "in tune" with you entrepreneurial side you really are.
The one recommendation I have, other than the minor concerns with the structure of the blogs and assignments, would be to address product options for students who are not artistic or creative. While I didn't have a hard time deciding what to make, I think some other students ran into problems and got in over their heads. It might be good to have some resources/information available for craft classes or possible mentors.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Transferring Ebay Policies to Etsy
I feel somewhat prepared to deal with the financial responsibilities of Etsy because of my experience with ebay. However, there are a few things that differ. With Ebay, I must try to either get items cheaper because my margin of profit must be higher. Ebay takes nearly nine percent of each item's selling price. For Etsy, this percentage is much lower. Therefore, I have marked my items up about 60% of their cost to produce, not factoring the work time into this cost.
ecause of this difference in selling fees, I plan to use more of the promotional resources Etsy offers. I have scheduled for one of my banks to be a front page listing. I think this will be a valuable way to attract customers to my store.
I do plan to keep some of the elements of financial management I already use. While I will be using my same paypal address for Etsy, I plan to use the paypal card to purchase all my Etsy supplies. Using this debit card rewards you with 1% cash back for your purchases. While not a lot, this little bit helps. I have chosen not to get a different paypal simply because I like simplicity. Because I am not yet selling a lot on Etsy, having two addresses could become confusing. However, I may consider this if the Etsy store is successful.
ecause of this difference in selling fees, I plan to use more of the promotional resources Etsy offers. I have scheduled for one of my banks to be a front page listing. I think this will be a valuable way to attract customers to my store.
I do plan to keep some of the elements of financial management I already use. While I will be using my same paypal address for Etsy, I plan to use the paypal card to purchase all my Etsy supplies. Using this debit card rewards you with 1% cash back for your purchases. While not a lot, this little bit helps. I have chosen not to get a different paypal simply because I like simplicity. Because I am not yet selling a lot on Etsy, having two addresses could become confusing. However, I may consider this if the Etsy store is successful.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Shipping
Seller How-to Shipping
1. It is important to remember to take into account holiday shipping schedules. During the holidays, many people will be purchasing gifts. It is important to check with the USPS to see what delivery estimates are, and make sure your customer knows this. This will help make sure you don't have problems with items being delayed because of the holiday rush.
2. Insurance is a good way to provide customer service for customers and protect yourself. If an item is lost or damaged, insurance ensures that you will be reimbursed by the shipping service. This means the customer will get their item, and you won't lose any money. Tracking numbers or postage receipts are also important. They provide proof that you have shipped an item, in case a paypal dispute is brought up.
3. If you are selling internationally, it is important to know what you can and cannot ship to certain countries. This eliminates delays at customs or items being returned because they are not allowed through.
Non Delivery Complaint Process
1. Etsy's non-delivery complaint handling system can help buyers who have not recieved an item they've paid for. It is useful if you have purchased an item and have not recieved it nor heard on any progress from the seller.
2. Etsy will send notification emails to the seller to alert them to the issue. These are good, because sometimes a seller was simply away from a computer, or a response to a customer email went unnoticed. Often, these notifications will help rectify the situation simply because there was a miscommunication or error in reporting an item shipped, etc.
3. Making sure to always have either a delivery confirmation or proof of shipment also protects sellers. These documentations can show etsy that an item was shipped, in the case of an item lost during mailing or a customer who is trying to scam a seller.
Shipping Costs and Paypal
1. It is useful to know how to override shipping costs between Etsy and Paypal invoices.
2. Sometimes, an item costs less to ship than you have listed on the listing. This may be because you have generic shipping costs, or found a new way to ship.
3. Accurate shipping helps you show customers that you are not trying to rip them off.
Pretty as a Package
1. Because Etsy is all about artists, handmade goods, and community, taking extra care in packaging is a n inexpensive way to show how important your customers are to you.
2. Using a fun address place stamp, or a stamp to show that a package is fragile, is a very cost effective way to personalize packages. Because so many people use email or texts now, snail mail is more of a nostalgic experience.
3. Including freebies, like stickers, seeds, recipes, etc. also adds to the Etsy experience. It is another way to show your customer that they matter and you appreciate them. This is also a way to help your customer remember you.
Packaging Ideas
1. This article had some very cute ideas for packaging.
2. Simple gift wrap looks very nice, but it also looks great to add more details to the wrapping.
3. Packaging is an opportunity to be eco friendly, using recycled paper or reappropriating some other type of paper for wrapping.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Store Policy and Bio
Store Policy
Payment
Currently, the only form of payment we accept is Paypal. We appreciate payments recieved within 3 days, but if you need a slightly longer amount of time please contact us.
Shipping
I ship all items USPS priority mail, which generally takes 2-3 business days to arrive in the United States. All packages with a delivery confirmation tracking number. Generally, I ship within one day of recieving payment. If you live somewhere that we don't have shipping listed for, please contact us. We can calculate shipping and send you a revised invoice.
Refunds and Exchanges
We are happy to exchange any item within 7 days of you recieving the item. If the item is defective or breaks, please let us know as soon as possible, so that you can get a replacement. If item arrives damaged, we will pay return shipping. In all other cases, we are not responsible for the cost of replacement shipping.
Contact
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have a question, comment, or request regarding an item or purchase. We respond in a timely manner to all etsy convos.
I chose these policies by basing them loosely on the policies I already use for my Ebay shop. The paypal and contact policies are actually identical. At this point in time, almost all Etsy shoppers use paypal. The three day rule is also good in my opinion. Immediate payment is somewhat strict. However, a week creates too much delay. It essentially ties up your money because you can't sell the reserved product.
I also think it is important to note that while it is good to have official policies, I have been okay with breaking them in the past. This is especially important in cases where the customer has bought from you before, or they are just slightly out of the return window. This makes them feel taken care of as customers, and makes them more likely to view you positively.
Bio
My name is Minta, and I can pretty much assure you that I will be the only Minta you ever meet. Having a unique name may have made me so preoccupied with things that are different and new and a little special.
I am a fashion student by day, thrifter by afternoon, and crafty lady by night. I love little treasures. A vintage ashtray full of change, or a Victorian Dresser Set. Little details make your day more beautiful.
Each jewelry display and mosaic I make is inspired by a desire to make the ordinary surprising, quirky, and memorable. Each sparkly, whimsical piece is created nightly by me, with a little company from my Rat Terrier Busy.
---
I have had a lot of trouble writing my bio. This is only a first draft. While the readings help, I think it is just really hard to write about yourself without feeling either very self conscious or like you're just being "ME ME ME".
I tried to write my bio in a way that was light and conversational, conveying my personality but still being well written and professional. However, I am afraid that parts of it sound silly. I wanted to add personal details, and things that I think make me unique as a person. I also wanted to add a little bit about where my inspiration comes from. However, I couldn't really find a way to do this and explain it. I don't want it to be rambling either.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Art of Pricing
Anatomy of a Cost Effective Project
1. I found it very generous that this author was giving herself $20 per hour as a crafting wage. This is good, because you have to make your time valuable, but I also think that you must price things in a way that is attractive to the customer.
2. I question why this seller decided to buy so much material in bulk before she was sure of how successful she would be in making this item. If she would have put more time in to prototyping, I think she wouldn't have made this mistake.
3. I learned that it is important to make sure that the craft you make isn't just desirable to the customer; the amount of materials and manpower used must also meet your needs as a seller.
Theories in Discounting
1. Discounting is a lot more involved than it looks, and really is a marketing concept rather than just a way to price items. Methods or types of discounting can appeal or deter customers because of psychological reasons, and different customers may react to discounts in certain ways.
2. I think that using the Free Shipping option is a great way to entice customers. Paying shipping is one of the things that often discourages me from purchasing, but offering free shipping makes it seem "easier" for me to shop.
3. Using etsy teams or groups sounds like a great way to run promotions and discounts. These group discounts make more of an impact than a one seller sale. Additionally, everyone can share in the work to promote the stores.
Three Helpful Pricing Tips
1. It is very important to remember that a big part of item price is what your time is worth. Not only does this make your prices more realistic, but you will be able to focus more on items that you enjoy making. Making items you like means you will feel better pricing them in a way that is realistic and not overly high just because you felt like you went through a lot of trouble to create the item.
2. Knowing your customer is the most important way to price. This made me think of finding your niche and target market. Example: if you make diamond jewelry geared towards fashion students, you may not have much luck. They may love your designs, but you also have to know how much money they can spend, and diamond jewelry probably doesn't fit into a college budget.
3. Working backwards to find item prices was something I have thought of with ebay before, but never etsy. It is very suprising to say, I want to make this much per year, and then divide by your items to see how much each one should cost. When I did this on Ebay, I realized that I either needed to sell items for more or sell more items. It is a way of facing financial reality to keep yourself on the right track.
You Get What you Pay for
1. Part of what determines your pricing is what you believe your creativity is worth. I think it is kind of hard to be objective when determining the worth of our own creativity. For most people in the class, being a craftsperson is new, so I can see how this is hard.
2. I like the idea that the little extras/details can take an item from being good to "premium". Elements like technique and your personal story add to value. This shows how important your bio can be when influencing how a customer percieves your item.
3. I agree that pricing too low is just as bad as pricing too high. My automatic assumption for a very low priced item is that the quality must be substandard or that the materials used aren't as good.
Staying Competitive
1. Using demand pricing can help explain why people seem to overpay for some things. This is pricing what the market will bear. If you are designing an item that people will often buy as gifts or see as a splurge, you can price higher.
2. Seeing where your price fits among your competitors helps you develop a competitive price. This would also show you that if all your competitors are undercharging, you may want to make your item a little different, help differentiate it from the others, and show the customer why it costs a little more. If this isn't possible, you might want to think of doing a different item.
3. It's better to price too high at first than too low. It is a lot easier to lower a price than to raise it on a customers.
Tiered Pricing
I thought that the concept of tiered pricing was very reminiscent of what fashion designers do with regards to couture, ready to wear, and accessories.
1. Having an expensive "buzz piece" can generate excitement and conversation around your store. This is like couture; most customers are not buying it, but they want to see it and will often stay around to shop for things which will fit their budget.
2. Offering lots of things at different price points allows you to attract a wider range of customers. I like when an Etsy store offers similar designs in lower price points than their signature pieces. These types of pieces are good because I can buy them for myself and not splurge, rather than waiting for a birthday or special event.
3. I also think that pushing yourself to create items at different price points also forces you to be more innovative in designs. You must come up with ways to either simplify or make your design more involved.
The Art of Pricing
1. Direct costs are one of the factors that influence item price. While most people think that direct cost is a fixed expense, I like the idea that one can be innovative in reducing direct cost, and then are able to make more wage/profit. Using recycled/vintage materials is one way to do this. It would also be helpful to look on the internet for wholesalers from whom to buy materials.
2. Indirect costs are harder for me to understand. While my items do not have much indirect cost, if I chose to sew garments instead, how would I factor in the cost of my sewing machine? This seems confusing, especially for items that require machinery to create.
3. I like, again, that this article mentioned noting your desired yearly wage and working backwards from there. I think this is the easiest way to see the REALITY of how much you need to produce and make. It can be frustrating trying to guess on figures, but this allows you to break things down in a way that is easy to understand, item by item.
1. I found it very generous that this author was giving herself $20 per hour as a crafting wage. This is good, because you have to make your time valuable, but I also think that you must price things in a way that is attractive to the customer.
2. I question why this seller decided to buy so much material in bulk before she was sure of how successful she would be in making this item. If she would have put more time in to prototyping, I think she wouldn't have made this mistake.
3. I learned that it is important to make sure that the craft you make isn't just desirable to the customer; the amount of materials and manpower used must also meet your needs as a seller.
Theories in Discounting
1. Discounting is a lot more involved than it looks, and really is a marketing concept rather than just a way to price items. Methods or types of discounting can appeal or deter customers because of psychological reasons, and different customers may react to discounts in certain ways.
2. I think that using the Free Shipping option is a great way to entice customers. Paying shipping is one of the things that often discourages me from purchasing, but offering free shipping makes it seem "easier" for me to shop.
3. Using etsy teams or groups sounds like a great way to run promotions and discounts. These group discounts make more of an impact than a one seller sale. Additionally, everyone can share in the work to promote the stores.
Three Helpful Pricing Tips
1. It is very important to remember that a big part of item price is what your time is worth. Not only does this make your prices more realistic, but you will be able to focus more on items that you enjoy making. Making items you like means you will feel better pricing them in a way that is realistic and not overly high just because you felt like you went through a lot of trouble to create the item.
2. Knowing your customer is the most important way to price. This made me think of finding your niche and target market. Example: if you make diamond jewelry geared towards fashion students, you may not have much luck. They may love your designs, but you also have to know how much money they can spend, and diamond jewelry probably doesn't fit into a college budget.
3. Working backwards to find item prices was something I have thought of with ebay before, but never etsy. It is very suprising to say, I want to make this much per year, and then divide by your items to see how much each one should cost. When I did this on Ebay, I realized that I either needed to sell items for more or sell more items. It is a way of facing financial reality to keep yourself on the right track.
You Get What you Pay for
1. Part of what determines your pricing is what you believe your creativity is worth. I think it is kind of hard to be objective when determining the worth of our own creativity. For most people in the class, being a craftsperson is new, so I can see how this is hard.
2. I like the idea that the little extras/details can take an item from being good to "premium". Elements like technique and your personal story add to value. This shows how important your bio can be when influencing how a customer percieves your item.
3. I agree that pricing too low is just as bad as pricing too high. My automatic assumption for a very low priced item is that the quality must be substandard or that the materials used aren't as good.
Staying Competitive
1. Using demand pricing can help explain why people seem to overpay for some things. This is pricing what the market will bear. If you are designing an item that people will often buy as gifts or see as a splurge, you can price higher.
2. Seeing where your price fits among your competitors helps you develop a competitive price. This would also show you that if all your competitors are undercharging, you may want to make your item a little different, help differentiate it from the others, and show the customer why it costs a little more. If this isn't possible, you might want to think of doing a different item.
3. It's better to price too high at first than too low. It is a lot easier to lower a price than to raise it on a customers.
Tiered Pricing
I thought that the concept of tiered pricing was very reminiscent of what fashion designers do with regards to couture, ready to wear, and accessories.
1. Having an expensive "buzz piece" can generate excitement and conversation around your store. This is like couture; most customers are not buying it, but they want to see it and will often stay around to shop for things which will fit their budget.
2. Offering lots of things at different price points allows you to attract a wider range of customers. I like when an Etsy store offers similar designs in lower price points than their signature pieces. These types of pieces are good because I can buy them for myself and not splurge, rather than waiting for a birthday or special event.
3. I also think that pushing yourself to create items at different price points also forces you to be more innovative in designs. You must come up with ways to either simplify or make your design more involved.
The Art of Pricing
1. Direct costs are one of the factors that influence item price. While most people think that direct cost is a fixed expense, I like the idea that one can be innovative in reducing direct cost, and then are able to make more wage/profit. Using recycled/vintage materials is one way to do this. It would also be helpful to look on the internet for wholesalers from whom to buy materials.
2. Indirect costs are harder for me to understand. While my items do not have much indirect cost, if I chose to sew garments instead, how would I factor in the cost of my sewing machine? This seems confusing, especially for items that require machinery to create.
3. I like, again, that this article mentioned noting your desired yearly wage and working backwards from there. I think this is the easiest way to see the REALITY of how much you need to produce and make. It can be frustrating trying to guess on figures, but this allows you to break things down in a way that is easy to understand, item by item.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Paragon Learning Style
I was skeptical of taking yet another learning styles test for this class. Most of us have taken many of these type tests by the time we get this far in college. However, the thing that I found different about this test was that it integrated questions about how you act in social situations. The result of my test, which was the ISTP, actually revealed some of the aspects of my personality I have always said, oh no that's not me, etc.
I have always struggled with the idea that I have grown into a more introspective person as an adult. The ISTP style pointed this out, and how it can also be a good thing. I am not comfortable with approaching strangers, but I am very warm and comfortable with people I am already somewhat acquainted with. This can help me on Etsy, because I do not have to approach strangers face-to-face. Instead, I can look at potential customers who contact me as someone I already have commonalities with, because they are interested in my product. Therefore, I need to be friendly, helpful, and prompt with responses.
I also learned that it is much easier for me to complete tasks when I have order and routine, so it will be very important for me to keep up with what I need to do each week for the store, making sure to answer emails and ship productts in a timely manner. This will allow me to not feel like I am behind and overwhelmed in unfinished tasks.
The dualities of Thinker/Feeler was something I have struggled with. I have always thought of myself as a more freethinking person. However, being classified as a Thinker rather than a feeler surprised me. I have to remember that this does not make me boring or dull. Rather, being a thinker will allow me to use a critical eye when evaluating item quality or writings for my shop. I can use this critical, rational ability to be objective and make my store and items better.
I also found it very interesting that the ISTP style is sometimes described as the craftsperson. This does not necessarily mean the artist; rather the artisan or craftsperson is great at production, which I agree with. I can have a very hard time generating my new ideas. However, as soon as I have a set task, I can be meticulous and driven with my work. I plan to use this "strike while the iron is hot", and focus on completing items efficiently once I have a set plan for making them.
Lastly, I think it is important to remember that the PLS is only a learning test, and does not define WHO I am as a person, rather it just helps to explain how I think and can best learn. I had to realize that just because I thought of myself as one type of person, doesn't mean I don't know myself. Embracing the results of this test help me to be more successful in schoolwork and developing better ways of doing Etsy work.
I have always struggled with the idea that I have grown into a more introspective person as an adult. The ISTP style pointed this out, and how it can also be a good thing. I am not comfortable with approaching strangers, but I am very warm and comfortable with people I am already somewhat acquainted with. This can help me on Etsy, because I do not have to approach strangers face-to-face. Instead, I can look at potential customers who contact me as someone I already have commonalities with, because they are interested in my product. Therefore, I need to be friendly, helpful, and prompt with responses.
I also learned that it is much easier for me to complete tasks when I have order and routine, so it will be very important for me to keep up with what I need to do each week for the store, making sure to answer emails and ship productts in a timely manner. This will allow me to not feel like I am behind and overwhelmed in unfinished tasks.
The dualities of Thinker/Feeler was something I have struggled with. I have always thought of myself as a more freethinking person. However, being classified as a Thinker rather than a feeler surprised me. I have to remember that this does not make me boring or dull. Rather, being a thinker will allow me to use a critical eye when evaluating item quality or writings for my shop. I can use this critical, rational ability to be objective and make my store and items better.
I also found it very interesting that the ISTP style is sometimes described as the craftsperson. This does not necessarily mean the artist; rather the artisan or craftsperson is great at production, which I agree with. I can have a very hard time generating my new ideas. However, as soon as I have a set task, I can be meticulous and driven with my work. I plan to use this "strike while the iron is hot", and focus on completing items efficiently once I have a set plan for making them.
Lastly, I think it is important to remember that the PLS is only a learning test, and does not define WHO I am as a person, rather it just helps to explain how I think and can best learn. I had to realize that just because I thought of myself as one type of person, doesn't mean I don't know myself. Embracing the results of this test help me to be more successful in schoolwork and developing better ways of doing Etsy work.
The Art of Tags
I have decided on many possible tags for my items. I have created a rhinestone encrusted mannequin head that can be used as a mosaic sculpture just for display, but it is also weighted and can be used as a bookend. I have also created a rhinestone mannequin hand that can be used to hold and display jewelry or simply stand alone. My tags include:
Vintage, Upcycled, Rhinestone, Crystal, Bedroom, Bookend, Jewelry Stand, Display, Disco, Lady Gaga, Bedazzled, Mannequin head, Bling, Feminine, Girly, Hand, Conversation Piece.
I am still trying to think of more possibilites, but I think that these incorporate some of the styles or descriptive terms that buyers would be searching for.
Vintage, Upcycled, Rhinestone, Crystal, Bedroom, Bookend, Jewelry Stand, Display, Disco, Lady Gaga, Bedazzled, Mannequin head, Bling, Feminine, Girly, Hand, Conversation Piece.
I am still trying to think of more possibilites, but I think that these incorporate some of the styles or descriptive terms that buyers would be searching for.
Reflecting on Etsy Challenges
Despite having previous experience with online entrepreneurship, Etsy is totally new experience for me. I think I have put a lot of pressure on myself with regards to details of my Etsy products and store. This has made it difficult for me to make a lot of decisions for my store.
I had a very hard time naming my store. I wanted something fun, and girly, but I still wanted my name to sound professional. I had to chose "Sparkles in Motion" because my first choice, Sparklemotion, was already chosen. While I like this name, I was not completely satisfied with it. However, I do know that it is easy to spell, and also reflects the type of product I will have in my store.
When developing my store policies, I did not have too many challenges. I have done this before, so I knew what type of basic information to include. My difficulty was in making these policies not sound to serious or restrictive. Ebay and Etsy have very different seller climates, with Etsy transactions being a lot more warm and friendly. I tried to make sure that my policies sounded friendly while still being clear. I had my brother, who is Etsy seller, and my aunt, who buys a lot on Etsy, read them and make sure they sounded good.
Writing my bio was also somewhat difficult. Ebay does not really use bios, because there is little personal connections to the items most people sell as auctions. However, Etsy bios are valuable because Handmade items are such an extension of a person. When starting to write my bio, I tried to balance getting important information about myself in there, trying to create a personal story that endears possible customers to my item, and still sounding professional. I also did not want my bio to sound self absorbed. What I did to stay on track was refer back to the articles with tips for writing bios, and then some guidelines I created for myself. I wanted to make sure that customers reading the bio would know a little bit about what made me unique, and how those unique characteristics made my items seem more valuable and unique. I wanted the customer to feel like they were getting a present from a friend, rather than just a purchase.
My main problem with writing product descriptions is writing way too much! I know that you need a good description that could be used to envision a product in lieu of a picture. However, I tend to write way too much and not know when to reach a stopping point. I made sure to read my description once it was finished and look for unnecessary information.
Most people think that taking pictures of items is the fun, or easy part. Even though I do this all the time, I still think pictures are very frustrating. I am a perfectionist sometimes, and got discouraged that I did not have access to a digital SLR. I have taken lots of pictures of my stands with a regular digital, and I dont think that the lighting makes the rhinestones pop. Consequently, I found a friend who has a SLR. He will be helping me take better pictures and show me how to use his camera.
Design Thinking
The design thinking process was very similar to the creative thinking process we learned about in Marketing 322. Both are about looking past obvious answers to find underlying problems and innovative solutions for any case. The hardest step to grasp, in both of those processes, is how to look at a problem in a different way. It makes sense that you will be able to create stronger solutions or designs when you strongly define the problem; however, I did not find that any of the articles really explain how to get into the mindset necessary for thinking outside the box. It seems to me like something you are born with, rather than a way of thinking that can be learned.
The design thinking process can be applied to life in a number of different ways. First, it is easy to become stressed out or frustrated in everyday life. One example of how design thinking could help would be recognizing that your problem isn't that you have too much work to do; your problem is that you do not have good time management skills and experience stress because you have procrastinated. I think I have also used design thinking to arrive at my ebay selling business. When I lost my job, I could've gone and looked for another similar job. This would have fulfilled my need for money. However, I also had the need for time to complete schoolwork and be able to go home and visit with my family a few times a month. Ebay was not a conventional job choice, but it still solved my need to support myself. Additionally, it is an improved solution because it allows me to make the same amount in less time, and looks better on my resume than a part-time job unrelated to my degree.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
My Etsy Store Name
After much thought, I decided to name my Etsy Store sparklesinmotion.
This was not my first choice, but Etsy has so many sellers my first choice, sparklemotion, was taken.
I chose this name because my item is all about sparkle and shine. Sparkle motion is the name of a dance group in one of my favorite movies, "Donnie Darko", so it is kind of an inside joke. Plus, people who have already seen this movie will find it easier to remember my store name because it reminds them of that.
Additionally, it is easy to spell.
This was not my first choice, but Etsy has so many sellers my first choice, sparklemotion, was taken.
I chose this name because my item is all about sparkle and shine. Sparkle motion is the name of a dance group in one of my favorite movies, "Donnie Darko", so it is kind of an inside joke. Plus, people who have already seen this movie will find it easier to remember my store name because it reminds them of that.
Additionally, it is easy to spell.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Being an Etsy Customer
I have purchased from Etsy before. However, it has been a while since I've actually down more than just browsing, or "window shopping" on etsy. I was excited that this assignment would be a good excuse to buy something fun and unique from etsy.
I just moved into a new house a few months ago, and i'm still always on the lookout for fun decorative objects.
I wanted something that was actually handmade, so I started looking for different types of drawings and paintings. Immediately it appeared that the paintings were out of my price range, so I switched up to drawings. I searched for the word pinup because this is a style of drawing that I like. I came upon a picture of a pinup style angel that I really liked. Even better, the drawing was 25 dollars, well within my price range. I was even more interested in the drawing after finding out that it was being sold by a prisoner's outreach program for inmates who are transgendered. I am very interested in art as a medium for healing, learning, and rehabilitation, so this sealed the deal for me.
After confirming my order and paying with paypal, I waited. While it only took 5 days for the drawing to arrive, the seller didn't send me an email letting me know that the art had shipped or a tracking number by which to follow its delivery progress.
When the art did finally arrive, it was securely packaged in a padded envelope. There was a handwritten note of thanks from the artist. Even better, the drawing was even more detailed and impressive in person than it was in the photograph. I am already waiting for the artist to finish more work.
What I liked most about this purchase is just how smooth the transaction went, and especially the high quality of the product. I learned how much customers can be influenced by the story behind the art or the artist.
I believe that making your customer feel that your item is truly unique and allowing them to relate to your story compels them to purchase. This shows me how important it will be to write good descriptions and profile that allows the customer to make a connection.
I just moved into a new house a few months ago, and i'm still always on the lookout for fun decorative objects.
I wanted something that was actually handmade, so I started looking for different types of drawings and paintings. Immediately it appeared that the paintings were out of my price range, so I switched up to drawings. I searched for the word pinup because this is a style of drawing that I like. I came upon a picture of a pinup style angel that I really liked. Even better, the drawing was 25 dollars, well within my price range. I was even more interested in the drawing after finding out that it was being sold by a prisoner's outreach program for inmates who are transgendered. I am very interested in art as a medium for healing, learning, and rehabilitation, so this sealed the deal for me.
After confirming my order and paying with paypal, I waited. While it only took 5 days for the drawing to arrive, the seller didn't send me an email letting me know that the art had shipped or a tracking number by which to follow its delivery progress.
When the art did finally arrive, it was securely packaged in a padded envelope. There was a handwritten note of thanks from the artist. Even better, the drawing was even more detailed and impressive in person than it was in the photograph. I am already waiting for the artist to finish more work.
What I liked most about this purchase is just how smooth the transaction went, and especially the high quality of the product. I learned how much customers can be influenced by the story behind the art or the artist.
I believe that making your customer feel that your item is truly unique and allowing them to relate to your story compels them to purchase. This shows me how important it will be to write good descriptions and profile that allows the customer to make a connection.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Five Etsy Picks for a Cold February
Find five Etsy handmade products that you like. Write a blog on why you like each product. Write also in your blog at least 3 possible ways to make each product better.
It is far too cold for the South right now. Especially without the holidays to look forward to...nothing but cold, dreary February. Personally, I have a hard time motivating myself to look cute and dress with a little creativity when the weather is so inclimate...But these Etsy picks might make the cold a little more bearable.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60825819/heart-strings-headband?ref=v1_other_2
An adorable headband with a large, whimsical crocheted heart. I would love this even more as a clip on barrette, or two as earmuffs!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60898650/the-skipper-peacoat-medium?ref=v1_other_2
While technically not something I can wear, my pup, Miss Busy, definately gets chilly these days. I love the classic cut and blue color, but more colors, especially a girly pink, or a fun pattern, would be welcome.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63605804/russian-ushanka
I love headgear...hats, hairclips, barrettes. It really doesn't matter. In the winter, I love them even more. This sweet, girly hat looks like it would keep my head pretty warm. I just wish it didn't have these big, santa-hat pompoms on it. Sometimes less is more.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48070314/chainmaille-knit-scarf
A girl can never have too many scarves. Especially in February. The chainlink pattern on this one is so unique! It looks more like a necklace than just something to keep your neck warm. I wish this scarf was available in slightly more luxe yarns, though. Wool isn't my favorite. I would love a silk blend or kashmir.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61395067/felted-slippers-orange-flower-decorated?ref=v1_other_2
Nothing is worse than cold feet when the rest of you is warm. I love these colorful slippers...and they look very cozy. I would love if these were made into booties, so the tops of your feet could be just as toasty!
WELL.
Here's to hoping that it warms up a little. Until then though, remember that you can be cute and cozy.
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