On Etsy for a year... and I just opened my store!

[LadybugLimited]

Yeah, it took me a year to finally get up the nerve to do it-- the perfectionist's curse, I guess. But I was finally inspired by this post at Rocks in my Dryer to get my shop open, so that I could self-promote on a major blog like everyone else...

Anyways, I've been told to start slow and spread my items out over a period of time rather than posting them all in one night, but if anyone else has any advice for this rookie seller, I'm all ears!

Oh, and here's the link to my shop (which I just added to my signature, too.)

Thanks gals-- you've been an inspiration!

[jlalex]

I love your cover buttons. I just hearted your shop. The same thing happened to me, I was on Etsy for a year before I opened my shop. My only advice is to promote, promote, promote. Also promote in the etsy forum and join some groups.

[mdb78]

I just hearted you too. I like your clips. Like what pp said, you just have to promote! GL!

[DA610]

Congrats!!!

[Wendy523]

Congratulations! I checked it out! It looks great! good pictures, relevant tags, good prices...

the only thing that may get you in trouble is your link to your blog since you request the buyers to email you to purchase, Etsy will consider that fee avoidance since you are selling from your blog.

And the best advice was already given, spread out your listings, 1-3 a day (the amount you list per day depends on your inventory), different times of day so that you don't get buried deep in the searches.

Promote promote promote! Participate in the Etsy forums since many sellers are also buyers!

[LadybugLimited]

Thanks for the advice, Wendy. Next on my wishlist is photo studio in a box so that I don't have to depend on Pacific Northwest skies to cooperate to get a decent shot!

I certainly don't want to get in trouble for fee avoidance-- the blog has been up for quite awhile so until this week it was the only way to order. I've changed my left sidebar to say that locals should e-mail me but everyone else should ask for an Etsy listing. Do you think that's OK or have I not solved the problem?

Now I need to go learn about the Etsy forums...

Thanks again!

[Wendy523]

Originally Posted by LadybugLimited

Thanks for the advice, Wendy. Next on my wishlist is photo studio in a box so that I don't have to depend on Pacific Northwest skies to cooperate to get a decent shot!

I certainly don't want to get in trouble for fee avoidance-- the blog has been up for quite awhile so until this week it was the only way to order. I've changed my left sidebar to say that locals should e-mail me but everyone else should ask for an Etsy listing. Do you think that's OK or have I not solved the problem?

Now I need to go learn about the Etsy forums...

Thanks again!

LOL! I know about the lighting! I was happy all summer with my pictures since I could take them outside, but now Chicago winter has hit and I froze my butt off the other day trying to take pictures outside! Need to figure something out for this time of year LOL!

As far as your blog, I think it is worth the risk the way you have it now. I'm not the Etsy police though, there are many who think they are, so don't be shocked if someone does flag you.

Good luck to you!!!