How to start a shop on Etsy.

September 27, 2017September 27, 2017| Art CraftrArt Craftr| 0 Comment|
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Starting a shop on Etsy is very easy. The hardest aspect of starting an Etsy shop is coming up with the kind of crafts you are comfortable creating, in order to supply the market you are targeting. If you don’t want to build your own crafts, you may source vintage items and sell them at reasonable rates.

There are upsides and downsides to everything in life, the same can be said about the kind of products you supply. I personally think it is best to create your own crafts for sale, in fact, no one knows about your creations as you do, hence you stand a better chance at selling your products just to mention one of the advantages.

A disadvantage is that the going rate for your crafts needs to be very competitive as lots of other vendors may already be selling the same or similar crafts. As for vintage items, one advantage is that the going rates are mostly high which is a good thing and the disadvantage is locating and gathering vintage items for your store which can be tedious and costly most times but if you like what you do you will find a way, not an excuse.

After coming up with your products, locate a supplier for your raw materials. I personally purchase all my supplies from the Etsy Club, I get a wide range of quality materials at reasonable rates and they are shipped right to my doorstep. Here is a link I added for your convenience.
Once you are through coming up with the kind of products you are comfortable with, Go to Etsy.com, click on the link “Sell” then click on Open Esty Shop and follow through with the process. Signing up is very easy but we will make a separate post with a total walkthrough on Etsy’s sign up process and product listings.

Once you are through signing up and verifying your Etsy store you may start listing the products you will be selling. Each product lists attract a small cost. Try to use professionally taken photos for all product listings.

Now, Simply purchase all raw materials needed from start to finish of your product depending on the kind of products you are creating. At first, you may not need to purchase a mass amount of supplies as it is best to supply on-demand but purchase enough to have materials left over for a few more finished products. Sometimes you may get deals of which if you purchase a certain amount of materials you get discounts, try to maximize on all opportunities when it comes on to business.

In some cases, you may need to wait until an order is placed before purchasing your raw materials as it is totally dependent on the product you are supplying.
This is a general outline of starting an Etsy Shop. Please leave your comments below if I missed anything if you have a question, concerns.

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Related Destash

Rainy Day Craft Fun for Everyone.Rainy Day Craft Fun for Everyone.

Rainy days can be a drag for children and adults alike. Despite the weather outside though, there is fun to be had inside as well. Rainy days are the perfect time to break out the arts and crafts that will drive away the rainy day dreariness. Crafts are perfect for all ages and ensures that nobody is left out.

Crafts for Small Children.

Children age two and up can sit at the table with paper and crayons. While the younger children may not have a long attention span, coloring will help to keep a child entertained when it is not feasible to play outside. Cut out some shapes on paper and let the children decorate the shapes. For more fun, break out some glitter markers and some stickers. Foam is also a good option for younger children. Foam does not tear easily and is very versatile which makes it a good material for young children to craft with.

Crafts for school aged children.

Children who are attending school are likely more adept at handling items such as scissors and glue. Popsicle sticks are a great item to have on hand for rainy days. Popsicle sticks can be used to build houses, picture frames and many other things. The possibilities are unlimited and your child’s creativity is the limit. Paints are also a good idea. Lay out some paint, brushes, paper and some water and paper towels for cleanup and let your kids paint the day away.
If the children are in middle or high school, they are adept at doing more than coloring or painting. Craft ideas for older children include painting on a canvas, scrapbooking and other paper crafts, as well as building crafts out of wood and other items. Cross stitching and fabric arts are good deterrents from the weather outside as they are time consuming.

Crafts for adults.

There are many different crafts that adults can do. Jewelry making and scrapbooking are two of the most popular activities. Sewing, whether by hand or machine, is an activity that can take up a lot of time and therefore drive away the rainy day blues.
Crafting does not have to be and is not age oriented. There are many different craft types, with different levels of difficulty available for pre-school age children all the way through adulthood. Keeping craft supplies on hand will make a rainy day easier on everyone.
Please leave your comments and questions below.

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What to do when you find another Etsy shop using your photos without your permission?What to do when you find another Etsy shop using your photos without your permission?


From my point of view as an expert in the industry. Just like any normal discrepancy between two individuals in the real world, it is best to first try to settle the dispute/disagreement as grown adults by trying to talk to the party at fault if proven futile then you escalate the matter to higher authorities.
Sometimes it is not a matter of the party at fault being presumptuous but it is most times due to ignorance of the fact. Hence It may save you the time and effort of reporting and following up which sometimes takes a little while to get your desired response.

According to Etsy’s Infringement Policies after reporting the faulted party, upon Etsy’s investigation if the report is of a fact, Etsy will revoke and/or disable access to the alleged infringing material, then contact the faulted party as a notification of the report and removal of the infringed material in question. In such contact notification, Etsy also encourages the party at fault to contact the party that reported the claim of infringement and vice-versa to try settling the claim considerably as situations like these are very serious and can be a thorn in both parties foot.

To simplify Etsy encourages infringement claims to be solved directly between the two parties. Which is the best option?
As a market regardless of its virtual aspect. Everyone is required to be their brother’s keeper and personally, I don’t think anyone should attempt to set their brother up for a fall even though it does happen.

As a result, it is best to first reach out to the party deemed to be at fault. In fact, talking things out first also gives you the probability of meeting a new friend or customer/client and also not limited to you supplying such party with the said materials at a cost who knows the world is round from what we know.
Please leave your questions, concerns, and comments below.

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selling art & craft online

How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.How to Sell Art & Craft Online: Navigating the Digital Marketplace.

In recent years, the rise of e-commerce has opened up new avenues for artisans and crafters to share their creations with a global audience. Selling crafts online can be both a fulfilling and profitable endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges and intricacies. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting, these professional tips can help you maximize your online business potential.

1. Choose the Right Platform

Selecting the ideal platform for your crafts can make a significant difference in your online sales success. Here are some popular options to consider:

Amazon Handmade: Leveraging Amazon’s massive customer base, this option allows you to reach a wider audience.

Shopify: Perfect for those looking to create a dedicated online store, Shopify offers customization options and an extensive range of apps.

Etsy: This platform is specifically tailored for handmade and vintage items, making it a popular choice for crafters.

Ebay: Depending on the type of craft products you supply you may be able to find ideal customers on Ebay.

ArtCraftr: Find customers and like minded sellers on ArtCraftr. You are able to create a shop and use ArtCraftr checkout system or you can just opt to share your products on Art craftr destasher blog timeline for free. Reaching your ideal customers.

Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook not only allow you to showcase your work but also facilitate direct selling through features like Shops.

When selecting a platform, consider your target audience, the fees involved, and the ease of use.

2. Showcase Your Products Professionally

The presentation of your crafts is crucial in attracting customers. Here are key strategies to ensure your products stand out:

High-Quality Images: Use well-lit, high-resolution images that showcase your crafts from multiple angles. Consider including lifestyle images where your products are used.

Compelling Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of your crafts. Include information about materials, sizes, and care instructions.

Branding Consistency: Develop a recognizable brand that reflects your crafts’ aesthetic. This includes your logo, color palette, and overall design of your online shop.

A strong visual and textual representation will enhance customer trust and increase the likelihood of sales.

3. Leverage Social Media Marketing

With millions of users, social media offers a powerful platform for promoting your crafts. Here are some effective practices:

Engagement: Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Share behind-the-scenes content, and polls, and ask for feedback to foster community.

Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can provide exposure to new audiences. Make sure to choose influencers whose followers match your target demographic.

Hashtag Strategy: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Aim for a mix of popular and niche hashtags to broaden your reach.

Developing a robust social media presence can significantly enhance your brand awareness and customer engagement.

4. Optimize for Search Engines

Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help your products rank higher in search results, visibility is key for online sales. Here’s how to optimize your listings:

Keyword Research: Identify keywords that potential customers might use to search for your products. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest.

Title and Description Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords naturally into your product titles and descriptions while ensuring they remain clear and informative.

Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for your images to improve their visibility in image search results.

An effective SEO strategy can drive traffic to your shop and increase potential sales.

5. Focus on Customer Service and Feedback

Providing outstanding customer service is vital for building a loyal customer base. Here are some practices to enhance customer satisfaction:

Timely Responses: Aim to respond to customer inquiries quickly. Prompt communication can often make the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

Personal Touch: Consider including handwritten notes or small freebies with purchases to create a memorable experience for customers.

Encourage Reviews: After a transaction, kindly request customers to leave reviews. Positive feedback not only boosts your credibility but also helps refine your product offerings based on constructive criticism.

Ultimately, outstanding customer service can lead to repeat sales and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Conclusion

Selling crafts online offers a wealth of opportunities for genuine artisans to reach a broader market. By choosing the right platform, presenting your products professionally, leveraging social media, optimizing for search engines, and providing exceptional customer service, you can build a successful online craft business. As you navigate this journey, remember that each challenge presents a learning opportunity, and continuous adaptation will be key to your long-term success. Embrace the exciting world of online selling, and let your creativity shine in the digital marketplace.

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