Eco-Friendly Business Ideas for Etsy

 Etsy, Recycled Crafts  Comments Off
Dec 232010
 
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An increasing number of consumers are embracing the notion of purchasing goods that take into consideration the planet and environment. Recycling materials, repurposing objects, and choosing sustainable materials are popular methods of making money on Etsy. Why do shoppers go crazy over green products? Because the above-mentioned goods are handcrafted, unique and one-of-a-kind. A couple of ways to establish eco-friendly Etsy shop practices include:

Recycled Goods

Recycled goods involve the transformation of old, used, or discarded objects or trash into works of art and other handcrafted creations. For example, some crafters collect vintage watch parts to make unique jewelry pieces. The rubber from old bike tire inner tubes has been used to create high-fashion tote bags. Broken bike chains have been turned into can openers.

Other ideas include:

  • Recycling bottle caps into refrigerator magnets.
  • Recycling old dominoes to create fashion pendants.
  • Turning broken vase pieces into beautiful mosaics.
  • Using the material of discarded medical scrubs to make men’s ties.

Upcycled or Repurposed Goods

Upcycled or repurposed goods are created when a crafter breathes new life into a used item. A repurposed good is one that serves a different purpose than originally intended – for an intended longer period of time. For example, a roll of duct tape can become a crafter’s new material of choice. Repurpose the sticky adhesive into colorful goods, such as credit card holders, wallets, and even handbags.

Other ideas include:

  • Using an old teacup as a decorative holder for homemade candles.
  • Create bathmats using discarded plastic bags.
  • Turning a used Coke bottle into a decorative vase.

Sustainable Goods

Sustainable goods provide environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting the planet. Sustainable goods involve the eco-friendly extraction of raw materials and the final details of creation. For example, products made out of bamboo are sustainable because the plant saves other trees from use, and bamboo is easily replaceable in a short amount of time. Bamboo is made into a wide range of goods, including furniture, cooking utensils, toys, and clothing.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

If you are unable to work with recyclable or sustainable materials as a crafter, there are other ways to incorporate eco-initiatives into your business. For example, packaging plays an important role in running a business. A few eco-friendly business practices to consider include using biodegradable packaging peanuts, recyclable packaging materials, recycling your own boxes, and filling large boxes with crumpled magazine pages.

How to Jazz Up Photos for Etsy

 Etsy  Comments Off
Dec 202010
 
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Images on Etsy play an important role in selling handmade items online. The quality and layout of a photo allows shoppers to better view the craftsmanship, as well as feel motivated to make a purchase. To get the best response regarding your items on Etsy, it is suggested to offer photos that show off your creation alone, as well as one that shows it in use or styled with other objects.

Creative and noticeable photos can be the difference between catching the eye of a shopper and capturing their heart. Before you approach different ways on how to jazz up an Etsy image, do a little brainstorming. Take into consideration the type of item you are selling. For example, you won’t approach a diamond brooch in the same manner as a T-shirt for a baby. The two subjects are completely different. An image for fine jewelry usually calls for elegance and delicate props. Baby items work best with bold colors and fun staging techniques.

Whichever way you decide to approach your Etsy images, it’s important to make sure props and staged photos do not detract or take away from the item you are selling.

Things to Think About…

  • The qualities you’d like to  feature (color, texture, size, shape, function, and unique details).
  • Hidden attributes or uses you’d like to highlight.
  • The all-natural, organic, or eco-friendly qualities of your item.
  • Special processes or techniques.
  • The gift-giving potential of the item.

Ways to Highlight Your Etsy Items in Photos

Let’s say you make all-natural lotions. Create an image that shows a collection of your lotions to illustrate variety. For individual listings, position a citrus-scented lotion next to fresh oranges, grapefruit and lemons. Other ideas include photographing your lotions in a natural setting, such as a wooded area, garden, or by a babbling brook.

Let’s say you sew small tote bags for children. Highlight the portability and function of the tote bag by using a child model. This helps a shopper to see how their child will look using the tote if they see an example rather than just the tote on its own.

Let’s say you use a unique material. Incorporate your creations with the material. Coconut shell necklaces benefit from tropical settings and coconuts. Use a bamboo plant to jazz up a photo of sustainable clothing made out of the material.

Let’s say a certain era or time period inspires you to make jewelry. Use imagery associated with your inspiration in photos of your items. For example, a snapshot of a 16th century-inspired ruby and pearl necklace looks impressive next to a photo of Queen Elizabeth.

Selling Candles on Etsy

 Etsy  Comments Off
Dec 102010
 
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Candles not only provide a decent way to decorate your home, but also serve a function, including providing a light scent to a room and illuminating darkness. Etsy is a popular place for crafters to sell their candles online. With a great deal of competition on Etsy, it’s important to find your niche and provide unique items that stand out from the rest.

The type of wax, wicks, fragrance oils, additives, and other candle-making supplies you work with can provide you with an edge on Etsy. A few factors to consider when selling candles on Etsy include:

Wax Materials

The type of wax used for your candles will dictate the cleanliness of the burn. There is a range of choices in wax, which includes paraffin, palm, beeswax, and granulated wax. In this day and age, there are also many planet-friendly factors to note. For example, eco-soy waxes appeal more to environmentally conscious shoppers.

Color

Shoppers often choose candles by color to match the décor of a specific room. The color of a candle also helps sets a mood or celebrate a holiday. For example, an orange candle can be used to dress a room for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or the fall season. It is suggested to provide a wide range of unique colors of candles.

Scent

Why would a seller want to purchase your candles instead of buying at a local store? From peach cobbler to chocolate chip cookie dough, exotic or uncommon scents really stand out on Etsy. Some sellers have settled into the candle niche by concentrating on a specific theme. Examples include an Etsy shop selling only dessert-scented candles or better yet – the candle shop that sells fruit-scented candles in the shape of pies.

Shape

Etsy sellers offer candles beyond the typical pillars and glass votives, as you can find an interesting array of shapes. From black cats to realistic-looking sweet treats, including tarts, cupcakes with sprinkles, cakes, and chocolate bars – the possibilities are endless. Brainstorm ideas for shapes not offered on Etsy and perfect it to capture the interest of shoppers looking for something different.

Candle Holders

From frosted votive cups to recycled glass flower pots, some sellers concentrate on offering unique holders for their candles. Usually, shoppers tend to gravitate to decorative holders they cannot find anywhere else – think conversation pieces. Examples include decorative tins, carved wooden holders, and even beer bottle caps.

What is the Etsy Treasury Tool?

 Etsy  Comments Off
Dec 102010
 
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The Etsy Treasury Tool is a constantly changing shopping gallery that members share with one another of items that have piqued their interest. Each treasury is a list that contains up to 16 items – often centered around a specific theme. Some members use the Treasury to simply share their favorite items. Any member of Etsy can create a Treasury and there are no limits on the number of lists per person. As a seller on Etsy, getting featured on a Treasury will boost your exposure.

How to Create a Treasury List

You can select up to 16 items to create a Treasury and choose any item you like. In order to add an item to your Treasury, you need to record the listing page URL (web address) or listing ID number for each item. When browsing a listing, it is the number found in your web browser’s address bar. Once you have a list of items to include, you must be signed into your Etsy account.

Go to the Treasury page, which is linked on the homepage and the Buy page. Click on the blue button that says Create a List – found in the right column. A new page will launch that allows you to construct your list.

What type of list are you creating? This should be reflected in the title you select. Aim for creativity, catchiness and relevancy when selecting a title. For example, a list centered on cookies could be called “Cookie Monster’s Favorites.” The description is your chance to share the reason why you created the list in the first place. You can set the privacy level of your list: private (only visible to you) or public (visible to everyone). Use descriptive keywords (called tags) to help shoppers find your Treasury. Choose words that describe the list as a whole.

To feature your chosen items in the Treasury, enter the listing page URL or the listing ID number into the box and click OK. Once you are done, review your list, scroll down, and then click the Save button.

Why Create a Treasury?

Creating a Treasury on Etsy is not meant for sellers to promote their own goods. This is your chance to acknowledge and share some of the items on Etsy that you find unique. In turn, other sellers may return the favor. Sometimes, Etsy staff will highlight a whole or partial Treasury on their homepage featuring “Handpicked” items.

The Importance of Tagging on Etsy

 Etsy  Comments Off
Dec 062010
 
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Etsy taggingIf you want potential buyers to find your unique creations on Etsy, you should use “tagging” to the best of your advantage. Tags in Etsy are keywords that allow shoppers to locate specific goods. This practice will put you in contact with the people most likely to purchase your goods. When entering a new listing into Etsy, don’t underestimate the importance of choosing effective keywords.

Create Accurate Tags

It is important to create accurate tags for your Etsy listings. Selecting keywords that do not describe or complement your item only wastes the time of potential buyers. For example, if you make a necklace made out of silver, it isn’t in your best interest to use ‘gold’ as a tag. A couple of tips for accurate tagging include:

  • Use synonyms as tags, but make sure they are relevant. You can use the tag ‘handbag’ for a purse, but using ‘earrings’ in a necklace listing is not acceptable.
  • Do not misrepresent an item as “one-of-a-kind” (“OOAK” or “original”) if it is not. An item that is a reproduction or comes in multiples cannot be tagged in this manner.
  • Opt for single tags over multiple words when possible. For example, “freshwater pearl” is acceptable, while “pearl earrings” is frowned upon. “Pearl” and “earrings” can easily be used as single tags.
  • Use tags to describe the current state of an item. Do not use tags of what the item could become or refer to its potential uses. If you are selling crystals, do not use “earrings” or “necklace” as a tag.

Depending on the type of Etsy listing, there are various policies that apply:

For handmade listings, choose the top-level category that best describes your handmade item. You cannot tag a handmade item as “commercial” – a tag set aside for items that have not been made by a seller. Upcycled, reconstructed or significantly altered vintage items are also classified as handmade.

For vintage listings, select the top-level Vintage category. When using tags to describe the decade or age of the item, try to be as accurate as possible. Commercial crafting supplies that are more than 20 years old can be listed in the top-level in either the vintage or supplies category.

For supply listings, you must list commercial items in the top-level Supplies category. You must use the tag “commercial” for commercial crafting supplies. Tag handmade crafting supplies as “handmade.” You can list handmade crafting supplies in the top-level Supplies category or other category. For example, a glass focal bead handmade by a seller can be listed in the top-level Supplies or Glass categories.

How to List an Item on Etsy

 Etsy  Comments Off
Nov 282010
 
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Once you become a registered seller on Etsy, it’s time to list items for sale. From choosing an attractive title to uploading images of your treasures, there are a lot of factors to consider when listing an item. Don’t worry, after a couple of listings – you’re sure to get the hang of it.

Step 1: Details of an Item

When listing an item on Etsy, you will need to create a title, write a description, and list materials. First, choose a descriptive short title that will catch the attention of shoppers. Keep in mind that the maximum number of characters you can use for a title is 155. Next, you will describe your item. Include information about the size and how it was made. This is also your chance to highlight any special features. Lastly, list the materials used to create the item. You can use single or compound words, such as “gold fillings,” “pearl,” and “silver chain.”

Step 2: Tag and Categorize

Item listings need to be tagged and categorized. Tags are keywords that assist shoppers in locating the items they wish to purchase. Use tags that are accurate and relevant to your item. For example, if your item is not vintage, do not use the tag ‘vintage jewelry.’ Some crafters choose suggestions from Etsy for their tags, while others create their own.

From the dropdown menu, select a top-level category that best fits your item. The Category will automatically become the first tag in your listing. Categories include handmade items, vintage (handmade or non-handmade items that are at least 20 years old), and supplies for crafting. Non-handmade supplies can also be listed as supplies, but must be tagged as ‘commercial.’ Etsy only allows up to 14 tags per listing.

Step 3: Selling Info

The price, quantity and shipping information is included in the selling info. First, enter the cost of an item (not including shipping fees). Next, enter in the quantity of the item. For example, if you are selling 3 bars of coconut-scented soap, increase the quantity in stock for the listing. As you sell the soap, the quantity in stock will go down on its own. You will be charged a listing fee of $0.20 per quantity in stock for the listing.

Place the item listing in a shop section by choosing from the dropdown menu or creating a brand new section. The coconut soap could be included in a section called Tropical Scents. Choose the forms of payment you will accept (personal check, money order, PayPal and/or other). Lastly, indicate the shipping information for the item.

Step 4: Images

Many shoppers purchase items from Etsy just from the image alone. You can add up to five images for each listing. The photos must measure at least 430 pixels wide with varying heights. Images should not measure more than 1000 pixels wide or high. When you add images for a listing, Etsy will automatically resize and crop from the center for square thumbnails and rectangular gallery view images. Keep in mind that the first uploaded image is used as the main thumbnail that shoppers will see in a search.

Step 5: Review and Post

The last step to listing an item on Etsy is to preview. Look over all of the details to make sure it is accurate. You can click on the pencil icon to revise a listing before it is posted. Once you have looked over the information, click the Finish button to announce to shoppers that you have an item for sale on Etsy.

Taking Pictures on Etsy: How to Make a Light Box

 Etsy  Comments Off
Nov 262010
 
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You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take eye-catching, clean images for your Etsy listings. To enhance the images of your listings, consider an inexpensive, relatively easy do-it-yourself project – make a light box (or light tent). With a few simple materials, you can be well on your way to taking the snapshots that sell.

Materials

A plain ol’ cardboard box will serve as the main ingredient to creating a light tent. Any size is fine as long as it will accommodate the kinds of items you intend on selling. It is suggested to choose a box that is as square as it can be. Use one of your old boxes or pick up one discarded at the local grocery store. Any type of fabric, such as white muslin, is needed to cover the entire light box. Visit an arts and craft store (like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s).

Masking tape is used to attach the fabric to the sides of the box, whereas glue stick or spray adhesive will stick the lining to the box. White Bristol board will line the inside of the light box and also serves as the background. Purchase 2 to 3 sheets, which are cut up to form the lining. If you have a large box, you may need more. Bristol board is a heavyweight paper (.006″ thick) that is commonly used by artists. If you want to use colored backgrounds for your images, purchase different shades of Bristol board.

When making a light box, of course you’ll need lights. It is the lighting that will determine the success of your images. Keep in mind that using regular light bulbs will cast a yellow light, which is why it is suggested to purchase “daylight” bulbs at a hardware store. You can seek any “full spectrum” light bulb for this project. One of the easiest lighting fixtures for your light box is a desk work lamp. Other miscellaneous items to have on hand include a tape measure, straight edge ruler, marker, scissors, and knife.

Directions

1. With a tape measure and market, measure in 2″ from the side of the box – making multiple dots around the box with your marker. A border will form after you connect the dots using a straight edge ruler. You will have created a square or rectangle in the middle of the box with a 2″ border surrounding it. Repeat this on all sides of the box – leaving the top and bottom of the box alone.

2. Cut out the boxes you have drawn. After completion, cut off the top of the box and remove the flaps. The bottom of the box stays intact.

3. Make lines with your marker for every two inches (16 times) on your Bristol board. Cut out 16 strips with your scissors.

4. Glue the paper strips onto the inside of the box (covering the cardboard borders). Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard and is not seen.

5. Take another Bristol board and cut it to match the width of the inside of the box. The length will be much longer than the box.

6. Place the long piece of Bristol board into the box so that the paper curves to the bottom. Do not create a crease, as this will affect your photos. Cut the excess paper that is sticking out of the top.

7. Cut the fabric so that it will cover the holes in the box. Cut a large piece that will cover the top of the box. Tape the fabric to cover the holes except for the one that is facing the background. The last piece of fabric to attach is the one covering the top of the box.

8. Before inserting your item into the light tent and taking pictures for Etsy images, position the desk map over the top of the box.

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