Applications for Etsy Artisans

 Etsy, Running your Craft Business, Social Media & Blogging  1 Response »
Dec 082011
 
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In this day and age, social media and portable technology is becoming an increasingly influential component of selling crafts both offline and online. As for Etsy artisans, there are many creative applications (or apps) to consider when you are a seller. You can use the tools to help track the progress of your small business, save time relisting items, advertise your shop, and conduct your business no matter where you are. A few applications to consider include:

The Etsy App

With the touch of a finger, users can connect to Etsy using an app for their iPhone or iPod. Sellers can access their listings and see their latest orders. Merchant tools are also available to manage your business while you are on the go. For buyers, they can search for handmade and vintage goods, as well as browse Treasury Lists. If something catches their eye, they can make a purchase from their mobile device. The app provides access to carts, favorites, purchase history and shops, which increases the opportunities that people can connect to your Etsy shop. This app is free and available at the App Store.

AutoRelister

There is no need to log into Etsy.com to quickly re-list sold items when AutoRelister lets you do so from your Android phone. Sellers can view sold creations and manually relist. You can also schedule items to renew at a specific date and time. A convenient feature of the app is the ability to set your budget to keep track of how much you spend on renewals. The app is currently priced at $10.

Etsy Shop Tracker

If you’re the type of person who likes to assess the popularity of certain listings, the Etsy Shop Tracker can help. The tool tracks information regarding all the items on your Etsy shop. You can keep up with the number of views, admirers, and treasury lists associated with each item. The data is updated on a daily basis, and it is free to use.

The Pocket Shop

The animated, interactive version of your Etsy shop offers a fun, portable way to advertise your products on a blog and/or website. With a variety of themes to consider, this enticing approach gives you an edge against the competition by spreading the word and sharing your creations in an inviting manner. Once you choose your desired option for your widget – all you have to do is grab the code.

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.

What Can I Sell on Etsy?

 Etsy  Comments Off
Oct 082010
 
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You’ve probably heard that you can sell things on Etsy, but it’s important to note that this online marketplace is not just for the sale of any product or good. Etsy concentrates on the buying and selling of all things handmade. Etsy also works towards bridging the gap between buyers and independent creators/shop owners.

So, what exactly can you sell on Etsy? There are three basic categories your goods must fall under.

1. Handmade

Etsy is the perfect place for you to sell anything that you have made by hand. This allows you to make the most out of a natural talent – whether it’s knitting sweaters or croqueting baby blankets. People sell handmade jewelry, including pendants, bracelets, and rings. Clothing is another popular product sold on Etsy. From a rainbow of unique soaps to organic lotions, sellers also offer a wide range of homemade bath and beauty products.

Handmade goods also include food and other related products, such as homemade brownies, chocolates, lollipops, candy, and cakes. Take advantage of that secret family recipe and share your famous fruitcake. You may also sell mixes for baked goods, spices, and other cooking ingredients, including breads, cookies, scones, and hot chocolate mix.

Other handmade goods sold on Etsy include art, housewares, kitchen décor, furniture, and greeting cards. The possibilities are truly endless – as long as it is made by you.

2. Vintage

One of the rules to selling on Etsy is that you have to offer something handmade – not an item created by someone else. However, vintage items are an exception to this rule. Anything that is more than 20 years old can be sold on Etsy, including 1920s flapper dresses, platform shoes, and Art Deco brooches.

3. Supplies

You can start a business on Etsy simply selling the supplies that crafters need to create their masterpieces. If you have commercial and handmade crafting supplies to offer, Etsy is filled with crafters looking for the shiniest beads, jewelry-making materials, fabric, tools, and other creative knick-knacks. Sellers can choose to advertise items by the piece or offer bulk discounts.

No Illegal or Prohibited Items

You cannot sell illegal or prohibited items on Etsy, including alcohol, tobacco, live animals, pornography, firearms (and other weapons), drugs, recalled items, real estate, and motor vehicles. Sellers cannot offer items that promote or support hatred, racial, or religious intolerance. You cannot sell something that encourages others to participate in illegal activity.