It’s been a crafty autumn and while I can’t quite share all of the details (since the gifts have yet to be given) I can share a little ditty about opening an Etsy shop.
- While it’s about as easy as Apple Pie (as, let’s face it, Apple Pie requires a crust which can be tricky), it still takes time.
- Product photos matter. I tried some shortcuts and ended up putting away the iPhone for the trusty DSLR. Oh, and waiting for the morning light is worth it. Artificial lighting is like a boob job. It takes a bunch of time for something that will never be as good as the real thing.
- Communicating with customers is kind of scary the first time when you’ve never used Etsy yourself. Buy something on Etsy before you open a shop. You’ll thank me for it later. And if you’re wondering what to buy, check out my store.
- Pin it! It really is the one social networking site that sells.
And that’s about as far as I’ve gotten. I entered the world on Cyber Monday with a few pendants and somehow got a sale a short couple of days later after close to zil promotion. I wish I could tell you she LOVED her necklace … but I haven’t gotten any feedback yet. And I haven’t made all the updates I swore to myself I would. (The ones listed are using glass and I’ve moved on to resin & vintage chains.) Because, let’s face it, I’m not a shop owner. I’m a maker and a photographer and a daydreamer and I spend all of my managerial energies at work. So consider this a plea for a partner in crafting crime.
Can’t wait for this holiday season to pass so I can share more.
