As someone who buys a lot of handmade and works for a handmade blog, I see a lot of Etsy shops. I have developed a little list of my favorite things based on my experiences.
1. Display Your Name
When contacting a seller regarding a purchase or for the blog I really like to be able to address them by their name. It makes the shop seem more real when there is a person to identify with. (It does not have to be a full name)
- Monroe Metal shares his name.
2. Facebook and Twitter Links
If you are on Facebook and Twitter then I want to follow you! I love Etsy’s new feature of being able to add these links under “Info & Appearance” for your shop.
- The shop xoxii has both set up.
3. Profile Information
When I visit a shop and there is no profile information I wonder how much they care about their business or if it is legitimate. When I am shopping online and don’t know whether or not I can trust the vendor a little background information can go a long way. Plus, I love buying from passionate sellers!
- Jessica Swift has a fun profile.
4. Create a Gravatar
I am a sucker for a good Gravatar. You can use your Etsy shop thumbnail as your gravatar when commenting on blogs. People will be more likely to click on it and it could drive more business to your shop. Also, make sure your link works!
- Jordan wrote a post about how to create a gravatar and you can read it here.
5. Offer Packaging Options
This is a big one for me! I buy a lot of gifts on Etsy for people who live out of state. Two gifts I bought last year arrived and the recipients had no idea they were from me. I told both sellers that the items were a gift. I would definitely pay a little extra for an enclosure card to be added with my name and the recipients. I would pay even more if gift wrap or attractive packaging was offered. It would be so great if I could create a special experience with your product.
- Kira Ferrer offers gift wrap and a note in her “Shop Policies” and xoxii offers gift wrapping in each description.
Extra Credit:
MuggyTuesday - I met these two sisters at the Urban Folk Circuit last summer and fell in love with their items. When I went to visit their Etsy shop for a gift a couple of months later I was blown away. They share a cute story along with thier names in their profile. They have both Twitter and Facebook links above their shop announcement. They offer packaging for gift giving. I placed on order online and they sent me a message saying that they refunded my shipping because they live around the corner from me. So, the next night they dropped off the earrings I had purchased for a Christmas present. So sweet!
***What really amazes me about their Etsy shop is that their home page is color coordinated. Now I know this is not even an option for a lot of you but be sure to check it out. It really makes you want to settle in and stay for awhile.
How do you make people feel welcome in your shop? What are some features that you like in your favorite shop?
All of the images above I purchased on Etsy for presents this last Christmas - 2 Railroad Spike Hooks from Monroe Metal - Sheridan Crochet Earrings from Muggy Tuesday - The Very Many Varieties of Beer T-shirt from Pop Chart Lab - Moss Agate Point Necklace from xoxii - Sustainable Wooden Hook Earrings from K.C. Peck - Golden Girls Coffee Mug from Sumotees - Critters and Creatures Print from Jessica Swift - Modern Green Earrings from JLR Designs
Kerry Burki – Editor
Kerry grew up attending craft fairs, shopping vintage and taking ceramic classes with her mom while growing up in Arizona. Her passion for handmade grew and her eye for style was sharpened while working at Waste Not Paper (the wholesale side of Paper Source) and Green Paper Company. She loves to add her own DIY elements to parties, gifts and decorating.
She has also been teaching yoga since 2004. She teaches at Self Centered Yoga in Chicago. Yoga helps her express her creativity and release stress.
She understands what it means to leave a 9 to 5 job to pursue your dreams, she knows how difficult it can be to stay motivated and positive when working for yourself, and she truly values creating a supportive community.
Kerry recently started blogging about life at www.kemaandco.com.
I have been asked several times to add a notice when an item was bought, but sent via my shop as a gift. I always oblige, but I have to dissagree with gift wrapping.
1. It will get damaged in the mail
2. It can attract thieves
3. It can attract attention at the tolls, and get the packaged delayed, or taxed extra ( In my country for exemple they charge you just for having a package examined, even if it was not to be taxed )
So, even though I can add a card, or note in the package I will not offer gift wrapping, unless someone specifically ask for it.
Great tips and love the Paper Source website! I think another thing that would be benefit Etsy is to have the ability to chat with a prospective customer live and then have the ability to save the conversation for reference. Would be so beneficial for those custom orders.
Virginie – Such a good point about gift wrapping! That is probably why shops usually offer pretty packaging instead.
JeJeweled – I like the idea of a live chat. I placed a custom order recently and it can take a while to get all of the details sorted out over messages.
I agree whole heartedly, though I myself dont offer packing options. All my golf club covers come in an individual gift box wrapped in tissue. I like the idea that everyone gets a present in the mail
That is a nice gesture Tracey!
Thank you so much for your great tips- as a buyer youself, it helps us know what customers want from us and our shop.
I will reread out shop policies and announcement to see if I can make them better and more customer pleasing.
well, i’ve done all of the things you’ve suggested except for offering gift wrapping. i wrap all of my orders in orange tissue with bakers twine and put a personal note on them. so i guess it’s time to update my product descriptions
Brenda and Kristi – I am glad you like the post! I was hoping it would be beneficial to share my perspective as a customer.
Lynn – I think a lot of shops offer nice packaging but do not have it listed. I love it when it says that in the description! I also wanted sellers to know that as a buyer I would not mind paying a little extra for nice packaging. Little personal notes are so sweet too!
hi Kerry-
thank You~
I enjoy all the personal touches to Etsy and agree that getting that message across via online can be a challenge. Having had ‘brick + mortar’ spaces I always Love the human connection, the shared experience. One thing I was insistent on was that my art prints be shipped in 100% eco-friendly materials, also locally made (U.S. for me).. these choices can help the buyer spend their money on something they believe in, as well as cherish.
I send all my items gift wrapped in a simple but beautiful way (and show a picture of it on my listing as an example) and inside a bubble envelope with handwritten addresses.
I always add a thank you note too.
One of the things I like when I’m buying is to know the exact materials. I prefer eco-friendly options.
Thanks for the insight, Kerry. Its nice to see something from a customer’s point of view. I do need to revisit my shop and see what i can do to make it more welcoming. So many times, we forget to update information .
I offer very pretty packaging + a thank you note with a welcome back discount coupon – i blogged about it but haven’t posted pictures in my shop! Thanks for the reminder.
Kara – how package your items can be so important to some people! Having eco-friendly materials is a great way to connect with like-minded customers and to gain new ones.
Marta – a photo of the packaging is so awesome! I know for some listings it might be hard depending on how many photos you need to show. I think it is great that you incorporate what you like as a buyer into how you sell.
Lakshmi – Yay! I hope I have inspired some shops to update their information. With social media, blogs and so many other things going on in addition to people’s businesses it can be hard update all of the things you want to. I love the idea welcome back coupon! Super sweet!
Thanks so much for the info on Gravitar.
magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t understand this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!