Peter Capar of @Ptreesworkshop
In today's market, creative entrepreneurs have found a home on many selling platforms like Etsy. Etsy is a bustling online marketplace that connects artists, craftsmen, and creators with a global audience. If you're a talented individual with a passion for crafting unique, handmade items, Etsy provides the perfect platform to turn your hobby into a thriving business. Peter Capar of Ptreesworkshop joins us on this live to teach us all the ins and outs with selling on Etsy.
Why Start an Etsy Shop: The biggest and most important thing to do when starting an online story is to... "Just start." Peter stressed how important it is to just begin your journey hands on and fully commit to this endeavor. If you dive hard into building out your store, designing it to be visually appealing, and really try and be connected to your customers, you can be very successful with Etsy. Learning some tips and tricks to execute are key to having success on any selling platform. Keep reading to hear some of the things that Peter taught on his experiences with Etsy.
Etsy is a search engine. Everything we do nowadays with business, content creation, or socials is all tied together through SEO. Having a platform like Etsy only increases your search on Google and all search engines. Having your business out there on all platforms will increase your spread and visibility online.
Etsy Commissions and Fees: The first thing everyone asks when joining a new shop platform is what are fees and the cut they take? Every platform will take some form of percentage on the listing, the sale, and a credit card fee. Etsy is no exception. Here is a breakdown of what Etsy takes.
1. $0.20 listing fee. This is on a new listing and anytime someone purchases an item. The item is sold and Etsy re-lists this automatically if you have that option selected. Peter has offered us a discount for 40 free listings on Etsy with the link here.
2. 6.5% transaction fee
3. Payment Processing Fee - 3% + $0.25 US
These numbers may seem high, but comparing to other platforms, Etsy is on the lower end of fees.
Crafting a Standout Shop: Before you dive into selling on Etsy, take the time to create a visually appealing and cohesive shop. Invest in high-quality photos that showcase your products in the best light, and craft a compelling shop story that reflects your brand's personality. Etsy allows up to 10 photos and a video for each listing. Make sure you fill up those images. Images and videos help with searchability. Etsy tends to push your posts higher with more images, and of course customers have a clearer representation of your items. Remember, a well-designed shop can make a lasting impression on potential customers.
Niche and Target Audience: Identify your niche and target audience to refine your product offerings. Etsy shoppers often appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind items. Tailor your products to meet the needs and preferences of a specific audience, whether it's handmade jewelry, personalized home decor, or vintage finds.
Optimize Product Listings: Effective product listings are crucial for attracting potential buyers. Use clear, descriptive titles and include relevant keywords to improve your visibility in Etsy's search results. Provide detailed product descriptions, specifying materials used, dimensions, and any customization options. Transparency builds trust with your customers. Even having a theme or consistent look to listings across your store will increase the customers opinion and trust in your brand. A clean looking store and listings will help to increase your customers experience and will lead to more sales.
Pricing Strategies: Determine a fair and competitive pricing strategy for your products. Consider factors like material costs, time invested, and market demand. Remember that Etsy customers appreciate transparency, so break down your pricing to highlight the value they're getting with each purchase. There are 3rd party websites and apps that can help you determine pricing based on the current market values and competitors on the platform. Erank is a website that Peter likes to help with seeing your competitors pricing to better gauge where you compare. It also can help with seeing how your SEO is working for your store and can suggest changes to keywords and product titles.
Shipping and Packaging: A seamless shipping process contributes to positive customer experiences. Clearly communicate your shipping policies, including processing times and delivery estimates. Invest in sturdy and attractive packaging to enhance the unboxing experience for your customers. Consider offering free shipping or flat-rate shipping to simplify the checkout process. You can setup shipping through Pirate Ship or ShipNerd to help get some really good pricing on different forms of shipping; Large and small packages.
Utilize Social Media: Leverage the power of social media to promote your Etsy shop and connect with potential customers. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, showcase customer testimonials, and run promotions or giveaways to build excitement around your brand. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook can help you reach a broader audience. Its all connected through SEO, so the more you can broaden your search, the more eyes will find it.
Customer Service Excellence: Exceptional customer service is a key component of success on Etsy. Respond promptly to customer inquiries, address concerns with professionalism, and go the extra mile to exceed expectations. You want to respond within 24 hours to help keep your Etsy store at the highest level of searchability on the platform. Positive reviews and satisfied customers contribute to a stellar reputation that can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
Stay Informed on Etsy Policies and Updates: Etsy's policies and guidelines can change, so it's crucial to stay informed. Regularly check for updates and adjust your shop accordingly. Complying with Etsy's rules ensures a smooth and successful selling experience.
Here are Peter's Final Online Business Advice:
1. Locking down all social media with your shop name / business name
2. Think about where you want to be in the business
3. Don’t be cheap on things that make your life better / make you money
a. Minimize interactions with customers and parts of your business
b. Automate
c. Delegate
d. Outsource
4. Track EVERYTHING you can
5. Be VERY clear with your loved ones on the goals and their role in it
6. Find your mentors, community and engagement groups
Selling on Etsy is not just about creating and listing products; it's about building a brand and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals. By investing time and effort into your Etsy shop, prioritizing customer satisfaction, and staying attuned to market trends, you can turn your creative passion into a profitable venture. So unleash your creativity, set up your Etsy shop, and let the world discover the unique treasures you have to offer. Happy selling!
Here is a link to Peter Capar's socials, selling platforms, and websites. He and his wife Emma are a wealth of knowledge and eager to always grow the community through education, content, and their experiences. Peter has given us a ton of helpful links and even the slides from this presentation. These PDFs and slides can be found on the TMCU members resources page here.
If you haven't become a TMCU member yet, we highly encourage you to do so. We offer live Q&A sessions weekly, full access to video lessons, community forum access, and discounts, free plans, and PDF files to help you grow in your maker journey.
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