YES YES YES! This is spot on! When I started out on Etsy, ( I sold vintage and antique) I looked at the shops that I liked the most and figured out how to imitate that look. Pics are key! If you’re natural light is bad, run your pics through edit and adjust brightness/contrast etc. Use Good descriptions and don’t forget measurements! Also be consistent with listings and stick to the store policies you set, If you say you mail within 3 days, get those orders out within 3 days. This will help Build a good relationship with customers , you don’t want to seem flakey. Include a business card and/or personal note as well. I also started a Pinterest board and added every listing. Stuff tends to circulate quickly there, especially if your product is unique. Nik, you are so right about Etsy’s search engine it stinks! Great tips!
Great review. Re: consistency of image mood/look: think catalog. In a catalog u usually have simliar lighting across the board, with similar margins (distance to the edges of the image from product).
This video is not only excellent but also encouraging. My Etsy is about four months old and you have confirmed so much that I have done the right things. And...I am selling. Thank you for sharing and I hope you do more on marketing. ...Carol
Gorgeous lady .. i didn't want the video to end. So i watched it twice. I do appreciate your insightful advice Nik. I simply have an interest about Etsy.. so i've viewed a few videos of which yours popped up in recommendations. I'm sure i am not the first guy who's been enamoured of your great looks and beautiful personality. Thank you hun for sharing. All the best for 2018.
Sorry, BTW, your videos and products are absolutely AWESOME!!!!! Every time you show a new journal or tome I make my husband watch too!!!! You are so TALENTED!!!!!!!
Nik...first let me tell you how freaking hilarious you really are. You had me cracking up with your little jokes and e whole fudge soap thing lol. I've had my Etsy shop 6 or 7 years now and I've done nothing with it in all that time. A majority of my commission work is from word of mouth and/or just seeing my photos on social media. You have given us some golden nuggets of info that can be used to make our Etsy shops really stand out. Thank you for always being so kind and willing to share your ideas and thoughts with us. Love you mucho 😘
Thank you, Nik. Great advice. I just opened my store in May, selling junk journals and vintage ephemera, and have had good sales. I know my photographs need work, though. My TH-cam channel is how I direct traffic to my shop. I watch your videos all the time and love them.
thank you, Diane! I am heading out of town for a few days, but I hope to get a youtube video made on how to take photos in some real-life situations ;)
I am in the process of starting up a shop on Etsy and I really appreciate all your advice and ideas. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing more of your videos!
I know this is an old video but i just have to comment. I've watched many, many videos about starting/selling on etsy as of late and this has been by far the most helpful! You really seem to know what you're talking about and you have points which i didn't hear on any other videos. Thank you!
WOW...I just found your channel & this video. You have graciously shared so much GREAT info for someone new like me, 5d,who is wanting to open an Etsy store. I have a lot to think about & there's a lot of planning that I need to do. THANK YOU for taking so much time to put together such a detailed video... I'm sure it wasn't easy. Now, I just need to rewatch it so I can write down some notes. Hope you have a great day!
You are an absolutely amazing artist with the most adoring personality. I have truly enjoyed all of your videos and love learning from you. I hope to have my own store soon and will definitely have a dedication to how much your work has inspired me.
Dear Nik, thank you so much for your advice! I've just realized how much the photos of my products are actually bad.. And I think I found the best solution. Thank you so much!
You're so much fun...loved just listening to you. I've been thinking about a store, and you gave me some things to think about. Now...what to sell. So many options. Many thanks.
Just found this vid and I’ve been looking up Etsy tips for a few days now. I started my store over 10 years ago. I haven’t even looked at it in that amount of time (don’t have anything listed obviously). Your tips are very helpful. But I’d say your approach and delivery of said tips is the best part. PS they HAVE improved the search somewhat in the Etsy app. (I only use the app on iPad and iPhone, as I don’t have a computer).
Thank you so much for this video! I have just opened a shop and although I chose calm and neat backrounds for my pictures, the difference is HUGE now when all the pictures have white background and as u said, the list is consistent and the products look neat and more professional when all the pictures have similar backround. So thank you!
OMG You are an inspiration, thank you for all your advice and sharing your wisdom. I am starting my business on Etsy. Thank you for the tips and resources you provided. You are so funny and real, keep up the good work! :)
My daughter has started listing my journals on her Etsy shop, Beads and Brushes, but I was wondering if that would be too confusing for people, and you kind of confirmed that for me. I've also started thinking about TH-cam to promote my journals, but I've got to admit I'm a little terrified to do videos, LOL! You are definitely my inspiration, Nik. Thanks for your tips, they're very timely for me.
this day i watch more over 100 videos, but the only video i watch full and i make confident more out of your points. i am also a etsy shop holder. thanks you mom.
This is a very professional and informative video. "Economy of Expression" is the concept. You get to the point and don't waste my time : ) The info. has true value. Many channels drag out their content and annoy people who have limited time. Good luck with your channel.
Excellent video, thank you for making everything so clear, I have wanted to spit my items into other Etsy stores, and now I will! (your video is far better than the ones Etsy puts out)
Thanks Nik the info you've given is very helpful. I'm new here & you've answered more than Etsy has (I hate the computerized help that doesn't have my questions). But your tips give confidence to those (like me).
Nik! Your video is fantastic! And YOU are gorgeous! I loved your informative video, it answered so many of my questions in a very easy to understand way. I watched it twice, just to make sure I got it all.....I'm a slow listener.....(thank God for PVR's!) You are amazing and you know your stuff. Thank you for taking the time to help us out, it is SO appreciated by everyone who cares and sells on Etsy. I look forward to more of your videos.
I absolutely love the way you explained this. So happy I found your video Thank you so much. Having branding and (packaging issues atm) but I intend to take in a few tutorials
Thank you for the tips! Getting ready to launch a couple of businesses online and I need all the help I can get. Even though my husband and I have been successful business owners for over 35 yrs. this is a totally different ballgame for us. I really appreciate your tips!
Thank you for a clear, concise and on point tutorial. I think I must have attention deficit since many similar tutorials veer off topic or other irrelevant information that tune me out. It was a pleasure listening and learning about Etsy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to assist us in building our Etsy shops. I have learned so much. I hope that you will continue this series. Continued success!!
Excellent information. I shop almost exclusively on Etsy. If I'm watching a TH-cam video and someone says the name of their shop, and I want to visit their store, but in the video they might say the name too fast, or I can't hear what they said clearly and it isn't listed anywhere, it's a guessing game from there on. And nine times out of ten I will never find it. However, while searching for their store I come across another store that's cool and I end up shopping there. I even had trouble finding YOUR store because of the way you spell your name. And this was before I knew a lot about you, but had heard your name mentioned in someone's video I was watching. I am very loyal to the stores that I do find that have excellent customer service. For me, customer service and prompt delivery with tracking information, well packaged product is just as important as the product. I have shopped at VERY popular planner supply stores and I won't shop at a few of them again because I have waited over a month for something that was seasonal, cute and artsy. But the customer service sucks as does their shipping times. I don't care how cute it is, I'm not waiting a month unless it's coming from England, Ireland, etc. I ordered some gorgeous doilies from an Eastern European company, whose product I had seen in a TH-cam video and loved the fact that it was hand crafted with beautiful workmanship. They said right up front it could take four weeks and I understood and accepted that because afterall, it was Eastern Europe. It took three weeks to get here and the shipping was less than what it costs me to mail something to another state. And that's another thing (I'm on a rolling rant), another VERY popular shop that sells planner clips, jewelry, etc., was charging almost $9.00 to ship TWO CHARMS. That's crazy. I visited the store three times because what she's selling is gorgeous. But I'm not paying that kind of shipping. And if I have to contact the owner of the store about the cost, I'm not going to bother. I can make it myself, but I loved her product. And then there is an amazing store, that while the shipping costs look high, she says right up front she refunds shipping overages. And she stresses that in her videos. And she does refund large amounts of shipping costs. I am now a loyal customer because of excellent customer service, great product at fair market value, shipping tracking, and my last very important tip: personal thank you notes. I can shop anywhere. But I am a loyal customer who will always return to a store that has great customer service, even if I have to pay more. Because I know they value my business. I used to be a rabid FB user. But I got off and haven't returned. If someone is exclusively using FB to market their product, they are missing customers that choose not to use social media. And it is a choice for me. But there are others who just don't use FB, hard as it is for some people to understand. But I do watch TH-cam videos. And the shops that I use almost exclusively, I found out about in a TH-cam video. I think if people think creatively, they don't necessarily have to make TH-cam videos to get their store name out there. But I have hunted down stores if I see their product being used on a project that is mentioned in a TH-cam video. Of course I have to really like the quality of the product and if the TH-camr recommends the shop, I'll visit the shop and check it out. I really don't like shopping on sites that sell six hundred items. My attention span isn't that long. But I do like to have choices, so having a consistent number of items will keep me returning. I have met THE MOST AMAZING WOMEN ON ETSY. Nice, nice people who know their product and take the time to get to know something about me. Who communicate regularly during the transaction and remember me when I return, and remember the kinds of items I like. Like I said, customer service is extremely, extremely important to me. Thank you for making this important video. I know people will get a lot of value from it. I think you are amazing, thoughtful, creative, talented and very generous with your knowledge. And I love your sense of humor!
Kateri Cochran Hi Kateri, Can I ask where your name is from, it sounds quite mystical :) I just read the entirety of your post and I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I would love to be able to have regular conversations with Etsy shoppers as my store is in its infancy and I’m seeking ways to grow it. I make tile coasters and I don’t want to get too discouraged as in real life I’m always told that they look great. I have learnt that it’s important to use other social media sources to get the name out there and I am with you on the thank you notes - I love writing them! If you’re curious I would love a critique of my Etsy store if you could stop by and send me a msg. Thank you in advance, have a lovely day x Alejomi (Etsy store name) Alejomi . Etsy . Com @_alejo_mi (Instagram name)
Hi Kateri, I like your sincere comments & compliments. Can you please browse “Justshowoff” on Etsy & tell me what you do not like about it. I am a very recent owner & looking for advice from genuine people. If you choose not to it is OK. Thank you.
Mich Elle I’m a painter who’s had some success in selling my mixed media and my conventional paintings although I do not sell on Etsy. Knowing that you might like to have feedback on your shop, I looked and it seems you are on the right track with how you have photographed your paintings and you have given thought to staging the area where they are displayed. Only two things that I noticed, as a buyer, that you could change a little. In some descriptions you said that you’d spent seven or nine hours working on the painting. That may seem like a long time to you but I have spend upwards of two hundred hours on a painting (mine are very different, I often paint surrealistic or very realistic fantasy paintings with a lot of detail). My gentle suggestion is to omit the length of time. Also you don’t give much info abt the type of medium you used. Some people are interested in oil paintings or watercolor paintings, for example. The only other thing that I’d suggest is to have a few painting that are at a lower price point. When someone looks at your shop, they might be hesitant to buy a large painting from an artist they aren’t familiar with. But if there’s something smaller and less expensive, if they buy it and fall in love with it, you have perhaps found a repeat customer...those are very valuable to a seller of anything, especially art. I wondered if some of the paintings are ‘Pours’ which are VERY popular right now. If so, be sure you include that info in the details. I’m getting ready to do a series of acrylic pours and I can’t wait to see how it goes. I hope I haven’t overstepped the bounds of good manners here. But since no one had replied, I just wanted to help, if possible. I wish you all the luck in the world! Put a few pics of your work on Pinterest and even Twitter. I no longer do Facebook, I can’t handle the anger that percolates there but some folks put snaps of their work there too. 🤗❤️ Namastè 🙏
Hi Nik I opened my Etsy shop this week. JimmyCrackCornerBlingDesign😂I know its long...but it is easy to spell and I think memorable. CornerBling are hand painter corner tiles. They do to the corners of a room what earings or acrylic nails do for a woman.
Thank you so much for taking out time to discuss this. It helps so much. It has been on my mind to start an Etsy store and your tips are great. Did I miss you addressing why you still shop through Etsy? You are amazing as always Nik. 😊
Hi Vani! I do shop on Etsy, but the main reason why I still use Etsy to sell thru is pure laziness. Etsy makes it so easy to ship and keep track of sales. I must admit Im a sucker for keeping my life as uncomplicated as possible ;)
I knew Phillis Diller, by the way. She was amazing! Fun facts about her: 1) she told me that she did not have security at her home and never locked her doors. 2) when I met her she was close to 80 and she actually wore a wig to get that look. 3) she probably would of laughed if she was alive and heard your comment about her hair.
I'd like to hear why you continue to stay with Etsy regardless of all the changes that have occurred in the recent years. I opened my Etsy shop Feb. 2011 and after 3 growing years I watched sales steadily decrease almost to the point of non existence. Thank you for the tips and tricks suggestions. I've tried several and plan to try the others hoping for increased sales. Again, thank you.
I’m totally new at this. I’m also 70 years old and not very techy. I have been making jewelry during the winter months for 4 years now and I paint during the summer months. I’ve done a few successful craft shows and have been encouraged to open an Etsy store. I consider myself energetic but when I hear you speak about marketing and branding I feel totally lost. Yes I have a Facebook page with some of my product pictures on it but that’s it. Even those I would need to start all over and take better photos. I do make beautiful one of a kind pieces geared to mature women and I have repeat customers. My question to you is : Should I consider hiring someone to build me a website and maybe other marketing tools that you mentioned in order to help with visibility? I also keep thinking of the time this new selling platform is going to demand of me. I’m not even sure if this is the right approach for me. I’ll keep listening to people like you and take in all your recommendations. But frankly not to many seniors are out there with advise for other seniors like me. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Lorraine Wolff
Really good advise on the photography. I dont have a shop yet but am going through ideas on this matter. MIght buy a small prop that is a matching subject, nothing too big that will set the mood and set up each product one after the other in the very same light. I have about 20 different pics that I would like to set up that is celtic in nature so might get a nice candle holder etc. I believe the photos are essential because they will be responsable for what people see 1st. I look on etsy and skim over photos very fast. Products really have to stand out to me.
Oh thanks for this!!! I've been trying to get my stuff straight so I can start an online store. My hubs is a photographer but I want to stuff myself mostly because he's so busy already but also I'm stubborn, lol. I really like the softbox idea. Great stuff.
Great suggestions. I have noticed these things when looking through people's shops and products. In fact, how I found you was that you were being interviewed (selling yourself) by a couple ladies that I had subscribed to. They were having a 24 hour crafting time and they had you on for a few minutes to talk and that's the first I heard of you. I liked some of the things you were saying so I scooted over to your channel and have subscribed to you. So, if you had not been a guest on their video I may not have known you were out there! You have good marketing skills! :)
So many great tips about the photos. I am sooo bad at taking pictures. But I need to take my pictures with lamps for about 8 months of the year due to living in northen climate :) But a lot of great advise
Haha, Phyllis Diller! I literally just came from Etsy and the predictive text box that you mentioned, spot on. I mean that your description was accurate, not that the box is, cause it isn’t. I opened a store last week and have only had 10 views 😕, however, I will keep on keeping on. Thanx for the info.
Thanks. I'm hoping to finally get a shop up as a quarantine project. p.s. The hair looks GREAT. Less "Phyllis Diller" (lol-- your words) and more Kristin Scott Thomas (my words).
Thank you so much for that information! These are great tips that I never thought about, I have been thinking about a name for myself and spent some time this weekend jotting some down and looking things up but I never thought about a name being complicated (most of the ones I thought about were 😳). Thanks again Nik and your hair always looks great.
I hear you, Roseanna....we want to be unique and different! But, try to reign that in to simple and easy to remember ;) thanks so much for taking the time to comment!! =)
Thank you for sharing your tips if experience with us. I’m planning on opening a jewelry shop on Etsy in the next couple of months and wondering how much product would be good to start with?
Very interesting and thank you. However, you didn't mention how to set up the store, pricing, postage and taxes, how it works in different countries. I realise this would take longer. Have you made any other videos on this subject?
So many site search engines are crap. It's a constant source of frustration to me. I sold on ebay for years many years ago (until the fees went bananas) and on gumtree and your tips are good for anywhere you're selling. I genuinely would hate to start selling art now though, it's tough out there. Creatives start out so full of promise but can get easily discouraged because of the competition.
If I ever open an Etsy shop I will come back and watch this video again. Very interesting and helpful. Yeah Etsy's search is terrible. Are they just too lazy to improve it or they just don't care? One has to wonder.
Great tips, Nik!! I would add so much more too, ...like networking by visiting others' shops...even if they sell items that aren't on the shopping or 'looking for' list. Most Etsyians return the love and in turn promote back. Save someone else's items in social media....FB, Pin or tweet out an item from their shop...don't get trapped in selfishness : ))). Tags and titles in listings are a life line too....offer deals or discounts if an item doesn't sell after so long. A nice feature is Etsy only charges .20 for a listing that posts for 3 or 4 months. Because my husband hand makes wooden art pieces too AND I sell vintage finds other than paper and junk journal kits (although I am slowly phasing out all the home decor-ish stuff), our shop is eclectic. But, creating Categories help to divide those listings so interested buyers can go straight to the items of their interest. The search engine in Etsy is near useless in looking for shop names...you couldn't have said it better ....and so is that overly busy hot mess front page...ug! But Etsy is still one of the best places to keep track of transactions, costs and business in general. New sellers should be unique and brand brand brand (esp. if they are focused on one type of creation). Awesome info!! xgt
Exactly! That's why Ive stayed with etsy...pure laziness. It keeps such a good record of what I've done throughout the year. AND makes it super easy to ship items! thank you, GT ;)
You are truly my most inspiring visit on Etsy / YT and in my domaine!! I do graphic design too and have a shp on Etsy... but let me tell you!! I forgot for ages that I wanted to make a Lap Journal and You Got me excited to make one, i'll share it with you someday... It's not done, they can never be done really, but I call it the EXDT BOOK (It's about what Jesus would've wrote if lived in these days).. tah tah!!
I have been selling on Etsy for 8 years. But I still cannot find where to see my the breakdown of my last sale. This is absolutely stupid on the part of Etsy. How much did it sell for, what were the charges and shipping, how much did I make? Where is it??? Where is support?
I also wanted to add that my son has a very successful business selling auto parts and over 200 autos by social media (Facebook) or word of mouth. He says the thing is to have lots of REALLY good pictures. People want to see pictures.
Thank you for opening up this discussion (it's been a while I know!) I have recently become interested in creating/selling junk journals - so far I have completed 3 but have not opened a store yet. I sold on etsy and ebay for years (handmade jewelry). How do you go about pricing your finished journals? Update: just watched you episode on pricing. Thank you!
![สาวเมืองเพชร - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kEt7F9PvO3I/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been on etsy and selling for about 8 years. My store is now a 6 figure business just on etsy and I love learning from other sellers great info
Wow that's amazing! What do you sell?
YES YES YES! This is spot on! When I started out on Etsy, ( I sold vintage and antique) I looked at the shops that I liked the most and figured out how to imitate that look. Pics are key! If you’re natural light is bad, run your pics through edit and adjust brightness/contrast etc. Use Good descriptions and don’t forget measurements! Also be consistent with listings and stick to the store policies you set, If you say you mail within 3 days, get those orders out within 3 days. This will help Build a good relationship with customers , you don’t want to seem flakey. Include a business card and/or personal note as well. I also started a Pinterest board and added every listing. Stuff tends to circulate quickly there, especially if your product is unique. Nik, you are so right about Etsy’s search engine it stinks! Great tips!
yup! I wholeheartedly agree! thank you, Stacey!
Nik! I'm in the process of starting a store! Your tips are so timely. TFS!!
Great review.
Re: consistency of image mood/look: think catalog. In a catalog u usually have simliar lighting across the board, with similar margins (distance to the edges of the image from product).
This video is not only excellent but also encouraging. My Etsy is about four months old and you have confirmed so much that I have done the right things. And...I am selling. Thank you for sharing and I hope you do more on marketing. ...Carol
Your hair is lovely ~ very French Chic...love it!
Gorgeous lady .. i didn't want the video to end. So i watched it twice. I do appreciate your insightful advice Nik. I simply have an interest about Etsy.. so i've viewed a few videos of which yours popped up in recommendations. I'm sure i am not the first guy who's been enamoured of your great looks and beautiful personality. Thank you hun for sharing. All the best for 2018.
Sorry, BTW, your videos and products are absolutely AWESOME!!!!! Every time you show a new journal or tome I make my husband watch too!!!! You are so TALENTED!!!!!!!
thank you, Betty! You are so kind, my dear! ;)
Great video! Love the humor! You are a fabulous teacher! Thank you for doing these videos.
Nik...first let me tell you how freaking hilarious you really are. You had me cracking up with your little jokes and e whole fudge soap thing lol. I've had my Etsy shop 6 or 7 years now and I've done nothing with it in all that time. A majority of my commission work is from word of mouth and/or just seeing my photos on social media. You have given us some golden nuggets of info that can be used to make our Etsy shops really stand out. Thank you for always being so kind and willing to share your ideas and thoughts with us. Love you mucho 😘
heya girl!!! glad you liked my nuggets =D Big love right back atcha!
Purple Cottage
Thank you .Had a shop for 9 years now .First year was great but left it until 2018 .
Just back to make my shop the best .
Thank you, Nik. Great advice. I just opened my store in May, selling junk journals and vintage ephemera, and have had good sales. I know my photographs need work, though. My TH-cam channel is how I direct traffic to my shop. I watch your videos all the time and love them.
thank you, Diane! I am heading out of town for a few days, but I hope to get a youtube video made on how to take photos in some real-life situations ;)
I am in the process of starting up a shop on Etsy and I really appreciate all your advice and ideas. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing more of your videos!
I know this is an old video but i just have to comment. I've watched many, many videos about starting/selling on etsy as of late and this has been by far the most helpful! You really seem to know what you're talking about and you have points which i didn't hear on any other videos. Thank you!
WOW...I just found your channel & this video. You have graciously shared so much GREAT info for someone new like me, 5d,who is wanting to open an Etsy store. I have a lot to think about & there's a lot of planning that I need to do. THANK YOU for taking so much time to put together such a detailed video... I'm sure it wasn't easy. Now, I just need to rewatch it so I can write down some notes. Hope you have a great day!
You are an absolutely amazing artist with the most adoring personality. I have truly enjoyed all of your videos and love learning from you. I hope to have my own store soon and will definitely have a dedication to how much your work has inspired me.
Dear Nik, thank you so much for your advice! I've just realized how much the photos of my products are actually bad.. And I think I found the best solution. Thank you so much!
www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/619713754/jodhpr-jharokha-design-wooden-carved?ref=shop_home_active_1
You're so much fun...loved just listening to you. I've been thinking about a store, and you gave me some things to think about. Now...what to sell. So many options. Many thanks.
I love the soap, fudge, and cutting board:) And the fudge from the 50's lol! You're adorable and fun to hear. Would love more etsy tips!
Great Tips! I plan on opening up an Etsy store to sell my adult sized, and baby crocheted blankets. Thanks so much for sharing
This is the best video I have ever watched on starting an Etsy store. Thank you.
Just found this vid and I’ve been looking up Etsy tips for a few days now. I started my store over 10 years ago. I haven’t even looked at it in that amount of time (don’t have anything listed obviously). Your tips are very helpful. But I’d say your approach and delivery of said tips is the best part. PS they HAVE improved the search somewhat in the Etsy app. (I only use the app on iPad and iPhone, as I don’t have a computer).
Awesome quilt over the chair :)
Thank you so much for this video! I have just opened a shop and although I chose calm and neat backrounds for my pictures, the difference is HUGE now when all the pictures have white background and as u said, the list is consistent and the products look neat and more professional when all the pictures have similar backround. So thank you!
Agreed. Take it from us, having a business name that is easy to remember makes a world of difference!
The lighting for this video is great!
Nik you are such a breath of fresh air. Thanks for the tips and your videos are awesome.
Remember--with Phyllis Diller there's always hats!!! Lol. Great video with lots of good suggestions and helpful tips!
hahahhaa! then you have "hat hair", too! =D
OMG You are an inspiration, thank you for all your advice and sharing your wisdom. I am starting my business on Etsy. Thank you for the tips and resources you provided. You are so funny and real, keep up the good work! :)
over the years of having my etsy shop, I sold exactly ONE item, so I am saving your advice
Loved the video!! It was very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. Congratulations on 10 years on Etsy!
My daughter has started listing my journals on her Etsy shop, Beads and Brushes, but I was wondering if that would be too confusing for people, and you kind of confirmed that for me. I've also started thinking about TH-cam to promote my journals, but I've got to admit I'm a little terrified to do videos, LOL! You are definitely my inspiration, Nik. Thanks for your tips, they're very timely for me.
this day i watch more over 100 videos, but the only video i watch full and i make confident more out of your points. i am also a etsy shop holder. thanks you mom.
Thank you for sharing this great video...I’m a new Etsy seller and these ideas help! Love your channel...you are so willing to share your ideas! ❤️🐞
Love this! It's no wonder you are such a success. You succeed and want others to succeed.
This is a very professional and informative video. "Economy of Expression" is the concept. You get to the point and don't waste my time : ) The info. has true value. Many channels drag out their content and annoy people who have limited time. Good luck with your channel.
This was the most helpful video about starting on Etsy so far! Thank you!
Excellent video, thank you for making everything so clear, I have wanted to spit my items into other Etsy stores, and now I will! (your video is far better than the ones Etsy puts out)
Thanks Nik the info you've given is very helpful. I'm new here & you've answered more than Etsy has (I hate the computerized help that doesn't have my questions). But your tips give confidence to those (like me).
Nik! Your video is fantastic! And YOU are gorgeous! I loved your informative video, it answered so many of my questions in a very easy to understand way. I watched it twice, just to make sure I got it all.....I'm a slow listener.....(thank God for PVR's!) You are amazing and you know your stuff. Thank you for taking the time to help us out, it is SO appreciated by everyone who cares and sells on Etsy. I look forward to more of your videos.
I absolutely love the way you explained this. So happy I found your video Thank you so much. Having branding and (packaging issues atm) but I intend to take in a few tutorials
Very helpful. This is a great foundation to build my Etsy store upon.
Thanks for this video! Super helpful, would love to see you do more of these Etsy tip videos. :)
Thanks Nik! I love all your videos! This one was perfect right now for me as I am trying to get my Etsy store going. Thanks again! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Thank you for the tips! Getting ready to launch a couple of businesses online and I need all the help I can get. Even though my husband and I have been successful business owners for over 35 yrs. this is a totally different ballgame for us. I really appreciate your tips!
So happy i found this! Im thinking of opening an etsy shop, Thank you for all the info!!!😊
Thank you for sharing so generously so many tips from your personal experience. Great video.
Thanks for the tips ,as a new etsy seller I have been well informed for the success of my etsy shop...thanks alot again ..
B.G from Turkey
Thank you for a clear, concise and on point tutorial. I think I must have attention deficit since many similar tutorials veer off topic or other irrelevant information that tune me out. It was a pleasure listening and learning about Etsy.
Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to another similar video.
Thank you so much for taking the time to assist us in building our Etsy shops. I have learned so much. I hope that you will continue this series. Continued success!!
Excellent information. I shop almost exclusively on Etsy. If I'm watching a TH-cam video and someone says the name of their shop, and I want to visit their store, but in the video they might say the name too fast, or I can't hear what they said clearly and it isn't listed anywhere, it's a guessing game from there on. And nine times out of ten I will never find it. However, while searching for their store I come across another store that's cool and I end up shopping there. I even had trouble finding YOUR store because of the way you spell your name. And this was before I knew a lot about you, but had heard your name mentioned in someone's video I was watching.
I am very loyal to the stores that I do find that have excellent customer service. For me, customer service and prompt delivery with tracking information, well packaged product is just as important as the product. I have shopped at VERY popular planner supply stores and I won't shop at a few of them again because I have waited over a month for something that was seasonal, cute and artsy. But the customer service sucks as does their shipping times. I don't care how cute it is, I'm not waiting a month unless it's coming from England, Ireland, etc. I ordered some gorgeous doilies from an Eastern European company, whose product I had seen in a TH-cam video and loved the fact that it was hand crafted with beautiful workmanship. They said right up front it could take four weeks and I understood and accepted that because afterall, it was Eastern Europe. It took three weeks to get here and the shipping was less than what it costs me to mail something to another state. And that's another thing (I'm on a rolling rant), another VERY popular shop that sells planner clips, jewelry, etc., was charging almost $9.00 to ship TWO CHARMS. That's crazy. I visited the store three times because what she's selling is gorgeous. But I'm not paying that kind of shipping. And if I have to contact the owner of the store about the cost, I'm not going to bother. I can make it myself, but I loved her product. And then there is an amazing store, that while the shipping costs look high, she says right up front she refunds shipping overages. And she stresses that in her videos. And she does refund large amounts of shipping costs. I am now a loyal customer because of excellent customer service, great product at fair market value, shipping tracking, and my last very important tip: personal thank you notes. I can shop anywhere. But I am a loyal customer who will always return to a store that has great customer service, even if I have to pay more. Because I know they value my business.
I used to be a rabid FB user. But I got off and haven't returned. If someone is exclusively using FB to market their product, they are missing customers that choose not to use social media. And it is a choice for me. But there are others who just don't use FB, hard as it is for some people to understand. But I do watch TH-cam videos. And the shops that I use almost exclusively, I found out about in a TH-cam video. I think if people think creatively, they don't necessarily have to make TH-cam videos to get their store name out there. But I have hunted down stores if I see their product being used on a project that is mentioned in a TH-cam video. Of course I have to really like the quality of the product and if the TH-camr recommends the shop, I'll visit the shop and check it out.
I really don't like shopping on sites that sell six hundred items. My attention span isn't that long. But I do like to have choices, so having a consistent number of items will keep me returning.
I have met THE MOST AMAZING WOMEN ON ETSY. Nice, nice people who know their product and take the time to get to know something about me. Who communicate regularly during the transaction and remember me when I return, and remember the kinds of items I like. Like I said, customer service is extremely, extremely important to me.
Thank you for making this important video. I know people will get a lot of value from it. I think you are amazing, thoughtful, creative, talented and very generous with your knowledge. And I love your sense of humor!
Kateri Cochran
Hi Kateri,
Can I ask where your name is from, it sounds quite mystical :)
I just read the entirety of your post and I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I would love to be able to have regular conversations with Etsy shoppers as my store is in its infancy and I’m seeking ways to grow it.
I make tile coasters and I don’t want to get too discouraged as in real life I’m always told that they look great.
I have learnt that it’s important to use other social media sources to get the name out there and I am with you on the thank you notes - I love writing them!
If you’re curious I would love a critique of my Etsy store if you could stop by and send me a msg.
Thank you in advance, have a lovely day x
Alejomi (Etsy store name)
Alejomi . Etsy . Com
@_alejo_mi (Instagram name)
Hi Kateri, I like your sincere comments & compliments. Can you please browse “Justshowoff” on Etsy & tell me what you do not like about it. I am a very recent owner & looking for advice from genuine people. If you choose not to it is OK. Thank you.
Mich Elle I’m a painter who’s had some success in selling my mixed media and my conventional paintings although I do not sell on Etsy. Knowing that you might like to have feedback on your shop, I looked and it seems you are on the right track with how you have photographed your paintings and you have given thought to staging the area where they are displayed. Only two things that I noticed, as a buyer, that you could change a little. In some descriptions you said that you’d spent seven or nine hours working on the painting. That may seem like a long time to you but I have spend upwards of two hundred hours on a painting (mine are very different, I often paint surrealistic or very realistic fantasy paintings with a lot of detail). My gentle suggestion is to omit the length of time. Also you don’t give much info abt the type of medium you used. Some people are interested in oil paintings or watercolor paintings, for example. The only other thing that I’d suggest is to have a few painting that are at a lower price point. When someone looks at your shop, they might be hesitant to buy a large painting from an artist they aren’t familiar with. But if there’s something smaller and less expensive, if they buy it and fall in love with it, you have perhaps found a repeat customer...those are very valuable to a seller of anything, especially art. I wondered if some of the paintings are ‘Pours’ which are VERY popular right now. If so, be sure you include that info in the details. I’m getting ready to do a series of acrylic pours and I can’t wait to see how it goes. I hope I haven’t overstepped the bounds of good manners here. But since no one had replied, I just wanted to help, if possible. I wish you all the luck in the world! Put a few pics of your work on Pinterest and even Twitter. I no longer do Facebook, I can’t handle the anger that percolates there but some folks put snaps of their work there too. 🤗❤️
Namastè 🙏
Thanks ! I am considering opening an Etsy store and you gave some valuable advices there !😄
Thanks Nick, great help for beginners. All the best to your bus. endeavours.
This was really helpful! I started making journals last year and recently decided to open up an Etsy store. Thanks again :)
Always late to the party. (It's my MO.) Thank you! Thank you! Such concise, practical advice. Oh boy, I have work to do.
Thank you for all the tips. Have a great day
Hi Nik
I opened my Etsy shop this week.
JimmyCrackCornerBlingDesign😂I know its long...but it is easy to spell and I think memorable.
CornerBling are hand painter corner tiles. They do to the corners of a room what earings or acrylic nails do for a woman.
THANK YOU! Very helpful information. Keep it coming, please!
Thank you so much for taking out time to discuss this. It helps so much. It has been on my mind to start an Etsy store and your tips are great. Did I miss you addressing why you still shop through Etsy? You are amazing as always Nik. 😊
Hi Vani! I do shop on Etsy, but the main reason why I still use Etsy to sell thru is pure laziness. Etsy makes it so easy to ship and keep track of sales. I must admit Im a sucker for keeping my life as uncomplicated as possible ;)
Nik the Booksmith I like uncomplicated too. 😊..I meant sell through Etsy... 😜.. thank you for explaining
I knew Phillis Diller, by the way. She was amazing! Fun facts about her: 1) she told me that she did not have security at her home and never locked her doors. 2) when I met her she was close to 80 and she actually wore a wig to get that look. 3) she probably would of laughed if she was alive and heard your comment about her hair.
Thank you Nik! Great video with excellent tips. Looking forward to your next informational video! I adore your journals Jen of Eve hooked me up lol!
I COMPLETELY agree with you about your comments re ETSY!!!! What a headache!
My shop is new. I had one in February, closed it in June (zero sales), reopened it this month...ETSY was absolutely NO HELP! very unfriendly...
Hi Nik, thx a lot for your tipps. But your books are just amazing and you catch all with your super sympathetic and funny personality. xx Manuela
I'd like to hear why you continue to stay with Etsy regardless of all the changes that have occurred in the recent years. I opened my Etsy shop Feb. 2011 and after 3 growing years I watched sales steadily decrease almost to the point of non existence. Thank you for the tips and tricks suggestions. I've tried several and plan to try the others hoping for increased sales. Again, thank you.
I’m totally new at this. I’m also 70 years old and not very techy. I have been making jewelry during the winter months for 4 years now and I paint during the summer months. I’ve done a few successful craft shows and have been encouraged to open an Etsy store. I consider myself energetic but when I hear you speak about marketing and branding I feel totally lost. Yes I have a Facebook page with some of my product pictures on it but that’s it. Even those I would need to start all over and take better photos.
I do make beautiful one of a kind pieces geared to mature women and I have repeat customers. My question to you is : Should I consider hiring someone to build me a website and maybe other marketing tools that you mentioned in order to help with visibility? I also keep thinking of the time this new selling platform is going to demand of me. I’m not even sure if this is the right approach for me.
I’ll keep listening to people like you and take in all your recommendations. But frankly not to many seniors are out there with advise for other seniors like me. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Lorraine Wolff
Really good advise on the photography. I dont have a shop yet but am going through ideas on this matter. MIght buy a small prop that is a matching subject, nothing too big that will set the mood and set up each product one after the other in the very same light. I have about 20 different pics that I would like to set up that is celtic in nature so might get a nice candle holder etc. I believe the photos are essential because they will be responsable for what people see 1st. I look on etsy and skim over photos very fast. Products really have to stand out to me.
Love the rowboat comparison! So funny. Great tips. :)
Nik! Thanks for such a great informative video. Watch out for that "expired" fudge from the 50's!
Thanks so much. I think you are awesome to take the time to help others. Hugs.
Thank you for the info! I just opened an Etsy shop and this was very helpful!
What is your opinion on the fees Esty charges? I've heard complaints about them. Thanks for the great video and advice!
You are such a creative and stunning lady!
You are hilarious! Not just this video, but all your videos crack me up. I'm also learning alot from your videos. Thank you :)
Oh thanks for this!!! I've been trying to get my stuff straight so I can start an online store. My hubs is a photographer but I want to stuff myself mostly because he's so busy already but also I'm stubborn, lol. I really like the softbox idea. Great stuff.
Very helpful a I'm just now preparing to open a shop...
Great suggestions. I have noticed these things when looking through people's shops and products. In fact, how I found you was that you were being interviewed (selling yourself) by a couple ladies that I had subscribed to. They were having a 24 hour crafting time and they had you on for a few minutes to talk and that's the first I heard of you. I liked some of the things you were saying so I scooted over to your channel and have subscribed to you. So, if you had not been a guest on their video I may not have known you were out there! You have good marketing skills! :)
Hi Kelly, nice to meet you! Thanks for swinging by, I hope there is something on my channel you find helpful ;)
I really learned a lot from your video. Great teaching voice and quality! Thank you!
Thank you for the wonderful , practical advice - much appreciated!
You had me at Phyllis Diller!!! Thank you for the video, very informative.
So many great tips about the photos. I am sooo bad at taking pictures. But I need to take my pictures with lamps for about 8 months of the year due to living in northen climate :) But a lot of great advise
I love this! These are some great tips and I like the way you talk
Thankyou so much Nik for sharing your knowledge and experience.🌻So very helpful! 🌻
Haha, Phyllis Diller! I literally just came from Etsy and the predictive text box that you mentioned, spot on. I mean that your description was accurate, not that the box is, cause it isn’t. I opened a store last week and have only had 10 views 😕, however, I will keep on keeping on. Thanx for the info.
Thank you for all the great tips.
Thanks. I'm hoping to finally get a shop up as a quarantine project. p.s. The hair looks GREAT. Less "Phyllis Diller" (lol-- your words) and more Kristin Scott Thomas (my words).
Thank you so much for that information! These are great tips that I never thought about, I have been thinking about a name for myself and spent some time this weekend jotting some down and looking things up but I never thought about a name being complicated (most of the ones I thought about were 😳). Thanks again Nik and your hair always looks great.
I hear you, Roseanna....we want to be unique and different! But, try to reign that in to simple and easy to remember ;) thanks so much for taking the time to comment!! =)
Thank you for sharing your tips if experience with us. I’m planning on opening a jewelry shop on Etsy in the next couple of months and wondering how much product would be good to start with?
Thank you Nik... This has been so helpful. My goal is to have my product and store opened in 6 mths. More information would be amazing.
Very interesting and thank you. However, you didn't mention how to set up the store, pricing, postage and taxes, how it works in different countries. I realise this would take longer. Have you made any other videos on this subject?
So many site search engines are crap. It's a constant source of frustration to me. I sold on ebay for years many years ago (until the fees went bananas) and on gumtree and your tips are good for anywhere you're selling. I genuinely would hate to start selling art now though, it's tough out there. Creatives start out so full of promise but can get easily discouraged because of the competition.
If I ever open an Etsy shop I will come back and watch this video again. Very interesting and helpful. Yeah Etsy's search is terrible. Are they just too lazy to improve it or they just don't care? One has to wonder.
Great tips, Nik!! I would add so much more too, ...like networking by visiting others' shops...even if they sell items that aren't on the shopping or 'looking for' list. Most Etsyians return the love and in turn promote back. Save someone else's items in social media....FB, Pin or tweet out an item from their shop...don't get trapped in selfishness : ))). Tags and titles in listings are a life line too....offer deals or discounts if an item doesn't sell after so long. A nice feature is Etsy only charges .20 for a listing that posts for 3 or 4 months. Because my husband hand makes wooden art pieces too AND I sell vintage finds other than paper and junk journal kits (although I am slowly phasing out all the home decor-ish stuff), our shop is eclectic. But, creating Categories help to divide those listings so interested buyers can go straight to the items of their interest. The search engine in Etsy is near useless in looking for shop names...you couldn't have said it better ....and so is that overly busy hot mess front page...ug! But Etsy is still one of the best places to keep track of transactions, costs and business in general. New sellers should be unique and brand brand brand (esp. if they are focused on one type of creation). Awesome info!! xgt
Exactly! That's why Ive stayed with etsy...pure laziness. It keeps such a good record of what I've done throughout the year. AND makes it super easy to ship items! thank you, GT ;)
Helpful tube of information! Thank You!
You are truly my most inspiring visit on Etsy / YT and in my domaine!! I do graphic design too and have a shp on Etsy... but let me tell you!! I forgot for ages that I wanted to make a Lap Journal and You Got me excited to make one, i'll share it with you someday... It's not done, they can never be done really, but I call it the EXDT BOOK (It's about what Jesus would've wrote if lived in these days).. tah tah!!
I have been selling on Etsy for 8 years. But I still cannot find where to see my the breakdown of my last sale. This is absolutely stupid on the part of Etsy. How much did it sell for, what were the charges and shipping, how much did I make? Where is it??? Where is support?
I also wanted to add that my son has a very successful business selling auto parts and over 200 autos by social media (Facebook) or word of mouth. He says the thing is to have lots of REALLY good pictures. People want to see pictures.
Thanks for all the good info. I think your hair is very cute. 💐
Thank you Nik!! Lots of great info!!!!
Great information. You made me laugh out loud a few times too. Thanks for taking the time to share this info:)
Thank you for opening up this discussion (it's been a while I know!) I have recently become interested in creating/selling junk journals - so far I have completed 3 but have not opened a store yet. I sold on etsy and ebay for years (handmade jewelry). How do you go about pricing your finished journals?
Update: just watched you episode on pricing. Thank you!