Synopses & Reviews
The easy way to build an online craft businessStarting an Etsy Business For Dummies offers expert advice for artists and entrepreneurs looking to build an online craft or vintage-goods business from scratch. You'll get information on setting up your online shop, listing and selling your items, engaging in the Etsy community, and more. If DIY is your domain, this book gives you the know-how to create a successful business that pays.
Let's get this party started — learn how to sign up for an Etsy account, navigate the site, see what's for sale, and stay safe online
Set up shop — understand what you can (and can't) sell on Etsy, create an eye-catching storefront, establish your shop's policies, and price your work
Start selling — get expert advice on photographing your goods, writing engaging titles and descriptions, listing your items, and closing the deal
The heart of the matter — learn how to handle business matters with ease, from providing excellent customer service to managing your Etsy store
Show your spirit — discover all the fun that Etsy has to offer, join in the community spirit, keep up with Etsy news, and spread the word about other Etsy sellers
Open the book and find:
Information about Etsy's purpose and business model
How to sign up and get around the site
Tips for setting up your storefront
Guidance on establishing shop policies and prices
Advice on managing item listings
The 411 on shipping and customer service
Ideas for using social networking to your advantage
The scoop on getting help when you need it
Learn to:
Sell handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies at etsy.com
Photograph your work and write compelling item descriptions
Market your wares and manage your shop
Provide excellent customer service
Synopsis
Etsy.com is an online art and craft store that boasts an astonishing 1.9 million members.Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies shows readers how to create, manage and successfully sell arts and crafts using the world's largest online crafts marketplace. Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies:
- Provides artists and entrepreneurs with expert advice for building a craft business from scratch
- Topics include pricing and inventory management, partnering with wholesales co-ops and navigating the craft fair circuit
- Also provides advice on creating an online presence, photographing your work and hiring help
Synopsis
The easy way to build an online craft business from scratchStarting an Etsy Business For Dummies offers expert advice for artists and entrepreneurs looking to build an online craft business from scratch. You'll get invaluable information on setting up your online shop, writing compelling item descriptions, photographing your work, engaging the Etsy community, understanding fees, and finding your muse when it takes a holiday.
In the last couple of years, the DIY movement has transcended the big-box hardware stores, and has taken on a new format in the savvy crafting arena. Etsy.com boasts an astonishing 1.9 million members, and there are tens of thousands of craft and hobby bazaars held each year across the United States. Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies shows you how to create, manage, and successfully sell handmade wares, vintage goods, and DIY supplies using the world's largest online handmade marketplace.
- Learn to sell your handmade wares, vintage goods, DIY supplies online at Etsy.com
- Create and manage your own successful Etsy storefront
- Merchandise your unique creations and drive buyers to your shop
If DIY is your domain, Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies gives you the skills, knowledge, and know-how to create a successful business that pays.
About the Author
Allison Strine is the author of LadyBirdLand! and takes unreasonable joy in her Etsy shop feedback comments. You can peruse her wares at allisonstrine.etsy.com.
Kate Shoup has authored several books, including Not Your Mama's Beading, Not Your Mama's Stitching, and Rubbish: Reuse Your Refuse (all from Wiley).
Table of Contents
Introduction 1Part I: Basic Instinct: Grasping Etsy Basics 7
Chapter 1: Handmade for Each Other: Falling in Love with Etsy 9
Chapter 2: Let’s Get This Party Started: Signing Up 17
Chapter 3: There’s No Place Like Home: Discovering Etsy’s Home Page 29
Chapter 4: Account Trackula: Navigating Your Account 41
Chapter 5: Buy and Buy: Finding and Purchasing Items on Etsy 49
Chapter 6: Safe Word: Maintaining Privacy and Safety on Etsy 61
Part II: If You Build It, They Will Come: Setting Up Your Etsy Shop 73
Chapter 7: Sell Coverage: Understanding What You Can and Can’t Sell on Etsy 75
Chapter 8: Come on In! Creating an Eye-Catching Storefront 81
Chapter 9: Policy Academy: Establishing Your Shop’s Policies 99
Chapter 10: Come on Down, the Price Is Right! Pricing Your Work 117
Part III: She Sells Seashells (and More): Understanding the Etsy Selling Process 129
Chapter 11: Say Cheese! Photographing Your Wares 131
Chapter 12: Word Up: Composing Engaging Titles and Descriptions 157
Chapter 13: Selling Like (Burning Hot) Hotcakes: Listing Your Items 169
Chapter 14: Wrap It Up: Closing the Deal 191
Chapter 15: The Ship Hits the Fan: Shipping Your Items 203
Part IV: All Up in Your Bidness: Handling Business Matters 219
Chapter 16: High Exposure: Marketing Your Etsy Business 221
Chapter 17: You’ve Been Served: Providing Excellent Customer Service 237
Chapter 18: Business as Usual: Managing Your Etsy Store 255
Part V: Commune System: Exploring the Etsy Community 277
Chapter 19: Community Building: Joining the Etsy Community 279
Chapter 20: OMG, Did You Hear? Keeping Up with Etsy News 301
Chapter 21: A Love-Love Relationship: Showing Your Love for Other Etsy Sellers 309
Chapter 22: Help! Getting It When You Need It 321
Part VI: The Part of Tens 331
Chapter 23: Ten Terrifi c Tips for Etsy Sellers 333
Chapter 24: Ten Strategies for Marketing Your Etsy Shop 337
Chapter 25: Ten Pointers for Saving Money and Time as an Etsy Shop Owner 341
Index 345