The original post was written over two years ago...I have made some additions to it. I had two successful shops on etsy from 2008-2010 reaching over 10,000 sales in that time. I had several personal issues which caused me to to close my shops. I have since opened two new stores in November 2011...My two shops are http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandalynneLUXE and http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandalynnesupplies .
TIPS FOR MAKING MONEY SELLING ONLINE
1.WRITE THINGS DOWN-- I have a journal/notebook that I write ideas, lists, supplies you need, new designs, etc. I also write of all my screen names and passwords in it as well. I also use post its to write to do lists on, that I can just put inside my notebook. This way once they are completed you can just remove them. I also put post-its with little reminders
to myself on my computer monitor. Making a schedule also helps designate time for promoting, listing, making your items, networking, taking pictures, packaging items, etc.2.ADVERTISEMENTS/NETWORKING-- I also have a blog, facebook, and twitter, it is very important that you belong to at least two networking sites to get your name out there. This is my blog, my twitter is http://www.twitter.com/amandalynneATL, and my facebook pages are Jewelry http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Lynne-Luxe/116716015114284 and Jewelry Supplies http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Lynne-Supplies/302546996456584. Also, advertise on several craft sites like http://www.etsylush.com and http://www.craftcult.com/. Pinterest http://pinterest.com/amandalynneatl/ is a good for getting your name out there and getting sales as well. I joined a lot of teams on etsy...especially the promotion teams and I actively participate in their discussions and threads. Posting on the 1st page of the promotion threads are helpful because it is really the page that gets the most views. Look for opportunities to get featured on blogs as well. Try making a monthly news letter to send out to customers through their email. Get business cards printed, hand them out to friends and family. All include them in ALL of your packages. I like to wear my jewelry I design out and about, this way if someone asks about it I can give them a business card. I have actually sold a $200 bracelet right off my wrist, I was grocery shopping n Publix.
3.LISTING ITEMS-- Make sure that list items often or relist items to help you stay visible. If I don't have anything new to list I try to relist about 4-12 items a day. Also, do this during a time when you have gotten sales in the past or during peak hours. Figure out when you are getting the most sales. Some people say the best time to list and relist is at 7pm. I say a mus
t time to relist is on Saturday and Sunday during the day!4.CUSTOMER SERVICE-- Customers come first, do everything you can it make them happy with their transaction. A couple things I do is I include a free gift like a couple beads or a pair of earrings. I always respond to convos or emails asap, the quicker the response the more likely they are to do business with you. I have great prices and unique products which keep customers coming back. Also, include a coupon code for free shipping or a percent off their next order. If you can't afford free gifts or samples, write a nice handwritten letter to say thank you for being my customer. Remember, without your customer you wouldn't be here.
5.PRODUCTS, PICTURES, and PRICING-- I call these the three P's. If your three P's aren't up to par, then don't expect sales. Take a good look at your shop and make sure that all of these things are amazing! I don't sell products in my shop that I wouldn't use or wear mys
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elf. All my pictures I try to take outside on a sunny day, for the best most clear lighting. Compare your pricing to other shops. I often have sales, right now I have a 30% off all items! More people will buy if they know it's on sale!6.SHIPPING-- Always ship in a timely manner. Make sure that your packages are well packed and neat. I ship through Paypal shipping, so they send the customer an email. If you use a method that doesn't inform the customer you are mailing their package, make sure to do it yourself. Paypal shipping is also great because they include delivery conformation. Once you get to where you are having a lot of orders you may want to consider ordering packaging supplies online.
7.INTERNATIONAL-- I know it seems scary for someone new to selling online to sell to international customers. But by not allowing them to buy you are missing out on a lot of business not to mention money. Just be smart when doing it, packages over $100 require tracking to protect both you and your customer.
8.ORGANIZE WORKSPACE-- Make sure to have a designated workspace to work, I use my dining room. The more organized you are the more efficient you will work. Label supplies and items so you can easily locate them. Have a set place to design, take pictures, work on the computer, ship items, etc.9.DO YOUR RESEARCH-- Do your research to see what is hot right now. See what's selling in other etsy shops or websites. You can go to http://www.pantone.com/ and see what colors are hot for the spring or fall. Be on the lookout for what is in style, see what sells, what the celebrities are wearing or buying, and compare pricing to yours. There is so much on the Internet, just don't get caught up in shopping! :)
10.TAKE A BREAK, HAVE FUN!!!-- Remember, to take a break every once in a while. If you work non-stop you will get burnt out and you won't want to do this. Reward yourself, allow yourself a treat every now and then. You are a business owner, be proud of yourself and your hard work!!!
I am willing to answer questions and help anyone...just send me an email ajcouturejewelry@gmail.com!
***All items in the pictures can be found at my two sites http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandalynneLUXE and http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandalynnesupplies .
Thanks, for reading! Please, comment and write your own tips! :)
