This morning, my sister and I were having one of our frequent etsy bitchfests. Don't get me wrong—we love etsy—but it can be complicated, frustrating, taxing, and oftentimes hilarious. We're always sharing tips, swapping foibles, and gently poking fun at some of the items we come across. OK, I lied about that last part; we're relentless.
As we're both fairly newbie sellers (for me mainly by virtue of my infrequent additions to my shop, due to the accursed day job), in some ways we're still learning the ropes. For instance, I just now discovered something pretty important that I had NO IDEA existed. Oof.
What set us off this morning was a discussion of shipping policies, and packaging. We understand that many buyers have allergies and need to know whether their purchases are coming from a pet- and smoke-free home, but as vintage sellers, we have no idea what the previous conditions were. We buy from flea markets and estate sales. But, we started riffing on what it would be like if people were brutally honest about the conditions of their storage areas/where they keep their etsy items.
Or, would anyone notice if I changed mine to read: "Items are stored in a shaman-blessed room with muzak softly playing in the background, and windchimes and a dreamcatcher hanging above them. They are packaged by the Boy in the Bubble."
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In all seriousness, however, we wonder how much buyers care about packaging. As vintage dealers (and buyers), we're focused mainly on PRICE. I know many sellers (mainly homemade sellers) have wondrous packaging: beautiful wrapping, lots of bonus extras, etc. I tend to take a more utilitarian view: clean and straightforward packaging. However, I often re-use boxes and bubble wrap. Is that tacky or cheap or off-putting? I'm going to start including a note that in the interests of being green I often re-use packaging, unless the buyer requests otherwise.
Also, although I have Paypal send the aviso that the item has shipped, I do not convo the buyer to let them know. Does that make me cold, or too business-like? So much for proaction and personal attention, huh? I've decided to change my ways, and will now do so.
I guess etsy is really all about the Ps: product, price, photography, punctuality, posting, and maybe personality. Any of you long-time etsy sellers want to chime in with some advice, or clue me in to yet another feature I'm completely gripless about?
While I'm awaiting your sage advice, I'm going off to check on the Boy in the Bubble....
P.S. I seriously recently listed a few new items, and calendars should arrive within 10 days, just in time for the holidays and 2012!
