Starting an Etsy Business for Dummies

Description

The easy way to build an online craft business from scratch

Starting 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.

CONTENTS:

Introduction 1

Part 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