New Additions to the BKD Signature Polish Jewelry Line

When our polish jewelry line first launched, we only used My Ten Friends Nail Polish. Then we expanded to include our friends at Girly Bits and Darling Diva Polish, and have an exclusive line at Femme Fatale Cosmetics. We're ecstatic to announce that, during our research phase right now, we've obtained permission from Colors by llarowe, NailNation, and Superficially Colorful to use their polishes as well! We love supporting indies and hope you're just as excited as us for these gorgeous additions to our jewelry line.

Calling All Bloggers!

We're looking for bloggers to post our press release for free when we do our grand re-opening! We have no set date for it yet since it's contingent on a few things, but we like to plan ahead.  No minimum stat requirements - we're simply looking for any and all bloggers on the internet who post press releases from small handmade businesses. Drop us a line so we can add your e-mail to our list!

My 3rd Etsyversary Celebration!!!

So my 3rd year Etsyversary is coming up on February 19th and I wanted to celebrate it BIG.  3 years seems to be a milestone in the Etsy world, usually because it signals that you've survived the nuances of owning a small handmade business in a big commercialized retail world and, hopefully, have reached several milestones to becoming a well-established shop.  Just this morning I reached sale number 5-0-0, a HUGE milestone, and I couldn't be more excited.  So I am fortunate enough to start celebrating several things today. :)

To thank my loyal fans, I have decided to host three GIGANTIC giveaways.  Below is one of the giveaways (due to glitches with it on FB) and the other is a tab on my BKD Signature FB fan page.  You have many opportunities to get entries so take advantage of them all!  {{Due to the recent problems with USPS and shipping internationally, these contests are only open to USA residents.}}

Giveaway #1 through Blog:
- Love in Bloom Collection
- 5 assorted graphic pendants
- Two 6 oz soy candles; one in Downy Fresh and one in Beach Daisies
- 3 pairs of cabochon earrings; one pair chrysanthemum, one pair hibiscus, one pair rose
TOTAL VALUE: $128
Above in post

Giveaway #2 through Facebook Page:
- Love in Bloom Collection
- 1 pair rose cabochon earrings
TOTAL VALUE: $45
http://www.facebook.com/BKDSignature?sk=app_150794994973742

Giveaway #2 Surprise Package to Unlock through Facebook Page:
TOTAL VALUE: $45
http://www.facebook.com/BKDSignature?sk=app_150794994973742

{{To clarify, the "purchase" entry refers to new ones while the giveaway is open.  Purchase 5 items to get all 95 entries.}}






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sampler Village Box Arrival

My January Sampler Village box arrived today!  It's always so exciting when this comes!  You know it's a good box when you can smell it in the mailbox. :)  Can't wait to review these products for you - there's bunches of great samples!

Another successful animal charity auction in the works!

Since my fans asked, I'm delivering! I am running another animal charity auction in time for Valentine gifts, Jan 25th to Feb 1st!  Please see the photo album from the last time for rules. If you'd like to contribute items, please e-mail bkdsignature[at]gmail.com; let me know your items, pictures, links, and if you want to waive your portion/shipping fees.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Spread the word!

Auction will run Jan 25th, 12 am PST to Feb 1st, 11:59 pm PST. RULES: PLEASE READ!!! POST BELOW THAT YOU HAVE "AGREED" TO THESE RULES. IF ANY OF THESE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED YOUR ENTRY WILL BE DELETED. 1. You must first "LIKE" the Giveaway's Host Fan Page (link is provided). 2. You may post a comment on the host's page. This is NOT required but is HIGHLY recommended. It is nice to be thanked and loved for their wonderful offering. :) Let them know who sent you so they know their donation is appreciated – we’re all here to support a wonderful cause. 3. To bid, simply leave a comment with your bid price and your e-mail address to which an invoice can be sent. [Please note some items include shipping while others have it as an extra.] 4. Only serious bids, please! If you are a winning bid, please remit payment within 48 hours of receiving your invoice in your inbox. Invoices will be coming from BKD Signature via PayPal – please do not pay before receiving an invoice or from anyone other than BKD Signature. Your invoice will reflect your winning bid AND shipping charges. 5. Responsibility for shipping and receiving of said items will be between vendor and bidder (vendor will be shipping direct to you, I do not have the items). BKD Signature assumes no responsibility for the products being offered. In the event that the vendor does not uphold their end of the agreement, the bidder will have up to 30 days after payment is received to contact me to advise me you have not received your item. 6. Ending date is posted, entries after date will not be accepted. 7. It is expected of everyone to respect each other. We are all here to support a worthy cause that deserves our support. BKD Signature reserves the right to ban anyone acting disrespectful during the auction. 8. Because I ardently believe in supporting handmade, a portion (25%) of the winning bids will be sent to the vendors to help pay for their cost of goods and to graciously thank them for donating to such a wonderful cause. As a small handmade business owner myself, I passionately believe in supporting handmade businesses and charities alike. {{VENDORS}}: it is expected that you ship ready-to-ship items within 7 business days of payment. Made-to-order items are to be shipped within 14 days of payment unless otherwise arranged with the bidder. Disclaimer: This opportunity is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to BKD Signature and not to Facebook. You must be 18 or over to participate

Saturday's Sales Sheet

Here's this week's roundup of sales going on in BKD Signature approved shops. :)  Enjoy and Happy Shopping!


‎The Realist Mermaid: 20% off, no coupon required, at my etsy store and take another 10% off with code GFGOODIES!  {{PLEASE NOTE: Tonight's SNS is 40% off}}


Polished Two: Use coupon code MOMMO25 at Etsy checkout for 25% off this weekend


Sapeterapi: code "NEW10" for 10% off all orders


Up On The Roof Farm: Some jar candles are on sale and enter MAPLE for 10% off all soap bars


Natural Mountain Body Care:  75% off ALL soaps EXCEPT Custom & volume orders such as party or wedding favors

Freebie Friday's Review Roundup

Today's reviews are again about some lovely ladies from the Sampler Village Team. :)  I can't get enough of these amazing and talented shops in the box!

The Realist Mermaid
Facebook and Etsy
Item: Vegan Marshmallows in various flavors
My Review:  Through a promo/coupon the shop owner was running, I was able to procure a box full of marshmallows for free, I only had to pay shipping.  Totally worth it.  I cannot tell you how much AWESOMER (yep, just made that up) handmade marshmallows are.  SO fluffy, SO creamy, SO flavorful, SO YUMMY.  Since they're handmade, they need to be consumed within 10 days, or refrigerated/freezed (ok, made up another word) until you're ready to eat.  I just immediately put them into my tupperware to pop in the fridge, no problemo.  I got a good variety and I was really surprised at which ones I liked the most: Irish Coffee and Lemon Meringue.  I'm not a big coffee or lemon flavored person... but I think that's a big testament to the ingredients.  They're all-natural, organic, kosher, gluten free - I don't usually specifically seek out these attributes, but I feel pretty darn good when I eat that way. :)  Any way to trick my mind into thinking marshies are healthy, I'm cool with!!!  You can clearly tell the ingredients are fresh, and I was so amazed by her creativity with the flavors.  (P.S. She's running a sale right now!)

Farm Hussy

Website

Item: Lip Balm flavored in An Ornery Lil' Custard

My Review:  I can't get enough of Farm Hussy and I'm not ashamed to keep plugging this business!  I haven't used silkier lip balm ever before!  The texture is unlike others, but that's a good thing.  Feels so good to use on my lips.  And, of course, like always, the scent is so yummy.  (After trying my first handmade lip balm about three years ago, I've kissed commercial ones goodbye.)

My Lip Candy

Facebook and Etsy

Item: Banana Coconut lip balm

My Review:  OMG, this has got to be my most FAVORITE scent I have ever gotten in a lip balm!  I'm totally loving it!  Banana is my favorite flavor/scent, and I love a good coconut scent as well.  I would never have guessed these smell so good together!  It doesn't smell like Pina Colada or something tropical like you would think; which to me is such a refreshing change of pace since that's usually the route these scents are taken.  You can smell each note separately and strongly, which I really appreciate, but they blend so well together.  This is a beeswax lip balm, which I'm not usually a fan of, but it's actually silky and slides on nicely.  I usually find beeswax to be stiff and sticky, but this balm truly isn't.

Piccolo Paradiso

Facebook and Website

Item: Snowball shaped soap

My Review:  Enclosed in the box, this sample is HUGE.  Almost too big to handle, although I could probably cut it in half.  But I'm not complaining about a big sample. :)  Lather is nice, I really can get some suds going, and my hands don't feel dried out after but soft (drying soap is a pet peeve of mine).  However, I can't smell what scent it is, and I can't tell from the packaging, unless it's unscented.  I thought the snowball was a cute idea for the winter months. :) 

{{Each Friday I do a multitude of short reviews to sum up my experiences with free product I used since the last posting.  I am not compensated for my reviews other than the fact that I did not pay for the product.  However, this product was earned through Facebook contests, other free contest means, or somehow free, through my own efforts.  The shops are not notified of the review until posted.}}

Utilizing Sampler Boxes as Advertising Part 1: What do you want?

With the start of a new year, handmade artisans are evaluating their small businesses and revamping their processes and practices.  With this analyzing comes the idea of trying new ways to advertise their businesses to customers not keen on spending extra money on items deemed as "wants".

One of the most unique ways of advertising that has been picking up steam over the past couple years is the sampler box.  While sales are not guaranteed from a sampler box, it is an easy and, hopefully, effective way to reach many customers that are specifically looking to sample products from artists that they hope to be repeat customers of in the future.  I myself am a big fan of sampler boxes because I love getting a big box of samples that'll help me decide what businesses I would like to try next or that may be of an even higher quality than products I am currently using.  There are several handmade shops that I am a repeat customer of now because I found their products in a sampler box (see Freebie Friday Reviews posts for some examples).

When considering whether joining a sampler box is right for you and your business, there are several aspects to keep in mind when choosing a box and when submitting your samples.  This three part series will cover the whole picture of what it means to be in a sampler box.

Choosing a company:  Not only are you working for the sampler box, but the owner of the sampler box is working for you.  To begin the process, Google or Facebook search "sampler box" or "sampler".  On Google, the most active ones will appear at the top; on Facebook, look at the number of fans the page has.  It is important to see how many visitors/customers the box is exposed to because a higher number likely means a more "successful" box or lots of interaction from the fans.  The greater the fans, the more potential customers for you.  It's also important to observe and evaluate the amount of advertising the sampler box owner does on the behalf of the shop participants: does the owner post a whole bunch on the fan page; are there lots of links daily advertising the individual shops; are there highly enticing offers, such as contests, on the page regularly; do they have a comprehensive website catering to both sellers and buyers; etc.  While it is true that you are not "paying" the owner in money, the sales of the boxes do; and the boxes would not exist if it weren't for the participation of the shops and customers alike.  You are putting a lot of money, time, and effort into your samples, and you want to feel like the sampler box is doing the same for you in advertising.  Since no box can guarantee sales, and it's unfair to expect that, what you are "paying" for is the sampler box to advertise on your behalf adequately.  And you want to make sure the "payment" is worth it.

How do I know that it was worth it?  It's also important for you to decide before you submit your info to a box what you want out of the box.  Of course, the obvious answer would be "SALES".  But are sales the only thing to gain from a sampler box?  Some sampler boxes have a whole community or network among all of the sellers, an aspect that can set some boxes apart and, some might argue, above the rest.  Even those that have never gotten a sale from a box argue that the support they've gotten from networking among the community of sellers is more valuable because the love, support, camaraderie, and advice have helped their shops far greater than they could have imagined.  Sometimes, this advice has helped improve the shop immensely or change the seller's perspective, causing the owner to earn more sales even if none of them were gained from purchasing the original sample.  While it is easy to think about the direct impact of the box on your sales, don't forget to think about the INDIRECT impact the box can have not only on your shop, but on YOU as well.  Think about the whole not just the parts!

Part 2: Packaging Your Samples

{{As many of you know, I am a part of Sampler Village and am therefore biased when I wholeheartedly vouch for it and encourage you to join the box.  Part 3 of this series will be analyzing the good, the bad, and the ugly of Sampler Village to give you an in-depth look of what it's like to be a participating shop.  For many reasons, mostly time- and monetary-based, I have not joined other boxes... yet.  However, besides Sampler Village, I believe The Little Black Box and The Tantalizing Sampler are two other great places to start.  I know the owners personally and can vouch for their credibility; I've also observed their businesses, processes, and efforts and believe them to be among some of the most "successful" boxes in terms of how much work they do on behalf of their sellers.  Of course, if you do join one of these three, please mention that BKD Signature sent you - businesses do a lot of advertising, but are left wondering where their customers come from.  It's always polite, and beneficial, to the business to let them know how you found them. <3 }}

Freebie Friday's Review Roundup

I have participated in several Sampler Village boxes and each time I send in 100 samples so I earn a free box.  As a result, I get the joy of trying out and reviewing lots of great samples from several amazing fellow shops.  Here are my thoughts on the products I have tried so far from the Nov/Dec box; all four I will be a repeat customer for:


Farm Hussy
Website
Item: Whipped Soy Glace scented Gift Hog
Seller's Description of scent: "You are sure to be rooting through the gift pile if your snout gets a pre-Xmas whiff of this chewy ooey gooey frosting on butter cookies, candied cherries and fruits, powdered sugar and candy sprinkles."
My Review:  I can't stop raving about Farm Hussy - I just can't get enough of her products!  I was so stoked to get a sample of hers in my box.  Of course, the Glace is just as dreamy as the other lotions I've tried.  I LOVE the scent - it is my MOST FAVORITE now!  It smells like a bubblegum/cotton candy/cherry snowcone on steroids at a crazy carnival.  If it made my arm edible when I put it on, I'd eat my own arm.  It just smells crazy divine and I wish it were a food.


Sebastien's Nook
Facebook and Etsy
Item: Cranberry Chutney Soap Bar sample size.
Seller's Description: "Cranberry Chutney - Yankee Candle Type has to be one of my favorite scents for this season. Fresh cranberries, orange zest, rosemary, raisins, and a touch of golden honey make this a delectable addition to your holiday decorations. Not to mention this bar is chock full of skin loving emollients such as Jojoba oil infused with calendula, Goat's Milk, honey, and Aloe. Its rich lather will keep you coming back for more."
My Review: Considering practically everything in my box was scented Cranberry or colored Cranberry, I'm thinking Cranberry is the scent of the season!  This scent stood above the rest, even if it is a dupe of a non-handmade product. ;)  I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of lather from this little bar - probably the most soapy soap I've ever used.  I am a big fan of goat's milk in products, and this bar doesn't disappoint in its softness.  Even though it may look like a hand-drying plain glycerin bar to the layman, don't be fooled - it is far from that.


Bonny N Clyde aka B n C
Facebook and Etsy
Item: Solid perfume in lip balm tube scented Desire.
Seller's Description of scent: "Blend of citrus, geranium, jasmine, lily of the valley, amber, vanilla, vetiver, botanical musk and ylang ylang."
My Review: Now, I'm really picky about scents so samples are always a must for me because my sniffer can go either way.  I was really pleasantly surprised with this one - while it may seem like a strong heavy scent at first, it really isn't.  I'd say it's more of a winter scent, but I usually just wear whatever scent I want no matter the season.  It comes in a lip balm tube because it's a solid perfume, a genius idea, I think.  Having long fingernails, I don't do solid B&B products in pots.  Besides, gets your fingers all messy.  It was really easy to apply and I love that - just "roll" it on and go!  I could immediately tell it was working off the warmth of my pulse points, and I smelled it all day.


OhSoySweet
Facebook and Etsy
Item: Snowflake sachet ornament
Seller's Description: "The sachet has been filled with scented Cellulose (corn cob) fibers. The corn cob fibers are a wonderful scent holder and will last for many months.  The sachet smells like a freshly fallen snow on a cold winters day."
My Review: I really thought this was a great idea.  I love the scent, and want to have it up all year round so I hung it up on my front door knob.  My cat apparently thought it was a great product, too, because I came back to a shredded ornament after being gone a couple days. :(  So I'll have to figure out some way to fix it.  I think this is a really cool idea that she could market all year round - I wouldn't mind having it in another scent or two.  Maybe even put one in the car.  The scent is unique and refreshing, and I like that.  It can get old being exposed to the same scents all the time so I'm enjoying this new one. 




{{Each Friday I do a multitude of short reviews to sum up my experiences with free product I used since the last posting.  I am not compensated for my reviews other than the fact that I did not pay for the product.  However, this product was earned through Facebook contests or other free contest means through my own efforts.  The shops are not notified of the review until posted.}}

Wednesday's Raving Reviews - Have It Sweet

HAVE IT SWEET CONFECTIONS

HANDMADE ARTISAN CARAMEL, NOUGAT, AND MARSHMALLOWS

www.haveitsweet.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/haveitconfections

Caramel is harder to make than one would think - temperature plays a huge roll in getting the end product just right.  Heat too little and you have sauce; heat it too much and you have hard candy.  And then there's the matter of using a recipe that you like... getting an end product that makes your taste buds dance.


How do I know this?  I've tried it myself.  And what they say is true: baking and candy making are two different realms.  So far, I've perfected one and not so much the other.


Being a part of Sampler Village, I am exposed to many great handmade shops every day.  I made my first purchase with Have It Sweet this past March when they were running a free shipping coupon code.  I haven't regretted that decision since.


I tried the Fluer de Sel bars because they are their most popular flavor.  When in doubt, I always try the most popular product first from a shop, then go from there after having my own experiences.  After all, stats speak volumes - customers know best (most of the time :D)!


The recipe is utterly indescribable.  I have never tasted dreamier caramel in my whole life.  Plus, what they say is true - sweet and salty DO make a great combo.  This stuff is ADDICTING.  The flavors linger on your tongue for several minutes afterward so you can't get the yumminess out of your head.  It's a psychological mind game, trying to stop eating.  And it's a losing game at that.  I always tell myself I'm going to be good, that I'm only going to eat a little bit at a time.  Sometimes I stick it in the freezer to help stop myself.  IT NEVER WORKS.  I'd rather break a tooth than stop eating.  I have never eaten anything in my life that has such a tantalizing aftertaste that it messes with my will power.  My waistline may hate me later, but those minutes are heaven.  The worst part is when it is all gone.  That yumminess I cannot have is torturous.


Part of the listing describes how it is a secret recipe perfected over many trials and tribulations.  I don't blame them for keeping it a well guarded secret because they would be out of business if we all knew how to make it.  And probably four hundred pounds heavier.  I would make this every day if I knew how.  I think it is probably for the better that I don't. ;)


Since then, I have gotten to know Beth, one half of the dynamic husband/wife duo, through various correspondence on Etsy and Facebook.  She is so wonderful to talk to, very sweet, and very giving.  I was so grateful and ecstatic when she donated to my Animal Charity Auction back in Oct.  Her stuff was a big hit - no shocker there!


I have made several more purchases since then.  I always intend to try something new, but I always go back to tantalizing Fluer de Sel.  I can't get enough of it!  Some of my purchases contained samples of other caramels and they are just as addicting as well.  Marzipan is my second most favorite.  But Fluer de Sel will always be the caramel that stole my heart.


Check out Have It Sweet's delicious selection today - there's sure to be something for you!  And you definitely won't be disappointed in the quality of products and customer service.  Let Have It Sweet know that BKD Signature sent you!




{{Each Wednesday I review a business that I thought gave me a superior customer service experience and offers amazing products.  These are opinions only, for which I was not paid.  I'm simply sharing with the world about this awesome shop I discovered! :) }}

Wednesday's Raving Reviews - Farm Hussy

FARM HUSSY

HANDCRAFTED AND CUSTOM BLENDED BATH AND BODY PRODUCTS

www.farmhussy.com

I made my first purchase with Farm Hussy at the beginning of this month, a purchase I wish I could've made so much sooner.  I had been trying to deplete my massive handmade B&B stockpile before purchasing more (let me tell you, that's a difficult task for someone addicted to handmade!).  I heard about Farm Hussy through Sampler Village, an amazing sampler box that I've contributed to multiple times and that I am a team member of on Etsy.  I also became a Facebook group member as soon I discovered that they had one (in lieu of a fan page) and have been reading all the rave reviews of the products posted in the group.  I couldn't wait to try it for myself!


Farm Hussy is run by the amazingly creative and quirky Julie and her Bored of(ten) Directors, as the website creatively claims.  Her fantastically awesome skills at naming and creating stories for her products is a talent that I am supremely jealous of.  I'd love to have (or hire!) her skills!  Julie claims it's a gift that can sometimes curse her at 3 am with new ideas. :)


It being my first purchase, I didn't know what scents I wanted so I tried to get a random assortment and utilize reviews in the group from avid customers.  I bought two Udderly Ticked Lotions on their Item of the Month sale: one in Cherries, Berries, & Blossoms and the other was the monthly Grab Bag scent, which turned out to be Punkin Maple Hot Toddy.  I also bought the Recession Special, a great value for getting a "grab bag" of products, so to speak: I chose the Devine Bovine Butyere in Ex's Make Good Mulch and the Goat Milk n Honey Lotion in Oh MySor Raspberries (it also includes a perfume bottle, bath melt, and and lip balm).


I won't comment too much on the scents because I know everyone has different tastes when it comes to scents.  What I will say, as a very picky scent connoisseur, that I am VERY happy with all the scents I chose.  They are really strong and last long - perfect if you love your scent and don't want to worry about putting on perfume.  If you ever want opinions on scents before purchasing, posting in the Facebook group is a great way to learn from other customers about what they think.


What I really want to emphasize is the superior customer service Julie has.  First off, the communication is great.  She sends you an e-mail when you place your order, including cute little graphics and information about Farm Hussy products.  Then, she follows up with both an e-mail and a tracking number when your order has shipped.  You can't complain about that! :)


When your order arrives, it is CHOCK full of samples.  I swear, I got just as many samples as products I bought.  To me, this shows care and attention for my order.  My order was carefully packaged with love and I'm a HUGE fan of lots of samples!  Especially since I don't know what scents I want, this was a great and helpful way to try more.  I had already expressed my concerns about what to buy, and Julie truly delivered on her promise to include lots of samples - now THAT'S some quality customer service!  And these aren't dinky little half ounce samples - these could potentially be full-blown products.  That's what's so amazing about Julie: she's so generous of heart!  If you're buying from someone based on how many samples you get in your purchase, Farm Hussy's your new destination!


Her lotions are so thick and creamy.  Over the years, I have bought from several handmade bath and body vendors, and quickly determined my two favorites.  To my pleasant surprise, Farm Hussy trumped them both!  Being in CA, dry feet from flip flops is easy to acquire.  I've always felt handmade lotions are superior, and thicker, than commercial lotions, but I have never found one thick "enough".  The Bovine Buteyre is now my new go-to thick lotion and I'm so excited about it!  I'm definitely only buying this from now on for those tough dry skin areas.  I absolutely LOVE it.


Check out Farm Hussy's massive scent selection today - there's sure to be something for you!  And you definitely won't be disappointed in the quality of products and customer service.  Let Farm Hussy know that BKD Signature sent you!


{{Each Wednesday I review a business that I thought gave me a superior customer service experience and offers amazing products.  These are opinions only, for which I was not paid.  I'm simply sharing with the world about this awesome shop I discovered! :) }}

How To Think Like A Customer As A Seller

{{This was a blog post I did on my old blog.  This will give you a sneak peek of my intentions on my new blog.  I have not re-edited it so some information may be irrelevant or outdated.  Enjoy!}}

Tips For Sellers – From a Buyer/Seller Perspective

Not only am I a seller on Etsy, but I’m also an avid buyer.  In fact, I’m probably more of a buyer than seller – Etsy is just too cool.  As a result, I feel like I have an interesting perspective when buying items.  Not only am I seeing the shops and purchases from a buyer’s perspective to see what I want, but also from a seller’s perspective in that I can think about how the seller can improve my buying experience.

When I was a newbie on Etsy, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  People can’t mind-read – they don’t know what you’re thinking or doing about your shop.  I didn’t really think about what I needed to do to my shop until I got tips on the Forums and such.  Having good pictures and shop policies certainly weren’t things I was thinking about.  Now, having been on Etsy for almost a year and a half, I’ve gained some insight from the buyer’s perspective on what I want to see in a shop and its products when I’m interested in purchasing.  I never thought about analyzing these until recently, but it has proven to be a fortuitous move because I found I myself can follow my own advice.

Here are some of my tips from a buyer’s perspective.

1. Clearly outline your shipping time and other shop policies.  While having a longer shipping time doesn’t necessarily affect my purchasing decision, it is certainly nice to know when I should expect my package.  I’m excited about it so I want it right away.  However, I realize not everyone can afford immediate shipping due to other commitments, etc.  All I want is COMMUNICATION.  Let me know your policies so I can be an informed consumer – I am less likely to get irritable when something doesn’t go as planned.  Also, if you don’t have clear shop policies, you’re not protected as a seller.  If a buyer leaves negative feedback or complains to Etsy, you have no evidence to back up your claims.  Etsy doesn’t run your shop, YOU run your shop.  Communication with your clients can go a long way – when things go wrong, they may feel more inclined to understand, or at least be less upset, because they feel they know your shop well enough because of your clear policies.  Yes, I DO read them so please let me know what they are! 

2. Good packaging.  Now, I’m not asking for it to be professionally wrapped and done all up with bells and whistles.  But a little effort would be nice.  This is something I had to learn as a newbie, and have seen other newbies do since.  It’s the seasoned sellers I’m confused about.  As one UWIBer remarked many moons ago, it’s nice to see a seller put some fuss into it – it’s like opening a present.  Which, one could argue, in a way it is.  It’s like a present to yourself (if it’s for yourself, that is).  Packaging is another thing I never thought about as a newbie, but have come to understand the importance of since.  Simple packaging is nice – sometimes it’s annoying to undo a lot of stuffs.  I simply wrap mine in tissue and seal with a sticker with my logo on it.  OH, DON’T forget a “Thank You” note.  I’ve learned the value of this as well.  It shows that you appreciate the buyer is supporting your little shop.  It’s nice to be acknowledged, and a simple, two line note can accomplish that.  My argument as a newbie was, “But Amazon and the bigger online retailers don’t do that so why should I?”  BECAUSE… the HANDMADE experience is a lot different than the RETAILER experience.  While I could debate all day about the many frustrations as a seller being put to higher standards and more expectations than a retailer, going that extra step puts you apart from the competition and encourages repeat buyers.

3. Think “safety” when packaging.  We all know it: USPS does not handle our packages with care.  Why?  It’s one of the great unanswered questions of our time.  In the meantime, bubble wrap that sucker like no other!  I cannot tell you how many times my purchases have come damaged or (thankfully) only the wrapping was damaged in transit.  These causalities could have been avoided with the aid of some well placed bubble wrap.  No one likes a broken purchase – it benefits no one.  The buyer is out of their purchase, and the seller is out money and product (because, let’s face it, the right thing to do is refund or replace it).  Not only think pretty wrapping, but how you can protect the package if it got caught in a nuclear blast.  Believe me, sometimes I wonder if my purchases traveled through a war zone.

4. Delivery confirmation.  I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for my new goodies.  It bugs me to no end when I don’t get delivery confirmation, especially when it’s so easy to do.  It benefits BOTH parties.  Not only does it confirm your package is on the move (which proves beneficial if it gets lost), but I’m not here dying wondering where my package is.  Or when you sent it.  I used to get the little green sheets at the P.O.  Then I discovered PayPal shipping *insert Hallelujah music here*.  This tool is SO easy, SO convenient, and SO cheap!  You fill out one page with the details and press print.  It’s that easy.  AND it not only sends YOU the tracking code, but an e-mail to your BUYER, too!  SO COOL.  Another form of great communication, but PP does the awesome work for you.

5. Think about how many pieces of paper you’re enclosing.  I myself am guilty of this one and I needed an epiphany to realize it.  It’s kind of annoying to get five (or more) pieces of paper/biz cards in my orders unless they’re instructions.  The millions of biz cards from your friends just doesn’t work for me.  BUT that’s a personal preference and other buyers might not agree.  So take that as you will.

6. Good photos.  Yes, the dreaded tip; the one that everyone knows, but doesn’t know how to address.  I am constantly working on mine and I admit I still don’t have the formula.  But when I’m looking on Etsy, I don’t care about the FANCINESS about the photos – the frills and fancy angles.  Nope.  I want to see pictures that aren’t blurry and that aren’t dark and I can see most of the product, if not all.  Yep, 3 things.  That simple.  I know how hard it is to come up with good photos.  Believe me.  The long hours and many tears prove it.  However, I know what things are the easiest to control so that’s what I think are the basics of a good photo.  Time and experimenting will get you the fanciness part of the photo, and teaching can only take you so far on that level – some of it ya just gotta figure it out and see what works best.  Again: 1) no blurriness, 2) not dark, 3) can see whole product.  Remember, I can’t see your product in person so your photos have to simulate the store experience.  Which, unfortunately, is easier said than done….

7. Shorten that shop announcement.  We’ve probably all heard the tips from Etsy Admin about too long of shop announcements.  While each person may disagree what too long of an announcement is, I think most would agree too long of one is annoying.  I’ve heard that it’s deterred some buyers from purchasing from a shop.  I *know* how much you want to tell the world about your cool shop, and I *know* we all know no one reads it if it’s in the Profile section, believe me – been there, done that … but it still belongs there.  Yes, I’ve had that struggle myself, but have had to come to terms with the valid point.  So I put the *most* important things in my announcement, the rest in my Profile and Shop Policies.  It is a little irksome when you have to scroll a billion times to get to the items.  There have been some shops that I’ve been tempted to leave because of it.  A good Rule of Thumb, I think: if you have to scroll, it’s too long.

8.  Keep it appropriate.  Many shop owners, myself included, want to boast or be truthful about the quality of their product.  The owner is being honest or explanatory.  However, whatever the intentions, it just comes off as rude and vain.  I don’t need to know how much you spent on the materials and that you think it’s worth it.  Just say it’s the highest quality – it doesn’t sound rude and actually makes me more compelled to buy.  It’s ok to tell me how much time you spent on the product, but even then, be tactful.  Make sure that you don’t sound rude and over-the-top when explaining your methodology and product.  That turns away buyers – it becomes TMI.  There’s been several shops that I have decided not to purchase from because of the tone and attitude in their explanations.  So have a friend proofread before you post into your shop announcement or product descriptions.

Introductions

Welcome to my new blog!  In contrast to my previous (now closed) blog, I have created this blog to fuel my passion of helping other handmade sellers, and trying to find answers to those obvious topics that seem to go unanswered (and even if they ARE answered, the answers aren't free).  The purpose of this blog is not to solely focus on my Etsy business, but to focus on helping create success in all handmade businesses by providing advice about the obvious and not-so-obvious.  While I don't claim to be an "expert" as I could be considered by some to still be a newbie in the Etsy world at 2 1/2 years selling, I do enjoy the art of observation and analyzing (thus the degree in psychology).  While my experience lies in Etsy (as will also be the focus of this blog), I do hope what I have to say will translate to help all sellers of handmade.

In addition to my advice columns, I will be creating weekly blog posts dedicated to featuring shops I have had stellar shopping experiences with, and also featuring those shops that have worked hard for so many years but the Etsy gods seem to overlook.

I intend to create a positive atmosphere here so negativity will not be tolerated.  Not everyone will agree with what I and other readers have to comment on here and I want everyone to accept that - healthy debate creates open minds and great ideas.

Happy creating to you!