tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61976534519327024392024-03-11T03:15:34.454-04:00Etsy Vintage Seller EncyclopediaBlog about online vintage selling on EtsyJoannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-6581539570619460202020-03-14T13:35:00.000-04:002020-03-14T13:36:01.875-04:00Selling vintage in uncertain timesWith coronavirus, we have seen supply chain disruptions, stock market fluctuations, even companies temporarily stopping business. The news seems bad.<br />
<br />
What is a vintage online seller to do? Will people still be buying in a week? Next month? Late this year? No one knows.<br />
<br />
<h4>
First, take stock</h4>
<br />
Take stock of where you are, your business. Small businesses like ours are better able to adjust to rapid market changes than larger enterprises.<br />
<br />
What is your business plan? What kind of inventory do you have? How does this information fit in to where things are? Where are things heading?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Supply chain disruptions</h4>
<br />
Handmade sellers are experiencing issues with their supply chains. Are you a vintage supply seller? You may have more demand for your items. Vintage sellers may wish to consider what types of potential supplies they have available, as now may be a good time to sell them.<br />
<br />
I have also heard that "survivalist" websites have been swamped. Do you have low-tech items that could come in handy in a survival situation (read: wood stove parts, cast iron spiders, camping chairs)? Now may be the time to list them.<br />
<br />
If supply issues become dire, people will still need stuff. You know, pots and pans, towels, silverware. The market could improve for practical secondhand household items.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How about your supply chain?</h4>
<br />
I am seeing some long lead times (over 30 days) when purchasing packaging from my usual supplier.<br />
<br />
My husband and I are looking at our buying habits, especially at auction. Do we want to sit in a cramped room with 50 other people for a few hours? How comfortable am I with pawing through all of the used stuff? (Right now, my plan is to don gloves for preview, offer advance bids and pick up later.)<br />
<br />
After someone has coronavirus, <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/study-shows-just-how-long-coronaviruses-can-stick-around-on-a-surface" target="_blank">for how long is their stuff contaminated</a>? Will it come up at auction? (Clean items are rare in our buying world.)<br />
<br />
Will there be more competition for thrift store items? How will the garage sale season be?<br />
<br />
<h4>
What IS selling?</h4>
<br />
That of course is a loaded question. Whole economic sectors have been hit worldwide. All we can do is guess. What will the 2020 wedding season be like? Will the trend for (possibly germ-infested) "experiences" change back to owning cool "stuff?" Will collecting become more popular?<br />
<br />
People may have extra time on their hands. Books may sell well (especially those not available via Kindle). Soap sellers report an uptick. My last sale was cloth. (I figure that someone has plans to sew with their new found spare time.)<br />
<br />
If things get really bad, my aim will be to offer practical things, like kitchen tools and gadgets. I will be sure to have some fun jewelry for sale as well, a way to pamper yourself with when things are tough.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What could you do if things completely shut down?</h4>
<br />
<div>
Besides listing new items (which can be held in draft if needed) what about improving existing listings? It may be a good time to retake photos, research new keywords and clean up listings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
What about learning a new skill or embarking on a new type of social media? Some may even decide to start their own selling website.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Sickness and quarantines</h4>
<br />
Will people have more time to shop? Or will they have no finances to do so? If large gatherings are cancelled, will the loss of antique shows affect your business? Will your brick and mortar remain open?<br />
<br />
Will you be able to continue selling online in the case of a quarantine? Will the post office stay open? What if you or a loved one gets sick?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Take care of yourself!</h4>
<br />
Be sure to follow common-sense guidelines for your own health, as well as that of your loved ones. Keep in touch with relatives and friends. Practice kindness.<br />
<br />
Is your business prepared in the case you cannot attend to it for some time? Who has your login information to shut down your online business if you are unable to?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you have a plan?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eTIV5v3RlbbDtINYsBYZvBEMRqltkiOuWz6Oz4_GnmbiM5DjKNxrQbldBBNRsE13Mj72LQnn_ebq5KYSWdqnUdDhHFhy4ALFkeGRKKqb_EODjHyAC28Qpg24ctkB5k4xscVkdL8isio/s1600/Etsy-online-selling-coronavirus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="biohazard symbol virus" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eTIV5v3RlbbDtINYsBYZvBEMRqltkiOuWz6Oz4_GnmbiM5DjKNxrQbldBBNRsE13Mj72LQnn_ebq5KYSWdqnUdDhHFhy4ALFkeGRKKqb_EODjHyAC28Qpg24ctkB5k4xscVkdL8isio/s200/Etsy-online-selling-coronavirus.png" title="how will covid-19 affect online selling?" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Thanks for noting that I have no medical training and no intention to give medical advice.**</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is solely aimed at outlining some thoughts for vintage online selling businesses planning in light of recent world events. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-65224977807937780992019-06-26T22:57:00.001-04:002019-07-03T16:47:19.188-04:00Etsy Quick Trick: workarounds for the new DIM package rates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2019/05/june-2019-changes-to-usps-package.html" target="_blank">New USPS regulations went into effect on June 23, 2019.</a> Lightweight packages over 1 cu ft can now be much more expensive to ship. How is your shop coping?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Here are some workarounds:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Go to the post office and pay the <a href="https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-USPS-Retail-Ground-Service" target="_blank">Retail Ground<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;">®</span> rate</a> which (for now at least) is not subject to the DIM rates. For the restrictions, <a href="https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/June%202019%20-%20Notice123.pdf#page8" target="_blank">see the footnotes on p 8.</a> </li>
<li>Use <a href="http://www.fedex.com/grd/maps/ShowMapEntry.do" target="_blank">Fedex</a></li>
<li>Use UPS. They have a promotion code going right now: EASY <a href="https://www.ups.com/media/en/CB2_US.pdf">more info</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
If you are interested in the first option, USPS Retail Ground<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;">®</span>, the caveats are in the footnotes:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Zones 1–4 are only for the mailing of hazardous materials</b>, live
animals, or other items required to be shipped by ground
transportation (does not apply to oversized parcels). </li>
<li>For parcels that measure in combined length and girth more than 84
inches but not more than 108 inches, and the piece weighs less
than 20 pounds, use the 20-pound price (<b><i>balloon price</i></b>) based on
the applicable zone. </li>
<li>For parcels that measure in combined length and girth more than
108 inches but not more than 130 inches, use the <b><i>oversized</i></b> price,
regardless of weight, based on the applicable zone. </li>
</ol>
<h4>
Some definitions and other information for those contemplating using Retail Ground®:</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuuRHgEcPyFQgkD0Yza0yh3wcapnKtsy_qZ8Uo7tqKlxMWb3e_FJYdJNtsq1W_PxIyZXy1AubfS6vZZGXPecrTH6sViQnNkNT8metip8CRJBDwKBIh3jdXDNmfbYmj2WTuRAhBOIy5kA/s1600/BAlloon+Rates.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuuRHgEcPyFQgkD0Yza0yh3wcapnKtsy_qZ8Uo7tqKlxMWb3e_FJYdJNtsq1W_PxIyZXy1AubfS6vZZGXPecrTH6sViQnNkNT8metip8CRJBDwKBIh3jdXDNmfbYmj2WTuRAhBOIy5kA/s400/BAlloon+Rates.png" width="160" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
"<b>Balloon</b>" means packages whose length + girth measure 84-108 inches. They are charged the 20-lb rate ($21-$62, depending on zone).<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"<b>Oversized</b>" is the term for packages whose length + girth measure more than 108 inches. They will be charged a special, very expensive rate that ranges from $75-$197 to ship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Retail Ground<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;">®</span> does not include insurance, or packaging.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
To deal with the fact that USPS Retail Ground<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px;">®</span> rate is restricted to zones 5-9 unless you are mailing hazardous materials or live animals, you may need to ship something hazardous in the package. I will not be giving any more instructions, but you will want to do your homework.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
What are the zones, anyway?</h4>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
The USPS zones are based on where you ship from. They are different for almost everyone (if you have a different 3-digit zip, the first three digits of your zip code). <a href="https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart" target="_blank">To find out yours, go to the USPS at this link.</a></div>
<br />
Type in the first three digits of your zip code; a chart will appear with your zones.<br />
<br />
I keep a copy in my shipping room for reference.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
A review: your options besides the USPS:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Fedex</li>
<li>UPS. They have a promotion code going right now: EASY <a href="https://www.ups.com/media/en/CB2_US.pdf">more info</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
Whichever method you choose, Etsy does not have any means to calculate shipping of items over 1 cubic ft. (They do, but only include Priority, Parcel Select and other very expensive methods.)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now, I suggest adding a note to your listings over 1 cu ft: if shipping seems high, to contact you for a more accurate quote.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDIGhqu_cTYpZNZkWwn6xNFUwI22AOn9dSNEHB9iCKAdf8vMG8CgwKfbW-rTHZQjin6XgWRb54T0Onnq3HHC9222tl-KZ97GJnEILOd561SWva-98DfxKgzdWImfbWxkX_7H6IaPOdx8/s1600/Dimensional-Weight-Package-Calculation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="L x W x H / 166 = DIM weght" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDIGhqu_cTYpZNZkWwn6xNFUwI22AOn9dSNEHB9iCKAdf8vMG8CgwKfbW-rTHZQjin6XgWRb54T0Onnq3HHC9222tl-KZ97GJnEILOd561SWva-98DfxKgzdWImfbWxkX_7H6IaPOdx8/s320/Dimensional-Weight-Package-Calculation.png" title="DIM weight calculations" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<h4>
Why this drastic uptick in USPS rates?</h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The USPS’s current business model has become outdated due to changes in technology, markets, and customer needs and preferences. It is unsustainable and must be fundamentally changed if the USPS is to avoid a financial collapse and a taxpayer-funded bailout."</blockquote>
<br />
More information <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/USPS_A_Sustainable_Path_Forward_report_12-04-2018.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br /></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-21206767716733241292019-05-18T17:25:00.000-04:002019-06-20T10:31:59.872-04:00USPS DIM pricing for oversize packages takes effect on June 23, 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsvxVJo9sbmZg8ePm8ZMxu1ZA3U90WXQI8MQ50srmI4RQmsBGCYs3bLeRLUTTYFll2ITJPBrh-msb5_r-beG30CL6hwp-xX1DmvwgLhQEEXoP5-urEEpVG8xzqTZQRwS4yhph8cmAIvs/s1600/DIM-weights-affect-big+packages.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="girl holding oversize box" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsvxVJo9sbmZg8ePm8ZMxu1ZA3U90WXQI8MQ50srmI4RQmsBGCYs3bLeRLUTTYFll2ITJPBrh-msb5_r-beG30CL6hwp-xX1DmvwgLhQEEXoP5-urEEpVG8xzqTZQRwS4yhph8cmAIvs/s320/DIM-weights-affect-big+packages.png" title="Read this if you ship anything over 1 cu ft" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some US online sellers may receive a nasty surprise in June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Within a month, online sellers will say "hello" to DIM pricing. This change was originally supposed to <a href="https://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2019/01/usps-shipping-prices-will-increase-on.html" target="_blank">go into effect in January</a>. It is such a big change that postal officials delayed it until June 23, 2019.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What is Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)?</h4>
<br />
Also known as DIM weight, this will kick into effect when packages are over one cubic foot. It raises shipping prices of your large, lightweight shipments.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Why this change?</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
The reasoning is that the postage paid will now cover the space a package takes up on a truck or airplane (not just the physical weight of the package). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
How is Dimensional Weight Calculated?</h4>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3A0PjJAuJ-QOdoSvN4MpDiCdMWlTmPu3GZ7NpI4uLCE8AVngGsi-3aTrt7816GGbaJTTdGt7iHmuskOp9XKpoifdZ6imf9VZ7rzCbAI9DsUK8xFc432q17ldXbTCli8hylcbYpq8sk/s1600/Dimensional-Weight-Package-Calculation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a cubic foot is 1728 cu in" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3A0PjJAuJ-QOdoSvN4MpDiCdMWlTmPu3GZ7NpI4uLCE8AVngGsi-3aTrt7816GGbaJTTdGt7iHmuskOp9XKpoifdZ6imf9VZ7rzCbAI9DsUK8xFc432q17ldXbTCli8hylcbYpq8sk/s400/Dimensional-Weight-Package-Calculation.png" title="Dimensional pricing is based on size" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to calculate dimensional weight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">If your package is bigger than one cubic foot, </span>you are in Dimensional Weight territory. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;">166</b><span style="text-align: center;"> is known as the "Dimensional Weight divisor" </span><span style="text-align: center;">(which </span>had been 194 and <span style="text-align: center;">for FedEx and UPS is 139).</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(L x W x H)/166 = the "DIM weight"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Then it all comes down to the actual weight of the package. If it is more than the DIM weight, you pay that. If it is less than the DIM weight, you will pay the DIM (higher) weight price.</div>
<div>
<br />
Note that dimensional weight changes in pricing apply to all domestic Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and non-Lightweight Parcel Select packages that measure over one cubic foot.<br />
<br />
For all packages over 1 cubic foot, the rate paid for shipping will start at the DIM price. (It will of course be even higher if the package weighs more than the DIM weight.)<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Examples</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All current pricing examples were calculated using <a href="https://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/12/pirate-ship-is-free-save-your-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank">Pirate Ship</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Example 1</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This sample calculation is for a very lightweight 14 x 14 x 14" box. In this case the price change will be drastic:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Now</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Box size: 14x14x14"</li>
<li>Weight: <b>2 lbs</b></li>
<li>$7.42 to zone 1/2 </li>
<li>$7.88 to zone 4</li>
<li>$35.33 to zone 6 via Priority (DIM rate)</li>
<li>$9.50 to zone 6 via Parcel Select</li>
<li>$47.06 to zone 8 via Priority (DIM rate, Priority Express is actually cheaper)</li>
<li><b>$10.56</b> to zone 8 via Parcel Select</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Using dimensional weight after June 23</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>(14x14x14)/166 = 16.5</li>
<li>16.5 <b>rounds up to the 17 lb. rate</b></li>
<li>DIM $13.88 to zone 1/2</li>
<li>DIM $20.35 to zone 4</li>
<li>DIM $ to zone 6</li>
<li>DIM $52.29 zone 8 Priority</li>
<li>DIM <b>$51.94</b> zone 8 <b>Parcel Select</b></li>
<li><b>UPS and Fedex are actually cheaper, at $28.98</b></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
(Alternatively, if your 14x14x14" item weighs 17 lbs already, you will still pay that rate.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Example 2</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a heavier package, at 10 lbs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<h4>
Now</h4>
<ul>
<li>Box size: 16x12x10"</li>
<li>Weight: <b>10 lbs</b></li>
<li>$9.38 to zone 1/2 </li>
<li>$11.69 to zone 4</li>
<li>$25.39 to zone 6 </li>
<li>$36.32 to zone 8</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Using dimensional weight after June 23</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23TanLcpFv7g6LaDqlaiBsvPbgHIYJ0OwMxQa2mce0Fn7BfND7ZHq2MfgHSJlRkLYXRBM3y4YHGxhcVg7sagALLIwwdkmlZhURR2xjAyws7QasAXJPX9ZzJv3ti6exk_8CIY8k54U2oM/s1600/BAlloon+Rates+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="parcel with balloons" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23TanLcpFv7g6LaDqlaiBsvPbgHIYJ0OwMxQa2mce0Fn7BfND7ZHq2MfgHSJlRkLYXRBM3y4YHGxhcVg7sagALLIwwdkmlZhURR2xjAyws7QasAXJPX9ZzJv3ti6exk_8CIY8k54U2oM/s400/BAlloon+Rates+%25281%2529.png" title="Balloon rate calculations" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>(16x12x10)/166 = 11.56</li>
<li>11.56 <b>rounds up to the 12 lb. rate</b></li>
<li>DIM $11.32 to zone 1/2</li>
<li>DIM $15.95 to zone 4</li>
<li>DIM $30.01 to zone 6</li>
<li>DIM $42.20 to zone 8 </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<h4>
Alternative shipping</h4>
<br />
Although USPS package rates have increased significantly in 2019, they remain for the most part a better deal than Fedex or UPS. The DIM weight divisor the two private carriers use is even smaller, at 139. As a result their prices are generally even higher. However, they may be worth a try.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Takeaway </h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are not alone in this; you have company: any other seller with similar items has the same issue. So it is not like any of us has much of an advantage over the other.<br />
<br />
Etsy's shipping calculator will make the changeover easy. However, don't make any errors with your package dimensions, as they could prove costly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
What can you do?</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Knowledge is power: measures can be taken to minimize negative impacts in your shop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
1. Use the smallest box that will do the job.<br />
<div>
2. Consider selling your items in ways that will minimize their size, such as partial disassembly.<br />
<div>
3. Sell items in numbers/ways that minimize shipping cost.</div>
<div>
4. Stay informed on how to minimize overall shipping cost, like <a href="https://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/12/pirate-ship-is-free-save-your-etsy-shop.html">taking advantage of cubic rates</a>.</div>
<div>
5. Look into other carriers, like Fedex and UPS.<br />
6. Be proactive: take steps to keep shipping prices as low as possible. Your customers will thank you with more business. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Additional steps I am taking</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband and I live in an apartment. Before this change I had already been working on scaling the size of my items down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I go to publish this, I am now looking at all of the packaging supplies I use. I have already ordered bubble wrap, and soon will buy some bulk padded envelopes. And I will be evaluating new types/sources of packaging that will become more competitive with such a drastic increase of shipping rates for oversize packages of packaging supplies.<br />
<br />
I have been checking the few oversized items I have and most are heavy enough for these rates not to be a huge factor.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
What about free shipping in view of the new rates?</h4>
<br />
We all know that there is no such thing as "free shipping." Someone pays for it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dimensional Weight Pricing will make calculating accurate shipping costs even more important. What profit margin are you comfortable with?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It might be worthwhile to peruse your selling history. Where is your customer base? (And of course, who are they?)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Free shipping may not be a viable option for your shop if most of your buyers are on the opposite coast and your packages are oversize.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Still confused?</h3>
<br />
After June 23, 2019, all packages over 1 cu ft shipped within the USPS will be charged by volume, not weight (unless the weight is over 10 lbs of course).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A 12.5" x 12" x 12" box will ship for a minimum of the 11-lb rate for $11-$40, depending on zone.</li>
<li>A 13" x 12" x 12" box will ship for a minimum of the 12-lb rate for $11-$42, depending on zone.</li>
</ul>
<br />
These new rates for packages over 1 cu ft apply to USPS parcel select ground as well.<br />
<br />
If you use calculated shipping, buyers will be charged correctly... provided that your measurements are accurate.<br />
<br />
Such pricing may affect online sales. People may go back to shopping for large items at the local thrift stores and antique malls.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBklzKTt4-Grym28iD-Eekk6N28-7Zikt1cHAwsq9p0oKyYkWOXEpeu56oBVl6i3SY_1_6fojzzESmEEA_cl373DLQ9fD7JPmsdLRx72G6kTyE7a3ufJPWXUO2dirMXYHZlbc-dxu0XgQ/s1600/Small-packages-may-become-the-norm-in-ecommerce.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tiny package with ribbon" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBklzKTt4-Grym28iD-Eekk6N28-7Zikt1cHAwsq9p0oKyYkWOXEpeu56oBVl6i3SY_1_6fojzzESmEEA_cl373DLQ9fD7JPmsdLRx72G6kTyE7a3ufJPWXUO2dirMXYHZlbc-dxu0XgQ/s320/Small-packages-may-become-the-norm-in-ecommerce.png" title="small packages may become the norm" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time will tell if these new rates change the online selling industry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-64237697292978840292019-01-30T21:02:00.003-05:002019-08-13T10:51:10.599-04:00Germany's new packaging law<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">Have you heard of </span>Verpackungsgesetz – VerpackG? </span></h4>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStDfUakWww4c5hCEvwCktDY-kUSmdVv5DFgL-hfiBra965U1WspScXyOvhX4Zt20uRJ97Yi6zmcJfiemzulWsGTWilcobxDANCUEKvnuRDYXfu78FQxVsRA0iFkc4j9bRmPtxhtU6z74/s1600/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="antique scales holding package" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStDfUakWww4c5hCEvwCktDY-kUSmdVv5DFgL-hfiBra965U1WspScXyOvhX4Zt20uRJ97Yi6zmcJfiemzulWsGTWilcobxDANCUEKvnuRDYXfu78FQxVsRA0iFkc4j9bRmPtxhtU6z74/s320/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" title="packaging creates waste" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changes are afoot with packaging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">Germany has long had a law that requires recycling of packaging materials (called</span><span style="color: #454545;"> Verpackungsverordnung – VerpackV or "German Packing Regulation").</span><span style="color: #454545;"> Shippers from outside Germany were exempt. However, this loophole began to create issues.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A new law went into effect on January 1, 2019. It is called </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">the <b>German Packaging Act </b>(mentioned in the first sentence).</span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It is more strict and there are no exceptions, no minimums. There is no grace period for transition, and there are serious repercussions for non-compliance.</span><br />
<div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
“No thresholds for registering and reporting“</h3>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="color: black;" /><span style="font-family: ".sf ui text";">Shipping just one item to Germany requires registration with their newly created agency translated as </span><span style="font-family: ".sf ui text";">"Central Packaging Registry."</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"> Failure to register can result in a fine up to $57,000 (50,000 💶) and a ban on selling there.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.ecosurety.com/news/beware-the-new-german-packaging-law/" target="_blank">Unlike some other countries, the German ... laws are very strict: there are no thresholds for registering and reporting. So, even if you are only placing one packaged item on the German market you will still need to comply.</a></span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span>
They do not care about the item, but rather its packaging. Germany has a mandatory "dual system" recycling "scheme." You must be a participant in one of their approved recycling systems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
Can they really enforce this?</h3>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you send an item into Germany, it is simply a matter of their checking to see if you are on the registry. If you are not, they can confiscate the item or even levy fines.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Here it is from a <a href="https://www.gruener-punkt.de/en/services/packaging/german-packaging-act.html" target="_blank">FAQ from the German government</a> (translation is a little rough):</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By the time the new law VerpackG comes into force... you also have to register with the new “Central Packaging Registry”– you have to do this before you dispatch anything to the German market for the first time. This is because you are definitely not permitted to put into circulation packaging not properly registered. The mandatory registration applies to corporations as well as small retailers. You can apply for the requisite registration number under https://www.verpackungsregister.org</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Note that the governmental authority specifically mentions that "<b>small retailers</b>" are not exempt.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.gruener-punkt.de/en/services/packaging/german-packaging-act.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are selling or otherwise putting into circulation goods via your online shop on the German market, you have to arrange for your sales packaging and secondary packaging to participate in a dual system. The latter will in return arrange for the collection and the recovery of the packaging after use.</span></a></blockquote>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABgfJ31Wne_kmDU1zZ2dRhEikZ81_ef-t41RUuk-chDoM9izkCeBqXwJKc173VJ6UOtowxz8LAWMmiiKjQ095V8lJmRUIuzLafvJcecZ_XsqochRvVoC42wQ-uxweGrMlo8BFeyhKhQI/s1600/Etsy-Packages-in-Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shipping packages garden" border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABgfJ31Wne_kmDU1zZ2dRhEikZ81_ef-t41RUuk-chDoM9izkCeBqXwJKc173VJ6UOtowxz8LAWMmiiKjQ095V8lJmRUIuzLafvJcecZ_XsqochRvVoC42wQ-uxweGrMlo8BFeyhKhQI/s320/Etsy-Packages-in-Garden.JPG" title="Box and bubble envelopes in the fall" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is said that more countries will be regulating packaging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
My conclusion?</h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Their goals is to have every bit of packaging coming into Germany to be part of this mandatory recycling program. E<span style="color: #454545;">ven German sellers are having a hard time obtaining a license. </span>The fines are steep. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sadly, for small US sellers the expense and difficulty are such that<b> you may no longer be able to ship there</b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/seller-handbook/article/germanys-new-packaging-law-verpackg/501392119812" target="_blank">Etsy provided this information</a>, three months after the law took effect.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.ebay.de/help/selling/selling/eu-consumer-protection-law-information-obligations?id=4839#section6" target="_blank">EBay recommends compliance.</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="color: #e4af0a;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://packagingeurope.com/getting-ready-for-the-german-packaging-law/" target="_blank">More information</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #e4af0a;">
<br /></div>
According to <a href="https://www.legalmondo.com/2018/12/germany-new-packaging-act/" target="_blank">one official source</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For those who sell packaged goods to end consumers in Germany it is high noon: they have to adapt to the new packaging law... Affected are all so-called initial distributors of packaging, which typically end up at the private end consumer. These can be manufacturers, <i>online dealers</i> and distributors of packaged goods of all kinds... [note the "packaging" is the issue here].</blockquote>
<div style="color: #e4af0a;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">If you are not convinced, here is an </span><a href="https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f461e38d-0d2a-4fc7-8cad-b28492944385" target="_blank">excerpt from a legal site:</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"...The GPA obliges more producers and distributors – including online retailers – to register and participate in a disposal and recycling system.<br /><br />Most important: Without proper registration, producers or retailers must not offer the packaging – nor therefore the products contained therein – for sale – in Germany, including via e-commerce (sec. 9 para. 5). Moreover, the authorities may impose fines up to EUR 200.000,00 (sec. 34 para. 1 and 2) on producers and retailers, including importers. Furthermore, competitors and consumer associations can claim from producers and retailers to cease and desist from any sales...</span><br />
<ul style="color: #454545;">
</ul>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">These obligations generally also apply to online retailers – because the new GPA explicitly states that it also applies to shipping packaging: If their packaging fulfils the conditions above, they must register their packaging and participate in a disposal and recycling system. This also applies to so-called secondary packaging, in which packaged products are additionally packed. The <a href="https://www.verpackungsregister.org/"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">Zentrale Stelle</span></a> will provide guidance on how to interpret the GPA in form of a guideline and a catalogue (listing, in its latest 2018 draft, 36 product groups for 417 products) – which, has yet, despite being announced for autumn 2018, not been published (cf. the latest info on the <a href="https://www.verpackungsregister.org/stiftung-behoerde/konsultationsverfahren/katalog/?=Weitere+Informationen"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">consultation process</span></a>).</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Practical tips:</span></div>
<ol style="color: #454545;">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Producers and all other economic operators who market packaged products in Germany have to comply with the new law – even if based abroad if they sell into Germany. The term “producer” is quite broad and includes importers and distributors putting the packaging into circulation for the first time (sec. 3 para. 12 GPA).</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Producers and retailers must not place packaging on the market if it is not registered or not properly registered though being subject to registration. Non-compliance may result in severe consequences, including fines, damage claims and confiscation of profits.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The new German Packaging Act applies from 1 January 2019. It implements the <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01994L0062-20150526"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC</span></a> (as did the previous German Packaging Regulation). The new GPA aims at further raising the ecological standards and specific conditions for a well-functioning competition among the companies participating in the dual system for waste disposal and recycling and a fair behaviour among all parties on the market (thus developing the goals of the precedent GPR).</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is no transition period. Registration, if a new obligation not previously provided for under the GPR, must take place by 01.01.2019 at the latest. Producers, importers and retailers as all other economic operators concerned can easily register online: <span style="color: #e4af0a;"><a href="https://lucid.verpackungsregister.org/">https://lucid.verpackungsregister.org/</a></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please note that the above is only general information from my own research... it cannot replace legal advice. If you have any further questions, please contact a lawyer.</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-51949850717376224282019-01-25T23:55:00.000-05:002019-02-11T18:42:36.270-05:00Customizing the new Etsy forums and teams<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzB1PsMnUfuS6PTUeGcl0GyaetRkDZqjpOp9216NDiH5ZdSAoKyqGWxVMmjQ32eL7138lP06069vUjlQfj60_ZY2P0xJjYJvAaWI81rVCMqKOkEl5vacJ3CVuzpAftCT-57Ujict3yuc/s1600/Buggy-etsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="early 2019 teams and forums" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzB1PsMnUfuS6PTUeGcl0GyaetRkDZqjpOp9216NDiH5ZdSAoKyqGWxVMmjQ32eL7138lP06069vUjlQfj60_ZY2P0xJjYJvAaWI81rVCMqKOkEl5vacJ3CVuzpAftCT-57Ujict3yuc/s200/Buggy-etsy.png" title="seen any bugs this week?" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy community spaces have issues</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, you have found your team or forum. What else do you need to know?<br />
<br />
I wish the answer was simple but it is not. Let us start with some basics.<br />
<br />
You must log into teams and forums more often than in the past. If things stop working, look at the top right corner and make sure you are logged in.<br />
<br />
Bear in mind that many features are not working as intended. Things have been really buggy.<br />
<br />
Some things <i>have</i> been working.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Play around with your personal settings</h3>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgmwXVSFgNI1kXQ5qNfabvQZbvlImq9uE5iCMXLTHDTz9lthr3sh7PQJBRZ8bsn1xcOZ0HwKBqIki8Gx6335QoBNt3_TAhkaiqiZE0Xyyb53KdkZI__4IxbASdkk94VTEeCMZubtpDDg/s1600/9D50B515-9E32-4504-9075-9F31FE54C84D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Screen shot settings page" border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgmwXVSFgNI1kXQ5qNfabvQZbvlImq9uE5iCMXLTHDTz9lthr3sh7PQJBRZ8bsn1xcOZ0HwKBqIki8Gx6335QoBNt3_TAhkaiqiZE0Xyyb53KdkZI__4IxbASdkk94VTEeCMZubtpDDg/s200/9D50B515-9E32-4504-9075-9F31FE54C84D.jpeg" title="etsy community spaces 2019" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing your settings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"To update your notification settings, click your avatar in the top right corner of the Etsy community and select My settings from the dropdown menu. From there, you can go into the Personal and Preferences tabs..."</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu-_6hAehedRSaLaRV9u8NwsgnPh85jdGBovbrkHJ3muMh_kxxJq-QuAqNh_E8dld_SL8hxvRkXQ_aVpeIAggb15U7EYiTFBwxMx_2jauOE3TAzMuQHHatDZDYUEge8H7modcI__N2Uc/s1600/9E49592C-1062-4577-B39A-F4F0F5231F24.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="etsy settings screen shot" border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu-_6hAehedRSaLaRV9u8NwsgnPh85jdGBovbrkHJ3muMh_kxxJq-QuAqNh_E8dld_SL8hxvRkXQ_aVpeIAggb15U7EYiTFBwxMx_2jauOE3TAzMuQHHatDZDYUEge8H7modcI__N2Uc/s320/9E49592C-1062-4577-B39A-F4F0F5231F24.jpeg" title="etsy community changes 2019" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all of the settings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are lots of things to adjust. Even if you have no idea what you want, look the choices over. Really, there is a lot of customization available.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
Nested comments are not working</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrggK0qhN-eOawWsWl6psAoPmjs_FCcuTmul5BvbLFUYyK4Cc9v5InRCd4az8sLfnYZD65YJlAhuMbmRD8CKxrx4o8TYx6slvHcDPCSy4bRP4Fgzu47J5b1LSSRKFpWJJyVYUN2aurNY/s1600/2EED4D51-1046-4D98-9B37-5123417C485E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="fix your nested replies" border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrggK0qhN-eOawWsWl6psAoPmjs_FCcuTmul5BvbLFUYyK4Cc9v5InRCd4az8sLfnYZD65YJlAhuMbmRD8CKxrx4o8TYx6slvHcDPCSy4bRP4Fgzu47J5b1LSSRKFpWJJyVYUN2aurNY/s320/2EED4D51-1046-4D98-9B37-5123417C485E.jpeg" title="lineaer layout setting" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjust your linear layout to "threaded"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ah, but they probably could. Nesting comments default to appear in date order, oldest first, whether they nest or not. Newest posts are at the bottom.<br />
<br />
If you want your responses to nest properly, it is a matter of changing a personal setting. See the screen shot for resetting your linear layout. Mine was set at "oldest." It works better set for "threaded."<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IO6kslGs2FDK2MCfos0P4YgJT1lTyx3WTeUA4S2jjvjvMei4VXwVi2At4rsh5s_MrBxMsGWOfDzm_-HS-ccfhH4Zw_UjuFiOVhW6b7ODj4dCtyyGstz3A-HiPqeh1n4KtDQ11sHRQ-Y/s1600/0E5DEEA7-6F8B-47EA-BA01-F6DC60825812.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IO6kslGs2FDK2MCfos0P4YgJT1lTyx3WTeUA4S2jjvjvMei4VXwVi2At4rsh5s_MrBxMsGWOfDzm_-HS-ccfhH4Zw_UjuFiOVhW6b7ODj4dCtyyGstz3A-HiPqeh1n4KtDQ11sHRQ-Y/s320/0E5DEEA7-6F8B-47EA-BA01-F6DC60825812.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Push the tiny double arrow to get to the latest page in a thread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Change a team setting for a better experience</h3>
<br />
The first thing I suggest for most team users is under "options" (just above the team announcement box). Select "mark all as read." That will make all of the bold titles go back to regular type. Thread titles will then become bold when someone comments on them.<br />
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/b0bbeb/192092583/icm_fullxfull.192092583_5qv9i5cvvqkogk4s8cgo.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The bell tells us we have activity" border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="235" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/b0bbeb/192092583/icm_fullxfull.192092583_5qv9i5cvvqkogk4s8cgo.jpg?version=0" title="2019 etsy community changes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is all about the bell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
How do I view "my threads"?</h3>
<div>
<br />
In the old days, we had "my threads." Sometimes there would be a little number there.<br />
<br />
Well, "notifications" is that and more. First, click the bell and you will see all of the action on threads you are interested in.<br />
<br />
Additionally, we can tag people so they get a notification.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
Tagging? Yes, in order <b>to get someone's attention when referring to their post</b> (either on teams or in the forums) <b>you must @[screen name] them</b>. They get a notification (if they are signed up for notifications of course).</div>
<br />
It is a bit exhausting to learn about all at once, but the feature is nice.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
How do I unsubscribe from notifications?</h3>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneRNsmNenDqHjdMA-0o6fRWaExGVT6xv96deQYLn_laL2XelN2HYFZnvtxRHuN-SG3VOPqkhwAQ5YTSfKko4-abSaHkjSehQhtSHm01TTgf9d0z1B7E-Y4v3EX6LbsLnhaOBEuQnM3fc/s1600/80D17F6B-DF67-44E2-B322-F051BDD7B41C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2019 etsy community changes" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneRNsmNenDqHjdMA-0o6fRWaExGVT6xv96deQYLn_laL2XelN2HYFZnvtxRHuN-SG3VOPqkhwAQ5YTSfKko4-abSaHkjSehQhtSHm01TTgf9d0z1B7E-Y4v3EX6LbsLnhaOBEuQnM3fc/s320/80D17F6B-DF67-44E2-B322-F051BDD7B41C.jpeg" title="update notification preferences" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Update notification settings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although notifications are cool, sometimes they can be too much of a good thing.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />"To update your notification settings, click your avatar in the top right corner of the Etsy community and select My settings from the dropdown menu. From there, you can go into the [Subscriptions and Notifications area] to subscribe or unsubscribe to emails and notifications for a variety of topics."<br /></span></blockquote>
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<br />
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Thanks for coming along and checking out some of the new features. </div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-17442776705609762172019-01-09T19:08:00.002-05:002019-03-24T21:31:37.022-04:00Etsy Quick Trick: free shipping plus 15% off<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s1600/QuickTrickCurls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="help for Etsy vintage sellers" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s400/QuickTrickCurls.png" title="Quick Trick for Etsy sellers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free shipping can be an effective marketing tool for vintage sellers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/01/who-is-afraid-of-free-shipping.html" target="_blank">Have you tried free shipping?</a> Many vintage sellers have expressed concern that free shipping is unattainable.<br />
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<br />
<h4>
Will free shipping discourage multiple purchases?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h4>
<br />
My shop has free shipping. My shop also runs a 15% discount all the time off from purchases of three or more items. I have had a many takers.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lots of vintage shops give volume discounts when asked; what I do is not much different. Shipping costs are rolled into the price... Multiple buyers get their "free" shipping cost back. They feel like they are getting a bargain to boot, a win-win!</div>
<div>
<br />
Items with "sales" such as "15% off three or more purchases" receive another benefit: they show up on any Etsy search for items on sale.... (And of course searches with free shipping...) I get fewer requests for lower prices, too.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h4>
Etsy's take on free shipping</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil347_b6LEgEGqK6MzKDTYbnZpJXoBulycwgmlPM2AfNzK1mzbSC_N4YhON_OYVCQWFOQu6gokYJWedWzdD4eWz1yZB4S1ik3DNHyscTqzHaCop5eBDZcslyr-XNWKXzU2o4RCyTduWew/s1600/FreeShippingGraphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rural mailbox" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil347_b6LEgEGqK6MzKDTYbnZpJXoBulycwgmlPM2AfNzK1mzbSC_N4YhON_OYVCQWFOQu6gokYJWedWzdD4eWz1yZB4S1ik3DNHyscTqzHaCop5eBDZcslyr-XNWKXzU2o4RCyTduWew/s320/FreeShippingGraphic.png" title="free shipping for Etsy sellers" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is free shipping viable for online sellers?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Etsy asked buyers, and</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/qa-with-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-and/358547342419">...They see no reason why they should pay more for shipping on Etsy than anywhere else...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/qa-with-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-and/358547342419">There was a belief... that because Etsy is person-to-person that people would understand that and pay more shipping. The buyer research was definitive: They won't.</a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">"They're willing to pay $50 for that beautiful product. But having to pay $10 for shipping felt wrong. In fact, it feels wasteful for them to pay for shipping when everywhere else they don't have to pay. We saw time and time again that if the buyer had to pay $60 for an item and shipping was free, they felt great about it. But if they paid $50 for an item with $10 shipping, they felt bad about it.</span>"</span></blockquote>
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<br />
<h3>
15% off sale setup</h3>
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Go to Shop Manager -> Marketing -> Sales & Coupons<br />
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Select the black button in the top right corner "new special offer."<br />
<br />
"Run a sale." % off, minimum order quantity = 3 (makes the sale shop-wide)<br />
<br />
Pick a date range. Give your offer a name.<br />
<br />
Review and confirm and you are done.<br />
<br />
A percentage-off sale on Etsy can only be a maximum of 30 days. That means that I actually run 12 sales per year. I can set them up well in advance. They are named something like "201915off01" for January, "201915off02" for February and so on.<br />
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<br />
<b>Case studies for offering a 15% discount along with free shipping</b><br />
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<br />
<i><b>***Example 1: an 8-oz item along with 2 jewelry pieces.***</b></i><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Estimated shipping built into the cost to cover the “free” shipping: $2.99 +
$2.99 + $3.99 = $10.00<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actual shipping $4.38<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Order cost $64.83<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15% discount on that total was $9.83<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The amount of the discount was about what I had rolled into the prices toward shipping. In this case for the three items I spent about half of that on shipping ($4.38). So when receiving $9.83 off their purchase, my customer received in effect a
7.5% discount. Does that makes sense?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>***Example 2: a $100 bracelet with 2 post cards.***</b></i><br />
<br />
This buyer purchased 2 inexpensive post cards in order to secure the 15% off. How did it work?<br />
<br />
Bracelet $99.99 + post card $0.75 + post card $0.49 = $101.23<br />
<br />
15% off $101.23 is $15.18 taken from the total is $86.05<br />
<br />
$86.05 + Shipping (post cards only; shipping is not free for them in my shop) $3.98<br />
<br />
Order total $90.03<br />
<br />
So my buyer got 10% off plus two post cards (which I consider to be of no value and I sent one more as an extra). The buyer did not have to contact me to ask for a discount, and I am pretty happy about the sale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>***Example 3: six lots of window glass ***</i></b><br />
<br /></div>
This buyer scored 10 lovely pieces of crackle glass.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
$185.94 - $27.89 (15% off) = $158.05</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Calculated into the item cost toward free shipping: $3 + $5 + $5 + $5 + $5 + $5 = $28 </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Actual cost was $21.05 + $3.82 = $24.87 (I could not get all those pieces double-boxed into a box under 1 sq ft.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So essentially my shop gained $3 extra over the calculated shipping. My buyer scored a net 13.5% off. With an order that big, I would have given 20% had they asked. So I am happy, and so is my buyer!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0fEpPdHXP1eWzKYFs1y7NSok2rmIISFDPvk1i063H1ALfNx9gxxtI6QjUpVCGr8-LrpbI9YrARxFdzguL43qtOPkBFU9f4Qp6oCTdSqZGYAV17CLE4MeCq8AKDVsisstLtJpsYE5lH8/s1600/Specialize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="eye candy vintage art glass" border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0fEpPdHXP1eWzKYFs1y7NSok2rmIISFDPvk1i063H1ALfNx9gxxtI6QjUpVCGr8-LrpbI9YrARxFdzguL43qtOPkBFU9f4Qp6oCTdSqZGYAV17CLE4MeCq8AKDVsisstLtJpsYE5lH8/s320/Specialize.jpg" title="Window glass" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love combined orders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
What do you do with the savings?</h3>
<br />
<div>
When other sellers ask if I give shipping refunds, I answer "No, I keep it and pay it forward toward more free shipping."<br />
<br />
People want to shop quickly. By being <i>transparent and showing the full cost up front</i>, we make their job of shopping easier.<br />
<br />
Free shipping is a different business model... you need to wrap your mind around it. You make more profit if someone local buys your item, and less the further away they live.<br />
<br />
15% off three items or more sweetens the deal all around!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-70956125622050876792019-01-05T13:38:00.003-05:002019-05-28T01:04:07.253-04:00USPS shipping prices will increase on January 27, 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OVklEizv9gpdkk8bwsCZ84WzRAlUC-ZHpiZsRuJPZzlfyRV_gKj2api9LEOQeP2bI8Tgbq4AnHzUbWKmXvP61QRs6tRHbVBunP6WrU60R9GFCniDIvQ-nhll-sVTlPpIXwFmlOORI8o/s1600/AirMailStampsAngle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OVklEizv9gpdkk8bwsCZ84WzRAlUC-ZHpiZsRuJPZzlfyRV_gKj2api9LEOQeP2bI8Tgbq4AnHzUbWKmXvP61QRs6tRHbVBunP6WrU60R9GFCniDIvQ-nhll-sVTlPpIXwFmlOORI8o/s200/AirMailStampsAngle.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
The US Postal Service is making a significant change to postal rates in early 2019. Besides the expected rate increases, first class mail is switching to zoned service.<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
This means that $2.66 will no longer be the smallest package rate to ship to any U.S. destination. Effective January 27, it will cost $3.09 to ship that same little package to zone 8 (coast-to-coast from your location; zones 1 & 2 will remain $2.66 and close zones will cost slightly more than that).<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Highlights of the 2019 USPS Postal Increase </h3>
</div>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
Average postal increases are:</div>
<ul>
<li>Priority Mail 6.2% </li>
<li>Priority Mail Express 3.9% </li>
<li>Priority Mail Express International 3.9% </li>
<li>First Class International 3.9% </li>
<li>First Class Package Service 11.9%.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRdacDTJ1sLh5h54HV-BbdAAsE4GQJlfVZYzqISO13mFRBiYCAP7A-kMj2Y62CX2x3ErRvlwWl6Ooh2nRcalwKRhz3jx5xU2mF61QhQ3V42WU8ykY7OPqTJUL51-8I8HU_OX0JeIVAh8/s1600/LettersAntiqueDiagonal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="antique letters" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRdacDTJ1sLh5h54HV-BbdAAsE4GQJlfVZYzqISO13mFRBiYCAP7A-kMj2Y62CX2x3ErRvlwWl6Ooh2nRcalwKRhz3jx5xU2mF61QhQ3V42WU8ykY7OPqTJUL51-8I8HU_OX0JeIVAh8/s200/LettersAntiqueDiagonal.jpeg" title="2019 postal rate increases" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USPS letter rates will increase to 55 cents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And, of course, first-class packages rates are switching to zoned-base pricing in 2019. (A first-class stamp increases to 55 cents, for the record.)<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202019%20-%20Notice123.pdf" target="_blank">Here is a USPS document with the new rates outlined.</a> For my shop, I print the applicable pages. I post them in my shipping room for reference. (Try pp 13, 17, 40, 25, 27, 32, 42 and 74 for starters.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
First Class Mail zone rates</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Particularly hard to absorb are the changing of first-class mail to zoned rates... I present them to you here:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 512px;">
<colgroup><col span="8" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl507" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Wt (oz)</u></b></td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>1 & 2</u></b></td>
<td class="xl505" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 3</u></b></td>
<td class="xl505" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 4</u></b></td>
<td class="xl505" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 5</u></b></td>
<td class="xl505" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 6</u></b></td>
<td class="xl505" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 7</u></b></td>
<td class="xl506" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 8</u></b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl508" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt;"><b>1</b></td>
<td class="xl503" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">2.66</td>
<td class="xl497">2.68</td>
<td class="xl497">2.70</td>
<td class="xl497">2.76</td>
<td class="xl497">2.84</td>
<td class="xl497">2.96</td>
<td class="xl498">3.09</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b>2</b></td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">2.66</td>
<td class="xl497">2.68</td>
<td class="xl497">2.70</td>
<td class="xl497">2.76</td>
<td class="xl497">2.84</td>
<td class="xl497">2.96</td>
<td class="xl498">3.09</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b>3</b></td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">2.66</td>
<td class="xl497">2.68</td>
<td class="xl497">2.70</td>
<td class="xl497">2.76</td>
<td class="xl497">2.84</td>
<td class="xl497">2.96</td>
<td class="xl498">3.09</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl510" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b><u>4</u></b></td>
<td class="xl502" style="border-left: none;"><u>2.66</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>2.68</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>2.70</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>2.76</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>2.84</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>2.96</u></td>
<td class="xl500"><u>3.09</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">5</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.18</td>
<td class="xl497">3.20</td>
<td class="xl497">3.22</td>
<td class="xl497">3.28</td>
<td class="xl497">3.36</td>
<td class="xl497">3.49</td>
<td class="xl498">3.63</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">6</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.18</td>
<td class="xl497">3.20</td>
<td class="xl497">3.22</td>
<td class="xl497">3.28</td>
<td class="xl497">3.36</td>
<td class="xl497">3.49</td>
<td class="xl498">3.63</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">7</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.18</td>
<td class="xl497">3.20</td>
<td class="xl497">3.22</td>
<td class="xl497">3.28</td>
<td class="xl497">3.36</td>
<td class="xl497">3.49</td>
<td class="xl498">3.63</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl510" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><u>8</u></td>
<td class="xl502" style="border-left: none;"><u>3.18</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.20</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.22</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.28</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.36</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.49</u></td>
<td class="xl500"><u>3.63</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b>9</b></td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.82</td>
<td class="xl497">3.85</td>
<td class="xl497">3.88</td>
<td class="xl497">3.96</td>
<td class="xl497">4.06</td>
<td class="xl497">4.19</td>
<td class="xl498">4.33</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b>10</b></td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.82</td>
<td class="xl497">3.85</td>
<td class="xl497">3.88</td>
<td class="xl497">3.96</td>
<td class="xl497">4.06</td>
<td class="xl497">4.19</td>
<td class="xl498">4.33</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b>11</b></td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">3.82</td>
<td class="xl497">3.85</td>
<td class="xl497">3.88</td>
<td class="xl497">3.96</td>
<td class="xl497">4.06</td>
<td class="xl497">4.19</td>
<td class="xl498">4.33</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl510" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><b><u>12</u></b></td>
<td class="xl502" style="border-left: none;"><u>3.82</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.85</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.88</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>3.96</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>4.06</u></td>
<td class="xl499"><u>4.19</u></td>
<td class="xl500"><u>4.33</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">13</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">4.94</td>
<td class="xl497">4.98</td>
<td class="xl497">5.02</td>
<td class="xl497">5.12</td>
<td class="xl497">5.24</td>
<td class="xl497">5.38</td>
<td class="xl498">5.53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">14</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">4.94</td>
<td class="xl497">4.98</td>
<td class="xl497">5.02</td>
<td class="xl497">5.12</td>
<td class="xl497">5.24</td>
<td class="xl497">5.38</td>
<td class="xl498">5.53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl509" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">15</td>
<td class="xl501" style="border-left: none;">4.94</td>
<td class="xl497">4.98</td>
<td class="xl497">5.02</td>
<td class="xl497">5.12</td>
<td class="xl497">5.24</td>
<td class="xl497">5.38</td>
<td class="xl498">5.53</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl510" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">15.999</td>
<td class="xl502" style="border-left: none;">4.94</td>
<td class="xl499">4.98</td>
<td class="xl499">5.02</td>
<td class="xl499">5.12</td>
<td class="xl499">5.24</td>
<td class="xl499">5.38</td>
<td class="xl500">5.53</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
They are in price groups: 1-4 oz, 5-8 oz, 9-12 oz and 13-15.999 oz. I have price points in my shop, and it looks like the US Mail does this as well.... for each zone of course... My add-on for "free shipping" will be ranging from $3.50 to $6.00 depending on the estimated packed weight.<br />
<br />
The first-class package prices are mostly increasing (except the zone 1/2 packages):<br />
<ul>
<li>Any package shipped across the USA (to Zone 8) increases from $0.43 (Zone 8, 1 ounce = $3.09) to $1.43 (Zone 8 – 13 ounces = $5.53)</li>
<li>13 ounce package rates in particular will be higher, increasing $0.84 (Zone 1/2 = $4.94) to $1.43 (Zone 8 = $5.53)</li>
<li>Heavier first-class items weighing 15 ounces to 15.999 ounces are seeing a smaller increase, going from no increase at all (Zone 1/2 = $4.94) to an increase of $0.59 (Zone 8 = $5.53)</li>
</ul>
<div>
My shop will be able to absorb much of this increase because of using a cheaper (free to join) <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/12/pirate-ship-is-free-save-your-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank">shipping service called Pirate Ship.</a><br />
<br />
Are you all ready?</div>
</div>
<div>
------------------------------------------</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Please note that a further <a href="https://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2019/05/" target="_blank">rate hike for bulky packages <i>will</i> <i>take</i> <i>effect</i> <i>in</i> <i><b>June</b></i></a>:</div>
<ul>
<li>The USPS is extending dimensional weight to Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express for packages over 1 cu ft, with the DIM weight divisor becoming 166</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbyqSOFdnBeRrChL1CLvrLeQFX89kWDPmYkJpihSlP48XV0OCX1Z4mbG5SMcaAf3Av-Sr0kkq5Z3qRTzI5eO8F2L4reEXtWwAYcP4GayfNJN70xWM6rrDT9rUKw0obJY6ypTu-rGTs5Q/s1600/NorthAmericaMaine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="USA map with Maine highlighted" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbyqSOFdnBeRrChL1CLvrLeQFX89kWDPmYkJpihSlP48XV0OCX1Z4mbG5SMcaAf3Av-Sr0kkq5Z3qRTzI5eO8F2L4reEXtWwAYcP4GayfNJN70xWM6rrDT9rUKw0obJY6ypTu-rGTs5Q/s320/NorthAmericaMaine.png" title="online sellers can be geographically penalized" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is your shop geographically challenged?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-33826452657176955362019-01-03T14:28:00.000-05:002019-01-04T22:55:08.016-05:00Etsy forums and teams will be temporarily read-only<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8hVp7bA1RnIssk5gQdNRMqbONyUskgYRqx3jtbEAXDHSjqmIdJJgM9nmhwPOup0odEKcgICWQtrt9uxhcZwbkc2NFVRzSuvWrJ2zFRiiquHv81MpgwrGBpUKf6CZKNZJ3Zjqp5VktD8/s1600/EtsyIcon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8hVp7bA1RnIssk5gQdNRMqbONyUskgYRqx3jtbEAXDHSjqmIdJJgM9nmhwPOup0odEKcgICWQtrt9uxhcZwbkc2NFVRzSuvWrJ2zFRiiquHv81MpgwrGBpUKf6CZKNZJ3Zjqp5VktD8/s200/EtsyIcon.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3>
Etsy newsbreak:</h3>
<br />
Teams and forums will be essentially offline for nearly 2 weeks... Starting in one week, Etsy will begin their "improvements ... to Etsy's community spaces."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/improvements-coming-to-etsys-community/382278462891" target="_blank">“...we’ll be entering a <b>brief read-only period in Teams and Forums </b>spaces from <b>January 10-22</b>. During that time you’ll be able to view community content, but unable to post comments or start new discussion threads.“</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Starting January 22, members will have access to improved
tools and features in the Teams and Forums spaces... We appreciate your patience while we finalize these
improvements."<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7716/announcements/discuss/18929533/page/1" target="_blank">Admin officially announced the team migration here.</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since making it official, they have amended the above announcement twice. The first adjustment was to state the "The only exception [to the full shutdown of the forums and teams] will be the Bugs forum, which will remain open for both reading and posting new threads and comments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A day later, they added:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
**More about the read-only period: In addition to putting the finishing touches on new tools and features, the January 10-22 read-only period allows for the extensive migration of existing Teams and Forums content—including over 10,000 Etsy Teams and millions of discussion posts—into our updated community spaces. Our aim during this period is to ensure a seamless transition that will make it easier for you to connect with other sellers, grow your creative business, and keep up with the latest Etsy news.**</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001869967" target="_blank">Information for team captains and leaders here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Etsy has provided some clues about how the new team spaces will be</h3>
<br />
1. They will run on Lithium. Lithium is the operating system used by PayPal's forums. <a href="http://www.paypal-community.com/t5/PayPal-Community/ct-p/en" target="_blank">So take a peek at how it may work.</a> It seems like a less pictorial, less warm and fuzzy place for sure.<br />
<br />
2. Previously deleted threads will no longer be accessible, and any deleted threads in the future will not be saved.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Forums threads without a comment in the past three years will not be available in the refreshed community space. If you have older Forums threads saved, you’ll want to jot down any pertinent tips or resources prior to the read-only period.<br />
<br />
4. Improved tools for Team Captains and Leaders make it simple to quickly communicate with all members, including a streamlined group messaging feature and a customizable announcements section on each team's home page.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. If you have set up a question for new members to answer, their answers will not be saved and teh question will not appear to future people trying to join.<br />
<br />
6. There will still be the option to make your group open (anyone can join) or closed (members must request and be approved to join), but there will no longer be an option to hide your team completely and make it invite-only.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. There will no longer be an option to download a CSV file of your team's members.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What about promotion? Etsy has said nothing. The indications I am receiving are that the new spaces are not designed for it.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
What is is store for forums?</h3>
<br />
<br />
1. "We’re increasing the overall number of sections available in the Forums, and adding intuitive labels to surface the answers you need quickly." Included is a "new shop critique section provides an easy way to share and request feedback."<br />
<br />
2. "... enhanced comment functionality lets you @mention and “like” other members’ posts. After posting a new thread, you’ll be able to select an accepted solution that indicates when another member’s reply addresses your question effectively." You will have "the ability to like and tag other members within threads..."<br />
<br />
3. "...search simultaneously across existing Forums and Teams threads to see what questions have already been answered by the community. You can even follow threads or saved searches that you want to pay close attention to."<br />
<br />
4. There will be "an increased character limit and text formatting tools including bullets, numbers, and emphasis options like bold and italics."<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "graphik webfont" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "roboto" , "droid sans" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
Will it be better? I have not seen it so I cannot say.<br />
<br />
We will find out soon!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-74707217960676659202018-12-04T16:05:00.001-05:002019-02-01T21:56:21.392-05:00Shipping integration Pirate Ship is free... it just may save your Etsy shop some money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/9a5fec/185587019/icm_fullxfull.185587019_kfrwsx4oypwgo88cgkc8.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pirate skull and crossbones inside stamp " border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="430" height="200" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/9a5fec/185587019/icm_fullxfull.185587019_kfrwsx4oypwgo88cgkc8.jpg?version=0" title="Pirate Ship Logo" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Ship is the new shipping app on the block</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h2 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">Have you tried Pirate Ship for shipping?</span></h2>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Arrrrgh, there is a new shipping integration afoot.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
I admit it: I was skeptical at first. Pirate Ship seems TGTBT. After all, Etsy already gets commercial rates.<br />
<br />
However, the "commercial" USPS rates that Etsy (and eBay and Amazon) pass on to third-party sellers is not the cheapest rate (called "Commercial Plus.")</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
How does an online seller tap into the lowest shipping rates without spending a monthly fee?</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
I think I have found it: Pirate Ship.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h3>
There are lots of things to like</h3>
</div>
<br />
Pull up a screen and see how much your package will cost. The interface is simple:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/ef845e/185587255/icm_fullxfull.185587255_h8t2tmjgkd4coocso4cw.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pirate Ship interface screen" border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/ef845e/185587255/icm_fullxfull.185587255_h8t2tmjgkd4coocso4cw.jpg?version=0" title="Pirate Ship app is simple to set up and use" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interface is clear and easy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol>
<li>The rates are competitive. I save especially when shipping small, heavy items.</li>
<li>Ability to combine some different selling venues into one shipping source, such as Etsy, eBay and Shopify.</li>
<li>Pay with your credit card.</li>
<li>It is simple to set up and use.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/60f110/185587067/icm_fullxfull.185587067_k6hj6270yk0scwo40ww8.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Measure, Buy and Hand over to the UPSS" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/60f110/185587067/icm_fullxfull.185587067_k6hj6270yk0scwo40ww8.jpg?version=0" title="3 steps to Pirate Ship" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Ship presents it as easy as 1 - 2 - 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Pirate Ship imports shipping details from Etsy, eBay and Shopify.</li>
<li>After purchase, it marks orders as shipped on Etsy and other venues. </li>
<li>Setting up my Dymo 4XL was a breeze. </li>
<li>Included is up to $100 insurance. If you need additional insurance they use U-Pic which is 75c up to $50. </li>
<li>Pirate Ship has free chat support where you can ask questions. </li>
<li>You can pay for labels as you print them or you can pay in advance. </li>
<li>It is free!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/5d7d39/181353284/icm_fullxfull.181353284_lj2uvzurusggw0sko8kw.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="800" height="129" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/5d7d39/181353284/icm_fullxfull.181353284_lj2uvzurusggw0sko8kw.jpg?version=0" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Ship is easy to use</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">This will be my new go-to for personal packages. PayPal’s user interface for shipping has always left a lot to be desired...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Is it the very cheapest for every package?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The short answer is "no." </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">If you ship primarily large packages such as 12x12x8" you will only save about 25 cents per package. First-class packages are the same as other venues. (This is in late 2018, before the new zoned first-class rates are implemented by the USPS.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Stay tuned for how it goes in 2019.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Cubic rates, the secret sauce of Pirate Ship</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">PirateShip uses cubic shipping rates when applicable. </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Cubic shipping is shipping by space and not weight. (Have you ever been disappointed that your heavy item was just a tad wrongly shaped to fit into a regional box?) Cubic rates are purely by size, maximum of 20 lbs.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Priority boxes are free</span></h4>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">You probably already stock some priority boxes, right? Those Priority Mail boxes are in fact already set up for cubic mail. Here are some examples:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 357px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2486; mso-width-source: userset; width: 51pt;" width="68"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 7350; mso-width-source: userset; width: 151pt;" width="201"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 3218; mso-width-source: userset; width: 66pt;" width="88"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="22" style="height: 16.5pt; mso-height-source: userset;">
<td class="xl66" height="22" style="height: 16.5pt; width: 51pt;" width="68"><b>Box</b></td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 151pt;" width="201"><b>Dimensions</b></td>
<td class="xl69" style="width: 66pt;" width="88"><b>Cubic Tier</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1096L </td>
<td>9-1/4" x 6-1/4" x 2" </td>
<td class="xl70"> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">4</td>
<td>7" x 7" x 6" </td>
<td class="xl70"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1097</td>
<td>11-1/2" x 13-1/8" x 2-3/8" </td>
<td class="xl70"> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1092</td>
<td>12-1/8" x 13-3/8" x 2-3/4"</td>
<td class="xl70"> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1095</td>
<td>15-1/4" x 12-3/8" x 3"</td>
<td class="xl70"> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl68" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Shoe Box</td>
<td> 7-1/2" x 5-1/8" x
14-3/8" </td>
<td class="xl70"> 4</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">If you do not have them, Priority boxes are free for the ordering <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/results/shipping-supplies-free-shipping-supplies/_/N-17iopsj?No=0&Nrpp=18&" target="_blank">from the USPS website</a>. (Do not forget that USPS boxes can be cut down, possibly moving your package into a lower price bracket.)</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">More about cubic shipping</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
Skip this section altogether if you just plan on dropping your product details into Pirate Ship... This is the math for those who wonder how it works.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhHwkve1TjA6NRwX2jLApegIVDf_PllGza6tp7xZx2wZpjNWXqZ397e6mTeMAPeUDxvlDAK5U5k7aNsnIeZsEaFIpFJ316cXeeJZ5vGjJHYRWAvBmAIno16gvLS0rdOxqtSUya0Idl3g/s1600/Calculating-USPS-Cubic-Rates.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="graphic of how to calculate USPS cubic rates" border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhHwkve1TjA6NRwX2jLApegIVDf_PllGza6tp7xZx2wZpjNWXqZ397e6mTeMAPeUDxvlDAK5U5k7aNsnIeZsEaFIpFJ316cXeeJZ5vGjJHYRWAvBmAIno16gvLS0rdOxqtSUya0Idl3g/s400/Calculating-USPS-Cubic-Rates.png" title="Calculating USPS cubic rates" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can calculate cubic feet for yourself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">To calculate the <b>cubic pricing tier</b> of your package:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Measure the outer <b>length</b>, <b>width</b>, and <b>height</b> of your package in inches (18" max in any dimension). </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">If any of the measurements are over the nearest quarter inch, round <b>down</b> to the </span><span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">nearest 1/4" (for example, 5.6" inches becomes 5.5" inches).</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Multiply the <b>Length</b> x <b>Width</b> x <b>Height</b> and divide the result by <b>1728.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">The resulting number is the size of the package in cubic feet. Use the Priority Mail Cubic® rate chart to determine the pricing. </span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">(Be sure to round UP fractional results to the next tier... for example a package that is 0.24 cubic feet is in the 0.3 tier).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Here are the 2019 cubic rates for US mail:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 512px;">
<colgroup><col span="8" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl496" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Cu ft</u></b></td>
<td class="xl506" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>L, 1 & 2</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 3</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 4</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 5</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 6</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 7</u></b></td>
<td class="xl507" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><b><u>Zone 8</u></b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl500" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><b>0.10</b></td>
<td class="xl498" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;">6.95 </td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">7.28</td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">7.49</td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">7.65</td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">7.82</td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">7.99</td>
<td class="xl504" style="border-top: none;">8.25</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl501" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><b>0.20</b></td>
<td class="xl497" style="border-left: none;">7.34 </td>
<td class="xl503">7.68</td>
<td class="xl503">7.91</td>
<td class="xl503">8.12</td>
<td class="xl503">8.40</td>
<td class="xl503">8.61</td>
<td class="xl503">8.92</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl501" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><b>0.30</b></td>
<td class="xl497" style="border-left: none;">7.79 </td>
<td class="xl503">7.99</td>
<td class="xl503">8.27</td>
<td class="xl503">8.92</td>
<td class="xl503">10.18</td>
<td class="xl503">10.73</td>
<td class="xl503">11.39</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl501" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><b>0.40</b></td>
<td class="xl497" style="border-left: none;">7.95 </td>
<td class="xl503">8.27</td>
<td class="xl503">8.63</td>
<td class="xl503">9.50</td>
<td class="xl503">11.79</td>
<td class="xl503">12.94</td>
<td class="xl503">14.79</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl502" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><b>0.50</b></td>
<td class="xl499" style="border-left: none;">8.07 </td>
<td class="xl505">8.56</td>
<td class="xl505">9.13</td>
<td class="xl505">10.34</td>
<td class="xl505">13.95</td>
<td class="xl505">15.75</td>
<td class="xl505">17.91</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<h3 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
What are the zones, anyway?</h3>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
This great question was brought up by a reader of this blog post.</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<br /></div>
The USPS zones are based on where you ship from. They are different for almost everyone (if you have a different 3-digit zip, the first three digits of your zip code). <a href="https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart" target="_blank">To find out yours, go to the USPS at this link.</a><br />
<br />
Type in the first three digits of your zip code; a chart will appear with your zones. <br />
<br />
I keep a copy in my shipping room for reference.<br />
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">What about International First Class Mail?</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">According to one seller, “after using Pirate Ship for 2-3 months, they offered me a lower rate tier for international first class. My rate for a 3 oz package to most countries is $9.95 and $7.95 to Canada.”</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Pirate Ship told users on their website before the USPS increases in January, 2019:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“First Class Package International is no longer the cheapest way to ship packages that weigh less than 4 lbs internationally! If your business is expanding globally, just chat with us to get access to Simple Export Rate, which can save you up to 40%.”</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<br />
<h3>
What about paperwork?</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #454545; float: left; font-family: ".sf ui text"; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/d36383/185587285/icm_fullxfull.185587285_rfoonqljnjksow4s4g08.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/d36383/185587285/icm_fullxfull.185587285_rfoonqljnjksow4s4g08.jpg?version=0" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Ship has a tab for "reports" for bookkeeping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband was still skeptical. "How will this go come tax time?" He had a point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found the "reports" tab. It will be one more step, an additional calculations for taxes of course.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And they have these pretty data charts.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><h3 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #454545; float: right; font-family: ".sf ui text"; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/570aea/181353580/icm_fullxfull.181353580_d6mm5a9ziu8g0kg80wgc.jpg?version=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/icm/570aea/181353580/icm_fullxfull.181353580_d6mm5a9ziu8g0kg80wgc.jpg?version=0" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Ship is easy to integrate with your online venue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Is it easy to set up?</span></h3>
</span></h3>
<br />
You must provide some basic information to Pirate Ship. <br />
<br />
In order to access your account and pull your orders, you must grant them some access to your account (much like Foto Fuze if you have used that integration). <br />
<br />
They will ask for a way to pay for the labels. (I have it set up much like EZ Pass and meter them out $20 at a time from my credit card.)<br />
<br />
There are other things to set up like your return address, package templates and content of shipping emails.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://support.pirateship.com/feature-and-settings-questions/how-do-i-edit-my-ship-from-address" target="_blank">Read here how to set up additional "ship from" addresses.</a><br />
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "sf ui text";">It seems too good to be true. How do they make money?</span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">Their website explains:</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="font-family: ".sf ui text";">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">“How can Pirate Ship possibly stay in business when it is 100% free while offering the deepest USPS® discounts available?</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";">“The reality is we make our money just like any other shipping software company; through our official partnership with USPS®“</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext";"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStDfUakWww4c5hCEvwCktDY-kUSmdVv5DFgL-hfiBra965U1WspScXyOvhX4Zt20uRJ97Yi6zmcJfiemzulWsGTWilcobxDANCUEKvnuRDYXfu78FQxVsRA0iFkc4j9bRmPtxhtU6z74/s1600/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Package on manual scales" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStDfUakWww4c5hCEvwCktDY-kUSmdVv5DFgL-hfiBra965U1WspScXyOvhX4Zt20uRJ97Yi6zmcJfiemzulWsGTWilcobxDANCUEKvnuRDYXfu78FQxVsRA0iFkc4j9bRmPtxhtU6z74/s320/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" title="Shipping options for online shipping" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Online sellers need several tools in their shipping "box."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-83481360567701682582018-07-23T14:42:00.002-04:002018-07-30T13:59:35.535-04:00Etsy Plus features: restock request setup & use<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWkmg7UQu1oTX-0OnfSaPtyQXJvKTVeUNo1zuodMJPiWHTXDtYrHz4LgxOupkOkEtR0df5iIuqqFjfYKGR2wJ0HIlo9PVp7CRnamerkJ6rCfF0LUYqf9vlFh5WTouHNP9zJhfuHcwSK4/s1600/Untitled+design+%252818%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy Plus new seller shop upgrade" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWkmg7UQu1oTX-0OnfSaPtyQXJvKTVeUNo1zuodMJPiWHTXDtYrHz4LgxOupkOkEtR0df5iIuqqFjfYKGR2wJ0HIlo9PVp7CRnamerkJ6rCfF0LUYqf9vlFh5WTouHNP9zJhfuHcwSK4/s320/Untitled+design+%252818%2529.png" title="Etsy plus logo" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy Plus is now available to sellers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/06/etsy-plus-tiered-seller-package-for.html" target="_blank">Have you tried out Etsy Plus yet?</a><br />
<br />
I have... I cannot say that it is worth $20/month for me. The discounted subscription fee of $10/ month until the end of 2017 is reasonable... With a cost to my shop of $2/month with the credits, it is worth a try.<br />
<br />
The banner features are of questionable value. But hey, why not try them out, right?<br />
<br />
I already purchased my domain name (for this blog in fact). So I am not in need of that feature.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Restock request</h3>
<br />
I am most interested in the restock request. According to Etsy's promotional information, "When an item sells out, shoppers can sign up to be automatically alerted when it’s back in stock. See which sold out listings are most popular so you can plan your inventory."<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So a potential customer can find out when I restock something they are interested in? Sounds interesting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To see how it should work, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageMaineia/sold" target="_blank">go to my sold items</a> and select an item. There is an orange button to "Let me know when it's back". "We'll send you an email when this item is back in stock."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCisLR0S1AeOqOCzXlxpkXjaWfGFUKYLa_aHLfriuV5_8uacpSiWlVi31IoAMdNKHJ5p7lSPrVM18l1QeU25ZxG76WMonazinRy2IQL2LQTnhSMBWmG66l3-8dF_TJxc2Da2oqJd1eeM/s1600/Screenshot+%252854%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="restock request button on Etsy sold item" border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1510" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCisLR0S1AeOqOCzXlxpkXjaWfGFUKYLa_aHLfriuV5_8uacpSiWlVi31IoAMdNKHJ5p7lSPrVM18l1QeU25ZxG76WMonazinRy2IQL2LQTnhSMBWmG66l3-8dF_TJxc2Da2oqJd1eeM/s400/Screenshot+%252854%2529_LI.jpg" title="Esty sold item Screen Shot" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restock request as seen on the item sold page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Restock request setup</h4>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First let us set it up. It is easy using the bulk editing tool. In your Shop Manager, go to your "listings" page. Click the "select all" button in the top left corner. (Click a second time to select everything in your shop if you like.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The "Editing Options" box un-grays and you can select from some options that drop down. One is "Edit restock request option for listing." Select "yes" and "apply." Voila, done!<br />
<br />
(You will want to do this for your sold items as well.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ0HJqo6tHRqkHKfDwMmO7f-UAGeRw690DMkNtvinmYO3_0OtXpKlIgxxmTd_uj8nuNy51eXyYOjJvOYsYiOfMeM8MMAHRI-w2VINCZzpo_lTcTwd_L63z9mmoA4BW963AsMWA3HmfAc/s1600/Screenshot+%252860%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="screen shot of etsy shop manager" border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1513" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ0HJqo6tHRqkHKfDwMmO7f-UAGeRw690DMkNtvinmYO3_0OtXpKlIgxxmTd_uj8nuNy51eXyYOjJvOYsYiOfMeM8MMAHRI-w2VINCZzpo_lTcTwd_L63z9mmoA4BW963AsMWA3HmfAc/s400/Screenshot+%252860%2529_LI.jpg" title="etsy's bulk edit tool for sellers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up the restock request in your sold items using Etsy's bulk editor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Using restock request</h4>
<br />
Now comes the coolness. Go back to your Shop Manager, listings page. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On each listing you will now see a little counter for each listing (Restock requests: 0). The best part? You can filter the listings in order of restock requests: high to low.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can look to see which items to source because shoppers have indicated an interest.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpJV-6SScS5F4EcAGy37KTX1nInuLg1RRxh0tLDm-HC68f6ZPnTA3zcXkWTCsi9k6HQ_cWhYdKyZN5yytMHmli8Upojig-r-ReQxhnXtM0jaKZYUN-kIpwbwnaWvS9bKAhJ4a8IedLMs/s1600/Screenshot+%252858%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="view restock requests in shop manager" border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1514" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpJV-6SScS5F4EcAGy37KTX1nInuLg1RRxh0tLDm-HC68f6ZPnTA3zcXkWTCsi9k6HQ_cWhYdKyZN5yytMHmli8Upojig-r-ReQxhnXtM0jaKZYUN-kIpwbwnaWvS9bKAhJ4a8IedLMs/s400/Screenshot+%252858%2529_LI.jpg" title="Etsy shop manager restock request" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is simple to view how many items have restock requests</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h4>
Important note</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the restock notice to go out, you will need to renew the sold listing rather than make a new listing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Follow up</h4>
<br />
My shop has yet to receive a real restock request. Sellers have this trial period from now until the end of the year. That will be enough to tell me if this feature is alone worth the price.<br />
<br />
It is possible that like some other features, Etsy Plus is better suited to handmade shops. Time will tell... I will let you know here!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001712528-Etsy-Plus-Restock-Requests#h_13048063711531930681337" target="_blank">(Here is Etsy's tutorial on how to use the Restocking feature.)</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-7139399029159430272018-06-14T17:07:00.000-04:002018-08-06T13:58:41.021-04:00Will you try the new Etsy Plus tiered seller package?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s1600/QuickTrickCurls.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s320/QuickTrickCurls.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you use Promoted Listings, this package may be worth a try </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most know about <a href="https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001485507-June-14-Announcement-Transaction-Fee-Change-Seller-Packages">Etsy's fee increase. Along with that, they are rolling out new tiered packages. </a><br />
<br />
First, if you are happy with how your shop is now, you do not need to do anything... everything is the same, except there will be a 1.5% increase in the sold item fee (up from 3.5% to 5%). <br />
<br />
Folded into this announcement are details about new seller packages. One in particular may be of interest. The details from Etsy's information:<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Etsy Plus (coming in July)</h3>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
New ways to customize your shop</h4>
<br />
Sellers will be able to customize special options for their shop's look with new banner templates and featured listing options.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Tell shoppers your items are back in stock</h4>
<br />
When shoppers are interested in sold out items, Etsy Plus subscribers will be able to email them when the item is back in stock. Sellers can find out which listings are most popular. Could this be helpful in planning your vintage buying?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Send customers to your own web address</h4>
<br />
Save 50% on a custom .com address or get a .store address for free for a year. Some sellers may find this helpful.<br />
<br />
<h4>
**Bonus listing and advertising credits**</h4>
<br />
Get 15 listing credits and $5 in credit to advertise your items in Etsy search with Promoted Listings each month.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Discounts on custom packaging and promotional materials*</h4>
<br />
Enrolled sellers receive a special discount on custom shipping boxes, business cards, and other marketing materials from Etsy's partners.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
If you use Promoted Listings</h3>
<br />
Etsy sellers who advertise may have even more of a reason to try out the "Etsy Plus" tiered upgrade at low cost; it is the "bonus listing and advertising credits."<br />
<br />
<br />
The breakdown:<br />
<br />
15 listing credits per month x 20 cents each = $3 <br />
<br />
$5 in credit to advertise your items (I spend over $30/month) = $5<br />
<br />
That means that for the $10/month you pay for Etsy Plus at the introductory rate, it will cost only $2/month to try out.<br />
<br />
You can find out if anything else in the package works for your and boosts sales. You can always opt out before the fee goes to $20 a month.<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/qa-with-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-and/358547342419" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/07/etsy-plus-features-restock-request.html" target="_blank">Read here for how to set up the restock request feature of Etsy Plus.</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/qa-with-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman-and/358547342419" target="_blank">Here is a deeper explanation of the new features from Etsy's CEO.</a><br />
<br />
I hope this was helpful... Thanks for joining me for this quick tip about Etsy's latest announcement!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-48914983042509687592018-05-16T22:57:00.000-04:002018-05-31T19:51:03.166-04:00Does your Etsy shop need Privacy Policies?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziipslCTK8xnG9kVp_TMPqliZFbClFry5FYDuKD7Jc_Rg68bpZ_VG_5s9UEdH7JSkZOInWz6cIOIfKUmS2GWMElXx57PlrnQd9ENaPbYmUfwnIVhjnDSWIkmrGFC0IfO-I9OB9pbzuiU/s1600/Etsy-Shop-GDPR-Compliance.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GDPR laws in EU require privacy policies" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziipslCTK8xnG9kVp_TMPqliZFbClFry5FYDuKD7Jc_Rg68bpZ_VG_5s9UEdH7JSkZOInWz6cIOIfKUmS2GWMElXx57PlrnQd9ENaPbYmUfwnIVhjnDSWIkmrGFC0IfO-I9OB9pbzuiU/s320/Etsy-Shop-GDPR-Compliance.png" title="Data privacy for online sellers" width="213" /></a></div>
Recent events have prompted an interest in privacy policies. The European Union has enacted new rules in that arena called the "General Data Protection Regulation" or GDPR. It takes effect on May 25, 2018.<br />
<br />
Do small sellers really have to do this? Here is a hint: basic identity data like names and addresses are included under these new regulations.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Who needs to have a privacy policy in place?</h4>
<br />
This is what Etsy says: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"If you’re a seller based in the European Union or you offer your listings to buyers there, the GDPR applies to you, which means you’re <b>required</b> to have a privacy policy for your shop. Many other countries have also adopted data protection laws similar to the GDPR, so whether or not you sell to Europe, we <b>recommend</b> that all sellers create a privacy policy."</blockquote>
<br />
So privacy policy is recommended for all Etsy sellers.<br />
<br />
If you use Etsy's so-called "canned" policies template (I do) your privacy policy will display as a link. For others, it will be a paragraph added.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How to do it</h4>
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/seller-handbook/article/how-to-write-on-point-privacy-policies/59160674124" target="_blank">Here is Etsy's guide to crafting your own GDPR-compliant privacy policy.</a> Simply use their template, copy and paste their example to fit your shop.<br />
<br />
Here is one very simple sample privacy policy for those who only ship within the USA:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We only use customer information to fulfill orders. We do not store or use customer information for any other purpose. Information such as name, address, and email address is not stored on our computers. If and when required, we will communicate with you about your order status using the Etsy platform."</blockquote>
Here is a longer one:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"ETSY is an online marketplace made up of over 1 million individual shops. The information you provide to Etsy for transaction purposes is governed and stored by Etsy. As a seller on Etsy, I am bound to their policies. If you have questions relating to the way Etsy uses your information, please refer to the Etsy Privacy Policy here: https://www.etsy.com/legal/privacy. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We only use customer information to fulfill orders. Your personal information (name and address) as provided to me by Etsy will only be used by me as needed to provide my services. I may use your information to fulfil your order, to settle disputes, or to provide customer support. I may collect, use, retain, and share your information if I have a good faith belief that it is reasonably necessary to: (a) respond to legal process or to government requests (i.e. taxes) (b) enforce my agreements, terms and policies; (c) prevent, investigate, and address fraud and other illegal activity, security, or technical issues; or (d) protect the rights, property, and safety of my customers or others. If and when required, we will communicate with you about your order status using the Etsy “convo” platform. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I have no access to your payment account details: Etsy Payments and PayPal process your financial information independently of me. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Your transaction information will be stored on the Etsy system as long as I have my store on Etsy or until Etsy deletes it. I will not spam you or solicit you using the information provided to me."</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/blog/how-to-write-a-gdpr-privacy-notice-with-documentation-template-example/" target="_blank">Here is another template to consider.</a><br />
<br />
To adjust shop policies, go to your public shop page. Find the orange "Edit shop" button. (It is right under your shop's star rating next to your shop avatar.) Scroll down, down, down to where it says "shop policies" on the left side. Opposite that, on the right side, is the button to edit your shop policies.<br />
<br />
There are some unknowns in this process. For example, the EU law requires that companies provide a "reasonable" level of protection for personal data. But it does not specify exactly what “reasonable” means.<br />
<br />
Time will tell how this shakes out. In the mean time, Etsy sellers should consider adopting a written privacy policy as a start. That includes sellers (like myself) who limit their selling to the USA.<br />
<br />
Those who sell in the European Union will need privacy policies beyond the scope of this blog post. (Thanks for noting that this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.) <a href="https://www.coredna.com/blogs/general-data-protection-regulation" target="_blank">Here is a blog post with more information.</a><br />
<br />
Concerns over privacy policies have changed the landscape of online selling. It is wise for sellers to do their homework.<br />
<br />
Have you adopted a privacy policy for your shop?Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-64351239476761693722018-04-07T21:00:00.000-04:002018-06-16T18:55:52.963-04:00In 2018, matchy-matchy is out for Etsy search<h3>
The algorithm</h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Etsy's search algorithm is transitioning into a completely new animal. The days of meticulously matching up phrases in your tags and titles for guaranteed Etsy relevancy will soon be past. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Etsy is in the process making search more human... The old way of search was not natural, the necessity to laboriously match titles and tags.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7bjOMbvkgjRvFlahR7MI9xrAfsrtQjWksVn0uMPWCWOQE1fv_cJKnsJqVEKa5xU1bC9lESDVvLKZu5Ox7I9j6RIAtSPtXsoddaNgwc8vQh1Thnf1nQWMJl-JjK3PTPpQO_xtCTllewg/s1600/Etsy-Algorithm-Changes-2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="search algorithms are usually secret" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7bjOMbvkgjRvFlahR7MI9xrAfsrtQjWksVn0uMPWCWOQE1fv_cJKnsJqVEKa5xU1bC9lESDVvLKZu5Ox7I9j6RIAtSPtXsoddaNgwc8vQh1Thnf1nQWMJl-JjK3PTPpQO_xtCTllewg/s200/Etsy-Algorithm-Changes-2018.png" title="decoding Etsy's search algorithm" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy's algorithm is in flux</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Compliments of Etsy seller Deborah McGregor:</span><br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It does not mean “Match Words Up" </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a nutshell, Etsy has leveled the playing field for sellers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The algorithm just does not like me...</span></h4>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An algorithm does not "do" anything of its own initiative. It is only a middleman. Its job is to find common factors between a </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">search query</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the information on your listing page</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. It serves up results (called
Search Engine Results Pages, or SERPs) based on common denominators... The more commonalities, the higher the item places. The algorithm does its job according to what its code tells it to do. No emotions are involved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The order of search results is what has changed. In fact, the order changes from search to search on Etsy now. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
How do I get better placement in search results?</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is only one way for any product to place well in a search query. Create your listing so
it has as many common factors with search queries as possible. In order to do
it well, <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">you must know your target market of customers</a>. What search queries will they use to find your items? If you do not know who is searching the internet for products
like you sell, <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/keywords-develop-and-use-purchase.html" target="_blank">how can you use the same words as they do</a>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
How do I even know where I place in search results?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Etsy seller CindyLou says that it is now impossible to even do test searches because of contextualization and personalization: every searcher will see something different.<br /><br /> You can ask someone else to search, but there is no guarantee that what they see is what someone else will see, either. Remember that in 2018, search is changing all the time, so search placement can vary by a lot even repeating the same search.<br /><br /> The best way to "see" how you are do</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ing is to use your shop stats.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
Where is Etsy's search heading?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq8kXlfv7wGY-2x-B1PsnAe3Dt6hhqr1fwx4lshr40C0UPKiD4ud6RKlq975q0sdD7Yfz8ldGx4uPcUgau485gQqDvu7JaFLvReu4NfLdd3DoKpbstaTL2yB0QB2B3nfRAoCSqS6RyPQ/s1600/where+is+Etsy+search+heading_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Etsy search in 2018" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq8kXlfv7wGY-2x-B1PsnAe3Dt6hhqr1fwx4lshr40C0UPKiD4ud6RKlq975q0sdD7Yfz8ldGx4uPcUgau485gQqDvu7JaFLvReu4NfLdd3DoKpbstaTL2yB0QB2B3nfRAoCSqS6RyPQ/s320/where+is+Etsy+search+heading_.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Where is Etsy search heading" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Machine learning takes time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Google's driverless cars and Etsy's search have something in common. They are both being driven by machine learning, or so-called artificial intelligence. Both are going somewhere.<br /><br /> But of course the technology is new. There are some unknowns, some unintended consequences.<br /><br /> I believe that things will get better. But the process of machine learning will take time (some say as long as two years). In the mean time, mistakes may be made. Mistakes that could discourage sellers if they fail to see these changes in the long run, as "training" the new algorithm.<br /><br /> Etsy sellers have been accustomed to doing a lot of tweaking. Sellers routinely made changes to listings to make sure of word-matching, which is how Etsy's search worked in the past. <br /><br /> The goal of the new search algorithm is to show the best, most relevant listings to buyers. It is designed to do that without the need to constantly adjust listings. Won't that be a relief?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As mentioned, the days of matchy-matchy titles and tags are fading. This is because the new algorithm is smarter than that. Or it will be, eventually.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-get-found-in-search/22717244953" target="_blank">Following Etsy's "Best Practices" for listings remains important.</a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/12/etsy-search-what-is-title-keyword.html" target="_blank">Do you know what keyword-stuffing is?</a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/etsy-search-titles-sending-right-signals.html" target="_blank">Have you un-stuffed your titles? </a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18594996/page/34" target="_blank">Here is another discussion of title stuffing.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In reality, nothing has changed. But on another hand it has..</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
Vintage selling</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Vintage sellers continue to complain about being the proverbial red-headed child. I try not to have any big expectations that things will change for vintage on Etsy. It is what it is and has been since the beginning... Vintage seems to be tolerated, but Etsy is primarily a handmade "creative" site.<br /><br />I can deal with that. If it is working, fine. If I am not selling, then I try to figure out why and deal with the issue.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please note</span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />I make a number of observations here. If your shop is selling just fine, there is no need to change anything. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make any changes slowly. Check for effectiveness in your case.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
Conclusion</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Etsy is in flux. Search is rife with change. 2018 may be the year to "wait and see."<br /><br /><br /> How do you feel? Is Etsy moving your shop to the next level?</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-33983425891194401882018-03-29T08:41:00.000-04:002018-08-13T17:21:07.313-04:00Etsy Quick Trick: use your SKU's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tAmvcNSUlUSl342fwxfXb3YzskyLYVjSe7LtyEFI7bPZpU_LCiZ9SD0F-ZVHJWS-VHkJDvXVgCVy_6QNHzjevndcEnq4sdf5lkojs9aq-xuRlO3yqbznS5jJSCDFpCRNml_BCWZpu7Y/s1600/SKU-numbers-work-for-vintage-sellers-too.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="organize your vintage items for sale" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tAmvcNSUlUSl342fwxfXb3YzskyLYVjSe7LtyEFI7bPZpU_LCiZ9SD0F-ZVHJWS-VHkJDvXVgCVy_6QNHzjevndcEnq4sdf5lkojs9aq-xuRlO3yqbznS5jJSCDFpCRNml_BCWZpu7Y/s200/SKU-numbers-work-for-vintage-sellers-too.png" title="Vintage need SKU numbers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A SKU system can work for vintage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the mid-1980's I worked at a major chain garden center. (Ever heard of Flower Time or Frank's Nursery and Crafts?)<br />
<br />
I remember when SKU (stock keeping unit) numbers arrived there... the cashiers hated them, as they had to enter a whole string of numbers rather than just the price. But inventory became much more accurate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SKU numbers have come a long way since then... In fact, Etsy has recently added searchable SKU numbers. Have you harnessed their power in your shop yet?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPOk2evD52H2H9OI2vZA8GFmzRJLArSF0g2CB-5kbLGaSFl8QwwcpAikpcQGuF8tqXEugdvsYhKH7rwQIe083zTkdZ8TwZM6vTGsP7rrbGIK85vCGEar3XLsF4N8JVQHfXzQKYQGxOEk/s1600/tsy+%252819%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Quick tricks to improve your Etsy shop" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPOk2evD52H2H9OI2vZA8GFmzRJLArSF0g2CB-5kbLGaSFl8QwwcpAikpcQGuF8tqXEugdvsYhKH7rwQIe083zTkdZ8TwZM6vTGsP7rrbGIK85vCGEar3XLsF4N8JVQHfXzQKYQGxOEk/s320/tsy+%252819%2529.png" title="vintage selling from a-z" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another quick trick for your vintage shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We might brush it aside and tell ourselves it is more for bar codes and big companies. Not so.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It can be super simple and easy... I have (update: had) some SKU names like “small metal bin” “bracelet bin” “glass shelf” and “hanging” to describe where listed stuff is located. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Have you ever listed several similar items? You were worried about mixing them up so you put "1," "2," and "3" in the title. But that can look rather unprofessional... Now you can hide that and make it a SKU.<br />
<br />
(You have 32 characters to name yours. Do not start with a space.)<br />
<br />
Your SKU will show up before the title of your item when you process an order. I really like it.<br />
<br />
If you would like to see yours when finding orders you have two options to access SKU locations.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Via your device (mobile or PC), where you can see it on the order page.</li>
<li>Print up an "order receipt" which may also work as a packing slip for your shop.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Having an inventory system is never a bad idea. This is especially true come tax time. (Ask me why I know.) I am in the process of adding a SKU system to my shop. How about you?<br />
<br />
Give SKU's a try!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/help/article/91384772093?ref=help_home" target="_blank">Here is more information from Etsy.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/201/0/16776560/icm_fullxfull.164797801_66tbt29gweo84cgoskok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Adding sku numbers to vintage shelves" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/201/0/16776560/icm_fullxfull.164797801_66tbt29gweo84cgoskok.jpg" title="Brother p touch label maker" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding my inventory SKU's in June, 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-11709834301450253812018-03-14T19:54:00.000-04:002019-06-11T16:12:27.426-04:00Sample keyword list for vintage sellers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DrI3PfRvR2plvXR069e4B8jMK_tzV4ZVcr4rxideHGQqP28cCAaVPeL2lRtQqo6G1nH8gRfALxqznMIfed0lSrhcEqPV7G3lnGbSmOh7NrQups3gDKQ5J17C6ifw_SsmM2Kjt2gd2aQ/s1600/Vintage-keyword-list.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="keyword list ideas for vintage sellers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DrI3PfRvR2plvXR069e4B8jMK_tzV4ZVcr4rxideHGQqP28cCAaVPeL2lRtQqo6G1nH8gRfALxqznMIfed0lSrhcEqPV7G3lnGbSmOh7NrQups3gDKQ5J17C6ifw_SsmM2Kjt2gd2aQ/s400/Vintage-keyword-list.png" title="keep a list of key words for Etsy listings" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hand written list is even more effective</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When selling, <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">we need to know our target buyer.</a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/keywords-develop-and-use-purchase.html" target="_blank">Writing up and using a keyword list can be helpful.</a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/the-art-science-of-item-descriptions.html" target="_blank">Well crafted listing text can lead to more sales.</a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/07/do-item-descriptions-matter.html" target="_blank">Really, it can.</a><br />
<br />
What can such a list look like for a vintage shop? Here is a sample.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Descriptors</h4>
<br />
Sensational, fabulous, wonderful, lovely, great, fantastic, drool-worthy, stunning, incredible, enjoy, appreciate, delightful, fun, precious, glowing, luxurious, enticing, classic, beautiful, glorious, garnished, superb, distinctive, aesthetic, charming, fascinating, make you smile, striking, dramatic, cheerful, statement piece, lovable, special, sure to please, colorful, muted, perfect, superlative, understated, serene, eye candy, attractive, graceful, tasteful, discerning, refined, dignified, cultivated, distinguished, decorous<br />
<br />
<h4>
Regional terms (for me of course)</h4>
<br />
Northeast, New England, Maine, Pine Tree State, American, Primitive, Americana, Canadian, Acadian, Quebecois, Canuk, [words translated into language of target market buyers], folklore, cultural heritage, geographic detail, Maritime Provinces, Penobscot<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxViSAofp96FbzVC7-CBuWAx5HruQ7HJKrwAHzor5jlQy3cR4dOnund5FO3AGzsMFZiMVZShRdkN0cQ8mxEvMXVjNHk5iqMHhHTjVLvqC9U95HuzV1COAt7bxUsLTWWFx8oKlrhlVqRdk/s1600/Develop-keyword-list.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hand write a keyword list" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxViSAofp96FbzVC7-CBuWAx5HruQ7HJKrwAHzor5jlQy3cR4dOnund5FO3AGzsMFZiMVZShRdkN0cQ8mxEvMXVjNHk5iqMHhHTjVLvqC9U95HuzV1COAt7bxUsLTWWFx8oKlrhlVqRdk/s200/Develop-keyword-list.png" title="How to write better item descriptions" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you have your key word list yet?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Vintage, conveying age</h4>
<br />
Vintage, antique, early, authentic, aged, old, ancient, last century, historical, bygone era, artifact, aged, prehistoric, antiquated, archaic, rarity, yore, venerable, relic, decades<br />
<br />
<h4>
Styles </h4>
<br />
Timeless, classical, traditional, inspired, whimsical, compatible, industrial, rustic, primitive, ethnic tribal, Native American Indian, Southwestern, Southwest, art nouveau, art deco, arts and crafts, mission, mid century modern, retro mod, kitsch, Victorian era, aesthetic, colonial, cottage chic, boho, bohemian, Victorian revival, Georgian, abstract, brutalist, modernist, pop, country farmhouse, French apartment, Kawaii, Edwardian, Civil War era, Navajo, European, Scandinavian, Asian, Hollywood regency, essence of the period, tailored, modernist, steampunk, granny chic, folk art, coastal, beachy<br />
<br />
<h4>
Details of design and craftsmanship</h4>
<br />
Intricate workmanship, rich detailing, skillful craftsmanship, consummate professional, fine finishing details, lost art, artistic detail, pleasing dimensions, fine art, great proportions, classic lines, superb design, patented (including information), artisan, realistic design, made with care, finely executed, traditional methods, at the top of their game, finely crafted, well crafted, carefully made, durable, versatile, useful, finished with, topped off, plain, simple, high quality, artistic<br />
<br />
<h4>
Collector-friendly, words conveying uniqueness:</h4>
<br />
Collection, valuable, uncommon, unique, prized, one of a kind, OOAK, hard to find, rare, desirable, exclusive, only, sought after, curio, memento, remember, heirloom, specimen, trophy, keepsake, museum piece, souvenir, curious, singular, <span style="line-height: 115%;">Wabi-sabi<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E4%BE%98" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" title="wikt:侘">侘</a><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%AF%82" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" title="wikt:寂">寂</a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, </span></span></span>keepsake, memory, curio, treasure, special edition, signed, showpiece, keystone, conversation piece<br />
<br />
<h4>
Condition</h4>
<br />
Pristine, excellent, outstanding, museum quality, pre-owned, vintage, lovingly used, patina, signs of previous ownership, evidence of loving use, distressed, wearable, original condition, crisp, manufacturing flaw, wear consistent with age, complete, functional, scuffs, shows its age, strong, sturdy, secure, usable, for display only, original detail, factory finish, works as intended<br />
<br />
<h4>
Girly</h4>
<br />
Dainty, pretty, sweet, feminine, romantic, ethereal, delicate, confident woman, elegant, understated, silhouette, darling, cute, adorable, glam, confection, frilly<br />
<br />
<h4>
Jewelry</h4>
<br />
Glamour, pizzazz, sparkle, flowing, classical lines, designer, brushed, textured, flourish, glowing, luxury, scintillating, flashy, simple elegance, formal occasion, bling<br />
<br />
<h4>
Fashion</h4>
<br />
Chic, smart, sophisticated, fashionable, modish, stylish<br />
<br />
<h4>
Crafty</h4>
<br />
Embellish, repurpose, remodel, refurbish, easy to install, versatile, customized, salvaged, art assemblage, create, rusty, ornamental<br />
<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/03/vintage-buyers-collectors-trendy-or.html" target="_blank">The narrower your target buyer</a>, <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/09/fun-market-research-to-improve-your.html" target="_blank">the smaller this list will be.</a><br />
<br />
Handwritten lists are supposed to be even more effective. (Who knew?) (Let me know how those Japanese characters for Wabi-Sabi go for you.)<br />
<br />
Make a list and add to it as you think of more terms.<br />
<br />
Use your keyword list as you compose listings.<br />
<br />
Take your item descriptions to the next level with a buyer keyword list!</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-57616429891095707112018-03-08T13:52:00.000-05:002018-06-13T17:33:59.042-04:00Etsy search in early 2018: algorithm factor list<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/192/0/16776560/icm_fullxfull.146068822_mra4ffg66z4cw4goks08.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="colorful data graphic" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/192/0/16776560/icm_fullxfull.146068822_mra4ffg66z4cw4goks08.png" title="What is Etsy's algorithm?" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one really knows Etsy's algorithm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This post is about Etsy's search factors in 2018.<br />
<br />
This is all theory and conjecture. Information is based on my observations and those of many others. If you want facts, please move on to another blog post.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Possible Algorithm Factors</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Remember that these change all the time. And some are weighted differently.<br />
<br />
(The algorithm is kept private. That maintains fairness for all sellers.)<br />
<br />
Okay, here goes...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Asterisk means factors that I have seen said by Etsy Admin that DO count. But factors can always change.<br />
<br />
#Pound key means factors that I personally have seen at work.<br />
<br />
<div>
<h4>
<b><i>->Elements seller can work on</i></b></h4>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>Item quality</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Beautiful click-worthy photos*</div>
<div>
Titles and tags*</div>
<div>
Accurate item category*</div>
<div>
Attributes completely filled out*<br />
Attributes accurate*<br />
Accurate title and tags* (Admin is saying that inaccuracies are now being penalized by Etsy search)<br />
<br />
<b>Seller shop activity</b><br />
<br />
Regularly renewing items and listing new#<br />
Using <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/10/etsy-shop-updates-why-how.html" target="_blank">Shop Updates</a> in the last period of time (week? month?)#<br />
<br />
<b>Shop completeness</b><br />
<br />
Completed About section*<br />
Returns Policy* (have something)<br />
Canned Policies* (Etsy prefers that sellers use their preset policies)<br />
<br />
<b>Shop promotion</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Offering <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/09/will-you-offer-free-shipping-on-etsy.html" target="_blank">free shipping</a><br />
Having <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/08/are-you-having-sale.html" target="_blank">sales</a><br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/01/promoted-listings-benefits-beyond-ads.html" target="_blank">Using Promoted Listings</a> (internal Etsy ads seems to have an indirect positive effect)<br />
<br />
<b>Shop quality, buyer experience</b><br />
<br />
Shipping quickly (do not go past your stated shipping time)*<br />
Customer service cases*</div>
<div>
Review score (stars)*<br />
Copyright infringement cases*<br />
<br />
<b>Factors some feel play a part, but I disagree with</b><br />
<br />
Use all 5 About photos<br />
Using FAQs (in canned policies)<br />
Frequent renewal of items</div>
<div>
Using Etsy shipping labels<br />
Using a cover photo (I do not)<br />
Using Integrated PayPal (I do not)<br />
<br />
<b>Things that Etsy has stated do not factor in but may have changed</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/07/do-item-descriptions-matter.html" target="_blank">Content of Descriptions</a> (admin has said that it may eventually be a part of search)<br />
Using Pattern (website)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b><i>->Elements that sellers cannot directly control</i></b></h4>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Quality scores of the competition<br />
Random rotation (of items within search)<br />
Time of day<br />
Buyer location (some countries are regionalized)<br />
<br />
<b>Buyer behavior</b><br />
<br />
Shopper's recent search history<br />
Shopper's overall Etsy search history<br />
Shopper's social media activity through Etsy<br />
<br />
<b>Item quality</b><br />
<br />
How long listing has been listed without sales#<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/05/does-hearting-matter-102016-admin-update.html" target="_blank">Hearts (to a degree, within reason)</a><br />
High click rate (can work negatively if no one buys)</div>
<div>
Item conversion rate*#</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Specific to search terms</b><br />
<br />
Shop score for those search terms<br />
Sales in that specific search*<br />
Sales in similar searches#<br />
Clicks in that specific search*<br />
Clicks in similar searches<br />
Favorites in that specific search*<br />
Favorites in similar searches<br />
Details (context) of current search*<br />
<br />
<b>Shopper data</b><br />
<br />
Etsy Purchase history*<br />
Shopper location*<br />
Shopper age, gender and other demographics (this just makes sense)<br />
<br />
Clicks of similar shoppers<br />
Favorites of similar shoppers<br />
Purchase history of similar shoppers<br />
<br />
<b>Shop quality</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/05/etsys-new-stats-why-visits-matter.html" target="_blank">Shop conversion rate</a>*<br />
Backlinks to your shop<br />
Backlinks to your listings<br />
<br />
<h4>
Items that are not a direct factor</h4>
<br />
Price (can certainly be an indirect factor)<br />
Using all ten photos (could become an indirect factor if Etsy adds photo recognition)<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
Phew, that was a lot of factors. No wonder artificial intelligence is necessary to sort it all out!<br />
<br />
Here is some new information on search:<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb-oZNJD-QI<br />
<br />
Have I missed something? Let me know and I will add it.<br />
<br />
In another post we will cover what sellers can <i>do</i> with the information.</div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-69102602917565346902018-03-01T13:39:00.001-05:002018-03-01T13:44:43.966-05:00Vintage buyers: are yours collectors, trend setters or thrifty? <div>
If you are a vintage seller, you already have a <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">defined target market.</a> Etsy defines it for you by limiting "vintage" to items over 20 years old. Plus, not everyone wants to buy pre-owned merchandise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we just limited our target market by, say, 50%. <i><b>Every vintage seller</b></i> is a <b>niche seller</b>. That was easy!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Within vintage there are at least three types of buyers:</h4>
<h4>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRbITn9JWujIF8AjlkkE0hZDDVh4yHILq5zW-a4BFjV8hKugNxrw7GY4DUzhNfq2eNdFZ3jVXct1bKUs7qo7BvUAYSXkdJ70OBDbd3n0F9d9udqnzTtswLBPr0pfteYh1BgyWq_OOGFI/s1600/Vintage-Target-Market.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="target vintage buyers trendy thrifty collectors" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRbITn9JWujIF8AjlkkE0hZDDVh4yHILq5zW-a4BFjV8hKugNxrw7GY4DUzhNfq2eNdFZ3jVXct1bKUs7qo7BvUAYSXkdJ70OBDbd3n0F9d9udqnzTtswLBPr0pfteYh1BgyWq_OOGFI/s320/Vintage-Target-Market.png" title="who are your target vintage buyers" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Know your target market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<ul>
<li>collectors</li>
<li>trendy shoppers</li>
<li>thrifty shoppers</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Who are your buyers?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What motivates them to buy? </li>
<li>How does your shop appeal to those motivations?</li>
</ul>
<br />
Consider the buyers who come to Etsy and browse vintage shops... They <b>want</b> to buy something. Sometimes they will buy something they had no idea that they wanted <i>until they saw it</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What made them decide to buy? You need to crack the code.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Great product selection helps, but it is not the only factor.<br />
<br />
Sellers need to identify why some items sell well. Harness that information and use it to sell more stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Pinpoint your most effective listing style</h3>
<div>
<br />
Separate yourself from the products you sell... just consider the listings themselves. Not the "what" is being sold but "how" it sold. What is it about the listing's style and makeup that buyers are responding to?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consider the details of some listings that sold right away. Look at a few items that were barely in your shop before they sold.<br />
<br />
Ask yourself some questions about the makeup of each listing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Wording & listing setup</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/keywords-develop-and-use-purchase.html" target="_blank">Keywords</a>. Check for keywords common to the titles or descriptions of your best-selling listings.</li>
<li>What was the opening sentence in the first paragraph? </li>
<li><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/the-art-science-of-item-descriptions.html" target="_blank">Description: how did you "talk" to your customers?</a></li>
<li>Were listings more effective if you gave some history of the item? </li>
<li>Were listings more effective if you suggested ways to use the item? </li>
<li>Where in the listing did measurements appear?</li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKUmaLGps99vvUaY5FBqzG2_ZSdoW_z2rB7McGVr3o0Yo34Mzdez9yKBiWveBOIqXi3WX9Q5LiZ_LEBuYLcWou5Ra6G-Vbobn1oOJusQa2zbwGKHhV8StRIpd7-Uw-x-ugSkDtcN_8wM/s1600/Collector-bottles-shelf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vintage bottles on a shelf" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKUmaLGps99vvUaY5FBqzG2_ZSdoW_z2rB7McGVr3o0Yo34Mzdez9yKBiWveBOIqXi3WX9Q5LiZ_LEBuYLcWou5Ra6G-Vbobn1oOJusQa2zbwGKHhV8StRIpd7-Uw-x-ugSkDtcN_8wM/s200/Collector-bottles-shelf.png" title="each collector is unique" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collectors are unique buyers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>How did you manage the "attributes" fields on the listing creation page?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Photos</h4>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>How many photos did you use in your best selling listings? </li>
<li>What backgrounds did those photos have? </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/7-essential-types-of-product-photos/22504064051" target="_blank">Were the images staged to show the item in use with props, or were the photos focused on the product alone?</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-product/143986679284" target="_blank">Here is more information from Etsy about taking effective product photos.</a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAbDQwmRhksUxtURFvE4Xctvpy8ZrrAVViV-d0fNy0vbrsBRjxjae72YYrnH7mZkFfuT7WcQzauK1G4KTJ8_QXnQ_yqQBL1Hn5kgUk1WkVxlFeNE2h2VfVfCUD8AAS-K5g8-2GMZOvqM/s1600/Photo-styling-for-target-buyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vintage sellers photo style" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAbDQwmRhksUxtURFvE4Xctvpy8ZrrAVViV-d0fNy0vbrsBRjxjae72YYrnH7mZkFfuT7WcQzauK1G4KTJ8_QXnQ_yqQBL1Hn5kgUk1WkVxlFeNE2h2VfVfCUD8AAS-K5g8-2GMZOvqM/s200/Photo-styling-for-target-buyer.png" title="styling photos for vintage buyers" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you styling photos?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Target buyer</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Consider what you know about who bought the items (age, location).</li>
<li>Was the item a gift?</li>
<li>Look at their Etsy profile. Can you see preferences in their favorites?</li>
<li>Was the buyer a collector, trendy or thrifty? Does the same listing style appeal to all three?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
After gathering this data, analyze it. What made the listing effective?<br />
<br />
<b>Now, go make more listings like that.</b></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-23966381210951107002018-02-22T09:51:00.000-05:002018-05-19T22:13:25.384-04:00The art & science of item descriptions<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The opening paragraph of your item description is crucial. It is both a </span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">science</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and an </span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">art</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENcRV753HMP4tpD6aO2C8KlZwISctI4Xu7BamZ3tHU1zXg9kiYPmZqpKU8Y48gfUHIoC4aoZpfx4_fUGk5pr-2SeFCTon-uKsTPvgUludoSj05MWOJOfZtxQfuRRl3UnyHYcAY0U9Dzw/s1600/ItemDescription.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Item descriptions are important" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENcRV753HMP4tpD6aO2C8KlZwISctI4Xu7BamZ3tHU1zXg9kiYPmZqpKU8Y48gfUHIoC4aoZpfx4_fUGk5pr-2SeFCTon-uKsTPvgUludoSj05MWOJOfZtxQfuRRl3UnyHYcAY0U9Dzw/s320/ItemDescription.png" title="reaching your target with descriptions" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First the <i>science</i>: your description should clearly inform the AI (artificial intelligence) algorithm*:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
</div>
<ol style="color: #454545;">
<li><b>what</b> is for sale</li>
<li><b>context</b> for which the item is appropriate (example: "shower" ... is it
wedding or bathroom? See "LSI" at the bottom.)</li>
<li><b>type of query</b> for which your item would be a good response</li>
</ol>
<div style="color: #454545;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Craft your opening paragraph to match as many factors in the search query as possible. </span><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">You must know your target market.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the same time, your opening paragraph must <b>engage your viewer</b>,
<b>converting them into a buyer</b>. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/05/etsys-new-stats-why-visits-matter.html" target="_blank">Search engines and Etsy love a great conversion rate.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONQ9frLYbCfNGh80XkouASxkeUXHQcqWp2vshO9C8LI12TNhRz_zMH_YmsET5YWrKUgscZpw-_QJTTcEEXDOy1dwbGZ27vsvM6ML3Cg7oYwFQ3MJTCH0lqWL_27Ubc5YxkYBpJ2wbNhA/s1600/Fishing-is-like-selling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="how do you set the hook" border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="789" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONQ9frLYbCfNGh80XkouASxkeUXHQcqWp2vshO9C8LI12TNhRz_zMH_YmsET5YWrKUgscZpw-_QJTTcEEXDOy1dwbGZ27vsvM6ML3Cg7oYwFQ3MJTCH0lqWL_27Ubc5YxkYBpJ2wbNhA/s200/Fishing-is-like-selling.jpg" title="fishing is like selling online" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching buyers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">Capturing the attention of a shopper <i>is</i> an </span></span>art.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;"> It is where your personal
writing skills come into play. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">Use your persuasive ability to market your product. </span></span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use a writing style and terminology that are comfortable for your target audience.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/07/do-item-descriptions-matter.html" style="color: #454545;" target="_blank">If you capture the attention of viewers in the first few sentences, they will continue to read the page.</a><span style="color: #454545;"> They will see all the interesting details you have provided that will </span><b style="color: #454545;">convince them to buy</b><span style="color: #454545;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you fail to engage your shopper, they will never see the
rest of what you have written. Instead they will leave the page, bouncing to
another listing in another shop 😟.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #454545; float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8zFkJni1p_un0OEnQdyurwp4s6N-Aq3Od4_SKob5R9lpaa-r8A1zFm7bjs5jjPsIYMI1T_ATMFOOuomcB00kqIr-mMDLBXSKP4aRCzY0Qfntt9WkwrD9gyddTimh-Z5jv_VekoWiUKs/s1600/No-bounce-out-of-listing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Improve your bounce rate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8zFkJni1p_un0OEnQdyurwp4s6N-Aq3Od4_SKob5R9lpaa-r8A1zFm7bjs5jjPsIYMI1T_ATMFOOuomcB00kqIr-mMDLBXSKP4aRCzY0Qfntt9WkwrD9gyddTimh-Z5jv_VekoWiUKs/s200/No-bounce-out-of-listing.png" title="bouncing is bad for item listings" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reduce your bounce rate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To restate, an effective item description must:</span></span></div>
<ul style="color: #454545;">
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">accurately
convey what is for sale (to the AI in the algorithm*)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">engage your viewer (so they stay and do not bounce out)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">convince
your shopper to buy (of course!)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #454545;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/etsy-quick-trick-keeping-buyers-in-your.html" target="_blank">Here are more strategies to reduce your bounce rate.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
How long should product descriptions be?</span></h4>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One school of thought is to keep listings brief. Use short paragraphs (even one sentence). Use bullet points. After all, users of smart phones have that small screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yet </span></span><a href="http://www.sitepronews.com/2018/01/22/game-changing-seo-guide-2018/" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">some guidance is saying to aim for 2000 words.</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Say what? Supposedly descriptions of that length are ranked better by search engines. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(This is taken from advice that is directed to websites and blogs as well as selling websites. Note that even my most complicated my blog posts are not that long, let alone item descriptions...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which is best? Use the amount of text that is best for <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">your target customer base</a>. Higher quality writing can be a tool to make your products sound more appealing than your competitors’. And longer descriptions take longer to read, which pleases search engines.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use longer descriptions for items that are extra interesting, have a backstory, or are ultra competitive. What will work best to engage buyers?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It can be difficult to provide long descriptions that are meaningful. S</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hare some </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">interesting or amusing details about the item. Educational facts are fine. But customers love reading short stories just as much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Give it a try on a few listings. Craft longer descriptions for pricier
items. Save the short and brief ones for low-end stuff. Mix it up. Observe if anything changes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/etsy-quick-trick-keeping-buyers-in-your.html" target="_blank">Insert </a></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/etsy-quick-trick-keeping-buyers-in-your.html" target="_blank">a link to more items.</a> </span><span style="color: black;">Most websites try to keep you in their store by linking you to their "latest" items or picks "just for" their shoppers. That tactic works for online vintage sellers, too. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #454545;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can I use boilerplate in my listings?</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Boilerplate is repeating the same block of text in each
listing. The short answer is "no." There are many reasons. Item descriptions should be just that, descriptions. It should not be returns or shipping information. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some feel that the very end of a long description could contain some repetitive material, so </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">you could try that... But put your shipping and return information in your shop policies where they belong.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h4>
<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How to incorporate title words in item descriptions</span></b></h4>
<b style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18132522/page/1" target="_blank">From Etsy admin in 2016:</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Q: </b><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is it better to copy & paste your title at the start of the description, or to sprinkle the keywords from your title conversationally into the first few sentences?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><b>Admin:</b> we recommend using your keywords as naturally as possible throughout your item description because Google does not like unnatural keyword use. Therefore, describe your product in a thorough and accurate way to give yourself the best shot at ranking well in Google.</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The importance of natural wording</span></h4>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Search engines do prefer natural wording. That is not the only reason to use it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Consider the increasing importance of voice search. Many people now own and use Alexa or Google Voice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(So artificial Intelligence <i>is</i> already here. It is in fact helping people to find what they are looking for online.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Users of this technology speak their search terms. If necessary, they refine their query. They tell the device what they want, using natural spoken English language (in the USA). The words used are "LSI keywords" in SEO-speak.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/07/do-item-descriptions-matter.html" target="_blank">Do item descriptions really matter?</a></span><br />
<br />
*NOTE: Etsy does not use item descriptions in search right now. But indications are that they could begin to use them. For now, the algorithms referred to are only for outside searches by search engines. But that could change. Part of the goal of this blog post is to make you aware of possible changes in the Etsy pipeline.</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Extra credit:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;"></span><br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="color: #454545;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are LSI keywords?</span></h4>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">LSI stands for <b>Latent Semantic Indexing</b>. They are keywords related to your main keywords. So write in a natural way, not for a machine. For example, when writing about old things, you might include words like "vintage" or "antique" and "patina." Mention what it might have been used for, its history. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The terms you use give clues to the search engines what your item is. Even better, those terms lead searchers to your items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Search engines look for topic and context rather than exact words. Real people do too. So write content for real people. </span></div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-86827813829060887712018-02-12T08:43:00.002-05:002018-06-13T17:25:52.372-04:00Etsy Search: Titles - Sending the Right Signals<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4 style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Can you reach every buyer with one title?</span></h4>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8h3rTdglpuPvffPuKE6YZLxvZDA_suYJK1EftLY-BsnE6-rK-cp2nyjZ7mSvPBtb3GecLkulH3OcB3WYYqy5A1m21viMFtSKqXkPFuv0gjnD4iZiisoixWZkxrm1gUIoEBQ84Xrc84Q/s1600/Titles+Plain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="writing titles for etsy listings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8h3rTdglpuPvffPuKE6YZLxvZDA_suYJK1EftLY-BsnE6-rK-cp2nyjZ7mSvPBtb3GecLkulH3OcB3WYYqy5A1m21viMFtSKqXkPFuv0gjnD4iZiisoixWZkxrm1gUIoEBQ84Xrc84Q/s320/Titles+Plain.jpg" title="how to craft good titles on etsy" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best practices for writing item titles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The new "machine learning" algorithms simulate how people look for things in real life. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think about it: t</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hey search for the <i>few</i> items that are <i>tailored to a particular need.</i> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buyers seek a <i>specific item </i>(not something th</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at fits the needs of the entire vintage-buying population on earth...) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use your title to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">speak to the perfect buyer </i>for that item. No need to worry about everyone else, as they are not buyers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speak to your target market</span></h4>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This goes back to basic marketing: </span><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">who is your target market</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">? You cannot reach everyone with one title. N</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">arrow your target audience.</span><br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you try to market your items to everyone, you will hold back your shop. Besides, no one can afford to market to everyone. Not even huge companies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think about the commercials you see on sports events, versus those you see on Saturday morning cartoons... Yes, different markets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The importance of natural wording</span></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Search engines prefer natural wording. But that is not the only reason to use it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Consider the increasing importance of voice search. Many people now own and use Alexa or Google Voice.</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Indeed Artificial Intelligence is already in use, helping people to find what they are looking for online.)</span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 22.7px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Users of this technology speak their search terms. If necessary, they refine their search query. They tell the device what they want, using natural spoken English language. The words used are called "LSI keywords" in SEO-speak.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (There will be more about LSI keywords in an upcoming post.)</span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Search engines look for topic and context rather than exact words. Real people do too. So write titles for real people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<h4 style="color: #454545;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do I reduce my bounce rate?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /> Make your listings <i>appeal to the people your title is set up to attract</i>. Use keywords and buyer phrases that are relevant to your target customers. </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make shoppers comfortable. Convince them that you are knowledgeable and trustworthy. This is easier if you <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/selling-vintage-specialize-or-not.html" target="_blank">specialize in what you sell.</a></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/etsy-quick-trick-keeping-buyers-in-your.html" target="_blank">Here are more ideas for keeping buyers in your shop.</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #454545;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Why is it bad to use the same word combinations over and over in titles?</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some sellers get into the habit of using similar word combinations over and over again in their item titles. When you do that, you miss out on marketing to buyers who use different terms to search for your items.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Mix it up. I know it sounds crazy, but varying the wording of your titles could make a big difference in getting found. Change up your word combinations. What kinds of terms does your target audience use? <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/keywords-develop-and-use-purchase.html" target="_blank">Use a purchase phrase list.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One word that it is OK to have in every item title is the word "vintage." Do avoid placing the word "vintage" in the valuable real estate right at the beginning. Put it after the first five or so words.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What about "word salad" titles?</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/12/etsy-search-what-is-title-keyword.html" target="_blank">Avoid stuffing your titles with keywords</a>. Although this may have been encouraged in the past, Etsy is switching over to artificial intelligence, or AI. "Stuffed" titles will no longer be rewarded in search.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">AI is dealing with <i><b>one</b></i> searcher at a time. There is no benefit to stuff your titles with terms that make it unclear exactly <b><i>what</i></b> your product is. (An example is naming every possible holiday gift your item could be. Instead, aim for niche, <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/04/long-tail-keywords-delving-deeper.html" target="_blank">long-tail searches</a>.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Etsy's AI scours the site looking to match up searchers and the items they search for. When your title is unclear, AI will find lots of clear titles that <b><i>do</i></b> match what it is looking for. Those items get moved <b><i>up</i></b> in search. The “muddier” titles get pushed <b><i>down</i></b> in ranking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Etsy admin answers questions about titles</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now let us look at some information from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Etsy has been moving toward AI for a couple of years now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In October of 2016 Etsy Administrators fielded many </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">questions from sellers about getting items found in searches. Here are a few questions answered about titles:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-1FNhSsm1G8YcmH6QEDAt2R6q-Vp8OT85ft6VfPheSL2hyvuJRPksXWaP5NDqcpeeNKNtEToBcF0s2yGAfrhoYl1THBgofG66RHjZOYex0scXIxjP0x9Cu4zDU6w7cRJTUdq2iCXt_s/s1600/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-1FNhSsm1G8YcmH6QEDAt2R6q-Vp8OT85ft6VfPheSL2hyvuJRPksXWaP5NDqcpeeNKNtEToBcF0s2yGAfrhoYl1THBgofG66RHjZOYex0scXIxjP0x9Cu4zDU6w7cRJTUdq2iCXt_s/s320/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Q:</span> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18132522/page/6?post_id=346690250" target="_blank">Is it acceptable to repeat a word in the title?</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Admin:</b> We don’t recommend repeating a word [the same word over and over] in the title.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">Q:</span> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18132522/page/6" target="_blank">Must word phrases [keywords] within Titles and Tags match exactly?</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b><b>Admin:</b> Word phrases within titles and tags don’t need to match exactly. However, tagging your product for “red boots” and having “red boots” in your title will give you a better chance of ranking for “red boots”.</span></div>
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<o:p><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></b></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Q:</span> If using commas within a title, is it recommended to put one space after the comma?</b></o:p><br />
<o:p><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b></o:p>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Admin: </b></o:p>In general, we recommend making your titles as readable as possible while still being descriptive. This would usually involve putting a space after commas when appropriate. Google definitely rewards well crafted, easy to read titles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">Q:</span> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18132522/page/7?post_id=346684552" target="_blank">I would like to ask why is it SOOO important to use the same keywords and combinations in your title, in the description and again in the tags.</a> ....</b> We are constantly
working to improve our internal search practices</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>though and eventually we hope to not rely as much on the quantity of times you use a certain phrase when listing your product.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Interesting video about search says that Etsy is no longer weighting the beginning of the title more than the end. (Google still does, and the beginning is what buyers see, so do not discount the beginning of your titles altogether.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb-oZNJD-QI</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">----------------------------</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What signals are you sending with your titles? Are you reaching your target market? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More on item descriptions next...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff8d2; color: #333333; font-family: "graphik webfont" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"></span></span>
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-69911789932885371622018-02-06T12:15:00.000-05:002018-05-19T21:37:05.562-04:00Etsy Quick Trick: keeping buyers in your shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s1600/QuickTrickCurls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy Quick Trick banner" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQf53hY614S0VtkiUI1A4D7n8kA5bvmgfdFIddOEzDJQK1vSfW2wRNxYgSnwpPaB4EtiEdqApYmFvz65xc6F2LWQ_gXT40PbUBh-tI2Z89xaXHbd9EwsOmWacuymRI-JtUEdo1wl2n3Mw/s400/QuickTrickCurls.png" title="quick blog post for Etsy vintage sellers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improve the bounce rate in your shop</td></tr>
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It is hard enough to get shoppers into your shops... sometimes they bounce right back out. (This increases your "bounce rate" which search engines do not like.)<br />
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How can sellers prevent that?<br />
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<h4>
Photography</h4>
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Have lots of interesting items, photographed well.<br />
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On every item page, eight of your items are displayed to the right (from your shop section). Fourmore are on the top right, your most recently listed items. Make sure everything has enticing, clickable photos. Style your photos for your target market.<br />
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<h4>
Item descriptions</h4>
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<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/02/the-art-science-of-item-descriptions.html" target="_blank">Write compelling item descriptions.</a> Tell a story. Do it in the way that your <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">target audience</a> prefers. Make your product listing descriptions appealing to the buyers who are searching for them.<br />
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<h4>
Link to more similar items</h4>
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Another way to keep buyers in your shop is to provide a link lead at the bottom of every listing. Most websites try to keep you in their store by linking you to an attractive gallery of similar items.<br />
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Use phrasing that you see on other websites:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More things you might like [link]<br />
My picks for you [link]<br />
Browse my latest listings [link] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Style or item type] selections [link]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Style or item type] gallery [link] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Style or item type] finds [link] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Style or item type] selections [link] </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Or personalize it in a way that your target buyers might prefer:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out the rest of our [style or item type]: [link]<br />We have more [item type] here: [link]<br />More similar items here: [link]<br />Please see the rest of our [item type] here: [link]<br />If you liked this/these, you might like more of my [item type] at [section link or shop search]</span></blockquote>
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Shops that sell limited lines of items have an advantage, as you can really target your buyer. Shops that sell a broad range of items and styles will require more effort to implement this. (I have been working at this for some time now.)<br />
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On a page with an animal item, I present a link to other animal items. On a listing with sterling silver brooches, I show other brooches. You could show more art deco items on a deco piece, more mid-century modern items for that style. "See more great baby shower gifts here." Whatever items you have that might be of interest a shopper for that particular item. Sometimes I use two or three lines (farmhouse, bedding and boho for example) if the item for sale fits those genres.<br />
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This method requires careful attention to tags. It works best if your items that will be presented together have a similar look, make an attractive collection. Think... treasuries!<br />
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I put mine at the bottom of each listing. They can go anywhere within your listing text, though. If you think that a buyer might not finish reading the listing and move on, try placing your back links higher in the listing. "Grab" them, prevent them from bouncing out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18132522/page/8?post_id=346686174" target="_blank">According to Etsy admin, these back links do not affect rankings in Etsy search.</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tip:</span> when making the link to your similar shop items, be sure that you you are in the public, customer-facing shop view, not your shop manager view.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tip:</span> use short links from a site like Bit.ly to streamline (and track) your link.</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-32349061888139242332018-02-02T17:29:00.000-05:002018-03-14T19:58:57.756-04:00Keywords: develop and use a purchase phrase list<div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xdApe3DlTsW4XK5R23kjgqD2ug6vVMvRL_5zzS3297TdGNmM4QjDhcWdjV8arCJD7BNPc4yfO2ZrVrKTKJYyL3p9B-GgW25cL2PFX_B-_VQTHugcV4WYth2alsKd0mDckx2F00WYNRY/s1600/Use-keyword-list-for-writing-item-listings.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="find and use effective keywords for vintage online selling" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xdApe3DlTsW4XK5R23kjgqD2ug6vVMvRL_5zzS3297TdGNmM4QjDhcWdjV8arCJD7BNPc4yfO2ZrVrKTKJYyL3p9B-GgW25cL2PFX_B-_VQTHugcV4WYth2alsKd0mDckx2F00WYNRY/s320/Use-keyword-list-for-writing-item-listings.png" title="keyword research for online selling" width="213" /></a></div>
Etsy search is all about keywords and key phrases. </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many sellers still try to draw buyers with general phrases. Phrases with a lot of competition like "[holiday] gift" "vintage gift" and "silver necklace" have thousands of search results on Etsy. There is no need to be concerned with placing highly in broad searches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Instead sellers need to concentrate on <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/etsy-search-long-tail-keywords.html" target="_blank">long-tail keywords</a>. These are browse-phrase keywords and purchase-phrase keywords. These are words, specific phrases, that a customer types in to the search bar when they are ready to search for something and <b><i>buy</i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use specific keywords that say what the item is. Select terms that tell people what the item actually is in different ways. Use terminology that your <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/06/target-market-define-yours-for-more.html" target="_blank">target customer</a> would use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Advice is out there to have at least 100 relevant keywords available. Have terms at your fingertips for any product genre or type you might sell. If have 2 or more types or genres of products on Etsy, consider having 100 keywords to use for each one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That might seem like a lot, but it is not. </span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
How to brainstorm for more keywords</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other sellers can help out with this. Check out listings on Etsy or other venues. What keywords are they using? Check out their sold items. Titles are at the top of course. Tags can be found at the bottom of any listing page. (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7720/bugs/discuss/18602866/page/1" target="_blank">Recently those disappeared for some sellers</a>, so changes could be afoot there.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Follow a blog, like Apartment Therapy. Note terms that they use to describe items, trends and styles. Their readers will also be searching using those keywords.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/09/fun-market-research-to-improve-your.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is another method of market research.</span></a><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
Read magazines for keyword ideas</span></h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE4rCONPsMVkcEBaiEQ_bNP_NtJYy3FfzEtIKx4qx5MayfOmuejVNHRjAAGvbNlLA7F92_HhuRZdMnxPoLnko2gyQG3PFRP4nUHZbSyBnqcj47YnkjpUcMZt9sYJr2o4OoI86XbYQmkU/s1600/Research-in-trade-magazines.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Read a magazine for keyword ideas" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE4rCONPsMVkcEBaiEQ_bNP_NtJYy3FfzEtIKx4qx5MayfOmuejVNHRjAAGvbNlLA7F92_HhuRZdMnxPoLnko2gyQG3PFRP4nUHZbSyBnqcj47YnkjpUcMZt9sYJr2o4OoI86XbYQmkU/s200/Research-in-trade-magazines.png" title="keyword research in magazines" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try magazines for keyword research</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try magazines for keywords. Magazines that are of interest to your target audience. You will not necessarily be reading the magazine, but rather the <i>advertisements</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Magazines devote teams of staff dedicated to using proper keywords in their ads... key words that cause viewers to want to buy the product! Those marketing people have done their keyword research. Why not apply it in your own shop?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Note the terms used for products in magazine ads. These writers must be on-trend with their use of key words.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you could, which vintage magazine sums up your customer base? Use it to harvest new terms to attract buyers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is no need to subscribe... look at them at your library, or supermarket check-out. (You might even stay there until they kick you out.)</span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
Make a keyword list</span></h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6HQIUJH_nwcro0lZ_gagHlmdExFEOCqPv2SbP02HmnJ1qfEImqDNLZIB3HRP2HwOYj4_42tLhs8KK86g_5Z_Fc0pV68J6RwBxKTj55MiLTxrK7diT31sjk5PZVbTwRAC-M9UKLeYXC0/s1600/Develop-keyword-list.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="notepad graphic" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6HQIUJH_nwcro0lZ_gagHlmdExFEOCqPv2SbP02HmnJ1qfEImqDNLZIB3HRP2HwOYj4_42tLhs8KK86g_5Z_Fc0pV68J6RwBxKTj55MiLTxrK7diT31sjk5PZVbTwRAC-M9UKLeYXC0/s200/Develop-keyword-list.png" title="taking notes" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once you have keywords, make a list.<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/03/sample-keyword-list-for-vintage-sellers.html" target="_blank"> (Here is a sample for vintage shops.)</a> Keep that list handy to use when you compose listings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While writing your listing text, keep an eye on your keyword list. Your goal is to use important keywords in a natural, conversational way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be sure to write your first paragraph for your target buyer, not for a machine. The more you understand about your buyers, the better you will be able to write for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy vintage selling!</span></div>
</div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-84183108289308879322018-01-18T23:19:00.001-05:002019-05-14T11:09:46.399-04:00Who is afraid of free shipping?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUbREQxNXmT43befQNjy7JD-XF6XsdLHzeqZYchb4A414tfSKh9JcY1d8vivzC8TX2XssP8hS2az00jDUayl1twFd7PsYa9CUaZ0LE5TAM92MwKKRsj_3aavaR7y_2-cUqTgWlFiziJo/s1600/FreeShippingGraphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mailboxes... can packages ship for free?" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUbREQxNXmT43befQNjy7JD-XF6XsdLHzeqZYchb4A414tfSKh9JcY1d8vivzC8TX2XssP8hS2az00jDUayl1twFd7PsYa9CUaZ0LE5TAM92MwKKRsj_3aavaR7y_2-cUqTgWlFiziJo/s200/FreeShippingGraphic.png" title="Can vintage shops offer free shipping?" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you have free shipping?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I do some reading on Etsy. I see a lot of US vintage sellers who are afraid of free shipping. Deathly afraid.<br />
<br />
(Perhaps it is an issue with shipping in general, but that is a subject for a different post.)<br />
<br />
Repeated studies indicate that buyers (in the USA at least) love free shipping. Although they know it raises the cost of an item, they still prefer it. It is not logical (free shipping is not really "free") but there you have it.<br />
<br />
Put yourself in a shopper's position... People want to shop quickly. By being <i><b>transparent </b>and showing the full cost up front</i>, sellers make the job of shopping easier. Yes, shoppers often find expensive shipping to be a turn-off. Free shipping looks golden in the eyes of shoppers.<br />
<br />
Also, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18736163/page/6" target="_blank">word on the street</a> is that Etsy's algorithm could bump up your items if you have free shipping.<br />
<br />
Is now the time to think about it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm4yxFMMQRVH7TKfUqlzbAMtdz5aIM_qSiDPr0ee93r1b88M14r1cN3miw0Ih0d-RXw70m4v72pTIEpeZBU6kESnCg5E9tzO_Pz-zrqMEGNJ8wn2TMPrEVfSeX640g-DaIAWabPcP5yY/s1600/NorthAmericaMaine.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="shipping from Maine is expensive" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm4yxFMMQRVH7TKfUqlzbAMtdz5aIM_qSiDPr0ee93r1b88M14r1cN3miw0Ih0d-RXw70m4v72pTIEpeZBU6kESnCg5E9tzO_Pz-zrqMEGNJ8wn2TMPrEVfSeX640g-DaIAWabPcP5yY/s200/NorthAmericaMaine.png" title="vintage USA map showing Maine" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geographically challenged?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
What is holding you back?</h3>
<br />
<b>Bulky, heavy stuff: </b>if all you sell in your shop are <b>items over two pounds that pack up over .5 cu ft.,</b> then you can just stop reading this right now. This is the time when Etsy's Calculated Shipping shines. You are good to go.<br />
<br />
(Living in the northeast corner of the USA, I understand the issue of zoned shipping. Most of the west and deep south are expensive shipping zones for me.) Bulky items over .5 cu ft and two pounds are the exception. Leave them be, safely ensconced in Calculated Shipping.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCEQRlV5vBqwgU0GAhOm1yZW2YWwJkI3BmkFsbiv1Qtf9Gfhq-8Hlgty9mHQ3gyT-iL4TfmrUgSVQaw2PGv0YdxfxAbV8gyIaVNM9sz1lQAITFNW0OeheX-pIJK1yPhgtU7uLS8rOYHo/s1600/BrownBowlsTowel33+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yellow ware mixing bowl" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCEQRlV5vBqwgU0GAhOm1yZW2YWwJkI3BmkFsbiv1Qtf9Gfhq-8Hlgty9mHQ3gyT-iL4TfmrUgSVQaw2PGv0YdxfxAbV8gyIaVNM9sz1lQAITFNW0OeheX-pIJK1yPhgtU7uLS8rOYHo/s200/BrownBowlsTowel33+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Items over 2 lbs do not ship free" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy, bulky items are the exception.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Almost everything else? I add some, most or even all of the shipping to the cost and call it good.<br />
<br />
(A caveat: my YOY revenue in the first year showed "up 28%". With the shipping bundled in there, revenue is inflated.)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Can a shop really do that? </h4>
<br />
I am. I have converted everything (items under .5 cu ft and under two pounds, that is) over to free shipping. (Some sellers call this "shipping included.")<br />
<br />
<b>How:</b> I set up a manual shipping profile called "FREE." When renewing I open the item, check attributes, listing text and tags. I look at how I have shipping set. Most of the time, I increase the price to accommodate the "free shipping" model. Then I click the new "free" shipping profile. Done.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/etsy-free-shipping-quickly-convert.html" target="_blank">Here is more information on how to quickly change listings to free shipping.</a><br />
<br />
<h3>
Will free shipping discourage multiple purchases?</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowVDrcnOHf4xU6twWkGeybnNc0TnZ9uKZnMJD9uIUSCWfXurfxw2wmeoxm-QNiYOofc_f-mO9svKWqilpOvM2wgh_yxh0aUT-REPWfwgI-7wTd_CpHPUPiZNEoavM75JWs0zMs9V_4U8/s1600/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Weighing bubble envelope" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowVDrcnOHf4xU6twWkGeybnNc0TnZ9uKZnMJD9uIUSCWfXurfxw2wmeoxm-QNiYOofc_f-mO9svKWqilpOvM2wgh_yxh0aUT-REPWfwgI-7wTd_CpHPUPiZNEoavM75JWs0zMs9V_4U8/s200/Vintage-Scale-Light-Package.JPG" title="Antique scales" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small packages are easier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It will not, <b><i>if </i></b>you give a corresponding discount off of multiple purchases. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2019/01/etsy-quick-trick-free-shipping-plus-15.html" target="_blank">I have my shop set at 15% off for purchases of three or more items</a>. That way my multiple buyers get their "free"<br />
shipping back and feel like they are getting a bargain.<br />
<br />
Another benefit of offering a percentage-off promotion is that <i>my shop shows up on any search for items on sale</i>.... (And of course searches with free shipping...) I get fewer requests for lower prices, too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18446399/page/69?post_id=383132881" target="_blank">Here is a little bit of Q & A on the subject from Etsy CEO Josh Silverman.</a><br />
<br />
Etsy wants us to "<a href="https://community.etsy.com/t5/Pricing-and-Finance/Etsy-1st-Quarter-2019-Financial-Results-Site-Sales-Up-18-9-to-1/m-p/126276666#M386665" target="_blank">think of shipping as just another business expense you need to roll into your product prices.</a>" Free shipping is a different business model... you need to wrap your mind around it. You make more profit if someone local buys your item, and less the further away they live...<br />
Who is afraid of free shipping now?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Happy Etsy selling!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM_OWuTf0V1vYjCPihK6Q9_NJNiICL7pvYO8HiC9S3M82iCWTMGAUDd7xPDoU8VYJlBiXRrW-Mp5oNVrNJy52JsV_MuT0myM-FDB3b4zqHFpXaRUmtd4TpCbeJq_liyueL4vPVxlaZuY/s1600/Etsy-Shipping-Screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="free shipping is easy on etsy" border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1225" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM_OWuTf0V1vYjCPihK6Q9_NJNiICL7pvYO8HiC9S3M82iCWTMGAUDd7xPDoU8VYJlBiXRrW-Mp5oNVrNJy52JsV_MuT0myM-FDB3b4zqHFpXaRUmtd4TpCbeJq_liyueL4vPVxlaZuY/s320/Etsy-Shipping-Screen.jpg" title="change etsy listing to free shipping" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once your free shipping profile is set up, the rest is easy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CRva5r0fakLOak8_m48pr8MLfnB0NR7sNZSzxZGmSCtrGbgofi1cHfADT-oijOtmgsKQq_XL2mRo5IuCHhpYqthVaPtVDnBRvNQ8qWO1evAl4j91PWaoRrOYJ8pKgnN34ikj0P8QQS8/s1600/Etsy-Edit-Shipping-Profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="etsy seller screen for shipping setup" border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CRva5r0fakLOak8_m48pr8MLfnB0NR7sNZSzxZGmSCtrGbgofi1cHfADT-oijOtmgsKQq_XL2mRo5IuCHhpYqthVaPtVDnBRvNQ8qWO1evAl4j91PWaoRrOYJ8pKgnN34ikj0P8QQS8/s320/Etsy-Edit-Shipping-Profile.jpg" title="shipping setup for esty seller" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up a new free shipping profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Afterthought: I find that converting my listings to free shipping helps me view my pricing in a new light. Perhaps some items are too expensive to ship, and not worth carrying in my online shops. Will a time come when large, inexpensive items will be again sold locally rather than online?<br />
<br />
Another afterthought: offering free shipping forces sellers to be on their game as to the cheapest shipping options. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2018/12/pirate-ship-is-free-save-your-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank">Make friends with Pirate Ship</a>'s cubic pricing. Learn the nuances of the USPS (or other postal service if you are not in the USA).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglot9OKujBPp7MrUmuu-M5XapsD1PxXkpQKEU9Yr95S3YCjPy1DEHbgmRtnVvCg4vdmqFKl3R6Cof2ZdI5nR2qjZXKMazFckapq9ngYXQTJNYKDlWLmXv9cudeKnFXLJ2UXJMEFqt44Q4/s1600/Etsy-Seller-Idea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglot9OKujBPp7MrUmuu-M5XapsD1PxXkpQKEU9Yr95S3YCjPy1DEHbgmRtnVvCg4vdmqFKl3R6Cof2ZdI5nR2qjZXKMazFckapq9ngYXQTJNYKDlWLmXv9cudeKnFXLJ2UXJMEFqt44Q4/s200/Etsy-Seller-Idea.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted the graphic smaller, but...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h3>
What about international shipping?</h3>
<br />
Because it can be so expensive, small sellers have difficulty offering free shipping internationally. If item prices are raised to compensate for free shipping to domestic locations what can be done to sweeten the deal for international buyers?<br />
<br />
That IS a good question. Perhaps you can lower your international shipping prices to a degree to coincide with the discount you are giving to your buyers who are receiving "free shipping." For example, if a particular item you added $4 to the price to cover shipping, why not take approximately $4 off shipping your international buyers?<br />
<br />
I do not ship internationally except by request. I am not sure if there is a full answer of how to make some sort of equitable "free shipping" for international buyers. A case-by-case basis? Set up a bunch of individualized profiles and use the one that fits the size of your item? Please let me know if you come up with a workable solution.<br />
<br />Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-67113752739574299452017-12-13T18:32:00.001-05:002018-03-08T08:39:16.882-05:00December 2017 Updates from Etsy's CEO <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibBfjZXPDE0D1X3pqrLvDT-qi6KmJUKGcVKHIfTU6OlvrU-AQNnxEnqKmDuxLxFAxVeVqfP7TJ2_bi8FEjdl5jRjRLCQxwDV5RjkDyggL1WMEu2p1wwCeM9RPzIXtSA83YXbR-cmR_OM/s1600/Josh+Silverman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy's CEO Josh Silverman" border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="654" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibBfjZXPDE0D1X3pqrLvDT-qi6KmJUKGcVKHIfTU6OlvrU-AQNnxEnqKmDuxLxFAxVeVqfP7TJ2_bi8FEjdl5jRjRLCQxwDV5RjkDyggL1WMEu2p1wwCeM9RPzIXtSA83YXbR-cmR_OM/s200/Josh+Silverman.jpg" title="Etsy's CEO speaks to sellers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy's CEO Josh Silverman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18555023" target="_blank">On December 13, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman updated Etsy sellers.</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/update-from-etsy-ceo-josh-silverman/234635924549" target="_blank">He also shared information in a video on December 5, 2017.</a><br />
<br />
Here are some highlights about search improvements.<br />
<br />
First, from his earlier video chat:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In September, we introduced a major improvement called
Context Specific Ranking, or CSR. Through CSR, we’re personalizing the search
experience by using information about the shopper, time of day, and other
context-specific factors to rank results in real time… The more personalized
approach means that you’ll no longer see the same results every time you type
in a search term. And the good news is that we’re already seeing CSR drive more
sales.</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’re also working hard to get better at understanding what
your item actually is, based on all of the information in your listings, with
less focus on your titles. Eventually, as search continues to improve, our goal
is to enable you to include all the relevant data about your products as you
list them, reducing the need to continuously refine your SEO terms.</i></blockquote>
Let us break this down a bit.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "...you’ll no longer see the same results every time you type in a search term."</span></i></blockquote>
That means that doing test searches to determine ranking of our items is no longer possible. Every time someone searches, they will see something different.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is where Josh introduced the term "CSR" or <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/etsy-changes-up-search-in-late-2017.html" target="_blank">"Context Specific Ranking."</a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through CSR, we’re personalizing the search experience by using information about the shopper, time of day, and other context-specific factors to rank results in real time.</i></blockquote>
He let sellers know that any need to <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/12/etsy-search-what-is-title-keyword.html" target="_blank">stuff item titles full of keyword phrases</a> is fading:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’re also working hard to get better at understanding what your item actually is, based on all of the information in your listings, with less focus on your titles. </i> </blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He finishes this section with this statement:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually, as search continues to improve, our goal is to enable you to include all the relevant data about your products as you list them, reducing the need to continuously refine your SEO terms.</i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>This is good news if you dislike tweaking listings. It means more time to pick great vintage to sell, right?</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h3>
Adjustments to search and discovery</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18555023" target="_blank"> Now let us consider some excerpts about search from today's question-and-answer session from Josh:</a></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regarding improvements to search and discovery, this continues to be a major focus for us. As I mentioned
in my video, in addition to rolling out context-specific ranking, or CSR, we’re
working hard to get better at understanding what your item actually is, based
on all of the information in your listings, including image recognition, with
less focus on your titles. Eventually, our goal is to have you design your
title and item description in a way that most appeals to customers. We’ll keep
you posted on our progress.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p>We boost new shops and new listings in relevant search for a
very brief time to give them a chance to be seen. After this quick boost the
new items will appear as they normally would in search results. This practice,
which is common in ecommerce and retail in general, has been in place on Etsy
for the past few years.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’d like to address search “clumping,” which has been
a hot topic lately. Our system limits the number of listings per seller that
can return within the first few pages of results for any given query. This
allows us to help buyers experience the breadth of items available on Etsy,
which, as we’ve learned through data and testing, increases the likelihood
they’ll make a purchase. We’ll continue to analyze the data to make sure we’re
helping buyers find what they’re looking for within our diverse collection of
listings. We need to do a better job at delivering Breadth, and not just Depth.
I agree this is an area where we need to improve, and we are making significant
investments to do so.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">…the search algorithm, the way we match search terms to listings hasn’t changed and our guidance remains the same, including recommendations for keywords, titles, and categories. What has changed is how we rank search results. Through context-specific ranking, we’re personalizing search rankings in real-time using information about the shopper, time of day, and other context-specific factors. This new approach is leading to an increase in sales in the marketplace. </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now we will break it down a bit.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H0mxQ-E3yKipKBCSP2IoSjLktKGqXufs3JFFO65oHpsaMiSWAN9SqnvCbtXxhWSZ7G148jLjkT80MvmmiMTWtsLgO_TvmWXzwc0ZW_yTQv7g3mMScEngZ4BycOFoBhCfk-AA0J5543E/s1600/Five+More+Photos%2521+%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy sellers now can host more photos" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H0mxQ-E3yKipKBCSP2IoSjLktKGqXufs3JFFO65oHpsaMiSWAN9SqnvCbtXxhWSZ7G148jLjkT80MvmmiMTWtsLgO_TvmWXzwc0ZW_yTQv7g3mMScEngZ4BycOFoBhCfk-AA0J5543E/s200/Five+More+Photos%2521+%25285%2529.png" title="Five more photos for Etsy sellers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy recently added five photo fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">...In addition to rolling out context-specific ranking, or CSR, we’re working hard to get better at understanding what your item actually is, based on all of the information in your listings, including image recognition, with less focus on your titles.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fill out all of your </span><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/03/big-changes-at-etsy-in-2017.html" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">attribute fields</a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (things like color, size, capacity, style, occasion). <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/07/five-more-photos-etsy-vintage-shops.html" target="_blank">Include lots of pictures,</a> as image recognition is on the horizon. Think about it, the more photos you have the more chances to be matched up with a buyer's search!</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We boost new shops and new listings in relevant search for a very brief time to give them a chance to be seen. After this quick boost the new items will appear as they normally would in search results.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/02/etsy-listings-renew-or-copy.html" target="_blank">So listing new items gives them a "quick boost." Is that better than renewing?</a> Maybe.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our system limits the number of listings per seller that can return within the first few pages of results for any given query. This allows us to help buyers experience the breadth of items available on Etsy, which, as we’ve learned through data and testing, increases the likelihood they’ll make a purchase.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/etsy-search-clumping-is-new-normal.html" target="_blank">Clumping is the new normal</a>. You can be sure that Etsy would not be doing it unless it resulted in increased sales over all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx25X2mlBr_SPcyOBgCzpqEXvKYEjuHBG8PHxhXzOAWO9OEQPfMJRdUMOc28DVx5sQnXPS7eXSG35HKH2YPXf4wk4MiFvQWg9Mx5FcqXcLIgGSaqe2Erl9ScyNrip8bzUK8H6UOjUbqU/s1600/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="guessing at Etsy's search changes" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx25X2mlBr_SPcyOBgCzpqEXvKYEjuHBG8PHxhXzOAWO9OEQPfMJRdUMOc28DVx5sQnXPS7eXSG35HKH2YPXf4wk4MiFvQWg9Mx5FcqXcLIgGSaqe2Erl9ScyNrip8bzUK8H6UOjUbqU/s200/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" title="What is Etsy's algorithm?" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best practices are the same</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are sellers to do? Has anything changed? Josh addresses that:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">…the search algorithm, the way we match search terms to listings hasn’t changed and our guidance remains the same, including recommendations for keywords, titles, and categories. </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-get-found-in-search/22717244953" target="_blank">Etsy's "best practices" have not changed.</a> (As always, use a variety of <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/etsy-search-long-tail-keywords.html">long-tail keywords</a>. Use concise titles and accurate tags. Those are the best ways right now to capture different queries that buyers might make.) <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/32755/improvements-to-categorizing-your-items" target="_blank">Try this prototype team for an improved way to find Etsy's categories.</a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What has changed is how we rank search results. Through context-specific ranking, we’re personalizing search rankings in real-time using information about the shopper, time of day, and other context-specific factors. This new approach is leading to an increase in sales in the marketplace. </span></blockquote>
But how search results are served up has changed. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/on-machine-learning-and-other-etsy.html" target="_blank">There is that term "CSR" again.</a> How items are placed in search are personalized (using information about the shopper, the time of day and other factors to be sure).<br />
<br />
Josh Silverman is saying that he has the shareholders' backs. And sellers, as there would be no marketplace without them.<br />
<br />
Happy selling!Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-70830609695368960502017-11-20T21:24:00.001-05:002017-11-23T19:55:03.692-05:00Who is in the driver's seat?<h4>
What is up with Etsy's search?</h4>
<h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8okvqYyHZr074QUp3v2He5tYIUpeK7u1oxxboc5xCyPnq0fHOqaLE57Hj8RwX11f81_OwSFqJSGzMhQzZmrpY2p0ZmtkZxuHrJf2mw-q0HFNGKiBwNyUVUO35Mpc7CVNQKVepJhvby8/s1600/Artificial-Intelligence-In-Dirver-Seat-of-Etsy-Search.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy's search algorithm has changed" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8okvqYyHZr074QUp3v2He5tYIUpeK7u1oxxboc5xCyPnq0fHOqaLE57Hj8RwX11f81_OwSFqJSGzMhQzZmrpY2p0ZmtkZxuHrJf2mw-q0HFNGKiBwNyUVUO35Mpc7CVNQKVepJhvby8/s320/Artificial-Intelligence-In-Dirver-Seat-of-Etsy-Search.png" title="Who is in the driver's seat of Etsy search?" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold on tight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<br />
Reports vary... some shops are doing all right and some are not: theories abound.<br />
<br />
Things have changed with Etsy's search. That is a fact. As one seller put it,<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18533646/page/4" target="_blank">"relevancy is no longer relevant on Etsy."</a><br />
<br />
This may sound radical, but it is time to reassess everything that what we think we know about how search works. Everything. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/on-machine-learning-and-other-etsy.html" target="_blank">The entire ball game has changed.</a><br />
<br />
Why are sellers holding their breath?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Artificial Intelligence is now in the driver's seat of Etsy search. </h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Etsy feels a bit like driverless car... No one, not even the programmers, know exactly where the search "vehicle" is headed with the new "<a href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3208088/mobile-wireless/ai-innovation-finds-a-home-on-mobile-devices.html" target="_blank">recommendation technology</a>." Sellers will have to be patient. "Machine learning" has to do its thing. It will be seeking connections between searches and purchases. Its goal is to figure out what searchers want to see, what motivates them to buy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO7v5NP9o_Yt9MqXKjC6u_zYKnRrF_0qr6-T7h8C_E-x9OkUZlzJZ8hp4FE63rznXcImVl7LY8FHZj6Uev2VgMnboH84SEIoF2vs9JhMusGcRrCaLR3b978I9QCcrnQBqmqdjjBuOUVE/s1600/Analyzing-Data-Takes-Time.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Artificial intelligence at work" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO7v5NP9o_Yt9MqXKjC6u_zYKnRrF_0qr6-T7h8C_E-x9OkUZlzJZ8hp4FE63rznXcImVl7LY8FHZj6Uev2VgMnboH84SEIoF2vs9JhMusGcRrCaLR3b978I9QCcrnQBqmqdjjBuOUVE/s200/Analyzing-Data-Takes-Time.png" title="Machine learning takes time" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Analyzing data takes time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It takes time to examine millions of pieces of data. The algorithm will be looking for connections, called "<a href="https://www.webimax.com/blog/seo/how-google-may-re-rank-search-results-based-the-context-of-what-you-click" target="_blank">context-specific results</a>." This new technology will be seeking common factors between millions of buyer <b>search queries</b> and actual<b> sales</b>. It will be connecting the dots.<br />
<br />
Add to that personalization of results. Everyone will see something different.<br />
<br />
Etsy's search has become more complicated than any human can understand... "machine learning." That is why no one can even begin to predict search results at this point.<br />
<br />
The thought is that search will change all the time for a year or two. Search results may at times be bad due to the learning curve. Of course, sales can suffer in the short term.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
This "deep learning" technology is calculated to "<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paularmstrongtech/2016/12/15/what-you-dont-know-about-etsy-and-its-2017-strategy/#32a3b11d64b0" target="_blank">deliver even more relevant search results and a shopping experience that can be even more tailored to individual buyers.</a>" Ultimately, things should improve.<br />
<br />
Google's driverless car goes places... It is basically doing what it has been "trained" to do. Eventually Etsy's search will get there.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Can Etsy's machine learning figure out vintage?</h4>
<br />
Vintage is vulnerable at Etsy. It seems like the proverbial red-headed step-child.<a href="https://www.etsy.com/cyber-week-sales?ref=cyber_week_sitewide_banner" target="_blank"> Etsy is stressing its "made by someone" mystique</a>, which is not vintage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8K_4rFtGKJciB9nZcBPAhyuToYdG746JHWCS1qdqwM6ESjAuh4gE5q5suv21rz7F5NoC-pfyL4V4Jx-Z3zCtoav2BZ3ji9ECHJY0gA5MW_LnNZhXD0ovqxBTk-0i-_4CQAH6zOA0uM8/s1600/Etsy-Handmade-Sale-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy stressing creative goods" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1469" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8K_4rFtGKJciB9nZcBPAhyuToYdG746JHWCS1qdqwM6ESjAuh4gE5q5suv21rz7F5NoC-pfyL4V4Jx-Z3zCtoav2BZ3ji9ECHJY0gA5MW_LnNZhXD0ovqxBTk-0i-_4CQAH6zOA0uM8/s400/Etsy-Handmade-Sale-Banner.jpg" title="Etsy sale banner in late 2017" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy is stressing handmade in this sale banner from late 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being in on the ground floor of a revolutionary new search experience has its pros and cons. Etsy sellers are about to find out the good, the bad and the ugly.<br />
<div>
<br />
<h4>
What can be done now?</h4>
<br />
Until more information is provided, making major changes would just be a shot in the dark. Let common sense prevail.<br />
<br />
For now, the rules appear to be the same as always... When listing, accurately describe your item. Use understandable and descriptive language. Carefully word your titles and tags. Fill out any slots for attributes. (Those are material, size and other search factors that are different for each type of item). Use great photos.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/help/article/34234144469" target="_blank">Etsy's instructions have not changed.</a> Yet at least. (Please let me know if you see that they have.)<br />
<br />
Hang on tight, though. It could be a rough ride when machine learning is driving search.<br />
<br />
Want to know more? <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Just%20popping%20by%20with%20some%20reading...%20for%20those%20of%20you%20wondering%20about%20Etsy's%20changes%20to%20search.%20A%20lot%20to%20digest%20here:%20%20http://www.cindylouwho2.com/blog/2017/11/23/evolution-of-etsy-search-november-2017-context-is-key-clumping-is-back" target="_blank">Here is some more in-depth information about recent changes in Etsy search.</a></div>
Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6197653451932702439.post-12023777025879456692017-11-14T01:24:00.000-05:002017-11-15T15:19:09.562-05:00On machine learning and other Etsy search changes...<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillifUOL7T0NW9l4Ds89ox1H2X3-64jhkERrAS7QC4lOPaP44WvYsS1Yk3O7bZeBGs3FZlGP9Wn8tZNLNz31IjBwAdB4NdbQV8Wj1b5pHL8RLOMWqd1-JWA-UZdoI0KcnV_ebdOx6Qr54/s1600/Navigating-Sea-Change.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Navigating Etsy's sea of changes" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillifUOL7T0NW9l4Ds89ox1H2X3-64jhkERrAS7QC4lOPaP44WvYsS1Yk3O7bZeBGs3FZlGP9Wn8tZNLNz31IjBwAdB4NdbQV8Wj1b5pHL8RLOMWqd1-JWA-UZdoI0KcnV_ebdOx6Qr54/s320/Navigating-Sea-Change.png" title="Lots of change at Etsy in 2017" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold on tight... Etsy is a sea of changes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes it feels like there is a sea of change at Etsy. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/04/staying-positive-in-sea-of-change.html" target="_blank">I know that I felt that way earlier this year.</a> Since then, there have been further transformations afoot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For one thing, <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/edited-transcript-etsy-earnings-conference-034122519.html" target="_blank">Etsy stated that they are doing even more testing than in the past.</a> They use the term "experiment velocity."<br />
<br />
Etsy has not announced these changes per se. But they are happening.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Etsy has added many new search features:</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/03/big-changes-at-etsy-in-2017.html" target="_blank">Item <b>attributes</b></a> can now be searched in some cases. (Make sure yours are all filled out.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>New filters are available (<b><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/08/are-you-having-sale.html" target="_blank">items on sale</a></b>, <b><a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/09/will-you-offer-free-shipping-on-etsy.html" target="_blank">free shipping</a></b>, some attributes on the left side).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Badges</b> may appear for things like "best seller" and what they call a "scarcity".</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Guided search</b>, which are orange-toned buttons that appear at the top of some broad searches.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxEg-I6ITloCE-Fgx2FwhddWLF15VSewYDL-cq_7uTaPKAyMY2FdiI0PD0qCrMipFv-lYkV_5wWbjWQz8EuwPmxwNbT9N5gUdGXnjVcs2ANObiMhKIM5UDB6ywSEQu6nLn9IO293pWrc/s1600/Maine-Etsy-Search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Etsy guided search" border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1483" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxEg-I6ITloCE-Fgx2FwhddWLF15VSewYDL-cq_7uTaPKAyMY2FdiI0PD0qCrMipFv-lYkV_5wWbjWQz8EuwPmxwNbT9N5gUdGXnjVcs2ANObiMhKIM5UDB6ywSEQu6nLn9IO293pWrc/s400/Maine-Etsy-Search.jpg" title="Etsy search changes" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some changes to Etsy search</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Shop feedback</b> (star ratings) now display in search results.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Similar items</b> buttons are under search results (only show up if your cursor is over that item).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Artificial intelligence & search</h4>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Etsy has begun to use machine learning technology ("artificial intelligence"). That is why Etsy purchased the company Blackbird Technologies last year.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx25X2mlBr_SPcyOBgCzpqEXvKYEjuHBG8PHxhXzOAWO9OEQPfMJRdUMOc28DVx5sQnXPS7eXSG35HKH2YPXf4wk4MiFvQWg9Mx5FcqXcLIgGSaqe2Erl9ScyNrip8bzUK8H6UOjUbqU/s1600/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="No one knows Etsy's algorithm" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx25X2mlBr_SPcyOBgCzpqEXvKYEjuHBG8PHxhXzOAWO9OEQPfMJRdUMOc28DVx5sQnXPS7eXSG35HKH2YPXf4wk4MiFvQWg9Mx5FcqXcLIgGSaqe2Erl9ScyNrip8bzUK8H6UOjUbqU/s200/Algorithm-WhatIsIt.png" title="Figuring out Etsy's algorithm" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is Etsy's algorithm?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The goal is to determine the intent of a buyer when making a search.<a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/18523459/page/7" target="_blank"> (Here is more about the related "Context Specific Search Ranking.")</a><br />
<br />
In the past, search results were returned to shoppers that best matched their <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/etsy-search-tags.html" target="_blank">exact phrases in <b>tags</b></a> <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/12/etsy-search-what-is-title-keyword.html" target="_blank">and <b>titles</b></a>. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/improving-etsy-sales-30-ways-with.html" target="_blank">And the best "quality scores." </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/etsy-search-fairness-algorithm.html" target="_blank">Items used to be shown one per page per shop as per the "fairness" part of the old algorithm</a>.... but that has changed...</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Some things have been removed</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Gone is the "shop diversity" element. There is no longer a limit of one item per shop per page of search results. <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2017/11/etsy-search-clumping-is-new-normal.html" target="_blank">"Clumping" is now the norm.</a> This is a big change for some shops.<br />
<br />
Also gone is the opportunity to <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/12/test-searching-on-etsy-why-how.html" target="_blank">test search to see how your items place</a>. Why? As mentioned above, your search results are becoming contextualized and personalized. Results are different for each buyer. </div>
<div>
<br />
As artificial intelligence is self-learning, the personalization is still developing. It is learning to make connections between the terms that searchers use and what their real intent is. (For example, when someone types in a word, what is it that they eventually buy?) Etsy stated that factors include search history, user data and "as a first step" sales data. It is far from perfect, but you can expect it to get better with time.<br />
<br />
Any improvement in Etsy search is good news, right?<br />
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<h4>
What is next at Etsy?</h4>
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We do not know. And there is no recommendation to make any major changes to titles or tags. As always, use a variety of <a href="http://vintage.vintagemaineia.com/2016/11/etsy-search-long-tail-keywords.html" target="_blank">long-tail keywords</a>. Use accurate titles and tags. Those are the best ways to capture different queries that buyers might make. And ultimately sell your items.<br />
<br />
(And, of course, offer cool stuff.)<br />
<br />
Etsy is working on more interesting ("revolutionary") discovery tools... So plan on more changes!</div>
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Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04578316993479440906noreply@blogger.com4