Etsy Shop Critiques

Banner:

I love the font you’ve used, and it looks great in white. I don’t think it looks as good in black or in the smaller font you used for your name. I feel like the blue in the banner clashes a little with the blue-ish green used in your featured listings. I think it would look best with the same background colors used in your listings with Tidepools Jewelry centered. I would add your name, but use it in the Shop Title underneath. The title is used in searches so it would be valuable to have it there.

Announcement:

Perfect, wouldn’t change a thing.

Sections:

I do not think you are currently utilizing your shop sections. You have 8 all together – 3 are empty, 2 have 1 item, there is a duplicate braclets section, and the majority of them are in 2 categories: necklace and earrings. Think about using sections for a common material instead.

Listings:

• I love the background for your featured listings. It makes the silver pop, and goes so good with Hawaiian theme of your shop. It would look so good and really add something if you were consistent and used this for every listing. Great look and feel. 
• This is a perfect use of your photos http://www.etsy.com/listing/47596580/fes2-faceted-pyrite-rondelle-cluster?ref=v1_other_2 – 3 views of the necklace, mannequin, packaging. Again, be consistent. Listings like this http://www.etsy.com/listing/47872153/sandy-beach-bracelet-hand-stamped are really lacking in comparison. 
• Good wording for your listings, just would recommend using cm for international customers as well as inches.

Shop Policies:

• I would recommend including something along the lines of “Please note that international buyers are responsible for any and all duties and customs charges that may be incurred.”

• Also I feel the ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ is unnecessary, and makes it seem a little less professional.

• I would consider delivery confirmation – it is only 80 cents, and if you don’t get feedback it is a nice way of knowing the package has been received.
• Also insurance might be a good idea on larger orders - Jewelry sellers & insurance thread - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6463615&page=1

Overall:

You have great products, and you have good sales, I think the main thing is consistency with your photographs in each listing and with the background. I also noticed you have no social networking sites or etsy groups listed. Maybe consider the Hawaii Street Team to meet local etsians - http://team.etsy.com/profilest/hi.shtml

Check out my new mini photo book featuring 23 photos for only $10 :
On the Road: Rhode Island

Shop Appearance:

Well your banner – I love it! Great colors, and design – very friendly! Your shop title underneath though should include what you sell, just Daizee Dots isn’t enough, something along the lines of “Daizee Dots – Cute Infant Attire” would be good. < Recommended Reading: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/seller-how-to-optimizing-your-etsy-shop-for-search-engines-3835/ > 

Your announcement is really good, great shop statement. Short enough that your featured listings are visible, and no unnecessary line breaks or symbols, thumbs up. 

Your avatar I feel is very plain – maybe use the first photo of this listing – http://www.etsy.com/listing/42935975/brown-and-pink-daizee-on-white-onesie. Using an infant in your avatar will cause cuteness clicks – everyone loves little babies- and will let people in forums know you sell infant items.  Your featured listings – I would do listings that show the item on an infant. It just adds an adorability factor! Maybe these three http://www.etsy.com/listing/46755515/pink-and-giraffe-print-heart-onesie , http://www.etsy.com/listing/42934408/red-crab-on-white-onesie-cute-baby , http://www.etsy.com/listing/42935975/brown-and-pink-daizee-on-white-onesie ?

Listings:

• The main concern/suggestion is that I noticed some onesies are only available in one size, some in all sizes. Every one should be available in all sizes- you never want to lose a customer because the one they love is only available in a too small size. I would at least include the size in the item title for ones available in just one size.

• The other thing I would work on would be photography. While it shows the item, using different lighting and set up will really show off the item. You can always consider getting in touch with a local photographers and see if they’ll do it free, in exchange for you letting them use the photos in their portfolio and featuring their watermark on the photo in your shop. Here are my favorite shops for infant items photos. I think happyfamily may use a lightbox for theirs, which is easy and something you could try making yourself.

1. http://www.etsy.com/shop/oliverbludesigns

2. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Snazziedrawers?section_id=6866197

3. http://www.etsy.com/shop/baparsell

4. http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyfamily

• The first paragraph in your listings are perfect! I would leave them as is -then the size, then something along the lines of “Please leave the size you would like in the message to seller section during checkout” vs the message me sentence. Also I saw in your announcement that all items are prewashed so I would include that in your either your shop policies or the description, as well as what you wash them in – Dreft?

• I see you leave the onesie clothing labels on there – think about ordering your own and sewing them in - http://www.etsy.com/listing/47622715/custom-sew-in-labels-your-logo-etc-30

Shop Policies:

For the payment section – I would ask in the forums but I don’t think you need to list your name for checks. I think it gives that to the seller at checkout. I think it is also important to include if they are paying by check, the item won’t be shipped until the check has been received. It usually takes a few days for a check to clear, so be careful. I would consalt the business topics forum on etsy and see what other sellers do for checks. Consider doing money orders if you are doing checks anyways – you can cash those instantly at the post office and aren’t as risky as checks.

Also would suggest adding something like “Please note that international buyers are responsible for any and all duties and customs charges that may be incurred.”

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
hollyedwards.etsy.com

Banner:

I feel like the style and color of your banner does not match your young cute modern shop. Your photos are so adorable, what about painting your shop name in pink on a long white board, and photographing the young model holding it in one of her dresses? Maybe too time consuming, but you get my drift. Even something super simple like the first one shown http://www.etsy.com/listing/47511001/plain-folk-premade-banner-and-avatar with a pink background and white text might look better. The gray is just dreary, and doesn’t exude the young cute happy style of your photos.

Announcement:

Good writing, but it is a bit long and I feel all the ~~~~~~~~ dividers are unnecesary and make it feel heavy and bulky. Since your banner doesn’t showcase your work, I feel the featured listings should really be seen at first click. I think for your featured listings, it might do nice to do a kit as the center one.

Listings:

• Your photos are adorable! I searched for girls dresses and your thumbnails look way better than a lot of others. I did see one seller with a good idea for photos – see in this listing how she photographed the 2^nd and 3^rd photos: http://www.etsy.com/listing/40407977/julianna-dress I think it would be a good idea to keep your thumbnail (1^st photos) as is, but include non-angled straight on shots of the front, side and the back too as your 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th photos, with the 5^th a close up on a detail.

• I noticed you haven’t added new items or renewed items lately. It is so important to keep on top of the searches. I would edit your tags to include 2T 3T 4T in case someone is searching by size.

• I would try to follow the same trends as retail stores, and offer holiday inspired dresses. Retail shopping stores right now are promoting the 4^th of July. Consider a red, white and blue design. If it takes up to 3 weeks, you should be promoting now, and then maybe make one of each size and offer it ready to ship, one left once you get to the 3 week point. Immediately after the 4^th you should think about ‘back to school’ and ‘fall’ – a plaid dress, after the first of September, list fall colors. Mid October list Christmas Dresses. You really need to stay on top of trends, especially if you want to get featured in etsy finds, the front page and treasuries.

• I would include a little more info on making the dress as well. Made with ____ material, featuring ____….

• Your kits are a wonderful idea! I love them. Maybe get in touch with a popular sewing or crafting site, and offer a giveaway or discount to help promote them.

• I would update shipping info for your listings – some include ‘everywhere else’ and some do not.

Profile/Policies:

Just two suggestions – maybe add more about you in your profile, and consider adding this in your shop policies: Please note that international buyers are responsible for any and all duties and customs charges that may be incurred.

The only other concern I have is that you are a NYS resident, and you do not state anything about collecting sales tax. If you haven’t already you need to register online for your tax permit, and then you will need to charge all NYS residents tax based on their zip code. It is very easy to do (I was intimidated!) - you just sumbit the form online, they mail you your license, and you sumbit taxes quarterly.

Banner:

Your banner looks very professional – but it just doesn’t pop. I was actually really surprised to scroll down and see such bright colors in your featured listings. The shadowing, and text work well, but I would consider maybe changing the gray, and adding a more eye catching element of your work.

Avatar:

I think your avatar is a good representation of your work, and is definitely something I would click on if I saw it in the forums.

Profile:

I love it! It’s very cute and my suggestion would be to include this link - http://www.etsy.com/convo_new.php?to_username=BlueDayDesigns , for someone new to etsy who doesn’t know where the contact button is.  Also maybe include what your shop name means!

Announcement:

I wouldn’t edit what you say – you do a great job explaining your products- I would edit how you orgainize it. I think all the stars make it look very heavy and the length is a little bulky. I think having your featured listings show is really important, because you want to catch the customers attention right away. It would be nice if you put the featured listings in the same order as is written, and you edit it enough that while a customer is reading they can see the featured listings.

Policies

Instead of sending people to paypal to learn about it, I would include this link: http://www.etsy.com/help_guide_checkout.php

I would consider adding delivery confirmation. In the US it only costs 80cents, and I’ve been told it’s only 18 cents on paypal. Sometimes customers don’t fill out feedback, so you have no clue whether they received it. I’ve read stories of people getting messages a month later, claiming they never got it. I think it also appeals to the customer, especially when it takes so long to ship from Australia, and personally I love being able to track my packages.

I would also include insurance for your $150 items.  You do a great job covering all points, which is helpful and comforting for buyers!

Listings:

• I think your shop is very orginial and if you promote enough you could be very successful. Your thumbnails look great – although it is extremely confusing having identical listings, and I think you might want to consider just renewing one more often vs having 2 of the same.

• You put that “Different canvas sizes and shapes” are an option. I would include more about that in your shop policies.

• It was also a little daunting to see “The portrait will be spray-painted onto a flat canvas.” I think most buyers who aren’t educated in art (like myself) would be put off by the fact that it is shown on a canvas, and that they’d have to take it somewhere themselves. I have never heard of that, and I think it would be helpful to include how much it usually costs, and include a link to show how you would DIY. I’m guessing it isn’t that hard or expensive, but it would be nice to know what it takes/costs.

• I would also wonder about the free mini portrait, it says it comes on the eassel so I want to assume it is on a canvas? Do you ship it in the tube, or mail the eassel and mini seperate? This is what comes to my mind as a buyer.

• Also you list in both cm and inches which is great but then you just have “3.8cm wide” in the description – I would include this in inches. Very helpful for American customers!

• I would also consider doing a listing specifically for pet portraits! I know it might be silly, but there is definitely a market for it, and it never hurts to expand your customer base. Yes, someone could submit an animal photo for any of your listings, but as far as promoting and getting it noticed, an individual listing would be nice!

• I love your Da Vinci idea! It is very cute and appealing. I would try to include birthday and something with mom in the tags, gifts for moms maybe. Also the fourth photo down in this one http://www.etsy.com/listing/45929688/the-mini-da-vinci-your-childs-art-on – it looked like it was photoshopped into the photo. It looks out of place, and the child looks to young to draw. Maybe have it on a childs desk with a child sitting there drawing?

• The first photo for this one too http://www.etsy.com/listing/44524958/mini-portrait-custom-portrait-on-tiny?ref=vl_other_2 seems a little off. I know after clicking the record is there for proportions, but for a thumbnail, I think it’s better to show exactly what it is with no confusion.

Overall:

Your shop photos are great, your products are terrific, your wording in listings and policies is wonderful. The suggestions I offered are all minor, but would help overall. I think your main priorities need to be adding a few more listings, creating a business plan if you haven’t already, and promoting as much as you possibly can.  Consider twitter, advertising on mothering sites, hosting a giveaway on a popular blog (for example http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com hosts a lot of infant and child giveaways, maybe offer a mini da vinci to the winner?).

Banner:

I love the font you use for Red & Noosh! However the handmade jewelry is small and harder to read. The background is just so busy, and it looks like there is a glare in the center. I would keep the noosh font, but do a plain background.

Announcement:

There is only one issue I have a problem with in your statement, the part about sold orders being custom pieces. When I was scrolling through your shop it was really confusing to see sold, I assumed they were on hold for someone. The problem is someone might find one of these items through google, and like it, but see sold in the picture and not bother to search your shop and look at the announcement. You say they “are only available for custom orders.” so include that in the title and the description and edit out the sold stamp – you never want to lose customers over a misunderstanding and you can’t assume everyone will read your shop statement.

Avatar:

Your avatar does a great job showing off your earrings, I just wish it was more exciting. A close up on a white background maybe?

Listings:

• The first thing I noticed where your giveaway and coupon listings. It is actually against Etsy rules to post items that are not for sale – you can only list tangible actual items.
  
•  The items you have listed are really lovely but the thumbnails do not show them off properly. The stones, and shadows in your most recent listings, are distracting, and they pull your eyes off the jewelry. Your pieces have a lot of color, which is why I think a white background would work best. Consider creating your own lightbox to photograph your work without any props. Look at how well white works for this shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/villageboutique – it shows off the work perfectly. Here is a really easy tutorial on making a lightbox - http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent . I associate stones with being dirty and cold, and I think they take away from your listings.
  
• For necklaces, maybe consider photographing them like this seller - http://www.etsy.com/listing/41160761/sandwashed1 – or this seller – http://www.etsy.com/shop/SparklePeach . I understand you are trying to show the whole necklace, but with it lying flat it makes it look so tangled and confusing – if you hung it, or focused on the main detail it would give a customer a better view and show it better.
• Your jewelry is so interesting (I am drawn to this one - http://www.etsy.com/listing/47259714/bonbon-necklace?ref=v1_other_1) I think you just need to focus on photography! 
• A minor suggestion would be to add measurements in cm for your international customers. 
• I would also work on constientcy of shots with your listings. Here is what I recommended for the previous jewelry seller:

“I would also work on consitency with your listings photos. It looks so great when a shop is consitent with not only backgrounds but the type of shots. My recommendation wuold be to use this as a model for all listings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/38371646/quartz-necklace-with-crystals-and

Photo 1: Close up detail (as shown) \ Photo 2: Full necklace (Photo 3 or 5 in the listing) \ Photo 3: Another closeup (Photo 2 in the listing, but on the same background) \ Photo 4: On Mannequin (as shown) \ Photo 5: Packaging (like this seller: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45710483/recycled-silver-just-married-necklace?ref=v1_other_2 – it looks so professional and may sway a buyer considering to buy a gift!”

Profile:

Fill in your profile! I love reading about the artist. Here is a link to a post on “shop profile bio - important or not” : http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6472197&page=1 Most people agree they like to see a profile!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
hollyedwards.etsy.com

Banner/Announcement/Featured Listings:

There are a few things that really stick out with your front page/first impression: the blurry banner, the announcement spacing, and the chopped off listings. Your shop has beautiful items, and you really want to blow them away with your front page.

Your banner: I know the look you were going for, but I think it is just too blurry, and it looks like there is glare from the camera. The font could also be a more crisp professional one. I would recommend either, a plain background with your shop name, or show case a product or two.

Your announcement: I would edit the spacing enough so that the featured listings are visible. Skip 1 line between paragraphs, and I would combine the “I hope…” and “Because I’m always into 1 paragraph and not skip a line.

Featured Listings: are currently chopped off midway – not good! Your work should be visible as soon as they click your shop, and since you’re not showing it in your banner, I would make sure they are fully seen. Also would consider deleting sections with no items in them, and breaking down your necklace category.

Listings:

Your work is really wonderful, and I think it is necessary to include it is one of a kind in your listings. I saw it in your announcement but I think it should be said with each one. It’s so rare to have a totally unique piece of jewelry – with wire and beads it is much easier to recreate a necklace but these are really one of a kind of kind. At least consider adding it to your tags.

I think your choice of grey backgrounds really don’t work, because your jewelry is so bright and colorful, and the grey does not give it that pop. I think photographing them on white like this listing http://www.etsy.com/listing/25775824/piet-fused-glass-necklace would be really wonderful. I think you should also strive to use all 5 photos! And like I recommended for the previous seller – consider showing packaging (like this seller: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45710483/recycled-silver-just-married-necklace?ref=v1_other_2 – it looks so professional and may sway a buyer considering to buy a gift) I love that you include inspiration photos – I’ve never seen a jewelry seller do that and it is so inspiring to see the first thought to the finished product.

I would also try to be consistent with your description text. They vary so much by length, and spacing – I would try to have a basic format you follow, and use it for each.

Shop policies:

I would consider including the link to the checkout guide in your shop policies (http://www.etsy.com/help_guide_checkout.php) for people new to etsy, as well as something along the lines of “Please note that international buyers are responsible for any and all duties and customs charges that may be incurred.”

Also consider insurance, and delivery confirmation. (Jewelry sellers & insurance thread - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6463615&page=1) Also I feel your statement about glass fussing may be better off in shop policies under Additional Information & FAQs section. I’ve seen other artists do Q and As about their work, and just think it is out of place in the profile section.