Buffalo Plaid Vintage

How to get more sales on Etsy, tell me more! This week we take a look at Pictures and the Front Page of Etsy . Our panel of vintage shop owners provides some pretty solid advice regarding this topic. Click here to read Parts 1 thru 4. Pictures – any advice? Gina from Rusty Secrets said “I try to take good pictures which will draw others to want to use my item in a Treasury. I have found that having an item featured in a Treasury brings my shop a lot of attention and some business.” Stacey from Vintage Jane said “use natural light, play around with camera, get many angles, and show how the item could be used.” I got this advice from one shop owner: “The clearer the better, Etsy has good advice on how to brighten your photos. I try to show my items - warts and all. Show up close, eye level, looking down, etc. I take way too many photos for one item so I can pick the best and most interesting. One thing though...I notice a lot sellers cut off their products when viewing them wi...

Wow, we are already on Part 4 of this 6 part series! Click here to read Parts 1 thru 3.  This week, we explore the best way to be “found” on Etsy and key word advice from our top vintage Etsy sellers. Let’s jump right in. Out of the hundreds of thousands of items and shops on Etsy – what is the best way to be “found” in your experiences? Stacey from Vintage Jane said “Best way to be found is through Etsy "search" Laura from Peachy Chic Boutique said “I think SEO words are the best way to be found. Describe your item in the exact words you think someone would search for your item. I always put the word Vintage first, if appropriate to the item. Adding a color to the title will help people making treasuries or searching for that color find you. I copy my titles into my tags & separate with commas. I always add my shop name as a tag.” Susan from Callooh Callay said “I think paying attention to SEO is one important aspect of being found (don't know what the ...

I hope you have been reading this series! I have learned a lot of valuable tips about getting more vintage sales on Etsy. In Part 1, we talked about displaying at antique and/or craft fairs and whether or not each shop had a business Facebook page or advertised on blogs. In Part 2 , we covered ads and apps. Now it’s time to move on to packaging and Etsy teams - do they really help you get more sales? Let’s find out! You can see my original list of twelve questions in Part 1 . Do you send something special in your packaging (i.e – magnets with your shop name, etc.). If so, what do you send? Stacy from Vintage Jane said “I do not send anything extra in packages, but pack very neatly, with business card and logo sticker.” Laura from Peachy Chic Boutique said “Yes, I always send something in my packages to my customers, just a little thank you...it may be a vintage playing card, postcard, bookplate, sticker...anything light weight that is appropriate generally to what they h...

I would love to get more vintage Etsy sales and I hope you do too. Last week we learned about whether or not those who are in the upper echelon of vintage sellers on Etsy do craft and /or vintage fairs, have a business Facebook page and whether or not they blog or advertise on other blogs (if you missed Part 1, please click here to read more about it). This week, we tackle ads and apps . Do you pay for Google Ads or Etsy Ads and do you use any Etsy Apps? Stacy from Vintage Jane said “I do pay for Etsy ads only.” Laura from Peachy Chic Boutique said she uses the Etsy coupon code feature from time to time. Susan from Callooh Callay does not pay for any ads, but does use the app called “ Shmetsy ” for making Treasury Lists. Analysis: Interestingly, most DO NOT pay for ads or use Etsy apps. None of the participants interviewed used the Etsy On Sale app. How often do you list your items on Etsy? Gina from Rusty Secrets said “I continually try to list items or renew i...

That is the ultimate question and I am dying to know!  Since vintage  is a somewhat newer category on Etsy. I thought I would go straight to the source – those who are kicking some major butt selling vintage items on Etsy.  As a result, I plan on doing a six part series on the topic. After googling the search term “ how to get more vintage sales on Etsy ” I was taken to the web site Craft Count which has a listing of the top 250 vintage shops with the most sales on Etsy – what a great place to start my research!  I randomly began selecting different shops and sent an email to each of them asking if they would be so kind to answer twelve questions (I know, that’s a lot to ask of a total stranger!).  Here is my list of questions:     1. Do you display at craft/antique fairs? 2. Do you have a blog or do you advertise on other blogs? 3. Do you have a Facebook page and/or Twitter account that you utilize for your shop? 4. Do...

Vintage Sewing Machine Cabinet repurposed into a drink cart in midnight blue. I LOVE this piece and only wish I had room to keep it! I had so much fun putting this together! This repurposed cabinet has been painted with CeCe Caldwell paint (I mixed 3 different colors together) and then stained with CeCe Caldwell's Dark Wax. After painting was completed, I added a vintage white metal basin which can hold ice. This piece cannot be removed, so you will have to remove your ice when done by hand. Handles are copper. Colors are shades of dark blue with hints of brown from the original color of the cabinet showing through.  Gorgeous!! Measurements with the piece closed are: 17.5 inches deep 22 inches wide 31 inches tall Measurements with the piece in the open position: 17.5 inches deep 43 inches wide 31 inches tall Vintage shot caddy (think Mad Men) and chalkboards available at The Gypy Chix Company on Etsy.  Can’t wait for you to stop by.  I love vintage –...

Don't you just love a PARTY!! Beginning April 1, 2013, join ETSY TEAM COLUMBUS (ETC) in celebrating their 5th Anniversary! A new handmade item from one of the ETC members is up for grabs each day! There are more than ten Etsy Stores participating! How does it work? Starting April 1, each day a new ETC store & artist will be featured. An item of the seller's choice will be up for grabs. How can I enter? To enter, you must simply post a comment on the thread stating what your favorite item is from their store. It's THAT simple. You get a chance to win and we get feedback on our products! Can I enter more than once for the same prize? Absolutely.  Make sure you do your required entry first. Then you will get the opportunity to favorite the seller's Etsy store, join their Etsy circle, like their Facebook page, follow their website, and blog or tweet about the giveaway. There are so many ways to get extra entries!! Here is the Day 1 Giveaway from Grassy Branch F...

When is the last time you laced up those old time retro roller skates ? Roller skating is a favorite past time of many Americans. I went as a young teenager and my children had many birthday parties at the local skating rink. It’s one of those old fashioned activities that has definitely stood the test of time.  Do you have an old pair just lying around?  I picked up these two pair at an auction recently. They both have wooden wheels and were made by the Chicago Skate Company . Probably from the 1950’s.           The wheels on the black pair say “Cleveland Skate Co”  The metal bottom piece says “Chicago Skate Co.”         The black pair are available for purchase at The Gypsy Chix Company on Etsy.    The white pair are also available at The Gypsy Chix Company (just click on the link).    These would be perfect for your skate themed retro room!

Smith Corona SILENT Portable Typewriter 1945-1949 - great item for the industrial look! A cool little piece for the mid-century, art deco or industrial enthusiast.   Typewriter comes with original case that is in very good condition. When you open the case, the vintage aroma takes you back in time when things were much more simple. My suggestion:  Get it before it's gone, but most importantly - have a wonderful weekend! For more vintage finds, please visit me at The Gypsy Chix Company on Etsy.

My burgundy framed hand-made chalk board was recently featured in an Etsy Treasury List!  I love being featured, buy my fave by far was the vintage train case!  What's your favorite item?