The Do’s and Don’ts for Crafters

Posted by Handmade Spark on 4/15/10   |   Categorized as Blogging Tips,Etsy Tips,For Sellers,How To

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1. Learn the Craft, NOT the Style

I’m sure it’s happened to ALL of us! We come up with something that we can’t find anywhere else… lo’ and behold a week later someone has been “inspired” by our design!

Or we have found a GREAT way to word our listings, and someone uses the copy and paste feature and uses it word for word.

Now I know the saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. It is supposed to be flattering but in reality it’s downright frustrating… and rude. No-one likes it.

So that is rule number one.. don’t copy someones style. If you are inspired to make something similar to someone else, take care to make it your own.    I know there are some mediums where everyone seems to have the same thing… crochet (my medium of choice!) is one of them.  There are TONS of  sellers out there with similar hats, scarves, washcloths, booties, cuffs, you get the idea.  Jewelry is another medium like that.   It is hard in a saturated market to stand out with your individuality.

So what can you do??

It’s your personal style and spin on things that makes you unique.

Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.

You want people to see your items and KNOW where it came from!! Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.

When someone copies you.. remember what comes around goes around.

Vintage Daisy Antique Brass Bee Victorian Necklace by LauraBlytheDesigns

2. You get more bees with honey!

Yes that is right!! Be nice! Have you ever been in the forums and seen the rude poster and thought I would NEVER buy from someone who is mean like that?? Well guess what… it applies to you to!!

So in the forums and in the chat…

if you don’t have anything nice to say, it’s better for sales to NOT say anything at all!!

Don’t jump on the bandwagon complaining about the Etsy Admin.

DO be encouraging to new sellers

DO be positive and uplifting

Spam Bot Greeting Card by UrsalaandOlive

3.  Stop The Spam!

There is a FINE FINE line between advertising and promoting, and spamming.

Sometimes it’s hard to know if you are crossing that line.

Sooo …

DO use your facebook and twitter to promote yourself

DON’T make that ALL you talk about, remember people don’t want to see you plugging yourself on every post!

DO put your links on the bottom of convos and emails

DON’T  convo people who have hearted an item and tell them it’s on sale

DO post your sales in the forums (under promotions)

DON’T Hijack someone else’s post to tell about your sale

DO Email those who have asked to be updated about specials and promotions

DON’T Email everyone in your address book

DO Post on pertinent blogs and put your link as part of your signature

DON’T Post on Blogs with your sales and links

Eloise and Ramona Play Telephone Best Friends Necklace Set by FlapperDoodle

4. Talk Talk Talk

Or write write write!! We are talking about communication people!

When you get a convo asking about an item, what to do…..

DO Write back as quickly as you can

DON’T wait to reply if you need to do some research, write them back and let them know you are looking into it.

DO Give clear concise answers to their questions

DON’T  make the process confusing

DO Be friendly and patient!

DON’T get frustrated with their questions (well don’t let them know if you get frustrated)

Live Love Learn 8×10 Print by Tessyla

Most important is the Golden Rule:

Treat others as YOU want to be Treated!!

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  • http://modtangle.etsy.com Annie Hynes

    Thanks! I think every newbie should read this and veterans as well!

  • Tim Adam

    Awesome article Becky… So many good points!! and you are so right Annie a must read for all crafters!

  • http://www.poetryjewelry.etsy.com Kavitha Murthi

    I think everyone should keep this close. Sometimes you tend to forget the basics to working right.
    Thank you for such a well put article!

  • http://www.incognitoartdesigns.com Holly Carter

    Simply, Well Stated!

  • http://uniquedesignsbymsp.blogspot.com Paula

    Great reminders for all of us. What we each put into the universe is returned to us, so make and keep it positive.

  • http://www.etsy.com/shop/emilyorpin Emily Orpin

    Great post! Agree with every single point :) Well said Becky

  • http://www.wellofcreations.etsy.com Robin

    Excellent post! As one who crochets, I know it can be difficult to follow rule #1 but is is definitely THRILLING to see the results of following that rule.

  • http://www.etsy.com/shop/MountainsideCrochet Mountainside Crochet

    Excellent advice. I’m a crochet crafter on Etsy too, and hope I have managed to create my own unique ‘style’ in my pattern interpretations and listing descriptions. I also try to be friendly, helpful and supportive to fellow Etysians and visitors in the forums, the same way I’d like to be treated! You have posted some great Do’s and Dont’s reminders here.

  • http://www.mommythemarketer.com/ Amber Jordan

    I agree! A simple checklist to follow! Several people have asked me how to handle “copycats.” I agree that being nice is a must. Any advice on what to do? Should they approach the seller if they are within their “team” or just move on? I know how hard these handmade business are working on their craft and I hate to see this happening. One of the biggest “don’ts” on my list. Thanks for this article!

  • http://eightymillion.etsy.com Jennifer Schulting

    Great article…….several good points…….

  • Anna

    This is absosmurfly wonderful.
    I wish everyone new & old would see this.
    i might have to post this on my blog or FB or tweeting it or something- LOL
    it is just sooo soooo important

    It is a simple organized list of things everyone has done (or maybe hasn’t done yet) but was wondering about if it was ok. Biggest pet peeve of mine is the Etsy Spam – i heart a shop and whalla day later “its on sale and i can give you free shipping” deal. frustrating. And i am not the one to report ppl but have heard that it is something that should be done especially on Etsy. One of the best ways to just “talk” to customers and other artists is best done on mutual social forums….like twitter and FB. You always have the option to unfan or unfollow.
    Thank you for a great article!!

  • http://www.poppyfieldsdesign.etsy.com Lara Humpherys

    I’m always willing to learn so I earn. Seriously, I read these articles and comments and hope some of it stays in my head!

    Lara

  • http://hurricanepottery.blogspot.com Sharon Hutson

    Could you explain the difference in these two?

    “DO Post on pertinent blogs and put your link as part of your signature
    DON’T Post on Blogs with your sales and links”

    Thanks, Sharon

  • http://fcfcreations.com Frances

    Becky – I just recently joined your list – thanks for the informative, inspirational posts – very helpful as a new seller on Etsy. Thank you!
    Cheers from Seattle,
    Frances

  • Becky

    Sharon,
    To answer your question, to use your link as part of your signature when you post a relevant comment on a blog is acceptable, and also a great way to get blog writers to see your shop. But to only post your link with a promotion without any pertinent comments is considered spam :)
    Here is an example of the do and don’t you were asking about:

    using this post as an example

    Example of a do:
    This is a great post about the do’s and don’ts!
    Becky
    http://purdythings.etsy.com

    Example of a don’t:
    FREE SHIPPING on all items!!
    http://purdythings.etsy.com

    I hope that helped. :)

  • Becky

    Amber,
    You know it’s hard to say what to do when someone copies you.
    In my opinion if it is someone on the same “team” as you, I would definitely bring it up to them in a nice way. Let them know that while you are flattered they like your style, what they have done isn’t right. Ask them to please put their own creativity into it so that while it may be similar, it’s not the same and that what they sell is then a direct reflection of them. If they continue I would talk to the team moderators. It’s wrong no matter who does it, but when it’s someone on the same team as you… that’s REALLY wrong!
    Usually I take a deep breath or two or three, and move on. People who can’t express themselves in their craft or don’t have their own true creativity don’t flourish in this business.

    Anna that is one of my biggest pet peeves too!!! I hate when I heart an item and then I get that convo…I usually un-heart when that happens.

  • Laura/PetScribbles

    Excellent article Becky! Great tips – all of them!

  • http://www.engelfelt.etsy.com Engelfelt

    Super article! Great reminders about how to be a successful AND positive presence on etsy.

  • http://etsy stella seiler

    Hi, thanks for the great tips. I sure learned a lot and am still learning. I love having an Etsy shop and although havent sold much I realize that there is a lot of items to choose from, so when someone buys something of mine I feel special. Thanks again/

  • http://www.uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com Uneek Doll Designs

    I have to agree…I am amazed at how many sellers lack communication skills in getting back with my inquiries or letting me know they recieved my order – or see no need to thank the customer…a simple adt that takes seconds will reap contiual benefits in the days ahead! :)

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