I’m an etsy customer, I browse, I pounce and I conduct specific word searches but what is it that makes me hit ‘add to cart’?

There’s a lot of advice for etsy sellers out there (including on this forum) and sometimes its helpful… I guess… I don’t know about you but often when I purchase from etsy it’s a snap decision. I’ll set the scene : I’m not intending to buy, I’m promoting my own work on a forum. I always think its polite to look at other people’s shops if you expect them to look at yours so  I click on a link, take a quick look around a shop and WHAM! Something jumps out at me and I have to have it…

I took a look back at some of my recent snap purchases and thought about what made me do it. In all of these purchases it was the great photo that drew me in but the decision to buy was different for each.

1.  I don’t need it now but sure will use it at some point: these beautiful swing tags from http://www.etsy.com/shop/IttyBittyPrettyShop I can use for all sorts of things.  They now live in the third drawer down in my office with all the other pretty cards and tags.

2.  I can buy a few and stow them in my ‘present box’: I keep a box of lovely gifty things ready to wrap up in case one of the kids suddenly has a party to attend (ok, so I like to be organized!)
These cute doll necklaces will be great for little and big girls.  Thanks  http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutbutterbandit

3.  It’s just so pretty, and completely ‘me’
Sometimes  you just see something you love.
So many people have commented on this lovely raven by http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtfulGoodies

4.  It’s extraordinary, if I don’t buy it someone else might snap it up.
I’m a sucker for the “quick only 1 available!” notice that precludes an etsy purchase. This brooch really was a one off, so gorgeous and definitely not to be found easily again.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClearVintage

I’m not ashamed to say that price came into my decisions as well– all of these items (to me) represented great value – when I saw how little I needed to spend it was an easy decision.  But, you know what the funny thing is?  From at least three of these stores I bought more than one item in addition to my ‘heart’s desire’ purchase – well, why not? After all, once you’ve paid for shipping you may as well get a few bits on bobs all together in the same parcel ;)

I hope you enjoyed my insights into my own snap purchases.  What is it that makes you hit “add to cart”?