I am not vintage and I’m o.k.

on Feb 20th, 2011 | in Editorial | 9 Comments

I am not vintage. Don’t get me wrong, I love vintage items but the majority of vintage items in my home are circa 1980 not 1880—and that’s not a good look. As far as style goes, I haven’t worn lace since my attempt at mimicking Molly Ringwald’s prom dress in Pretty in Pink—also, not a good look.  So when I started my Etsy store, I knew I would be going against the grain. As I researched and browsed Etsy, I started to realize that the very popular shops, the ones featured on the main Etsy page, were largely vintage inspired. While I was blown away by the artistic photography and the beautiful goods, I started to doubt that I had what it takes to make it on Etsy.

I do not consider myself a photographer, but I knew I had to learn if I was going to make a go of my Etsy shop. I got straight to work.  I learned how light boxes worked, how to take close-up images and how to position items for the best photographic effect.  I read endless articles and forums about the topic and viewed several on-line tutorials. Early on, I was getting five good images out of two hundred—thank goodness for digital cameras—but after several days, it became easier and easier. I now had pictures that I was proud to put up. That alone was the boost of confidence I needed to take me to the next step – listing items on Etsy.

It took days to list all my items on Etsy, upload photos, add descriptions and all the rest. When I was done, I sat back and believed my first sale was going to happen any day. After a two weeks with no sales and lackluster traffic to my shop, I promoted my jewelry like Etsy advises, using the Etsy showcases. The big day of my first showcase came and went—no sale. What is wrong with my shop? I hit the Etsy chat rooms to find out.

Oh, Etsy chat! All the things I didn’t read about in the Sellers Handbook came flying out at me like flying pigs. I quickly learned about chat etiquette and realized that many of the chatters in the chat rooms had little desire to help me or my flailing shop. I did get some great advice however and that is one of the reasons for this blog.

So what does it take to be an Etsy success story? Ask me in six months. Right now, I am following the advice I was given and doing everything I can including networking, joining teams, participating in forums, creating treasuries, tracking my traffic using Google Analytics, taking good pictures, keeping my items fresh by adding to my shop and relisting items, learning how to tag appropriately and most of all—staying positive.

I have recently had lots of great feedback due to these efforts and I am very hopeful about the future. The moral of this story folks is that going against the grain is just fine as long as you believe in what you are doing. I am not going to attempt to sell vintage goods on Etsy. I will not have beautiful women with spiked jet black hair and tattoos modeling my goods. My photos will probably not contain cherubs and/or mustaches.  I am going to just be myself and list the items that I adore and hope that others adore them too. I am not vintage and I’m o.k.

Cover image by calebo on Flickr.
Want more Etsy tips? Subscribe to my newsletter

Get my latest articles straight to your inbox about once a month. Learn how to improve your Etsy shop, boost your sales and discover other sellers from the Etsy community.

9 Responses

  1. Claire says:

    I love the little cards Brittany. They are really cute and happy creations. I have already used one and can barely wait to use the others.

  2. Claire says:

    I want you to know that the nature of being an artist is waiting for fish to bite. You can also check out some places around you and see if they are willing to buy or consign some of your items, preferably in one store. Then bet some adjoining towns will do the same. The more you have out there the more you will sell.
    I am impressed!!!

  3. Libby says:

    Way to go. I am very impressed and excited for you!

  4. Judy says:

    What a great idea! I am impressed with your entrepreneurial initiative. Your photography looks professional. You are on the cutting edge. UNT is planning to add a major in online marketing–there is no degree like this anywhere in the US.

  5. Mary says:

    Brittany…..your creativity and passion continue to amaze me! You go girl! Thanks for keeping in touch.

  6. An excellent post! I quite agree, Brittany. Going against the tide and just doing what you love is very important. If everyone sold the same things on Etsy, then it would be a very boring place to be.
    I admire your individualistic style, and am sure you’ ll be successful!
    It does take time and effort and you’re obviously doing all the right things.
    Best of luck to you!
    Karen

  7. Kelly Cadenhead says:

    Good for you! Sounds like you have all your bases covered and will do really well.

  8. Susan says:

    What a wonderful website Brittany. You have accomplished a great amount in such a small amount of time. Kudos to you. Onward and upward!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

»

Scroll to top