April 17, 2009
Dear Etsians,
Ever wonder where the name "Etsy" came from? Not sure if you can list your surplus crafting materials for sale? Can't quite remember where to go to renew your expired item listings? Help is here, 24/7! There are several resources on Etsy to help you get the most out of the site and your shop, and these resources are available day or night. In today's edition of Etsy Success, I'll highlight the places you can visit any time to get help on Etsy.
Just the FAQs, Ma'am
There are four pages of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers!) on the site in short, digestible Q&A form. The General FAQ covers the basics of Etsy that are relevant to both shoppers and sellers: registration, account information and many site features. The Buying FAQ is specific to things a shopper might need to know, such as how to make a purchase. The Selling FAQ contains information about topics just for sellers: setting up a shop, fees, how to list an item, image help, web analytics, PayPal and even some basic info on promoting your shop. The Copyright FAQ provides information about the basics of copyright and intellectual property; it goes hand-in-hand with Etsy's Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy.
Step-by-Step
We've created in-depth Help Guides for a number of basic Etsy features. There are Help Guides for registration, checkout, feedback, Alchemy and advanced tips on using search. Just for sellers, there are Help Guides for setting up your shop, listing an item, Showcase and Alchemy for Sellers.
Tip for sellers: Include a link to the "Buying an Item on Etsy" Help Guide in your Shop Announcement or Message to Buyer to help brand new shoppers learn how to complete a purchase from your shop.
The Law of the Land
Knowing Etsy's policies is an important part of being a member of the Etsy community. When you register for Etsy, you agree to follow the rules. The Terms of Use is a legal document that describes the terms and conditions for use of Etsy's services. The DOs and DON'Ts of Etsy outlines the rules for using the site in short bullet points. The DOs and DON'Ts contains many of the policies for listing items and how problems are handled, so this document is especially important for sellers to read and understand. Etsy also has a Privacy Policy that explains how we use and protect your personal information. And finally, Etsy's Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy lays out the steps to take if you believe someone on Etsy is infringing on your protected content, like copyrighted photographs.
Beyond the Basics: Seller Handbook
Once you've got down all the basics of how to use Etsy, you're ready to take your shop to the next level. The Seller Handbook on Etsy's blog, The Storque, is a collection of all the helpful how-tos and articles on the blog about selling on Etsy. From Your Shop 101 to photo tips to information about promoting your shop, the Seller Handbook is your one-stop spot to expand your Etsy knowledge to get the most out of your business on Etsy and even off-line at craft shows and galleries.
Wisdom of the Crowds (or Community)
Your fellow Etsians are also a great resource; many members love to lend a helping hand. The Virtual Labs and Forums are excellent ways to meet other Etsy members and share information. Etsy Teams are groups of members who gather based on location or a common interest. There is even an Etsy Team dedicated to helping – the Sellers Assisting Sellers team! Once you've become an Etsy expert with all the resources listed above, consider passing on your wisdom to a new generation of Etsians through the community features on the site.
Remember, if you have any questions about Etsy or need help with a transaction, you can contact Etsy's Support Team by email at support@etsy.com. Our friendly Support Team will be happy to help you.
Best,
Lauren
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