| July 23, 2009 |
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| You may have noticed we here at Etsy are working on a smoother, simpler checkout experience for buyers. This is part of what we call "improving buyer conversion." (To see what we're up to check out this article from Etsy's blog.) I've come up with some tips to help you turn your own browsers into buyers. Hopefully our joint forces can lead to more sales for us all! |
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1. Be Approachable and Available!
"Above all, I expect communication. I adore Etsy because it fosters amazing personal relationships between sellers and buyers, which I have yet to find elsewhere," says Etsy buyer WinchesterLambourne. Find more tips for communication in the Service Tips for Sellers series.
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 2. Have Professional Shop Policies.
Clear policies let your customers know what to expect; it's is a good way to earn trust and confidence. Specific information about shipping, returns, etc. will help customers feel at ease.
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 3. Packaging and Shipping.
Packaging and shipping services are some of the best opportunities you have to communicate with your customers and remind them why they should be shopping with you instead of somewhere else. Offering outstanding packaging and shipping services can promote repeat business for your shop. Tips and examples of excellent packaging can be found here.
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 4. Make Sure You Offer Options. I can't tell you how many times I've fallen in love with a handmade item, only to find out it's not offered in my size. Be sensitive to your browser — and make those options easy to find.
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 5. Help Your Buyer Decide According to a study by America's Research Group, a consumer research firm, "The price was too high" is the least mentioned reason a buyer doesn't add an item to their shopping cart. The most frequent reason? "I was unable to decide." So make sure you answer your buyers' questions before they ask them. Check out this forum thread by Sparklerama: 20 Questions YOUR BUYERS Are Asking!
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 6. Build a Relationship
Instead of reaching buyers with a sales pitch, try to build a relationship. Share a bit about yourself as an artist or crafter and ask for their feedback. Take this opportunity to interact on a personal level. I cover this approach in my article on promoting your Etsy shop, Pimp Your Shop for 2009.
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Craving more tips on this subject? Come on by the Virtual Labs (Etsy's online classrooms) for a live (and free!) workshop on turning your browsers into buyers next Wednesday, July 29 at 4 p.m. ET. |
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Best, Danielle |
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