If you are fond of creating crafts, and you are interested in turning your creativity into money, then you can consider setting up a shop online where you can sell your crafts. One such example of an e-commerce site you can use is Etsy. Catering to crafters and buyers alike, Etsy can help you connect with buyers, so you can earn money from your creations.
•Create an Etsy account. Go to Etsy.com using your web browser. Click “Register” at the top left of the home page to create a new account. Type your first name in the first field, followed by your last name in the second field. Take note that your full name is optional. However, you may want to have it appear on your public profile. You can indicate your gender by ticking one of the three radio buttons: male, female, or rather not say. Input your email address in the next field. Type your password in the “Password” field. Confirm it by typing it again in the following field.
Choose a unique username that will also act as your Etsy shop web address. You can no longer change your username later on, so be careful when choosing. Before clicking the “Register” button. Before moving on with the registration process, you will need to agree with the site’s terms and conditions.
•Verify your email account. Open your email inbox and check for the verification email sent by Etsy. Click the link in the email to have your email account verified. You will be redirected to the Etsy website.
•Have your modes of payment information ready. It is best if you already have your PayPal account information prepared. Selling on Etsy is best done through PayPal, since payment will be instant. However, you can also use other modes of payment such as money orders and checks.
•Make a listing for your crafts. You will need to list items that you are selling at Etsy. A great thing about this website is that it only requires a small charge for every listing. You will need to use your PayPal account to pay for listings.
•Take good photos of your crafts. The best way to market your crafts is to show potential buyers how they look like. Take good photos with a digital camera, and make sure your items are photographed using the best lighting and angle. This way, they will appear more attractive to potential buyers.
•Respond to inquiries. Once you have put up your items, you will usually have inquiries for orders or other specifics. You can respond to these using Etsy’s own messaging system. Responding to online queries is one way of connecting with your potential buyers, and this can potentially get you a steady stream of loyal customers.
When you have orders, be sure to ship these as soon as you receive payment. You can opt to include shipping costs in your list price, or you can have these as add-on cost when a customer is placing an order. Whatever the case, be sure to use a reliable shipper, and to package the item in safe and secure packaging.
