Handmade & Beyond Podcast LL Divens Etsy Entrepreneur Success Coach & Seller

Etsy is known for its continual evolution, always tweaking and testing to enhance the marketplace experience. Recently, they've begun experimenting with altering seller titles—a move that has sparked a mixed reaction within the community. In this podcast episode, we delve into the pros and cons of Etsy's latest strategy and discuss potential solutions for sellers.
Pros of Etsy Testing Titles:
Improvement of Poor Listings: By adjusting less effective titles, Etsy aims to help these listings perform better, potentially increasing visibility and sales. Leveling the Playing Field: This change could standardize opportunities for success among sellers, making competition more about product quality rather than just optimization skills. Cons of Etsy's Approach:
Risk to Successful Listings: There's a concern that these changes could disrupt listings that are already performing well, possibly affecting established sales trajectories. Reduced Incentive for Learning: With Etsy handling title optimizations, sellers might become less inclined to learn SEO best practices, potentially stunting their growth and adaptability. Concerns Over Control: This move suggests a significant increase in control over individual shops, which could lead to frustrations among more experienced sellers. A Constructive Suggestion: To address these issues, why not adopt a strategy similar to Facebook's ad system? Sellers could be given the option to test up to five different titles themselves, tracking which performs best over a designated period. This hands-on approach would allow sellers to stay engaged with SEO practices and better understand what works for their products.
For those looking to dive deeper into mastering Etsy SEO, don't miss out on grabbing your free Etsy SEO Success Guide. This resource is packed with essential tips and strategies to boost your shop's visibility and sales. Check it out at Handmade and Beyond.
In conclusion, while Etsy's title testing initiative aims to help sellers enhance their listings, it's crucial to find a balance that empowers sellers and maintains marketplace integrity. By potentially allowing sellers to conduct their own title tests, Etsy could foster a more knowledgeable and competitive community, aligned with both seller interests and platform goals.
Reference article:  https://www.ecommercebytes.com/C/abblog/blog.pl?/pl/2024/4/1712932218.html

In this episode, I dive into the wild world of customer interactions on platforms like Etsy, where things can get pretty intense! I'll be covering everything from whether you should offer returns and exchanges to who should foot the bill for shipping, and how to tackle refunds effectively. We'll also explore the best ways to correct mistakes and handle scams, including those tricky situations involving QR codes and external links. Plus, I’ll share some personal strategies for dealing with negative reviews that could save your shop’s reputation. Don’t miss out on the actionable insights from our free Etsy SEO Success Guide, packed with tips to boost your traffic and sales. Grab your copy at www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsyseosuccess and take your Etsy business to the next level!

 


In today's episode, I want to address a concern many Etsy shop owners face: the fear of failure. I'm here to remind you that you are not a failure. Entrepreneurship is challenging, and it's normal not to see immediate growth or sales. But this doesn't mean you're failing; it means there's more work to be done and more ground to cover on your journey to freedom and success. The time it takes to reach your goals varies for everyone, but the key is to never give up.
Facing no sales can be frustrating, but it's a common issue that can be addressed by examining and adjusting your approach. How much time are you dedicating to your Etsy business? Are you strategic with your efforts? Do you have enough listings, and are they optimized for visibility and appeal? Perhaps your shop suffers from a lack of demand, poor listing setup, no defined niche, or you're spreading yourself too thin across too many objectives.
Today, I'm sharing insights on these common hurdles and how to overcome them, with the ultimate aim of reducing your frustration and channeling your energy into positive, impactful actions. By focusing on what's within your control, you can significantly improve your shop's performance.
And for those looking to enhance their Etsy SEO, don't miss out on grabbing your free Etsy SEO success guide. It's packed with essential tips and strategies to increase your shop's traffic and sales. Visit www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsyseosuccess for your copy and start making meaningful progress in your Etsy journey.

In the vast, vibrant world of Etsy, it's not uncommon to stumble upon sellers voicing their frustrations. From message boards to forums, and even beneath the threads of my own videos, there's a palpable sense of discontent. But before you reach for the pitchforks, let's take a moment to rethink our approach to this platform we all care deeply about.
Embracing Change: A New Perspective Etsy's journey from an under-the-radar e-commerce platform to a top-tier marketplace with nearly 100 million buyers is nothing short of remarkable. However, with rapid growth comes inevitable growing pains. Today, I invite you to join me in shifting focus from what's wrong to exploring actionable solutions.
A Lesson from Corporate America My corporate background taught me the importance of constructive feedback. Complaints were only as valuable as the solutions they prompted. This philosophy underpins my approach to addressing Etsy's challenges. Let's dive into the issues and, more importantly, the solutions.
Solutions for Common Etsy Seller Challenges Refined Shop Opening Procedures The Issue: Unregulated shop openings leading to policy violations and scams. The Solution: Implement a rigorous application process, including a small fee and detailed business plans. This approach discourages scammers and ensures a commitment to quality.
Combating Infringements The Issue: The prevalence of trademarked, copyrighted, and mass-produced items. The Solution: Enhance AI detection methods and establish a clear procedure for sellers to prove licensing. A proactive stance on policing will protect genuine creators.
Revamping Support The Issue: Inaccessible support and final decisions without appeal. The Solution: Introduce a tiered support system, including phone support, to provide personalized assistance. New sellers receive additional guidance, while veterans enjoy VIP service.
Transparent Fee Structure The Issue: Confusion and frustration over fees. The Solution: Offer detailed onboarding and business training to explain fees clearly and help sellers understand their impact on profit margins.
Simplified Shipping The Issue: Complexity in setting up and managing shipping. The Solution: Improve onboarding with comprehensive shipping training and resources, making it easier for new sellers to start on the right foot.
Your Voice Matters While I've highlighted key areas for improvement, the conversation doesn't end here. I encourage you to share your experiences and solutions. Together, we can foster a more supportive, transparent, and thriving Etsy community.
A Parting Gift Before you go, don't miss out on your free Etsy SEO success guide. Packed with essential SEO tips and tricks, it's your key to driving more traffic and sales to your Etsy shop. Visit www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsyseosuccess and unlock the full potential of your Etsy business.
Together, we can turn the tide of frustration into a wave of success. Remember, negativity finds no home in the heart of a problem solver. Let's rebuild Etsy, not just for the platform's sake, but for the community that makes it truly special.

Etsy's Monthly Fees: Panic or Progress? Let's Unpack the Buzz!
The word on the street (or should we say, the buzz in the craft room) is that monthly fees may be making their grand entrance to Etsy soon. And just like that, it feels like we're about to "unleash the hounds!" Now, let's be real - the mere mention of fee increases on Etsy can send sellers into a frenzy that rivals the chaos of a dropped stitch in a knitting project.
Remember the uproar when Etsy nudged their transaction fee up to 6.5%? It was as if the crafting world had been asked to sacrifice their beloved glue guns and yarn stashes. But, as a fellow Etsy seller and small business owner, I understand the gut reaction. The thought of parting with more of our hard-earned cash can sting.
The Whispers of Change: Monthly Fees on the Horizon? So, why the speculation about monthly fees? It seems Etsy has been sending out feelers through surveys to a slice of the seller community, stirring the pot of curiosity and concern.
Decoding the Details What we know is still shrouded in a bit of mystery. The speculation is that this could mirror eBay's store monthly fees system, offering an optional subscription that could unlock a treasure trove of perks, including listing fee discounts and more. As someone who has navigated the eBay waters, I can attest to the savings that these kinds of subscriptions can offer, particularly for those of us who are prolific listers or high-volume sellers.
The Possible Perks: A Silver Lining? The rumored benefits of this subscription model could include:
Reduced listing fees Lower transaction fees Ad credits to boost your shop's visibility Access to exclusive discounts and perks Enhanced shop customization and promotional tools Etsy Plus: A Prelude to Change? For those who might not be in the know, Etsy already dabbles in subscription services with Etsy Plus. For a modest $10 a month, sellers get ad credits, shop customization options, listing credits, and more. It's been a hot topic of discussion, with whispers of a revamp that could potentially be the shape of things to come.
Embracing the Change: A Call to Optimism Before we sharpen our pitchforks or start hoarding craft supplies in protest, let's take a moment. Change, while daunting, isn't inherently bad. Etsy Plus, for instance, offers tangible benefits that, for many, outweigh its cost. If Etsy is indeed planning to expand on this concept, it could mean even more value for sellers willing to invest a little in their shop's growth.
It's natural to bristle at change, especially when it hits our wallets. However, maintaining a positive, open-minded approach is crucial. After all, the only constant in business (and life) is change. By focusing on what we can control and adapting to the evolving landscape, we position ourselves for success, regardless of what new policies come our way.
So, fellow creators and entrepreneurs, let's watch this space with cautious optimism. Changes may be coming, but so are opportunities. And remember, no matter what Etsy throws our way, the creativity, resilience, and spirit of our community will see us through.
And hey, while we're navigating these changes, don't forget to arm yourself with knowledge. Dive into the world of Etsy SEO with my free guide, packed with tips and tricks to drive traffic and sales to your shop. Check it out at Handmade and Beyond. Here's to not just surviving but thriving on Etsy, no matter what the future holds!

Shipping might seem like a mere afterthought amidst the creative whirlwind of running an Etsy shop. Yet, it's a critical aspect that can significantly impact your customer satisfaction and bottom line. Fear not, for I've compiled a list of nine essential shipping strategies to streamline your process, save money, and enhance your shop's success.
1. Choose Between Fixed or Calculated Shipping Fixed Shipping: Best for shops selling similar items. It simplifies the process, potentially lowers costs, and offers room for shipping upgrades as an additional revenue source. Calculated Shipping: Ideal for a diverse inventory, including vintage finds. Ensure your item sizes and weights are accurately listed to avoid surprises. 2. Decide on Free or Paid Shipping Evaluate what works best for your pricing strategy and competitive positioning. Remember, customers love 'free shipping,' but ensure it doesn't erode your margins.
3. Print Labels via Etsy for Convenience and Discounts Printing shipping labels through Etsy is not only convenient but also comes with discounts. While third-party sites like Pirate Ship offer similar discounts, integrating multiple sources might complicate the process unnecessarily unless you're managing various platforms.
4. Source Supplies from Wholesalers Cut down on costs by purchasing your shipping supplies in bulk from wholesalers. Check out options like Jiaropack for competitive prices on essential supplies.
5. Get Creative with "Frankenstein" Boxes For uniquely shaped or oversized items, don't shy away from modifying boxes to fit. This approach can save on shipping costs and materials.
6. Navigate International Shipping with Ease Etsy simplifies international shipping by suggesting tariff numbers and automatically adding VAT numbers. However, tread carefully with fixed shipping rates for international orders due to variable costs.
7. Include a Thoughtful Packing Slip Personalize the unboxing experience with a custom packing slip. Adding a coupon code for their next purchase or instructions for leaving a review can enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
8. Utilize Etsy Purchase Protection Etsy's purchase protection provides peace of mind for both sellers and buyers, ensuring that transactions are secure and trustworthy.
9. Invest in a Small Shipping Scale Accuracy is key in shipping. Avoid the pitfalls of estimation by using a shipping scale, ensuring you're charging the correct amount and avoiding fees from Etsy for underpaid postage.
Bonus Tip: Struggling with Etsy SEO or unsure about its impact? Elevate your shop's visibility and traffic with our free eBook, your ultimate guide to mastering Etsy SEO. Grab your copy at www.handmadeandbeyond.com/etsyseosuccess
Shipping doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these nine tips, you can optimize your Etsy shop's shipping process, saving time and money while boosting customer satisfaction. Streamline your operations, enhance your shop's appeal, and watch as your business grows. Happy shipping!