WatergirlArt...how to create an online store with Etsy
Steppin' Out in Austin...is available as a notecard in my Etsy store,
Watergirl Art
Etsy is a very popular site for those who have small businesses. During Covid, it has become even more popular. The word "etsy" has no particular meaning but in Greek it is "just because" which might be all the reason you need. For me, I find my expenses could use a little help as this is an expensive craft. There's always something new I want to buy, shows I want to enter, custom framing or a class I want to take. I fought the idea of it for several years because I thought it would be too technical, too time consuming and too costly. I really just want to paint. In January 2020, I made the decision to open my own store, Watergirl Art, and have been pleased with the ease in all of these areas. It is relatively inexpensive.
1. Create a catchy, meaningful name for your store. Watergirl works for me because watercolor is my medum and I also swim...I am a water girl! Don't worry about how many products you have. Etsy charges 20 cents per item every 3 months. You can make this an automatic renewal or cancel at that point. I have approximately 40 items such as note cards and prints and a few original watercolors that are unframed. Each has an item number and a quantity of what is in stock. All of my items are in stock in my home studio so I can offer a quick turnaround when someone orders. You will have the opportunity to decide your turnaround time and whether or not you want to keep an inventory or order as someone orders.
2. Photos are key: Make them interesting and, if you can, show your inspiration or reference photos. Not all stores are selling the same products so the Etsy suggestions are generic. Here are the Etsy suggestions for your photos:
3. About You and operating as a business: You will be asked to provide an image as a shopkeeper and to make a small statement describing yourself and your items. All favorited items ( shown with a heart image) and your comments from buyers are available to the public. They want to know who and what they are dealing with. I live in Texas and charge 8.25% state tax on my items. I also have a tax number to report my collected tax which I pay annually in January of each year. Since I offer free mailing within the US I do have to consider that in my pricing. For example, a 5"x7"note card with envelope is $6.00. That may seem high but I had to create the artwork, have the note card made, purchase an envelope and then mail it.
4. Security and your banking: I keep my artwork income and expenses in a separate account. The main reason is security because you will be asked to provide an account for deposits and payments. I also use Quikbooks which costs only $4.95/month and keeps an accounting way better than I do. It even tracks your mileage. Remember, all of this is to make it easy. I just want to paint.
5. What does Etsy do:
Storefront: But let's discuss what Etsy does for its shop owners. It provides a storefront that is connected globally to shoppers using your images of what you have for sale. You are also in charge of all the text as you enter an item, although they make suggestions that are very helpful. All communications to you regarding an item, questions, etc to the site are sent immediately to your email. When a purchase is made, you are sent reminders and they will reduce your inventory for you automatically. The way you collect your money is also up to you. You can use Venmo, PayPal or Square or the vehicle of your choice to get it in your bank account. A nice touch. You are encouraged to use up to 500 words to describe each item so a weekly check of your shop to update and refresh your items, add , rearrange and promote. I try to do this weekly.
Statistics: Etsy keeps daily statistics of which items are being looked at and where the viewer came from. I usually check it daily. This is very helpful as you can determine your most popular item through these hits even though it may not be purchased as yet. Christmas cards are a fun seasonal item and I create one annually. I offer a matching envelope, most with an easy zip strip for sealing. If you can categorize your note cards within a group like Birthday, Anniversary, Best Wishes, etc. it will help circulate them. Competition is stiff.
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