Etsy's Alchemy "Rest" Means Using Alternate Tools to Request, Attract Custom Orders

Renovation is in progress for Etsy's Alchemy as it takes a "rest". For those who have never used Alchemy, it is a public tool for requesting and bidding on very specific custom, handmade creations. The process involves a customer requesting a custom item by submitting a detailed description, the desired cost, the deadline, and a photo; sellers bidding on the item and describing the way they will make it, the amount they charge, and the date they can complete it; and the customer accepting one or more bids by considering the best seller's skills, price, and description. According to Etsy's blog, Alchemy's rest begins on February 3, 2011 when bids and requests will no longer be accepted. The deadline for sellers to accept bids will be February, 24 when site-wide Alchemy links will be removed.

As Alchemy has generated over 80,000 custom orders to date, its rest will be a huge transition for customers who have received tremendous savings in the major areas of custom wedding creations including invitations, gowns, and cake toppers; custom holiday creations such as Easter baskets and Christmas stockings; and wardrobe creations spotted in major films. Especially important, Alchemy will truly be missed by Etsy sellers as custom orders are a big deal for increasing sales. Above all adapting to Alchemy's rest as it is upgraded will mean replacing this public tool with alternate public and private tools for both requesting and attracting customs orders as described below.

Adding "Custom" to Listing Titles

In addition to stating in their shop profiles that they accept custom orders, sellers are wise to add the word "custom" within their item titles. This allows customers to easier identify sellers who are willing to "make to order" items of their interest in terms of size, color, materials, and designs. This provides sellers with the advantage of standing apart from sellers with similar items while increasing their sales.

Using "Convo" Tool

Etsy's "Convo" (Conversation) tool provides a private yet proactive way for customers to request custom items especially from sellers offering them. I have received "convo" inquiries, from customers interested in my knitted and crochet items, which specified custom sizes and colors.

Social Networking/Forums/Blogs

Social networking sites such as Twitter allow craft customers to tweet their custom requests so that Etsy artisans who are following them can send them direct messages offering to make the item and referring them to their Etsy shops. Craft forums and blogs are also great public tools for craft customers to post custom requests and craft sellers to attract custom orders and make referrals to their craft shops.

Flyers/Business Cards

Another unique tool for craft sellers to attract custom orders is by creating flyers that list items they can "make to order". It is important to include these flyers in every order that sellers ship out as well as share them with friends and acquaintances. An additional marketing strategy for craft sellers is to mention "custom orders welcome" on business cards.

With these alternate public and private tools/strategies in mind, craft customers and sellers can keep custom orders rolling while Alchemy gets upgraded. Successfully requesting and attracting custom orders is all about being visible and staying connected. Before you know it Etsy's Alchemy will be back and up better than ever.

Sources

"Tech Update: Alchemy Is Taking a Rest/Etsy Blog ."Etsy.