How to Increase Sales in Your Etsy Craft Store

So you started your etsy store because you make the cutest craft items. People always told you "You should sell those!" You followed the steps on etsy and had a store front in a snap. But just because you set up shop doesn't mean you will have large volume sales on etsy.

Here are a few effective tips for increasing sales:

1. List new items as often as you can. If you just finished making five items, don't list them all at once. Try to space them out over a few days or a week to maximize exposure. The goal here is to remain on the first page of the category menu.

2. Participate in the etsy forums. Posting increases the number of people that see your name. Do remember that other etsy sellers are also potential customers. So mind your manners and avoid ranting about non-paying buyers and etsy administration.

3. Develop a niche and brand your store accordingly. Mixing paper crafts with sewing with jewelry with vintage items makes your store look like more of a garage sale than a well focused shop (unless these items are all tied together with a theme). If you dabble in different crafts, it may be best to start a second shop rather than having a potpourri of crafts in one store.

4. Market you store! You know you should be doing this - but are you? Participate in online swaps and send your recipient your shop's business card. Send samples or cards to people attending craft fairs in other cities - in the forum you can find other sellers willing to hand out your items. Send your items to the Sampler (homeofthesampler.com) for exposure both online and to subscribers.

Keep track of which marketing tactics work for you. Then, repeat!

5. Have some $10 or less items in your store. People are more likely to impulse buy when there isn't a big money commitment. Speaking of big money, don't get greedy and pad your shipping costs. Calculate the cost of the shipping supplies and postage and charge accordingly. But do not try to earn a couple of extra dollars through shipping and handling. If you price your craft items appropriately, there should be no reason to try to squeeze more money out of your buyer.

While all of these tips will help your store, don't forget to pay attention to producing well made items. Don't try to sell anything you personally wouldn't buy. Take pride in your craft and your integrity will shine through.