Finally.
Today I listed the first item in my Etsy shop
This is the Etsy shop that I established a loooonnng time ago...
but never, ever...before this morning listed any items.
Why?
Well....I have lots of reasons (excuses).
Why now?
A challenge by my daughter Kate,
...a loving push from my sister Mary Beth,
...much encouragement from my sister Lynn,
...offers of support from my girlfriend Evi
and lots of wonderful blogger friends.
So...here it is.
My first listing.
Gorgeous vintage Belgium blue/green beer bottles.
I'm keeping some for myself...but am ready to share!
I know...I'm so slow to do this.
(no need to go into the borderline/hoarder issue.)
So anyway...as I take my first baby steps selling online...
...I would be most grateful for any tips or advice you can give me!
Here's a link to my shop:
...and my one and only listing.
Kate says it looks sad...only one listing.
I told her to give me a chance...it's only been 2 years in the making!
Hey! It's a start!
Now...for the Give Away!
Just to say thanks...
If you would like a chance to WIN
one of these pretty bottles...
...just leave a comment on this post.
Any advice on my new Etsy shop would be greatly appreciated.
I will pick a winner to be announced in a few days!
Thanks everyone!
...so much to learn...
:)
Posts
108 comments:
Congrats on your new journey! You made the first step.I myself love old bottles these look pretty nice.~Blessings Kim
Oh Laura I am so proud of you! I haven't gone to your site but I'm sure it does not look lonely. Baby steps. It will just get easier the more you do. You need any packing peanuts. I have tons!
x
Carole
I'm inspired by your leap! It's been about 2 years for me since I created a shop as well. Number of items listed from me: 0, still. Good luck, the bottles are beautiful and I'm sure they will sell quickly.
VickyC
Coming to you from Coastal Cottage Dreams... Great blog here! I enjoyed browsing over your posts! ...now your newest follower!
Best of luck with the Etsy Shop! :) It's a great avenue for selling vintage wares! I sold on ebay and etsy for years, and did much better on etsy. Now I have two booths in two different towns, at Antique Malls, instead! My one word of advice, make sure you cover your shipping cost. I tried to keep my shipping so reasonable, that at times, I lost money. It's hard to determine sometimes. I love on the east coast and it seemed everything I sold went to CA or TX, and was costly! ha! Anyhow, you have started with a great item ...love the bottles! And the pictures is awesome of them! Wishing you much success! (Sorry for the long comment!)
opps... meant I live on the east coast...
Welcome to Etsyland! As a felllow shop owner, I wish you all the best of luck. You have a great eye for interesting objects. I am sure you will be extremely successful. Happy Friday! -Al
Congratulations on the opening of your new shop! I wish you many, many sells!
Congratulations on your new Etsy shop. I am eventually going to open one up for my new candle business. Wish I could offer some advice to you now.
Thanks for the entering me in your lovely giveaway. Best of luck to you!
Hi Laura, I am so glad to have just purchased your first item, now if you can get Paula to do a shop also. I have admired you and your fellow friends for a while (Carole, Evi, Paula) AND I am so excited to have something that belonged to you. Good luck and enjoy Etsy. XO Mary
Yay for you! And before you know it that one listing will become many. Best wishes for a very successful shop!
Kat
Congrats on the new shop! Added you to my favorites :)
Congrats on taking the leap! Not to worry, you'll do just fine. The best advice I received when researching what to do, then actually opening my etsy shop, was to just relax and dive in. It really does get easier and become second nature. You have a great eye for treasures, which no doubt, will be appreciated by many. Hope you enjoy your journey into the wonderful Etsy community.
I'm laughing because I have been so slow to launch an Etsy shop! Good for you. :) I'm headed over to add you to my fav's. You are way ahead of me- I haven't even made a header.
Best wishes and I'd love to be entered in your giveaway.
~Tina
Congrats on your new shop Laura - I´m sure it´s be a great succes for you. I have added you to my circle and favorited you too :-)
well good for you! bonne chance in this new venture and welcome aboard!! "merci", too, for the chance to win one of the lovely bottles. i'm heading over to "favorite" your ETSY shop so i can follow along! ;)
Congrats on your shop – I'm sure there are many, many more listings to come :)
One bit of advice: consider adding dimensions (height & diameter in this case) to your listing.
Another tip: add some of the cities/wording that's available on the bottles.
I usually handle listings where there are options with a comment for the seller to please add a note during the checkout process if they have a particular bottle they'd like; and that if there's no note, I will select for them.
Would LOVE to win one of these - my hubby is a Belgian beer fanatic!
Congratulations on the Etsy listing! My husband and I have a small shop too and really enjoy it. My top piece of advice is to post new items regularly. That should really help increase your views. Best of luck!
Congrats on the new store. You have to start somewhere right? Even if its only one listing. It's like losing weight. You have to lose one pound first before you can lose thirty. Good luck and thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Those are gorgeous colored glass bottles. Congrats on opening your etsy shop. I had an etsy shop that sat empty for a very long time until I recently put a few things in it. I added you to my circle. Now get busy and put some more stuff in your shop. :)
Danielle
I hear you...I've had a shop for over a year with nothing in it, but recently added one item :0) I've got 5 good reasons (kids) to keep me busy! Gorgeous bottles too! I LOVE Aqua!
So excited for your new etsy shop I love all your vintage treasures
Can't wait to see more items
Its OK to list a little at a time
Keeps it exciting I have to admit taking pics and adding descriptions can be a challenge and if you also have items in your shop by the time you take the pics and listit online the item is already sold haven't figured out this yet LOL
Good Luck sweet friend
xxoo
Pam
I love getting your emails, I love your bearr bottles. I am sure I will love your etsy shop.
Congratulations! I'm proud of you taking that leap into the world of Etsy. Just enjoy yourself and it will all fall into place. Thanks for generously sharing one of your bottles in a giveaway.
Congrats to you on your Etsy account opening! Beautiful bottles! I love your taste in things. Look forward to seeing the other things that you will put in your shop in the future!
Hi Laura, I have been following your blog for several months now and really enjoy reading it-and looking at your beautiful photography. I love the way you sometimes focus on one or two old items and really changing the way they can be seen. I'm excited that you're opening an easy shop. I don't have one but I love buying from them. The only advice I have, as a buyer, is to have really good communication with your items' buyers. Good luck, I'll be checking back often.
oops! an etsy shop. My self correcting computer gets in the way.
Oh My Goodness! I am close to doing the same thing. I've had My Esty shop and have not offered one thing.Scared to start I think.Your bottles will go fast I bet because of their color.A very gorgeous color.I love them. Please include Me in the drawing.I will have to watch your progress so I can learn from you.I'm chicken to start like I said.I need hints too.Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage
Congrats. I started my Etsy shop over a year ago and then started blogging soon after. Neither have really taken off, although, I do sell something about once or twice a week. I am selling off my collections. I decided it had all become too much clutter. So really don't go out and buy anything new to sell, mostly just stuff I have had in the house for way too long. Good luck on your baby step. Hope I win one of the wonderful bottles.
Congratulations from Ontario, Canada Laura on taking this big leap. I love your blog and have always wondered what you do with all the treasures you find. Thanks for letting us share in your hoard as not all of us have the ability to hunt, as well as you do, for those lovely prizes.
Congrats! Yes! Give it a look of Aladin cave - list a lot of things! Give everyone a chance to find something to love and buy!
I wish you a great success!!
Noga from Israel
You are going to be fabulous! Congratulations! Etsy is really great, user friendly and a great venue for vintage sellers! My only advice is to get a handle on all of the shipping costs/details, make your policies crystal clear--and you can never over-communicate with your buyers! They will come back time and time again for good customer-service! : )
Best wishes for a wonderfully successful and fun venture on Esty!
Bonne chance! : ) xx Cat
Congratulations and take Carole up on the peanuts..Those things are expensive :D
xxx
z
O wowwwww...yout won easy shop.....congratulations Darling.....i Will take a look now ...so excitng !!!!....love Ria...xxx
Very beautiful bottles! Congratulations on your first Etsy listing. I hope your listing is a successful one.
Best Wishes,
Tammy
Hi Laura!
So happy you have opened your shop! Welcome to etsy! I love having my shop there , you meet the nicest customers. If I can ever help you by sharing things that I have learned - never hesitate to ask.
Your bottles are great!!
Beth
Hi Laura!
So happy you have opened your shop! Welcome to etsy! I love having my shop there , you meet the nicest customers. If I can ever help you by sharing things that I have learned - never hesitate to ask.
Your bottles are great!!
Beth
Laura
Three cheers for 52 Flea's exciting journey into cyber-selling!!!!
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia
Way to GO !!! I'm so glad your up and running you have the most awesome stuff so now I hope to share in some of your wonderful finds, I will be watching your etsy shop.
The bottles are gorgeous. Looking forward to what else you will be offering.
Dear Laura
Congrats on your new journey I am over the moon excited for you! I would love a chance to win one of these amazing bottles Count me in
hugs
Kate
xo
Love the bottles - what a find! Good luck on etsy... i shop there all the time!! ~Jill
Yay! You did it....give yourself a pat on the back.
Love the bottles--they will go quickly.
I would love to win one of the bottles. They look like a teal color which is my favorite color. Good luck on your Etsy Shop.
Cant wait for you to sell some of the goodies you post. Love all your wonderful finds. Congrats! Love the beer bottle.
Laura, we just talked, but I am walking around here chanting....she did it, she did it!!!!!!!!I am sooooo proud of you! Now get the blogshop going! No more baby steps....you are a big girl now and doing just fine.
See ya soon,
tons of love, Evi
Oh I so understand...I have started an Etsy shop, played with the banner and the name...it is still waiting.
But Welcome to Etsy with your incredible stunning photos and gorgeous things you should do well. Best of luck.
I LoVe your Belgium beer bottles!!! The color is absolutely gorgeous and would look beautiful in my home...hint, hint ;)
Welcome to Etsy!!! You are going to have fun here. Congrats on your three sales your first day! You're off to a great start! I stopped by your shop and added you to my favorites. I also favorited your bottle and pinned it to my Martinis for 2 pinterest board ~Etsy Friends~. I have been following your boards for a while. Stop by www.martinisfor2.etsy.com for a visit and feel free to convo me anytime if you have any questions or need advice. My words of etsy wisdom to you: It's all in the the story you tell to sell your items. Tell the customer why they can't live without it. Also, Title your item using words that will hit numerous search engines and don't repeat them in your tag section...get your item into as many searches as possible.
Good Luck and best wishes for a prosperous shop!
LuAnn
Wow!Isn't that a coincidence!I started my etsy shop yesterday only too!No sales yet. It is called thalasseaglass if you want to see it. Anyway good luck! I hope you will do well.
Please count me in the giveaway although I am so far away so maybe it would be too dangerous for the bottle to travel this way!AriadnefromGreece.
Laura, congratulations on your recent step forward! I, too, set up an ETSY shop some time ago, but have yet to list something. You just might be my inspiration to move forward. LOL
Good luck!
Sarah
Sea Witch colors if I ever saw them. Must...have...one...of...these...bottles. Also, I have the same antique transfer ware plates. Just love that. You will do great on Etsy. You always have lovely items and exquisite taste.
Would love to have one !
Hi Laura! I m so happy to see your shop open. I have been waiting for this.
I ve sold on eBay and etsy for maybe 5 or 6 years now. I don't have all the answers but if you have questions or want to chat pls email me anytime.
Some advice: be sure you cover your shipping costs, including insurance for fragile items and supplies like bubble wrap. Flat rate USPS boxes are good. And free. I use a Paypal debit card only for postage, so I never have to pay shipping out of own pocket. I always try to ship the next day after I receive payment, and etsy customers respond well to friendly thank you notes w/ their shipping notifications.
Good luck!
robin [lizzy] at gone to the beach
I need to do what you've done and I'll probably be even slower than you! Anyhoo........meanwhile I'd be delighted to win the giveaway. And thanks for the chance :)
Best wishes on your new venture.
those bottles are beautiful!
Hi Laura,
Great News! You'll be a hit.
Fondly, Marjorie
Oh cool! I'd love to 'win' one of those. Good luck on your shop...I'm off to visit it now!
I am so happy that you have decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and I hope that you have a great experience selling your treasures.
I didn't read the 57 comments before mine, so I may be repeating their advice. I think it's all about staging your items so others can see how wonderful they will look in their own homes. Post the items on your blog for us to see and voila! Sold!
Best of luck in your new venture and thanks for the chance to win one of these gorgeous bottles!
I would love to win one of the bottles. Have I a chance even living in Brazil?
Good luck on your Etsy Shop.
Friendly,
Myrian
e-mail:myrianlavourinha@hotmail.com
Congratulations! Slow but sure is a great start! Lovely bottles and one would look lovely in my beach decor. Thanks for the chance in your giveaway! Janet
Love your blog and love the bottles! So pretty! Thanks for the chance.
mommylovescooper@gmail.com
Best of luck on your new venture and please keep us informed how it goes...I have always wanted to start my own store but it is scary! You are so brave. The bottles are lovely and I am sure you will be highly successful. Thanks for the chance!
I have an etsy shop, but sometimes forget to keep an eye on it and the listing expires before I have renewed it. Now I write down the date, so I keep a closer eye on it. My items can be on going, as I produce them myself.
You have such great taste in vintage "stuff". I'm sure you are going to do great on Etsy. I've been wanting to sell "stuff" there but I also have excuses!!! Maybe someday!! Good Luck. I'll be checking to see what you list next.
That's ok!!! It can be sad... Tell her mine was sad too:)
So far so good. YAY!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you!
Anyway, have a great weekend.
xxx Liz
Congratulations! Your one and only listing is beautifully styled and photographed. Keep it up.
This sounds like a lot of fun. I wish you joy and much success.
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com
Hi there, excited for your etsy shop.. I have thought about doing this as well. I was a vendor at a local shabby store but time just didnt allow so this seems to be an answer for me.. Thanks for the chance at the bottle. Love it. Have a great weekend.
Love your pics! I am a bottle collector...old bottles that is!
The blue is beautiful. Glad you are taking the plunge with etsy.
Good luck!
Peace and Blessings, Nancy
Best wishes to you with your shop. You will do wonderfully. I've met so many nice people through Etsy...and it's fun to get notification in your in-box when a sale has been made. ; )
~Michele
Congrat's on taking the plunge - I'm very impressed and somewhat envious...it's so easy to keep holding off on starting to list items. I'm with you...it's been 1+ year since I've had an empty Etsy shop and a cellar full of things to list...someday :). Anyway I wish you the best of luck with your Etsy venture!
congrats on taking that step!
Fantastic. I am a guy that loves your site and I don't look at posts like this. It's a great site. Congratulations and keep the posts coming. Thanks.
Good for you!! I understand the fear!! I've had an etsy shop for several years and never listed a thing!! Ack!! Love these bottles!!
Congrats on opening your shop, Laura! I know you'll have fun!
Good for you! Baby steps!
Yea Laura!! I am on my way now to your shop! I am so excited for you and I wish you all the best!!
Love these beautiful bottles, thanks so much for the generous opportunity!
Have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Congratulations for taking the leap! Can't wait to check it out,
Peggy @ The Painted Pear
Hooray for you, Laura. I have had nothing in my store for two years but hope to again. The bottles are lovely. I think I am back in blogland to stay after my time to take care of business and myself after Jud's death. The first part was very complicated. The second was straightforward, though, of course, sad. I know you know.
Hugs,
Suz
Congrats on your new shop! Post the link at the top of your blog so that it's easy to find and jump to....the sales will start rolling in!
Kris
www.CricketAcresStudio.blogspot.com
BRAVO!! For taking THAT first step, no kidding THE most important step and the scariest one maybe :). I'm just starting an artsy blog 10 months ago, eventually I'll gather all might and start one ETSY myself. All the luck & love you need to prosper :). Thank you so much for giving us a chance to win this beauty!.
Congrats on your shop! The first step is always the hardest but it's addicting! You'll see!
Jeanine
So enjoy your blog. Thanks for all of the inspiration you give me, and the chance to win one of these beautiful bottles. Love the color!
Hi Laura,
I am so happy you are taking etsy seriously as it has been very good to me!
Like you , I was slow to start but now I am loving it.
I stopped eBay altogether as the fees were too high.
With your blog following you will have immediate success, I am sure of it.
I adore your first listing too!
With your gorgeous photos you are going to have to find an assistant to keep up!
I totally understand too about letting go of treasures but it gets easier I promise and you start to get addicted to selling!!!
Good luck, I will be checking up on you!!!
Love,
Terri
I SO get you on this. But Congratulations! Have a wonderful time with it! The bottles are a fab way to start.
I love reading your blog and looking at all the beautiful pictures you have. Good luck with the new shop!
Congratulations Laura! You have made the first and most important step. Remember to have fun, that's my advice, make each sale an experience.
Hugs,
Mags
xxxxx
Congratulations, Laura! The first step is the biggest and it gets easier from there!
I'm adding your shop to my Etsy favs...
Hugs,
Zuzu
No advice from me girl , I need help also I am working on my etsy shop since I can't lift anything and that's what having a shop & setting up at shows consist of .
I thought I would have time to work on my etsy since I was off work 3 weeks but I didn't feel well enough to sit at the computer due to 4 bulging disk in my back
I would love to be entered in your drawing and we all look forward to seeing more great items in your shop.
I think the hardest thing is the postage thing? working on getting that set up now for myself.
Janice
Congrats, i 2 would like 2 open an Esty shop...same thing u went thru....would love 2 win...bottle addict!!
C
You are more brave than I. I was told the pictures used on Etsy are important and yours are gorgeous! I'm sure you will do well.
Good luck on Etsy!
Congratulations on opening your Etsy. I started a little over a year ago and have done very well. If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Judy
Laura! Welcome aboard! I am so happy for you! What great news! Leslie :)
They are lovely....I would love to have....three!! ;-)
So generous of you to do a giveaway.
Everything you have is pretty and is photographed beautifully.
Laura
First let me Congratulate you on your new Venture that has been so long in the making. Like you I tend to take things slowly but surely when it comes to Biz Ventures... but I do find that it tends to play out well that way and come together nicely given sufficient Time to have it the way you want it. May this be a huge Success, your Taste and Aesthetic is superb and appreciated by so many that I am certain you will be delighted that you finally stepped forth and completed the Vision. And yes, I'd LOVE to Win one of those Lovely Bottles... what a great Hue!
Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
So glad to have you on Etsy!! I opened a shop in the Spring and have loved it. My advice is to buy a scale and charge the highest shipping rate away and then refund if it's less. Sam's club has a great scale. Best of luck!!
Congrats!! I love old bottles and I thank you for the opportunity to win. I've had an etsy shop for almost two years so if you need any advice let me know. One thing when you are ready to list more items...list a new item every day (or every other day) instead of listing them all at once, it keeps you up in the queue.
Very cool bottle! I love bottles and jars!! LOL For my etsy Shoppe I read alot!! I joined a couple of teams and that is great for learning. Keep that baby full all the time keep on listing as much as you can!! And it make it fun!! Don't wear yourself out to much!! Just preachin it to ya s you don't burn out!! Take care and keep on keepin on!! XOXO Fran.
Congratulations on your shop! I think your bottles are lovely and I favorited your shop already. I have lost your address, but if you send it to me again I will send you a free copy of the book I helped to write, Etsy 101. It's full of great advice! Hugs!
Wow, love the bottles - we just got back from a vacation to Belgium - would be really neat to win one to display!
My tip is to buy a scale as someone(s?) else said and to print your postage from paypal. You get a little break on the cost and also get delivery confirmation free.
I've been selling now for a couple of years under Lynnslittleshop and thoroughly enjoy it. So glad you decided to take the plunge and thanks for the giveaway!
I am number 102!!!!
Haven't been to the etsy yet...
I know it will be wonderful..
Congratulations..
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Wow! I've been waiting! So excited for you... now I am inspired to start mine! Looking forward to seeing what else you list~ Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
jamievowell@yahoo.com
Congratulations on your new shop! I love your blog and am sure your etsy shop will be a HUGE success!
Best of luck!
Carol
Congratulations on your Etsy shop. How wonderful that you're dream came true!! Count me in for this awesome giveaway. Thanks so much :)
sally.puckett@yahoo.com
Congratulations on the shop. Please count me in if this has not closed as yet.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
Beautiful site*
Congrats on taking the plunge! One listing leads to many... I will add your blog to follow - every bit helps. Best
Tama Trotti
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