Etsy Mentor Series-KaraStarz

Customer Service is Key

I recently joined the etsy family in January of 2009 and have been very pleased with the results of a 150 sales. I have been making accessories for women and children for a few years now. The accessories have been a big hit in my circle of family and friends and the boutiques I sell to, but I wanted to offer my selection to a larger group of people and had heard great things about etsy. I decided to give it a try.

Here I am a few months later with a decent amount of success on etsy! I am really glad that I gave it a try and am looking forward to what the future holds.
If you are like me you notice right away that there are MANY amazing and talented people on etsy selling unique quality items. I have to be honest and tell you that I was a little intimidated at first. I knew I would have to find a way to set my shop apart from the competition.

Show them you care with Extras

In my opinion, the best way to accomplish that goal is by offering exceptional customer service. Considering the shape of the economy right now, if someone is willing to buy one of my accessories I am going to show them how much I appreciate them spending their hard-earned money in my shop! I always add a little extra goody with any order I get. I also make sure I engage a customer if they have a question about an item or want to create a custom piece. I want to make sure they are going to get exactly what they have in mind. I am still learning on asking the proper questions to ensure this happens. Such as clarifying color, accents they are wanting to add and what they are will be wearing the custom piece to. If someone is ordering a custom order for a wedding. I will ask about wedding colors and make them a flower pin with there colors of the wedding for a rehearsal or bachelor party. I do not do this just to make a sale, but to show them I am truly honored that they chose my shop in this huge fish pond of amazing sellers.

Offer Incentives

Another great way to show your customers you care is by offering incentives. You can add an additional item in with the order or offer sales every once in a while. Decide what type of discount you are willing to give and be comfortable with. Find your personal qualities and work on strengthening them.

Variety is the spice of Life!

I also try to offer customers a large variety of fairly priced items. I currently have 120 items for sale. I offer different styles of shoe clips, flower pins, head pieces, headbands, hair clips and baby headbands for every occasion. I think people appreciate that in a seller. Don’t be afraid to be creative and give things a try.

Kara Starz
Starz Selection
http://www.starzselection.etsy.com/


Thanks Kara for the great article!

Would you like to be considered for the next Etsy Mentor Series post? Convo kMT at http://www.kmtgraphicdesign.etsy.com/!