Vintage Gift Guide for Pet Lovers

by ReBopShop

Feathered and Furry Fun! Vintage gift ideas for the pet lover in your life.

Vintage Statue Carnival Chal... CalloohCallay $44.00	Midcentury Enamel Cat Pin or... nickhaus $54.00	Tropical Birds Art Pottery ... MoonOverMarily... $45.00
Collectible Lassie Come Home TheVintageWord... $32.00	Vintage poreclain roosters /... scoutandrescue $28.00	Vintage 1930s Opalescent Chi... BlackRain4 $24.99
Horse Sterling Silver Figuri... SterlingDeligh... $150.00	Black Friday Sale Vintage ti... reconstitution... $76.08	Vintage Silver Cat Bracelet SweetSugarBout... $22.00
vintage mid century letter h... beguilingvinta... $24.00	Vintage Scottie Dog Slacks H... LeasAtticSpace $49.95	Vintage Chinese Garden by Sh... thechinagirl $44.50
Modernist Matte Cloisonne En... mascarajones $495.00	Vintage Majolica pair of por... yeoldevintages... $42.99	ON SALE Vintage Sterling Tie... Vanityfare $36.00

Treasury tool by whalesharkwebsites

Set Your Shop Above The Rest

As the Holiday buying season approaches, we need to be sure we're doing all we can to reassure our potential customers. Today we're inundated with stories of fraud, poor packaging that led to broken items, sellers that refuse to offer refunds for wrong items, and more. We can combat this and set our stores apart with a few basic words & practices. Some sellers hide behind their descriptions, leaving out information so the item will sell faster. You are building long term customer relationships-treat your clients as you wish to be treated. 

Vintage Ceramic Rooster offered by VintageInBloom

First of all, congrats! Being a member of the Etsy Vintage Team is a great seal of approval to have. The high standards set by this team mean that buyers can relax, knowing that they're dealing with a reputable seller. 

Antique Treenware Kitchen Set offered by birdie1

But it's going to take more than just a badge to get an insecure buyer to click the Add to Cart button. The first impression of your shop is vital, just as it is with people. Is it well laid out? Are colors & textures balanced-not too much of one color on a side, silver items spread evenly throughout the page, clothing balanced out with jewelry? If you're unsure, try this: back away from your computer screen a little ways and squint your eyes. You'll quickly assess what needs to go where.

Vintage Tole Metal Tray offered by tparty

Are your descriptions thorough? Be sure you're eliminating all guesswork for the potential buyer. Provide what the item is made of, what its measurements are and all elements of condition. Avoid the dreaded: "in good condition for its age"-it's far too subjective. Be specific: There is a 1/4 inch long crack along the side, the binding is tight & the pages all present, the leather is supple, there is consistent crazing, etc. 

Silver Kangaroo Ring offered by evalena

Are you providing extra information that other sellers neglect to provide? One such example is black light testing. It brings out the hidden flaws and repairs your naked eye may have missed, thus providing another level of security for your customer. Do you mention if the item smells fresh and is free from smoke? I consider this a vital piece of information when I'm buying, since I'm seriously allergic to tobacco smoke. 

1970s Maxi Dress offered by JojosRetroandVintage

Being willing to offer fast exact shipping is good idea for last minute shoppers. Providing tracking numbers and insurance is another way to give reassurance to a wary buyer. As I've mentioned before, it's always better to provide a variety of shipping rates so your buyer feels confident. 

Antique Lusterware Open Salts offered by vintageatchirp

Layaway is a popular option now; just 2 or 3 payments can make a world of difference. I've had 3 sales for over $400 lately done this way and they've all paid on time. If you do offer it, advertise it. 

Modernist Sterling Brooch Offered by darlingblu

In these uncertain times this extra level of service reassures the buyer and shows them you're sensitive to their needs. Since most of our shops are going to do the bulk of their business during the holidays, now is the time to be sure we're providing a top level of customer service. 

Ahead of the Curve

Ever notice when you get a little itchy for something? It's often not when you'd expect to receive it. For example, I tend to crave a great breakfast around 10:30 at night. Those same feelings we all get also apply to shopping trends. Right now, things are really heating up for future events-and you need to be on the ball and ahead of the curve. 

Vintage Twig Broom offered by hurstdesigns

If you've been trolling the Treasuries on Etsy lately, you'll have noticed that Halloween is sprouting up. I even found myself making one last week and then this week I saw several more. Vintage Halloween is being searched on. This is the time of year for designing elaborate adult costumes, thinking about how to decorate for the big annual party, and planning what the kiddos are going to wear. 

Vintage Spider & Fly Pendant offered by myshangrila

Cater to it. List your Halloween related items now. Get your costume pieces modeled and photographed. Use your Featured Items to show off your items and if you have enough, change them out often. Even just rotating the order the featured photos are in can give your shop a whole new look. 

Vintage Halloween Cookie Cutters offered by jinxxy

I recommend having a Holiday themed category to make it easy for shoppers. Make it easy for those ornament, decoration & costume customers. I've found many people don't realize they can search within our shops, especially all the potential buyers coming to our shops straight from Google. Categories are critical in helping them find things. 

Antique Ankle Boots offered by designarchives

I found last year that Christmas ornaments began selling in late August. It's the time when buyers hope to score pieces before the main public begins buying. Don't wait to flood the market in late November because by then you'll have sacrificed all those early buyers. Late November is a fine time to relist, but do your initial listings in the upcoming weeks. 

Collection of Polish Ornaments offered by kowgirlkitsch

Isn't this anticipation fun? Fall is coming. Gear up for it and get ahead of the curve!