Tips That Work

How do you reach out to your potential customers? Or do you reach at all? Do you wait, hoping you'll wake up to a slew of sales the next morning? 

Arabia Finland Coffee Mug offered by VioletQVintage

We all wait, hoping. But there is a lot more we can do to ensure sales. With the economy going up and down faster than a roller coaster, it's vital we find creative ways to market our shops and items. Here I'll provide a few ideas that I've seen work well. 

Mod 1970s Throw Pillow offered by Kultur

Network!! Join local email groups: Yahoo freecycle, Mothers/Parents clubs, Civic groups and more. I'm very active in my local groups. I post things on Freecycle and I also get things off Freecycle. When I pick up or give away the items this allows for face to face interaction. This always results in a friendly conversation that inevitably leads to what I do for a living. My two BIGGEST clients came from a word of mouth referral from Freecycle. 

Upcycled Carved Coral Jewelry Rack offered by MellowMermaid

Talk!! Tell every person you meet what you do. Tell the checker at the Super Market. Find a way to incorporate it into everyday conversation. Promote yourself. Yes, it'll feel awkward at first, but you'll soon find you can just seamlessly integrate into the flow of talk. And people will want to hear about it. Why? Because what we do is FASCINATING. People love to hear about it. And in addition to that, everyone will want to know you at some point because when estates come up, you'll be the one who can help. 

Vintage See No Evil Bar Set offered by EmeliasCupboard

Advertise!! There are so many ways to reach the public. Don't just discount advertising as too expensive. I just placed an ad with the company that does those advertising placemats in restaurants. I've already received 6 calls, one of which is an Estate of the head lawyer to Disney & Bob Hope in the 1950's & 60's. The ad didn't cost much and the company distributes 22,000 placements a month. A good value for my money-it pays to think outside the box. 

Enamel Flower Brooch offered by reconstitutions

Expand!! While I'm all for selling on Etsy, there may be times when it pays to expand out into other venues. I know many of us are selling on eBay as well. But what about Craigslist? How about taking your listing and putting it on Craigslist when you list it on Etsy or eBay? I know an antique store in my town that lists every single item on Craigslist when it comes in the door. She's now getting 45% of her sales from online. 

Mid Century Enamel Box offered by mascarajones

It's not good enough for us to depend on Etsy to help us. We need to think out of the box and figure out how to drive traffic to our items and shops. At the end of the day, only we are responsible for our success. Let's make sure we are!! 

Choose Your Words Carefully

Wyandotte Pressed Steel Toy Truck offered by queenofsienna

One of the oft overlooked and unsexy parts of selling vintage on Etsy is keywords. Almost everyone lets out a inward grown when it comes time to fill them in. What to choose? What will draw eyeballs? What is the magic formula? 

Vintage Red Hat with Fruit offered by alexsandras

The trick is crawling into that searchers head. Once you've figured out what the item is and who made it, you can start to put together a tag. A McCoy bowl from the 1930s would have tags such as: McCoy, bowl, mixing, kitchen, baking, etc. Now if the bowl is blue, don't use blue as a tag. It's far too general and clogs up the search. Instead put blue in the title where it will also be picked up. Using blue bowl in the tag would be a good compromise. 

Wood Fruit Crate offered by CheekyChicVintage

Study your own behavior: how do you try to find items? When you're making treasuries, how do you search for specifics? For example, when I need to find items for a farm based treasury, I often search under: country, farm, farmhouse, kitchen, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, baking, etc. 

Vintage Toy Telephone offered by ArtfulVintage

Be thorough in your titles & keywords. Be sure to include information in both, to increase your odds in the Relevancy search. For example, if I'm selling a 1940s Dennison Halloween decoration, I'll be sure to put Dennison, Halloween, 1940's, pumpkin, etc in both places. Then in the tags I'd continue on furthur including: vintage, holiday, denison (spelled the wrong way to grab those searchers!), etc. 

1970s GlasSnap Tumblers offered byVioletQVintage

Don't forget the Materials tags. Is your item made of pottery? Then in the Materials tag put in: pottery, clay, ceramic, etc. Try to include different names for those basic materials. Brass=metal, Book=paper, cardboard, cloth, Silk=fabric, etc. etc. 

Angel Christmas Tree Decoration offered by EmeliasCupboard

Try and see if your item is a cross collectible. For example, if your book is a ratty falling apart copy of Alice in Wonderland consider marketing it as a book, prints, baby nursery decoration, etc. That would produce a very different set of tags than just a book would. 

Wood Buddha Statue offered by kricketts17

Capturing the eyes of the searching public is no small task. We want our items to be found via Google, Etsy, and any other search they might be using. By narrowing down your search to the essentials, you'll be found by the right audience who is looking just for what you have. 

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. 

The Biggest Distinction Between Shops

Fabulous photography: lighting & cropping are excellent. By tippleandsnack

There is nothing more important regarding your shop than photography. Forget worrying about the economy: If your photos are good, they will be featured endlessly in treasuries, showcased in blogs, your shop will be favorited often, you'll be added to circles daily and best yet, your items will sell. 

Clear lighting, lots of detail & clear white space cropping by beppiebags

I know, because my old photos weren't great. Things sold when I began my shop last year, but slowly. I adjusted my prices, made treasuries, joined teams, offered killer items, and still just did okay. Then I ran across tippleandsnacks shop and was blown away. I saw her items featured on the home page often. I saw her items selling. I adored her shop because of the clean contemporary appearance-it felt like a Pottery Barn catalog. 

Flawless photo: balanced cropping, strong light & visual interest. By birdie1

It took me a while to get off my tail. But I finally ordered Ott lights, set up a photography space and began rephotographing my items. Keep in mind, my photos weren't terrible on their own. But when they were paired next to bitofbutter or mascarajones items it was really noticeable. To be honest, I didn't really realize how poor my photos were until I saw them in treasuries. 

It's an ongoing process and I'm still not done. Every time an item expires I rephotograph it. All new items are of course photographed with the new system. 

Let's look at the difference between the two photos above. The first photo shows detail, has a white surround and is clear. But the lighting is off. I see lighting as the problem in many listings on Etsy. While buyers can still view the item, it won't sell them on it like clear spectrum lighting would. (Tip: Buy Ott lights today) The first photo certainly doesn't say: Magazine photo shoot! 

Great cropping, clear lighting, detailed shot by TPBVintage

The other thing that's vital is cropping. My photos were all big on detail-I was so close you couldn't help but see it!! Most of the shops in the vintage categories really suffer from too closeitis. Crop your photo for the thumbnail and leave whitespace around it. The thumbnail is critical because it the #1 view most buyers see. Much of the time I can't even tell what the item is without reading the title-which is NOT good. Customers should never have to work to see your item. If they can't see what the item is in a glance, you risk losing them. 

Well cropped, ready for it's thumbnail closeup

Poorly cropped, too close. Horrid thumbnail

That first photo is your biggest pull. If it's a good photo buyers may click through to view it. If it's not, many will pass it up. That photo should provide all the necessary info: true color and what it is. 

Look at the photos that get featured on the front page-for the most part they have white space around them. If you're not sure how big they'll be, switch your shop from gallery view to list view. This is how many people see your shop-especially if they're viewing it on a phone. 

Well cropped, natural lighting, great photo by thecreekhouse

Cropping & lighting are the single two biggest factors that influence the success of your shop. These factors are even more important that what you sell. I have seen the most average everyday run of the mill items sell fast when photographed well, and likewise have watched under priced gorgeous items languish for months due to poor photography. Don't put it off. You'll be so glad you did after you have a booming holiday season. 

Shop Window Basics

Arranging store windows is a critical marketing effort retail stores undertake. That blank space offers a fantastic opportunity to shape customer opinion, convey a message about the store image & convince the customer they need to come in. Print media also depends on their arrangements to lure customers. Similarly, our Etsy store fronts provide us a valuable marketing opportunity. 

Colors are balanced and lighting is strong by mascarajones

We've all seen them. You enter an Etsy store and feel affronted. The colors are askew, lighting is inconsistent & the page lacks a sense of balance. While you might take a cursory glance, stores that look this way appear jumbled & disorganized to our minds and we generally leave quickly. 

 A poorly designed shop. Colors are clustered together, there is no unification. 

Having an organized and visually balanced shop is critical for one major reason. Our customers are looking at a computer screen. The glare, lighting, tiny fonts & eye strain all make for a shopping challenge. If we counter that by providing a calm, balanced and well lit space, their eyes will relax and enjoy wandering throughout our shops. 

The same shop, redone. Colors & materials are balanced out. 

Our shops should be staged every day. Like putting a front page worthy treasury together, your shop should look fresh, coordinated and well thought out. If you have a bunch of similarly colored items, spread them out to help the eye balance. Perhaps you have several tiny or large items. Treat them the same as colored items and balance the shop out. 

Excellent use of color & lighting. I want to look more! By marybethhale

Keep in mind what your shop looks like above the fold. Meaning, what does your shop look like on a standard laptop screen? Good web designers think about this when building new websites. What that section of your shop looks like is very critical-it is the only impression many potential customers will get. Many will not scroll down if they're not tempted by those top lines. 

Great use of color, balance & subject matter by goodlookin

I don't rearrange my whole shop every day-that would be a time waster. But if we're listing, I do make sure items are balanced in order to compliment each other. One thing I do do daily is change my featured items. Even just moving the same items around freshens the shop and can give a totally different look. 

A balanced, relaxed and fascinating shop by hurstdesigns

By treating our shops as retail space, we'll bring a more professional feel to them. That's critical in building trust and reliability, two qualities we all need to convey this holiday season. 

Ignoring the Decades

1980's Panetta Necklace offered by popgoesmyvintage

When my wonderful Grandma passed on, my aunt & Mom went through her items, selecting what pieces they wanted. The remaining items were spread out on blankets throughout the house. My brother & I, the only grandchildren, were told to take what we wanted. My mom and aunt were born between 1939-1942. To my surprise, I found they left most of the items from the 40's, 50's, and 60's.  I remember my Mom saying that the brightly colored California pottery from the late 40's was tacky.

1985 Breeders Cup Book offered by goodlookin

I have found this true ism applies to most people. No one seems to value items from the decades they've lived through. I have encountered this time and time again in my estate liquidation business. I've found this to be true of myself: I can't imagine wanting to wear a 1970's dress, much less sell it!

1980's Kinetic Earrings offered by mascarajones

That said, I know I need to remain open minded. I see other shops doing quite well with things from recent decades. But to be honest, I have a hard time accepting that vintage now applies to 1991. Due to this bias, what are we overlooking as sellers? What high ticket items are we passing by?

Jointed Ceramic Snoopy 1970's Ornament I sold

Would you think Snoopy is worth anything? Many sellers just consider Peanuts a modern cartoon, not recognizing Charles Schultz has been gone for 11 years now and Peanuts was introduced 61 years ago. Pieces from the late 70's and mid 80's can be very valuable. I sold a jointed Snoopy ornament from 1979 recently for several hundred.

1970's Wayfarer Sunglasses offered by dahlilafound

I saw a mid 1980's Atari game sell for almost $1200. I almost fell over. I never knew Jessica McClintock dresses from the late 70's were desirable. I found calculators from the early 1980's selling for strong prices-for way more than I ever thought any such device could go for! Now you likely don't sell these things and are asking yourself, why should I care? Because you're out there. You're at sales. If I placed $500 in a box for you, you'd take it. So why pass by recent vintage that will provide more spending money for the real vintage you love?

One of the rarest games from the 1980's, worth a mint

The trick is to educate yourself. Yes, eBay can help a little, but dig. Prices are variable and you'll need to have several examples before settling on a price you can depend on. I prefer looking at collectors websites and reading blogs. Look at shops on Etsy that specialize in the recent decades. I've been amazed by what Etsy sellers are able to get for 1980's pieces. Way to go Etsy sellers!

1980's Valentino Sweater offered by hillbillyfilly

Be flexible. Be open minded. Embrace change. Next time you walk into an estate and only see recent vintage, embrace it. Don't run because you don't see classic pieces. Look with a sharp eye and nab those items that are the modern collectibles of today.

The Karma of Vintage

I'm a busy woman. Like you, I juggle many different roles in my life: Wife, Mommy, Appraiser, Etsy Seller, Small Business Owner, etc. etc. Despite having all these roles, I realized a while ago that I wanted to give more. While I don't have time to stand and help at a Soup Kitchen, I do have the ability to give in the arena I know best: Vintage.

Antique Yellow Ware Mixing Bowls offered by EmeliasCupboard

To begin I approached my local Hospice Organization and volunteered my services. (Hospice provides end of life care for the terminally ill) They had been looking for someone like me for over 2 years! Now when speciality items are donated to them they give them to me to sell. They run 2 local thrift stores and the items I handle are ones that won't do well in the shops. A couple of weeks ago I was able to sell two English cash boxes for $110. Hospice was thrilled-the boxes wouldn't have brought $5 in the stores. I give all the money to them, minus the Etsy & Paypal fees.

Vintage Gentleman Brooch offered bynosnowsupplies

This relationship was so successful that I've approached other charity organizations. I help with appraisals, pricing for special sales events, and sell items once in a while for them. It's such a great way to help raise money and I love helping them out.

Bird Message Holder offered by ArtfulVintage

Soon after I got that volunteering effort off the ground I joined the Etsy Vintage Team. I realized that I could offer some helpful selling tips and thought it would be useful to others. I volunteered to write this Wednesday column. While it's not a cancer charity, it's still a great way to give back. Volunteering your time doesn't have to be a major commitment. A once a week Facebook posting can go a long way to helping others.

1921 Orphan Annie Book offered by wonderdiva

Another way I've tried to give is through the convos on Etsy. Rather than look at questioning emails as annoying, I've switched my view. I'm helping & that's good for me and them. So now when my almost daily emails come in asking for help in item identification, history, appropriate pricing or what I sold mine for, I answer happily. Turns out it's been more than me giving-it's also led to 2 friendships and several sales!

Two Vintage Swimming Trophies offered by 12karri

I feel that the most important way I reach out and give is to the elderly in my community. So many older people get taken advantage of by antique dealers. I hear horror stories from elders who have been lied to, stolen from and misinformed-all for a few dollars, which really makes my blood boil. To combat this, I give my time freely for appraisals and estate evaluations. People seem so surprised that I'm honest and down to earth. To me this giving does the most to help better the world.

Hand Embroidered Vintage Runner offered by HouseOfLinens

No matter how small it is, helping others and giving freely of our time is so rewarding. My generosity has blessed me in many unexpected ways in the form of word of mouth recommendations, friendships, a strong reputation in my community and more. While I'm still very busy, I find giving to be very peaceful and very centering. I'd love to hear how you give of yourself and your time!

Business Building Blocks

Have you ever day dreamed about expanding your business? Have you dreamed of quitting your day job and doing vintage full time? Have you looked at other businesses and thought to yourself, I think I could do that!?

Cherub Wall Sconces offered by tippleandsnack

I have. A lot. So I've been spending a lot of time studying successful businesses and learning how they got there. I've learned a few simple things that have given me the confidence to take my own business to the next level.

1960s Linen Pantsuit offered by alexsandras

1. Everyone started small. I found that the businesses I most admired were rooted in the hard work of one or two people. Some had savings to help them, but many got an idea and began with no source of funds. They came up with creative ways to handle challenges, didn't give up and put in the hours.

Sterling Modernist Bracelet Set offered by mascarajones

2. All had a business plan. I found this fascinating, since many new business owners I've spoken to lately haven't bothered with writing a plan. Having a plan helps you map out the route you want your business to take. Without a map, you can get lost really quickly. The plan maps out your goals for the business, helps you outline the structure to meet those goals and brings order to a lot of data.

Vintage Floral Porcelain Dish offered by jenscloset

3. Each business had a strong vision. They didn't all necessarily know how to execute it, but they knew they loved antiques and wanted to establish a certain level of business. Having this kind of passion is a cornerstone in every successful company.

Sterling Opera Glasses offered by cherrylippedroses

4. All the businesses took longer to be successful than they anticipated. Most thought it would be profitable in 6 months. Most learned that it takes at least a year and often two before a profit can be realized. During that time they were learning, making mistakes, making improvements and learning how to handle crises. Great use of that time of growth.

1950's Cotton Dress offered by hillbillyfilly

I've been researching, studying, planning and writing out my business plan for months. I'm now taking the leap! I'm opening a premium auction house in my California Sierra foothills area.

My new company logo

Am I waking up in a cold sweat at night dreaming of an auction house filled with 3 customers (all of them my children)? Yep. Am I determined to not let that little kernel of fear blossom into a paralyzing terror? Yep. I can do this. After learning about all these other successful businesses began, I realized I don't need to master it all the first go around. I can learn.

1931 Noiseless Typewriter offered by beppiebags

Whether you want to reach thousands of customers via an expanded website, open a brick & mortar vintage bookshop or reach more customers abroad, using the time and tried methods used by successful businesses is always a wise idea. Follow your dreams and see where they lead you!