Simplynotesandtotes

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Simply Notes and Totes http://simplynotesandtotes.etsy.com
What you sell: Handmade ladies handbags, totes, diaper bags and accessories for ladies of all ages
Tell us about your featured item: We have added a new zippered tote for 2008. “Short Sugars”. These totes are fun for all ages. They measure 6 x 13 and depending on the strap length you choose – can be carried on the shoulder or by hand.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10168485
What do you enjoy least about running your own Etsy shop? Keeping up with paper work; fees; sales tax – that is not fun.
What I do enjoy ---is the joy of helping someone create that special tote just for them or a gift for someone special. It’s always fun at the craft shows to see someone’s face light up when they find just what they were looking for. Meeting new people and making friends from all walks of live is a true blessing.
Do you sell on any venues outside of Etsy? We attend 12-14 craft shows a year. I say we because this is a true family affair. My wonderful husband and children and also my sister-in-law and her husband assist me. We all have an important role that helps keep us on the right track.

Angel Designs

Etsy Shop Name: Angel Designs
What you sell: I sell hand knitted baby clothes (jumpers, really cute booties and slippers). I have used the softest most natural and top quality wools that I can find. I also sew plastic aprons and dresses with little appliqués on them. More recently I have started to try to sell knitting patterns, all of which will be and are original designs.

Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners consider the business side of their shop the most challenging?
Is this your first entrepreneurial adventure, or are you a seasoned veteran? This is my first entrepreneurial venture. I am enjoying it although I find it challenging and am looking forward to expanding my venture, when the time is right.
Have you taken any business classes to help you prepare for being an Etsy shop owner? What class would you like to take? I have not taken any classes to prepare for this venture, but feel that a marketing course would be of great benefit because I believe that my products are great - well made from quality materials and would love to get better ideas about how to convey this to the world!

sweetandtranquil

Etsy Shop Name And Address: sweetandtranquil http://sweetandtranquil.etsy.com
What you sell: Bath and Body Products that range from Sweet soaps to tranquil bath salts
Tell us about your featured item: Yummy Strawberry Shortcake Soap, this is one of my favorite soaps as it reminds me of summer. It looks like strawberries covered in whipped cream. The soap is moisturizing and has a sweet smell.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10340416
How do you market your Etsy shop?
I am new to running an online business so my marketing plan is still in the works. Until now it has been mostly word of mouth through friends and family, and through my website. I joined etsy back in January and have purchased a few showcases, I have been featured on blogs and have started my own blog . I received the largest amount of hits on my website when I participated in an online giveaway of one of my products.
Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes?
I think that most business owners not just etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes because they do not understand the laws. Also if you do not keep proper records throughout the year when it comes to tax time it can become very stressful. Before starting any business it is best to do all the research and meet with an accountant and/or lawyer to ensure you understand what is required. It makes the whole process of being a business owner much less stressful if you understand what you need to do before you start.

Primitive Earth Soap Co.

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Primitive Earth Soap Co. – Charlottesville, Virginia.
What you sell: Handmade, natural soaps as well as other natural bath treats and skin products.
Tell us about your featured item: Right now I’m featuring my Frankincense and spice soap, which is a good example of the kind of soaps I tend to make. I often get to mixing soap with no real plan other than the base recipe – typically olive oil or tallow soap. In this recipe, I had some Frankincense tears, which are actually dried “tears” of tree sap that have a lovely perfume. As with most whole ingredients, I ground the tears in my trusty ol’ mortar and pestle, added flax and marshmallow root, which are great for winter skin, and a slew of other goodies. The end result was a hard, foamy soap that lasts a really long time and smells terrific on both men and women. And like almost all of my soaps, it’s a limited edition!
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10139459
How do you market your Etsy shop? I’m in the fortunate position that I have many friends, coworkers and family members who are regular customers. I invested in some very nice postcards that I have available at craft shows, leave in shops around my hometown, and put into every order. Leveraging my web design skills, I am currently trying to find time to finish my website, www.primitivesoaps.com, which is a “home base” for my business and a portal to my Etsy shop. From here I plan to have a mailing list, blog, coupons, and freebies like computer desktop wallpapers, Etsy shop banners, and other graphic design goodies that should help drive some return traffic to my site. Web sites are a great way to give your business instant legitimacy, and startup costs can be very affordable. I’m also working on putting together the Blue Ridge Art District, a central Virginia Street Team (www.theartdistrict.org) to network with other artists and try to do some events.
Aside from these plans, I’m taking it slow! I work a full-time job in addition to running my Etsy shop and doing occasional craft shows, so I’m actually cautious of doing too much at once. Focused efforts done well are better than posting all over the place in a fast & sloppy manner, in my opinion!
Why do you think that most Etsy shop owners are worried about filing taxes? I think most people dread taxes in general! Certainly folks fear what they don’t understand, but a little bit of organization and a small investment of time and money can make life much easier. I actually enjoy doing taxes. My personal taxes were done and filed on February 2! It feels good to close the books at the end of the year.

ThePaintedTiger

Etsy Shop Name And Address: ThePaintedTiger http://ThePaintedTiger.etsy.com
What you sell: Hand dyed yarn, silk, and custom knit scarves.
Tell us about your featured item: “Cheerful” is typical of my fun and bright colors of hand dyed yarn. Two shades each of blue and yellow are alternated to create this classic combination. “Cheerful” has been featured in several treasuries, and one even made it to the front page of Etsy.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10267272
Have you taken any business classes to help you prepare for being an Etsy shop owner? What class would you like to take?
No, I have not taken any formal classes. When I started ThePaintedTiger (several years before Etsy!), I did quite a bit of research on the internet about what I needed to do as far as legal issues. I also read quite a bit, and recommend any of the Nova Small Business Made Simple series of books. For internet sales, I also recommend the book “Advertise, Promote, and Market Your Business or Web Site for Little or No Money” by Bruce Brown. Be sure to check your local public library, they have many small business, marketing, and accounting books you can use for free.
Although I would love to take a business class, I find that most small business classes are directed at service or brick & mortar stores. This is a gap that I’d love to see filled, as so many more people are selling on the internet and there are special issues involved with that.
Do you hire an accountant to help with your Etsy shop finances? Why or why not?
No, I do not. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of girl, and I find that Quickbooks works well for me. Before that, I kept my accounts on paper. The trick for any system is keeping current!

CalumeyDesigns

Etsy Shop Name:
CalumeyDesigns (CalumeyDesigns.etsy.com)
What you sell:
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Polymer Clay Beads and Pendants. Resin pieces are also coming soon.
Tell us about your featured item:
Springtime is a set of one of my new favorite frit blends. A mix of German and American glass work together to add a soft splash of color to any design.

Do you consider yourself and entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Yes and no. Yes because I create goals for myself – money, exposure, marketing, production. No, simply because I have not committed myself full time to my etsy shop. It’s a secondary income for me at this time.
Do you feel more comfortable with the business or crafting side of your business? Why?
I feel more comfortable with the business side. I’ve always been involved in some endeavor that required me to market. I also have a thirst for new information – what are the latest trends in my field, with my customer base, new ways to maximize my time and productivity.

Jewel Street Designs

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Jewel Street Designs http://jewelstreet.etsy.com
What you sell: Modern sterling silver and copper jewelry. Most with an Art Deco theme.
Tell us about your featured item:
My Pink Bubbles bangle is a combination of sterling silver and copper so it's a perfect feature for my shop. It's created solely from copper and sterling tubing and inspired by bubbles. The modern bangle is great to wear with a pair of jeans or dress up for a night out. Like almost all my pieces, it's designed to be worn everyday.
Link to your featured product: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9984524
Do you believe there is any relationship between the number of sales a shop makes and the number of hearts they have?
You know, I have thought long and hard about this. I don't believe there is any relationship between number of hearts and number of sales. I love getting hearts and still get as excited over each one as I did the first one, but there are so many reasons why someone would heart my shop or someone else's. I've seen shops that have just as many hearts as sales and others with tons of hearts and not as many sales. Moral of the story is hearts are fabulous and wonderful but don't always turn into sales.
How do you decide on the price of your products?
I use a little equation to make sure I arrive at a fair price for my jewelry. It's probably very similar to the one most other shop owners use. Every time I make a supply order I have to change how much wire or metal costs per inch then I know when I start the pricing process how much each piece I used is going to add up. I always make sure I add in my overhead costs and an hourly wage not that I ever pay myself. It all goes back in to JSD for now.