Too Tired To be Grateful...just yet

Who knew that I would be this busy filling orders for Christmas?  I had plans for making some of my own gifts, but have been so swamped with orders (on average three orders per day through the month of December) in the shop and trips to the post office, that I still haven't even mailed my Christmas cards!

But thankfully, the rush must be over because there are only 8 more days till Christmas and probably not enough shipping time for last minute orders.  I can take a breather and focus on my own little Christmas plans, which I cannot name in case we have some familiar readers (wink wink).

So, today's Gratified Friday Post is a flop....until I find the energy to write the post about how amazingly well my shop has done for Christmas, the super helper of a husband I have who works the shop details from behind the curtain, and the trooper kids I have who, even though they have been super sick, have given me the space and time I've needed to get everything done.

Time for some TLC for my much neglected self (things like fried spaghetti, bad TV shows on the couch with the kids, ignoring all housework, and lots of napping).

Preparing For Etsy Holidays

Supposedly, Etsy shoppers start thinking about buying gifts for Christmas by the end of October.  I am too new to the scene to know for sure...but I figure there is no hurt in being prepared.

Some things I have done so far to get ready for the holidays on Etsy:

>>>>>Tweak photos to look their best.  Sometimes a piece of my jewelry just needs a facelift in front of the camera!  This gives old viewers a new view of an older item, but also gives me the opportunity to make my shop look and feel cohesive.  Photos that feel like they work together are a beautiful thing.  I made a huge leap in that direction today, I think.

>>>>>Change tagging.  One thing that I am sure has gotten me more views and more sales recently is the simple addition of a price range in my tags.  I have been going through each listing and tagging them appropriately as 'under 20 dollars' or 'under 100 dollars', whichever price point is appropriate.  This way shoppers can search for things in their price range.

>>>>>Add gift focused items to the shop.  Gift giving is usually personal, so I have been adding items with personalization options to my shop.  I have also gone through each of my listing to make sure I have a picture of my packaging represented on each listing.  This lets buyers know their gift is ready for giving.  I also want to make some copper tree ornaments...if I get around to it.  :)

Here are some of the results of the preparedness work I have been doing:

Lucky Seven: Personalized Sterling Silver Stacking Rings

Love Token Stacking Bands: Hand Stamped

Declaration Stacking Bands: Hand Stamped

Copper Charm Necklace

What do you look for in your shop or in shopping for the holidays?

Happy sales and shopping to all of us!!