Etsy Fires 225 Workers Right Before Christmas! What this means for you
Release Date: 12/22/2023
Problem Solved: Expanding Your Niche Without Running Out Of Ideas
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
In the latest episode of my podcast, I tackled a question many Etsy sellers ponder: "How do I niche down and list more when my niche seems too specific?" This is a great question because as I dive into the world of niches, the paths can seem limited, but they really aren't. I started by unpacking why niching down is so powerful. It's about connecting directly and intimately with your target audience. Think about the difference between shouting in a packed stadium versus having a conversation in a quiet room. Niching effectively puts you in that quiet room with...
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5 Etsy Time Saving Hacks
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
In today's podcast episode, I'm excited to share some top time-saving hacks that have revolutionized how I manage my Etsy business. Managing time efficiently is crucial, and with these strategies, you can streamline your operations too. Here are the hacks I covered: Duplicate Similar Listings: Why start from scratch when you can use existing listings as templates? Bulk Edit Listings: Take advantage of Etsy's bulk editing tools to update multiple listings simultaneously. Leverage AI for Descriptions: AI tools can dramatically reduce the time it takes to write product descriptions. Prepaid Etsy...
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Would You Give Etsy Full Control To Test Your Listing Titles?
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
Etsy is known for its continual evolution, always tweaking and testing to enhance the marketplace experience. Recently, they've begun experimenting with altering seller titles—a move that has sparked a mixed reaction within the community. In this podcast episode, we delve into the pros and cons of Etsy's latest strategy and discuss potential solutions for sellers. Pros of Etsy Testing Titles: Improvement of Poor Listings: By adjusting less effective titles, Etsy aims to help these listings perform better, potentially increasing visibility and sales. Leveling the Playing...
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How To Deal With Crazy Etsy Customers
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
In this episode, I dive into the wild world of customer interactions on platforms like Etsy, where things can get pretty intense! I'll be covering everything from whether you should offer returns and exchanges to who should foot the bill for shipping, and how to tackle refunds effectively. We'll also explore the best ways to correct mistakes and handle scams, including those tricky situations involving QR codes and external links. Plus, I’ll share some personal strategies for dealing with negative reviews that could save your shop’s reputation. Don’t miss out on the actionable insights...
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Is Your Etsy Shop A Failure? How To Know
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
In today's episode, I want to address a concern many Etsy shop owners face: the fear of failure. I'm here to remind you that you are not a failure. Entrepreneurship is challenging, and it's normal not to see immediate growth or sales. But this doesn't mean you're failing; it means there's more work to be done and more ground to cover on your journey to freedom and success. The time it takes to reach your goals varies for everyone, but the key is to never give up. Facing no sales can be frustrating, but it's a common issue that can be addressed by examining and adjusting your...
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How To Fix Etsy: Solutions Beyond Frustrations
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
In the vast, vibrant world of Etsy, it's not uncommon to stumble upon sellers voicing their frustrations. From message boards to forums, and even beneath the threads of my own videos, there's a palpable sense of discontent. But before you reach for the pitchforks, let's take a moment to rethink our approach to this platform we all care deeply about. Embracing Change: A New Perspective Etsy's journey from an under-the-radar e-commerce platform to a top-tier marketplace with nearly 100 million buyers is nothing short of remarkable. However, with rapid growth comes inevitable growing pains....
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Are Monthly Fees Coming To Etsy?
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
Etsy's Monthly Fees: Panic or Progress? Let's Unpack the Buzz! The word on the street (or should we say, the buzz in the craft room) is that monthly fees may be making their grand entrance to Etsy soon. And just like that, it feels like we're about to "unleash the hounds!" Now, let's be real - the mere mention of fee increases on Etsy can send sellers into a frenzy that rivals the chaos of a dropped stitch in a knitting project. Remember the uproar when Etsy nudged their transaction fee up to 6.5%? It was as if the crafting world had been asked to sacrifice their beloved glue guns and yarn...
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9 Must-Know Etsy Shipping Tips
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
Shipping might seem like a mere afterthought amidst the creative whirlwind of running an Etsy shop. Yet, it's a critical aspect that can significantly impact your customer satisfaction and bottom line. Fear not, for I've compiled a list of nine essential shipping strategies to streamline your process, save money, and enhance your shop's success. 1. Choose Between Fixed or Calculated Shipping Fixed Shipping: Best for shops selling similar items. It simplifies the process, potentially lowers costs, and offers room for shipping upgrades as an additional revenue source. Calculated Shipping: Ideal...
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These Etsy Shops Make No Sense
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
The Enigma of Etsy Shops: Deciphering Success Amidst the Unusual In the bustling marketplace of Etsy, sellers are constantly on a quest for the secret recipe to success. As you dive into the depths of this online bazaar, you're bound to stumble upon stores that defy logic – those that flourish despite seemingly glaring shortcomings or peculiar strategies. Today, we pull back the curtain on these Etsy anomalies, exploring the mysteries behind their success and what lessons can be learned. The Curious Case of Minimal Listings and Maximum Sales It's a rare but not impossible sight: shops with a...
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Learn How To Use The Etsy Sales Funnel To Get More Sales
Handmade & Beyond Podcast
Today, I'm diving into a topic that might just be the golden key to unlocking more sales and success on Etsy: the Sales Funnel. Yes, it's a term that might seem a bit complex or even intimidating at first, but I promise, understanding it is like finding a treasure map for your business. So, let's embark on this journey together, shall we? The Magic of Etsy Sales Funnels Imagine a funnel, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. This, my friends, is the perfect metaphor for the journey your potential customers take, from discovering your shop to making a purchase, and hopefully, becoming loyal...
info_outlineEtsy's Year in Review & Workforce Changes: What Sellers Need to Know
As we reflect on Etsy's journey through 2023, two major stories stand out: the release of Etsy's comprehensive year in review for sellers and the recent news of Etsy reducing its workforce by 11%. Let's unpack what these developments mean for Etsy sellers moving forward.
Etsy’s Annual Performance Review: A Seller’s Perspective
Etsy has rolled out its year in review, offering sellers a personalized look at their performance alongside a broader review of the platform's new features and initiatives in 2023. This annual recap is more than just a reflection; it's a tool to help sellers understand their growth and areas for improvement, considering the platform's evolving landscape.
Workforce Reduction: A Tough Call
The announcement of Etsy laying off 225 workers, around 11% of its workforce, right before Christmas, has sparked a mix of reactions. While it’s a tough pill to swallow, especially during the festive season, it's important to understand the context and implications for sellers.
Etsy's Growth and Staffing Dynamics
It's noteworthy that Etsy's workforce doubled since 2019, fueled significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, general merchandise sales have plateaued since 2021, leading to this workforce adjustment. Similar actions were observed at other e-commerce giants like eBay and Amazon earlier this year, signaling a broader industry trend.
Etsy's Financial Health and Seller Impact
Despite the workforce reduction, Etsy remains a robust, profitable entity, consistently surpassing many of its quarterly financial expectations. These changes appear to be strategic moves to conserve costs amidst inflated staffing levels following the pandemic-induced growth spurt.
Should Sellers Be Concerned?
For Etsy sellers, the immediate concern may revolve around whether such changes signal instability or reduced support. However, considering Etsy's profitability and strategic planning, the impact on sellers might be minimal. Large organizations typically have systems to manage such transitions smoothly, although only time will reveal the full impact.
Continued Investment in Seller Initiatives
Encouragingly, Etsy is not stepping back from investing in seller success. With a $50 million investment in seller initiatives in 2022 and a growing buyer base – reaching about 95 million in 2022 – Etsy is showing a commitment to fostering a dynamic, seller-friendly environment.
Looking Ahead: Adaptability and Resilience
As Etsy continues to evolve, sellers need to remain adaptable and resilient. Understanding market trends, leveraging Etsy's seller tools, and staying informed about platform changes are more crucial than ever.
Conclusion
The recent workforce reduction at Etsy, though significant, is part of a broader business strategy common in the e-commerce industry. For Etsy sellers, the focus should remain on leveraging the platform’s resources, adapting to market trends, and continuing to grow their businesses in this dynamic marketplace.
Remember, Etsy's investments and growing buyer base are positive indicators for sellers worldwide. Here's to a resilient and prosperous journey ahead for all Etsy entrepreneurs!