8 THINGS WE WISH WE HAD PREPARED FOR Before Starting Our Etsy Shops!

[@daniellebratsis2658]

All of the info is helpful! Haven't started my shop yet!! Educating myself first! Thanks so much for the info!! 😊

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

danielle bratsis So glad this was helpful!!

[@jennawildah6514]

Same here, Danielle!

[@tori7549]

Thank you for sharing the quote about not comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. I’ve been watching a ton of your videos and find myself going “wow, will I be able to do that?” Or “how did she come up with that idea, it’s genius” I know even with all of the videos and research that I will still have a learning curve. Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge with us!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Tori Seefeldt Isn’t that quote great? One of my favorites for sure. Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate you being here ❤️

[@beverlygarrett8260]

Better Business Bureau list is great . Realtors are great customers as a new home welcome gift. You’re great Thank you

[@KateHayes]

So much wisdom and great strategy!! Sooo helpful 🙌 Love it!!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks Kate! It was so fun getting to collab with you 🧡

[@fannieallen6005]

Thanks so much. The shipping costs having a discount at Etsy is great.

[@m11lu16]

Thank you Jenny for those tips and especially your honesty about bad reviews. That is greatly appreciated and I've learned so much bc of it. You are such a great mentor. Shipping was the main thing that I'm worried about. I have lots of concerns but that is the main one. Thanks again, Mimi

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad this was helpful! Yes, shipping seems to be most peoples’ biggest concern.

[@chasewilson1986]

Thanks Jenny for an informative video. I’m hoping to launch my Etsy shop next month and I found all your advice extremely valuable! Thank you for being honest about bad reviews and the shipping advice! Shipping scares me so much because my shop will be selling breakable vintage pieces. Thanks again for all your help!!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad this was helpful!

[@Sparklfoot]

Thank you Jenny, I found the details about shipping to most informative for my developing Etsy Shop.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Glad it was helpful!

[@liliatapia3577]

Thank you for sharing ! I’m so scared about everything , beginning about deciding what product should I sell

[@gingeranngarcia6291]

Thanks Jenny. I like the suggestion about email lists, and also how comparison is the thief of joy. The quote you mentioned is awesome! and finally, great customer service does go a long way!! Building that bridge of trust is key. Once again, YOU ARE THE BEST!!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

❤️❤️❤️

[@deepotcinske2449]

Great video ... very helpful. I appreciate your information on PRIVATELY handling a customer review. Also, going above and beyond what the customer expects hits home with me. I'll keep watching!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

D Potcinske Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@ASLTeachingResources]

I learned something new...how to respond to bad reviews. Valuable video. Just getting back to my Etsy store. Thank you.

[@moblndee36]

How to handle bad reviews was extremely helpful as well as additional shipping info.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad that was helpful! ❤️

[@millergardens3514]

Wow, I loved all the tips-but the customer service tips and the shipping tips were really good for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching 😄

[@bridgetgainous5487]

Very helpful tips. The most helpful tip was about the bad reviews. I just received my first 4 stars this week. I was devastated the entire day. In fact, it made me sick to my stomach. The person said I had fast shipping and the shirt fitted well. I am still confused. Why the 4 stars? I am glad to know, there is an opportunity to have reviews possibly changed. I will remember this for the 2 stars are less. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Bridget Gainous I’m so glad that was helpful. And I completely understand what you mean about that feeling in your stomach. It’s the worst! ❤️

[@gummybears-n-crime1317]

I have been fantasizing about making wreaths to Supplement my current income as an independent business consultant. I so admire how you are sharing your experience, tips and openness on suppliers. This is good karma and I wish you the best so you ever have a boss for the rest of your life 😂!!! ❤ thank U! I’m writing down your tips etc in a notebook so I can prepare properly before I start gluing my fingers to a bunch of ribbon lol

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Wonderful! And thanks so much for your kind words ♥️

[@81Malaguena]

Omg! Yes shipping is such a headache 😫, and the glue I did not know it was important, thank you for that tip, I have gotten a bad review yet but thanks for the heads up 😁

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

81Malaguena I didn’t know about the glue either until that happened! I also try to wedge pieces into the grapevine for additional support. But if something is going to be on a door in Arizona, that glue better hold! And I hope I didn’t scare anyone about the bad review thing. It’s so rare, but it happens. And I forgot to mention that after contacting the customer and trying to work it out and they’re still upset THEN do the public response. Because they’re never going to change it. Thanks for watching!

[@zakkselvispresleywall3356]

Great

[@deborahallen4050]

Thank you for such great information!! I have not started my Etsy shop yet but am looking for helpful information, which you had in spades! One of the best Etsy help videos I've watched. And, you're so likable!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I’m so glad this was helpful! Thanks for your sweet comment ☺️

[@janiemorelock7122]

I’ve watched most of your videos and they are ALL so very helpful!! Thank you so much! And that Tulip Wreath ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Aww thank you so much! I’m so glad they’re helpful! 🌷🌷🌷

[@ambercarey7812]

Thanks for the info! All of your videos have been very helpful☺☺

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Happy to share! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@vickihudson4952]

Thanks for letting us know about how to handle bad reviews!!!! that was the first time I have heard that from about 50 KZbin videos.... I still have much prep to do before getting started on Etsy to sell. Just doing small flat items :-)

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Vicki Hudson Absolutely! So glad that was helpful! I forgot to mention that you should add a public response if you reach out and either can’t contact them, or can’t resolve the issue. Because they’re never going to change it. But only AFTER trying to resolve it first. I hope that makes sense! ❤️

[@Honey_Badger_xx]

Wow, so many helpful tips! I haven't started my Etsy shop yet, but I have a question about the 10% discount you gave to the customer who was unhappy - how would that work, does it mean giving a 10% refund or a 10% coupon towards her next purchase, or some other method? I am trying to learn as much as I can before opening my shop. Thank you, I am so very grateful for all the information. Your wreaths are beautiful.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks so much! So glad you found this helpful! That was a 10% refund. I use the 10% off coupon to grow my email list though! And just so you know, I have a link in the description of this video that will give you 40 free listings when you start your shop! Thanks for being here! 🧡🧡🧡

[@genevievecervantes7054]

The shipping is definitely the most intimating for me. But I'm definitely keeping in mind if the reviews! You're video have been so helpful. I'm so glad I found your channel. 😊

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Yes! You are not alone there. I think that’s the most intimidating part for most people. Thanks for watching! I’m so glad you found my channel too! ❤️

[@genevievecervantes7054]

I've been wanting to know how do you get it make your logo design?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Genevieve Cervantes I had a local graphic designer reach out to me a long time ago who wanted to design a logo for me in exchange for a wreath. That’s how I got my logo! But you can also make one yourself on Canva

[@genevievecervantes7054]

@@JennysWreathBoutique thank you so much. I just been so curious how ppl come up with their brand logo

[@brian8431]

For me I think it's the taxes that are really confusing. Some people say Etsy collects all the taxes and remits them others say that they only do it for certain states in the US others say that If the client uses PayPal to pay that the seller is responsible and it just seems to be kind of all over the place. I'm also a little confused about being tax-exempt with printify cuz I'm doing print on demand. I was also going to start as a sole proprietor but maybe starting an LLC is easier when it comes to taxes? Can anybody give me a little insight here? Thank you love your videos

[@MadamCEO10]

Thank you so much for this🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks for watching!

[@miriamward7345]

The one about shipping. It is very intimidating to me. But I don’t even know why, I don’t even have a shop. 😂

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

😂

[@trishaoconnor3741]

I appreciate the heads-up on shipping.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Absolutely! I hope it was helpful 😊

[@jennybehrns1947]

Love your business approach.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks!

[@claudialynch5973]

I haven't started my Etsy shop so I will take advantage of the 40 free listings. The best tip for me is working on social media. All of them were excellent tips and I took notes. I have about 15 wreaths made and ready to list. I know one problem is that I can't duplicate these because most of the material I used is sold out. I checked every online wreath shop. Well I guess I will muddle through. Great tips.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

That’s ok if you can’t duplicate. I also have one of a kind items in my shop. They’re so fun to make. But eventually you’ll want to add in some styles that can potentially become best sellers and sell over and over. That is how I am able to keep up with orders and make a full time income. And yes, get those free listings! Every bit helps 😊

[@h.faries7230]

This was so helpful!!! New subscriber!!! Favorite tip was about the shipping and making a bad review into a plus!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks for subscribing, Angela! So glad this was helpful 😄

[@dmrcreations3311]

Hi do you have any videos on etsy seo and tags. Your videos are always so informative and broken down for newbies like myself . Thanks so much in advance .Donna

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Hi! I do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIibYp2DnbSAsNE

[@jennawildah6514]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Q:If you contact a dissatisfied customer privately & are unable to rectify the issue, would you then do a public response/explanation?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Thanks for watching! Yes I would, unless the review is valid, or a response wouldn’t help.

[@jennawildah6514]

@@JennysWreathBoutique Wow you even replied to my question swiftly! Thank you. Just subscribed. I wish you a prosperous 2021☆

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

@Jenna Wildah thanks so much!

[@rachelpacilli7]

All of the info is wonderful, the one thing I still need to finish is setting up the mailing list! I've signed up for mail chimp, I just need to finish getting it set up and figure out how to add that to my listings/ store! 😄 love your videos! Always so informative and kind. Thank you!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad this was helpful! And way to go getting your email set up! I wish I would have done that years before I actually did. When you create a email sign up form, a url will be generated. Just copy and paste that url wherever you want to promote your offer! I hope that helps!

[@rachelpacilli7]

Yes, that's super helpful. Thank you! 😄😄😄

[@rachelpacilli7]

Can you recommend a link to the packing tape you use? I've gone through so many rolls so far and keep seeming to get bad quality/ and smaller rolls from Amazon. 🙈

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Rachel Pacilli I usually stock up on the shipping tape at Costco when it goes on sale. Last time I got mine off Amazon I also got the small size. Although Uline has shipping tape for a great price right now if you buy at least 36. I just got that, and they’re nice big rolls (but they kind of stink). They just had a free shipping offer too, although I’m not sure if that’s still going on.

[@rachelpacilli7]

Yes, I was very disappointed with the first batch I got from Walmart, it ripped weird constantly and was way too thin. Then Amazon's was great quality but very small rolls 😅 I'll check out Costco though, thank you 😁

[@PammyRock]

So informative! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I’m so glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@barbaravandewalle6451]

First time I found you you are too cute so information Thank-you love what you do

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Aww thanks so much for watching! Glad the info was helpful :)

[@almabayomi8065]

Question! If you’re using Etsy to sell your products. .

[@polkadotmomco]

Awesome advice 😍

[@almabayomi8065]

Decided to try selling my wreaths. I never considered Etsy. Sure glad you offered all this good information. I have a mini glue gun but I would like to use a glue skillet. Any suggestions for a glue skillet and GOOD glue? Thanks in advance!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

That’s great! I don’t actually use a glue skillet, for many reasons, so I can’t really help with a good suggestion. But I do have a favorite glue (linked in the description of this video) that I know a lot of other wreath makers also use in their glue pots.

[@tammysoutherland1405]

What was the glue that was best? I put things together here around the house and I would love to know thank you.🤗

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I’ve linked the exact one I use. It’s in the description below this video 😄

[@nannettecollins9616]

Do 18” I’m afraid to do shipping. Because I don’t know how to start

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Once you do it once you’ll see how easy it is. Nothing to be scared of. I have a mini course all about shipping wreaths if you’re interested. Here’s more info about that 👉🏼 www.jennyswreathboutique.com/shipping

[@denagudnyy7098]

Hi there I just discovered your Chanel and your so amazing! I love how you explain so simple! It makes it so much easier for people to watch! Thank you for that! also I have a question if you can help:) I want to start an Etsy shop and not sure if it’s a good idea or time to get a website as well.. can you suggest something? Thank you greatly!:)

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

So glad you found my channel and are liking it! If you want to start an Etsy shop, you absolutely should! Your future self will thank you.

[@denagudnyy7098]

Thank you for your response! :) but should I make my own website too? And Etsy of course, Or a website is something I should do further on?

[@teresadyment1279]

I just love all of your tips! I haven’t started my Etsy shop yet. Loved the video of how you box and secure the wreaths. That being said have you ever had a shipment get smashed or damaged? (not from how you boxed…but from the shipping company?)

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

There have been some boxes that have arrived in pretty rough shape, but the wreaths have almost always been fine. There have been a couple instances (out of thousands of wreaths shipped) where I’ve had to replace a berry pick or something. But that’s it.

[@michellehank3702]

Hi, Jenny! Thanks for all of the info! Where do you purchase your grapevine wreaths from?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Michaels is my favorite place to get them :)

[@michellehank3702]

@@JennysWreathBoutique Thank you! Do you buy them in bulk?

[@EricaD61]

Im a few years later on here and im from Australia looking at starting an etsy store for my wreaths. I have no idea how to do this so im hopefully soaking up all your information. Lol.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

That’s great! I hope you find my videos helpful ♥️

[@bobbyesue6782]

Thanks for the tips. 😊

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Of course! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@almabayomi8065]

Not sure if my question appeared. Would you need to have a business licenses to sell on Etsy?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I would check with your state, but Etsy doesn’t require you to have a business license.

[@rylea7748]

Thank you so much for sharing this info... I am in the process of launching and you're so kind and helpful to provide this information for free! Your personal website is so beautiful, as well! Did you use something like wix/square space to create it or did you build it ground floor? Thanks again!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Happy to share 😊. Thanks for watching! My website is through Kajabi because it also hosts my membership site and community. I wouldn’t recommend it for just a website, though.

[@rylea7748]

@@JennysWreathBoutique oh okay I understand! Thank you so much :)

[@prestonbitely3917]

Do you use your home address or a post office for the shipping

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I use a PO Box :)

[@elizabethfacundo]

You said you use WHAT piece to secure your wreath to the box?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Pipe cleaners 😄. Sometimes people call them chenille stems now and I’ve noticed they’re labeled like that often now.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Pipe cleaners 😄. Sometimes people call them chenille stems now and I’ve noticed they’re labeled like that often now.

[@nneal2096]

Well, I did it! I got my shop open! It's been hard and time consuming figuring out photos, etc. Only 5 one-of-a-kind but it's a start. Question - I tried to use the 40 free listing link above but it says I already have a shop and it won't let me use it. Have I lost out? Can you ever contact a LIVE person at Etsy or a chat? Lastly, If you have family in your town buy your first wreaths (your suggestion) how can you give them the price without the "free" shipping added in? Hugs!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Congrats on starting your shop! I think the 40 free listings only works if you start your shop through the link, unfortunately. If you have local friends and family buy through your Etsy shop, you can make a coupon code to take off the amount you add in for shipping. Just have them enter that code at checkout 😄

[@wyomingnan2]

Over 6 years of business what have you come up with coast to coast average you think for shipping the 18 x 18 boxes? Thanks soon much for always taking the time to answer!

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

USPS just raised their prices again, so I’m at a little over $17 to ship from Idaho to the East coast. It’d be a little more than that from the actual coast to coast. I add in $15 currently for my average shipping cost.

[@nneal2096]

@@JennysWreathBoutique Is there ever a PERSON you can talk to at Etsy to solve a problem?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

There’s the Etsy chat help 💬, which I’ve used and it’s been helpful. That’s a person, and they usually follow up with an email. Or you can email them. As for speaking to an actual person, like on the phone, I don’t know.

[@ambernicole.]

The biggest thing holding me back from getting into wreath making as a job is the shipping. I have no idea what to charge. I’ve heard several ppl say don’t use Etsy calculated shipping, use a flat rate, but if I make a grapevine wreath, that is much smaller than the mesh wreaths I also make. So I don’t want to charge $25-30 for shipping for someone buying a grapevine 😭

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Amber Nicole I completely understand. Shipping is definitely my least favorite part. I like to add my shipping cost into the cost of the wreath. A lot of my listings offer several different sizes, so obviously the shipping will vary greatly depending on what size the customer picks. Then offer free shipping. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, make different shipping profiles for your different size/style wreaths. That way the flat rate is accurate for each wreath. I hope that makes sense and helps!

[@petrabalonova-scandura6613]

Hi Jenny 🌟 I love you videos. You are one of the best! All the tips were helpful to me. I have a question about the email list. It’s really confusing me bit and can’t make a decision which mail provider to choose. Do you have a one that you really like and would suggest? Thank you so much for your help.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I started with Mailchimp and was really happy with it. Plus, it’s free up to 2000 subscribers.

[@DianaFloros-jd7zp]

How do you get the emails?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

I have a whole training on that in my VIP group!

[@cory3348]

Another thing: For those who sell smaller items, like me! I sell Kandi, customers LOVE stickers, and smaller versions of that item. By that, I mean I'll add a little ring in my package with some stickers. If you sell gardening things, you could add a mini pack of seeds. Customers love that, as a customer and seller

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Yes absolutely!

[@kh4liqi]

Excellent 👌great smile 👍

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

😄

[@scarliebee]

I thought it was super helpful not to comment on bad reviews or the reviewer could lose their ability to change it.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Glad that was helpful! I learned that one the hard way 😬

[@jackiedavis-ey1zf]

It surprised me when you said my Etsy shop doesn’t belong to me.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

What I mean by that is Etsy can shut your shop down anytime, so it’s important to have an email list so you can still contact your customers. It’s been a few years since I made this video, but I’m pretty sure that’s what I was referring to.

[@glendarobinette5360]

I’m so freaked out about taxes!!! I don’t want to owe at the years end. Have you had to?

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

Oh yes. I pay quarterly now though, so it’s not as big of a chunk at tax time.

[@glendarobinette5360]

@@JennysWreathBoutique this is what’s stalling me. There’s just way too much info out there! I just want to make sure what I owe can be paid easily. I’m afraid I won’t even make enough to cover everything.

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

@@glendarobinette5360 well if you don’t make much, you won’t own much, or anything. The more money you make the more you pay in taxes. Don’t let that hold you back! I have a CPA that I give all my tax stuff to now, and it’s so nice.

[@glendarobinette5360]

@@JennysWreathBoutique thank you soooooo much for your Support!

[@beverlygarrett8260]

I use Gorilla glue sticks

[@JennysWreathBoutique]

The best 🙌🏼

[@Gaurgeous]

You can ask her to delete the review with help of etsy team. I have tried it myself