The 10 Biggest Etsy Mistakes I See...

[@johannklassen862]

1. Not taking enough photos 2. Changing or editing your best sellers 3. Copyright & trademark infringement 4. Unprofessional responses to reviews or comments 5. Underpricing your products 6. Focusing on the wrong niche 7. Etsy at the wrong time 8. Copying the competition 9. Setting it and forgetting it 10. Not starting...

[@lighteningsnips]

THANK YOU!

[@Missie20278]

Not getting started…that’s me. I love crafting but I don’t have the time and all your reasons are reasons I’ve used and kept using….this made me emotional…thank you.

[@doc_sav]

I used to work for a company that provided a review platform for medical offices. We found through data and experience that having some negative reviews is actually not a bad thing. It helps to build trust that your reviews are legitimate. The key thing is how the business responds, specifically in demonstrating a willingness to make things right and be helpful to the customer without blaming them for the problem. Even veiled or subtle blame shifting will be detected by potential customers. Being sincere and considering the occasional miss to be a cost of doing business can go a long way.

[@Meileehere]

Wow, your last point about ‘not starting’ touched me. I have been thinking of starting Etsy, but I haven’t been confident in my idea. Now, add on all this work it takes to be successful, I was having some doubts. But really, it can’t hurt too much to just try, even if it doesn’t work out. I should at least try.

[@thomasfrench2012]

I always get a chuckle when I see someone has left a comment about the prices being too high. Because they clearly aren't selling anything themselves and let's be frank, who hasn't ever thought wouldn't it nice if everything was free? 🙂

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

The cries of prices being too high just make me want to raise my own prices! Those whiners are Not My Clients! They would be a nightmare if they were. Nothing would ever please them.

[@Rose-yt5hi]

I just opened a shop after receiving a lot of interest on some niche stickers I posted on a social media site. I sold some directly for $2 and didn’t change the price for Etsy… I didn’t realize the $0.20 per listing fee meant per single item (I thought it meant per the entire stock of that item). That was a bit of a shock after I sold the first one through Etsy.

[@thomasfrench2012]

@@Rose-yt5hi Yes, you have got to be careful about fees, but that has happened to all of us in one way or another, so welcome to the club! 🙂

[@nahtesalinas1917]

That's why Communism works: it's all fair.

[@methebee]

​@@Rose-yt5hii think the 0.20% is for the listing itself, but then there is the 6% sales fee

[@oceane5]

Wow ! WOW! I have to thank you for this video and especially for the end because I felt like it was directed at me... THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES for these words that leave me no excuse not to start! You are one of the best Tim! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@slack9400]

Glad I stayed until the very end where you told me to ''Go ahead and do it'! I will, and I am. Thanks for the positive reinforcement!

[@TimKoa]

You got this!

[@ywLDSforever]

Okay, sir. I have one correction for you- you ARE cool!!! Your video editing is well-done, the content you present is valuable, your personality is delightful, AND you are a successful businessman. Take THAT, spaldy! 😁 I will say that I personally have too many ideas to start a shop just yet. I don't know how to narrow it down, and therefore, am paralyzed about starting. If you have any suggestions on how to prioritize ideas, I would appreciate it. Take care of your awesome self, and thank you for the content you provide!

[@mistynedrow499]

Hey Tim. I love, that you seem so real and down to earth. You are an easy and encouraging watch. I have done Etsy on and off for years, but was goingg about it all wrong. Thank you for these VERY helpful videos. You’re the best.

[@Allison_purin]

Hi Tim! I really love your content

[@lenar.4735]

Great video, thank you! In my experience, when you start getting too many comments and messages about prices being too high, it is time to raise prices. Raising prices just a little bit can move you further away from the "cheap" category where most people prefer to shop (at least it's where most of us begin to shop). Moving to another niche (specialized, custom made, exclusive, unique and rare, etc.), you will see more customers who generally do not complain about prices, but look for high quality products, expertise, and great customer service. I also suggest describing your process to customers if you are selling handmade: specify which skills are required to make things (use videos to demonstrate the skills that most people don't have), how much practice it takes to achieve high quality, mention if you have any matching education (art degree, professional workshops, etc.) that make you an expert. Potential customers will have a better idea of how much time and knowledge is necessary to make your products. Also, if I may add to the point about standing out, I see many people neglect their About section in the shop, putting something generic and boring. I think, it's a mistake. In this section you can talk about yourself as a maker and describe your creative process and knowledge, so that potential customers can get excited about trying your products.

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

Well said and I decided years ago to niche down and raise prices. I have to pay for the camel hair, cashmere and silk yarns somehow! And I have to give myself a COLA raise; why would I make my items without paying myself for all the time I could be doing something else (possibly more profitable!).

[@AndriaMrs]

Oh My Goodness thank you so much for all this information and help. I am one of those people who wants to have a shop but been saying this for a year or more now. I have been too frightened to fail and have thought that lots of other people are doing this so why would anyone want mine. You really have inspired me to at last begin. Thank you so much. 🙂

[@kaeldrarhiannon]

Mistake #4 is so, so, so, SO important. Very impressed that you talked about this.

[@V23325]

Tim, try summer camp tags and labels. There is 100% a market for that.

[@sennkaiser1812]

I set up my etsy shop in late september after watching some of your videos. I didn´t expect anything and was surprised when I made my first sale after a week or two. The hardest part was to start. I don´t feel I have the time to do it but rather that I have to take the time from somewhere to get it. Very nice video as usual!

[@ismo3683]

Hello I also sell on etsy and I wana create a group of us so we can learn together and grow together if you’re interested please let me know

[@Tomoyo21]

The last point its really kick me very hard, i will open my etsy shop right now! thank you Tim, keep inspiring!

[@Grace-un3ny]

jus started my Esty shop 2 months ago i think, no sales but im not stopping!

[@peanutbutter9831]

That part about tags is actually genius! Thank you Tim for giving us those wonderful Etsy videos, your channel is so underrated and you deserve more people to subscribe ❤

[@thewendycity]

I am so happy I came across your channel! I am in the process of opening my Etsy shop and your videos have been so helpful! You seem to really enjoy helping others and that is a breath of fresh air in this sometimes-selfish world. Thank you, Tim!

[@ismo3683]

Hello I also sell on etsy and I wana create a group of us so we can learn together and grow together if you’re interested please let me know

[@niceman567]

Thanks Tim. There's lots of youtube channel around but I like yours because I felt your give genuine advise. TOo many channels that give bogus trick to trick view count for their videos.

[@Tbabee033]

The marketing of your videos is insanely good. Everytime, I think “ok this is the end, gunna log off” and then you say “if you need to know how to do XYZ, click here” and I DO!! Hahaha literally just did it 3 times. Will be subscribing, thank you for uploading!

[@MelanieKrawanski]

I just subscribed to your channel and I am watching & liking all your videos. I just bought a Cricut because I wanted to make nails stickers for myself. After listeningto your advice and tips, if I am successfull in making & creating nails stickers, I will start my small business soon on Etsy and Shopify. Thank you.

[@Cherub1387]

Your respawn comment took me out 😂 You're too cute, Tim! You sound like you really have a heart that wants the best for your followers!

[@vaughanhale2009]

Can you share what machines you use for printing stickers. Would be interested what you started with and progressed through as well.

[@MyrnaBelladonna]

You called me out for the not starting part 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SmutGrrl]

I started with one, and then two, and now I'm on this, my 4th video, and I just am hooked on your earnest style and informative videos! I'm subscribed now, and am just happy to listen along, and maybe pick up some ideas and things! Thanks for your content! 🥰

[@SmutGrrl]

Also...I think you're cool 🤗😉

[@MJ-oj2qv]

Landlords, banks, petrol and electricity companies, and food producers aren't scared to raise their prices in case people stop buying. Inflation pushes things up and sellers raise their prices. That's been an accepted norm for thousands of years.

[@Xpoxey]

hello ! i just finished my breakfast and because of your videos, i am now inspired to make my own business logo.

[@placefor16]

Thank you for the great video again! I am helping to set up one of my kids Etsy shop and due to her school schedules, we are in a slow process.

[@juanselobo]

wow that ending hitting at the excuses with each video!! pretty cool thanks for sharing

[@kerenereid1930]

Glad I found you, been wanting to start. Heck just going to give it a go

[@cindym5931]

Im three videos in and already hooked to your channel . Thank you for being so humble and honest !!! and mostly having such a calm and perfect way of talking . I actually saw a video before you about the same topic but it gave me anxiety lol. The information he was giving was good but the way he talked and moved a lot made me feel anxious lmao ! 😅

[@WenWen-tg4uk]

Hi Tim, thanks for the video, I am totally agree with you with number 5....

[@cnags89]

You’d be surprised what people will spend money on so make sure you’re pricing items to earn what you deserve and not trying to be the cheapest product. I just had a woman spend $150 on 40 of the same sticker from my shop! I never imagined that would happen 😂

[@viletone84]

7:43 will always live in our hearts

[@susankahn7219]

How do you respond to a customer who says item tracking says delivered but they say they never received item? TIA

[@lynchpinlaze]

You're awesome, I love your videos and have found them very useful and motivating, thank you!

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching :)

[@fox__fox]

My fav tip is a #5. I always have had a philosophy that it's better to get less orders with higher profit than load of orders with couple bucks profit each. Of course if you based in US and sell something cheap like stickers, this philosophy is not obvious, but in case of high risk business (when you send expensive or time-consuming items from abroad) it's definitely a philosophy of choice.

[@Tearex_7]

Thank you! Your response to mistake #10 really inspired me to work harder to start my etsy shop I've been wanting to start since 2020

[@battodragon3956]

What do you think about listings with false pricing? I mean they are advertising a mug but the price shows as the cost of a coaster. Do you think that’s beneficial or not? In my mind it would negatively effect the conversation rate. Love the videos by the way, love how genuine you are.

[@hobisdimples94]

This was a great video! Thankfully none of these apply to me, except for the pricing issue. I've always had trouble pricing my art/handmade goods high enough. I guess it's easy to short change yourself when there's so much competition, but you're right, having that mindset is definitely a race to the bottom. I am planning on raising my prices by a couple dollars in the next couple months, and I've been worried about customers getting mad. Fingers crossed it will work out like you said 🤞

[@BlackVenom229]

good luck!!

[@byeorih3611]

You ARE SUPER COOL!!! :3 I don't even sell on etsy but I just like listening to your calm voice :) Thanks.

[@WorkPlayWander]

great advice. Embedding useful info into pictures is something that I have to do

[@taylorhoughtonphoto]

The part about exploring and exploiting is spot on!

[@thebestsoundcliplibrary]

I started watching your videos about 3 months ago and have learnt so much. I opened my first shop a couple of weeks ago. Taking it step by step, your videos have helped so much. Thank you. Just trying to get to 10, 20, 100 sales.

[@ismo3683]

Hello I also sell on etsy and I wana create a group of us so we can learn together and grow together if you’re interested please let me know

[@Estheryaaa]

Hi Tim, thank you so much for your efforts on sharing it. I have just launched my shop and i have followed all the instructions, enough photos and listings, new announcement and updates as well. And I just don't get any sale, even with ads on, I am just lost and dont know what can i do better...

[@EuphoricSupply]

youre cool to me !! honestly you seem like a person id want to be friends with haha you seem really kind

[@sle142]

Really logical and well thought out points! Thanks so much

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dinosareformen]

i will let you know when I start my stocker shop! :3

[@lm89521]

I love your last point, wish we could magically re-spawn! lol...thank you for sharing

[@leighwilliams2333]

Glad I found your channel. Thank you for all the tips and positive vibes!

[@stephenklein738]

Great video! I relate to your content so much, very inspiring. Especially the one about starting: I did watch and learn a lot and even got a diploma, and still didnt start until a few years later, just learned and learned. I did many projects all over the place, but nothing too focused. Now I've started and have a lot to learn, not many sales, but at least it's out there and can only grow from there, and just starting definitely builds confidence quickly. Thanks for your videos, glad I came across them.

[@melmrz]

This was so inspiring I'm in the process of restarting my Etsy shop and this was very helpful thank you for making these videos

[@saja.]

Hi Tim 🙋🏼‍♀ Super helpful tips, thank you so much for sharing your experiences! 🌸🍃

[@iamLeilaSafary]

LIked all the motivated messages you brought to me today with this video :), Thanks so much!!

[@foxyfables_bookish]

That was extremely helpful and motivational. Thanks 😊

[@franklinmichael671]

If someone isn't pleased with your product because it's not what they expected, maybe because they didn't read the description for example, does Etsy allow you to give them back their money?

[@SurrDesSol]

You have such an amazing personality! May God continue to bless your business as only He is able! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with care and thought. GREAT info, here!🙂

[@chriskeddy1975]

Something. I'm finding funny is "If you are selling Christmas decorations. There is no reason to spend on etsy ads in June". I think it may be a good time. I have heard of a smaller event called "Christmas in July" which may increase sales.

[@nadirahjames3913]

These videos have been so helpful for me and I’m so excited to start an Etsy shop as I’m a college student just looking for ways to get experience in building businesses!! Thank you so much

[@MoserTimmy]

Love your channel Tim, thanks for all these videos! Hoping for success this 2023

[@ThomasKnip]

So, for the exploring + exploiting - would you suggest to try that in one shop or open several shops? One for greeting cards, one for stickers, etc.?

[@ChristineCanClean]

This video is awesome! Love your content Tim! Also the scene from the office made me laugh so hard!😂

[@tchin98]

Your videos are super inspirational! Are your stickers and labels drawn by yourself or some sort of clip art? I believe you said you use Illustrator? Is there a database of clip are you can use for these labels? Thanks in advance.

[@AshleyBishopCoach]

Thanks, Tim!

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching :)

[@mariajin9836]

Hi Tim! Your videos played a part in inspiring me to start my Etsy shop which is doing quite well for its first year. About creating duplicate listings to test changes- do you not think it'd be confusing for your existing customers/"admirers"? Also, wouldn't it look strange if both your seemingly identical listings showed while a shopper was searching? I have some items that are doing well, but I think they'd do better with a changed tag. Am weary to risk the changes... and am also wondering if changing photos has the same impact on SEO, or if it's more about text than images.

[@clearwaterdesignsbykimshim1164]

Why embarrassing?

[@tmatti79]

Thanks Tim for another great video.

[@NicoleEivissa]

Wow thank you thank you 😊thank you! Super usefull video just like your sticker one! 👌

[@annuvenky]

I am super inspired by you channel. Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@stilldawnfae]

So I have a question when it comes to print on demand and selling online in general. If I am using my own original artwork, #1 am I giving up my rights to my own artwork to say printify or whatever site. Also, how do I protect my artwork and how do I prove it is my own original artwork if asked to? I am just so nervous and clueless as to how to go about it.

[@stilldawnfae]

Also, with POD who is responsible for returns/refunds?

[@judithwilson7810]

Thank you so much for your informative video. Also Mr.Tim, you are cool

[@Chadsworld85]

You’re a super likable dude..keep up the great videos!

[@RIKIBRO]

your content is great, also the video shooting setting is awesome too.

[@chrisconnelly6742]

Thanks for this dude. That last tip tho.... it hit me hard

[@Shopgirl2000]

My favourite smiley youtuber! 😄

[@theoddone887]

Saw your comment on Ali Abdaal. Well done on your growth! I can see you made the most of the Etsy niche. What advice can you give me because I haven't found my niche yet and I don't want to show my face. cheers

[@TimKoa]

Watch 7:09 of this video! Try every type of video you're interested in making. Once you find something that works, double down on it.

[@theoddone887]

@@TimKoa great value in your videos!

[@milynciaedits]

Yes I agree with you, no messages that makes you look like their emotional state ✌🏻

[@carly3334]

If Etsy was smart, they would hire you as an advisor. Brilliant, usable advice :))

[@josephpolon6837]

You are a inspiration! Thank you for your videos.

[@Jeniveve]

I was one of the dumbasses that changed my bestseller listing. 🤦🏻‍♀️ BE YE NOT SO STUPID! It was after etsy announced they would take the description for SEO. I went into my description to remove redundancies, make it sharp, concise, pithy and on-point. (My memory eludes me now since it’s been over a year, but I was repeatedly stuffing the description it with keywords, which prompted my change. I think that’s why I decided to do that. All I remember, and still feel is resentment). Weeeeeeellllllllllllllllllllll…sales slashed by half. 😭 I still don’t feel like it ever fully recovered even though I got the badge back within a couple of weeks. I still have the bestseller badge and I also see the “Etsy’s pick” badge as well. But… STILL BITTER. Side note: for best seller badges - there’s no “formula” to it. It’s based on niche, category and product. There are no sales volume and monetary thresholds to meet. Etsy determines that. I was surprised I got the badge because my revenue and volume isn’t that high or what I thought I needed to get the badge. Hopefully that’s helpful in a, that-answer-still-doesn’t-help-me kinda way. You’re welcome to whoever is reading this. 😂 Great videos Tim! 😬😊 I wanna see and learn about your fancy machines that I will never buy please! And thank you.

[@ats5010]

Thank you, Tim, for the video. When you mean, try out different products which sell well. Do you do that in one Etsy store, or do you create a different store to sell different items? Thanks

[@misosoupafly]

You are a very cool guy! Thanks for the great tips 😊

[@selahcco]

I was making a couple sales everyday but it has been nearly 3 weeks without a single one. In the mean time, I have received more positive feedbacks, I am a star seller for several months running and there are not many issues I can personally identify. I have made a few changes to some of the listing but this seems pretty drastic? Please Help!

[@GolemMining]

What printer and cuter do you use?

[@perliva]

Always good content. Thanks. And also I have a video-request. :) -> Could you make a video on your thoughts about marketplace vs. your own website and shop? If you already did then apologies, haven’t found one and I may have missed it.

[@barrelagedsophie]

About the copyright and trademark stuff... I make artwork based off of things like Naruto, the Witcher, and other nerd/gamer/weeb stuff. How can I avoid getting shut down? Do I need to pay royalties to those companies who own rights to the characters?

[@lidiakapturowska]

When I saw Disney pic I wonder if they have copyright

[@ummanas]

Thanks Tim for your great insight.

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching :)

[@IamMirrre]

Great videos! I started a Etsy a few months back and not going great, but hanging in there...Do you have any suggestions on a good Print on demand site to use for digital prints? :)

[@inferidii]

Hey quick question , if you want to go on vacation for 2 weeks what do you do with the buisness

[@NoiseDay]

If I believed I respawned at the end of life, I'd be taking a heck of a lot more risks than I do now. I'm paralyzed by the fear that I don't get to try again, so I have to make the best decision possible.

[@loukiliimran5897]

I started but i cant get any sell or view idk why

[@jingtan2465]

Thanks for the great info. Quick follow-up questions hope you don't mind. If I want to start as a sole proprietor using SSN to open an Etsy account, any suggestions about expense deductions and profit tracking that makes it easier to pay tax? Can you share what you did at the very beginning？Again, thanks for the insights.

[@im____lc]

Hi, can I ask you which app are you using on your Shopify Store for letting the customer add the custom text to the stickers? Thanks.

[@GeordieMark]

I relate to mistake 10. I have set a goal that my shop will open in 2023.

[@erickjohnson9945]

I literally lol’d at the office clip 😂

[@TimKoa]

Michael Scott is my hero

[@mikecapson1845]

Its my dream to start a shop, but i dont know what shall I sell, I do 3D beautiful high end renders of Architecture and Interior Design + I freelance as an Interior Designer as well, But I would love to setup a shop, but only product i came up with so far are stylish prints on canvas, pretty lame, ( I use them in my renders, so secondary use in etsy shop was a though ) But other then that, im out of ideas how to combine my hobby with Etsy shop, I can create anything in 3D and virtual stage render it, I mastered prompting with AI, Unreal Engine, Adobe photoshop and Illustrator and tons of other nieche softwares. I really gotta figure that one out, the wasted potential is killing me.

[@Mmullis0001]

I am starting my Etsy shop now 😬 I’m so nervous that I won’t get any sales.

[@JV-pu8kx]

Re IP infringement: Be glad you only got shut down. With copyright infringement, in particular, you can face up to $150,000 in penalties, per copyrighted item (e.g. each Disney character), if the owner takes you to court. And the lawyer fees for IP can be just as burdensome.

[@JoseMoreno-es5yc]

7:38 I did in fact saw this really cool guy on KZbin and I want to do the same