The Do's and Don'ts Of Crafters!!

1. Learn the Craft, NOT the Style
I'm sure it's happened to ALL of us! We come up with something that we can't find anywhere else... lo' and behold a week later someone has been "inspired" by our design!
Or we have found a GREAT way to word our listings, and someone uses the copy and paste feature and uses it word for word.
Now I know the saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". It is supposed to be flattering but in reality it's downright frustrating... and rude. No-one likes it.
So that is rule number one.. don't copy someones style. If you are inspired to make something similar to someone else, take care to make it your own. I know there are some mediums where everyone seems to have the same thing... crochet (my medium of choice!) is one of them. There are TONS of sellers out there with similar hats, scarves, washcloths, booties, cuffs, you get the idea. Jewelry is another medium like that. It is hard in a saturated market to stand out with your individuality.
So what can you do??
It's your personal style and spin on things that makes you unique.
Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
You want people to see your items and KNOW where it came from!! Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
When someone copies you.. remember what comes around goes around.

Vintage Daisy Antique Brass Bee Victorian Necklace by LauraBlytheDesigns

2. You get more bees with honey!
Yes that is right!! Be nice! Have you ever been in the forums and seen the rude poster and thought I would NEVER buy from someone who is mean like that?? Well guess what... it applies to you to!!
So in the forums and in the chat...
if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better for sales to NOT say anything at all!!
Don't jump on the bandwagon complaining about the Etsy Admin.
DO be encouraging to new sellers
DO be positive and uplifting

Spam Bot Greeting Card by UrsalaandOlive
3. Stop The Spam!
There is a FINE FINE line between advertising and promoting, and spamming.
Sometimes it's hard to know if you are crossing that line.
Sooo ...
DO use your facebook and twitter to promote yourself
DON'T make that ALL you talk about, remember people don't want to see you plugging yourself on every post!
DO put your links on the bottom of convos and emails
DON'T convo people who have hearted an item and tell them it's on sale
DO post your sales in the forums (under promotions)
DON'T Hijack someone else's post to tell about your sale
DO Email those who have asked to be updated about specials and promotions
DON'T Email everyone in your address book
DO Post on pertinent blogs and put your link as part of your signature
DON'T Post on Blogs with your sales and links

Eloise and Ramona Play Telephone Best Friends Necklace Set by FlapperDoodle
4. Talk Talk Talk
Or write write write!! We are talking about communication people!
When you get a convo asking about an item, what to do.....
DO Write back as quickly as you can
DON'T wait to reply if you need to do some research, write them back and let them know you are looking into it.
DO Give clear concise answers to their questions
DON'T make the process confusing
DO Be friendly and patient!
DON'T get frustrated with their questions (well don't let them know if you get frustrated)

Live Love Learn 8x10 Print by Tessyla
Most important is the Golden Rule:
Treat others as YOU want to be Treated!!