~ Feature Friday ~
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Every Friday I will be reviewing a different shop. When inquiring about this type of post, my fellow Etsian's have surprised me with a positive and abundant response to my blog request I sent out.
To better understand the review read this:
*The category I reviewed is the Largest word before or in the bold text.
*The bold text tells what I am looking for in the category for a positive score.
*The red or blue text that follows is what I thought of how the store does in the category, red meaning needing improvement, blue meaning no improvement needed.
Without further ado let's get this review going.
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What we have up today is the wonderful little shop, with 72 items, Countrycutecrochet.
Opened on Sep. 17, 2013 and is at 182 sales. (NOTE: I only review new shops if they have a minimum of 20 items).
Opened on Sep. 17, 2013 and is at 182 sales. (NOTE: I only review new shops if they have a minimum of 20 items).
Banner: Is there a professional looking banner that depicts what the shop is about, or sells?
Yes. 10/10 points.
When it comes to the photos it is important that they are very clean and use white light. Which is the best type of lighting to show the items true color. Make sure there are a variety, and shows off all the important parts of the item. The photos are the most important part of your shop.
The photos do show case the items first photo well, and are bright. Using models for this particular shop is key, but not required. Keeping your images crisp and clean will sell them just as easily with a tiny model. My only issue I found is the inconsistency between listings. Try to use the same photographer (if possible) and use the same background for all your items without a model. 35/50 points. Find instructions how to make your very own Light Box, even very large ones, on Google or Pinterest. It's cheap to make, and will make a huge difference in your images.
Tags: When listing your items it is very important to put what you would in the search bar. Views = Sales.
While looking at the tags, I was happy to see that all spots were used, which is vital when it comes to searches. Making sure to use what you would when searching for your own items. All the tag used were that a potential buyer may type in.
(Example: Title: Crochet mini top hat + The tag: newborn photo prop = A more viewed, favorited item.) 10/10 points Also, many people don't know, but pluralization does NOT matter when adding tags. Which means you can add even more tags. So be creative!
Descriptions should tell you even more information about the item you're looking at. If you are looking at a purse, it should have the size, or size options listed. You also should also verify what the potential buyer is looking at. Mentioning your packaging and where to find your policies is always an added bonus.
These descriptions are spot on, they don't list packaging, but that is okay. Instead of linking other listings, it links the shops home page. Keeping viewers/browsers in your shop is what you want/need to do. Turn around time is included, and as is how to care for your items once purchased!
20/20 points Bonus: Add links to your other related listings to your descriptions to keep potential buyers in your shop.
Featured items: What are featured items, and what items should I feature? You should feature any 4 items that are your personal favorites, and you should pick your favorite from different sections of your shop. Having a variety of different items that all grab your eye will help your shoppers know what they may find while browsing.
You MUST use all 4 featured spots, never letting a slot go unfilled for a long period of time. This makes your shop look unkempt, or inactive.
Featured listings are perfect. 5/5 points
Shop Sections: I want a newborn hat, a pair of baby booties, and a baby shower gift for a Fire Fighter that's expecting. Can I find that easily?
With the shop sections I can. Use all 10 sections on your shop, and make sure you use one for sales, clearance, or destashing items. Even if it's not used very often, this will help for the bargain hunters that pop into your shop from time to time.
Many sections are used, and make everything easier to locate, but they are still muddled. You have over 26 items in your "Sets" section, and your Newborn hats are mixed with your adult hats. Make a Boy Set Section, and a Girl Set Section, and separate your newborn and adult hats. I promise the people searching your store will want to look at 1 type at a time. 10/20 points Think about when you shop, if the Smalls, Mediums, and Large sizes are thrown together it will make shopping difficult, and people will stop looking sooner. (Also combine the accessories, and the scarves/cowls sections, scarves are accessories, and only have 1 in each just takes up an extra spot you could be using for your main ticket items).
Pricing is something that is tough for many people, I wouldn't bat an eye dropping $200 on a watch at a retail setting. With the knowledge that others have successfully purchased prior and been satisfied with the quality that was advertised, I wouldn't bat an eye elsewhere.
Prices vary from $12.00 - $40.00 Art works take time, and patience. The skill and love that goes into each art work makes it priceless to the artist, with this said when it comes to art pieces the monetary value is strictly up to them. 10/10 points.
About the seller: As long as this newly added feature is filled out, with no spelling mistakes I'm happy with it. This is another MUST DO, you want your buyers to know whom they are supporting with each purchase.
This is true for Countrycute. 20/20 points Super simple fix, please take the time to add one.
When it comes to reviews they speak for themselves:
The review I saw was from a very happy and satisfied customer. 5/5 points
How to help get your customers to leave reviews?
Make sure to send a handwritten thank you note with each purchase, and leave a reminder somewhere on the card, about leaving feedback. Most buyers will return to let you know how you did.
So, with all of that said, I give Country Cute Crochet, a 125/150 ☆☆☆☆☆
1- 30 ☆ Not worth my time
31-60 ☆☆ Not worth my money
61-90 ☆☆☆ Would heart
91-120 ☆☆☆☆ Would buy from
121-150 ☆☆☆☆☆ Would buy from loyally
About the seller: I asked Jessica, the face behind Country Cute Crochet, 6 questions here is what she had to say:
1.) Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm Jess, a WAHM of 4 amazing kids. I specialize in handmade crochet newborn baby photo props. I enjoy being able to stay home with my children and watch them grow. I really enjoy my business and the joy it brings me to know my items are going to be a product used in a babies first photo which will be a memory for parents always.
I'm Jess, a WAHM of 4 amazing kids. I specialize in handmade crochet newborn baby photo props. I enjoy being able to stay home with my children and watch them grow. I really enjoy my business and the joy it brings me to know my items are going to be a product used in a babies first photo which will be a memory for parents always.
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| Crochet Aviator | Newborn Hat |
2.) What first made you want to become an artist?
The summer of 2013 I was having some problems at home. My sister then decided she would teach me to crochet. Ever since then I have not put my hook down. I believe crochet is a true way to relax and just take my mind off a lot of things.
3.) Please describe you creative process how, when, materials, ect.
I work with a variety of different yarns everything from acrylic to wool. Most of my items are made to order so once a order is received I then start on it. Sometimes that involves a trip to hobby lobby which I don't mind. It usually takes me 1 day to complete an order. Once the order is complete I then wrap it in fancy packaging and ship it out to its owner.
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| Snowflake Crochet Hat |
4.) WEBSITES.
5.) What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
1.Never give up. If you really enjoy what you do keep at it. I was one etsy close to 2 years before my sales started to pick up.
2. Photos mean everything. Make sure to always use good quality photos.
3. Packaging is important. Nobody wants to receive their items in a boring box. Try to give the packaging some excitement, wrap it in a fancy wrapping and thank you card go a long way. Also take the extra step to get business cards. I make sure to send one with every order. Also a discount for return customers goes a long way.
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| Firefighter Photo Prop |
6.) How do you promote your work?
Social media, blogging, craft fairs
What do you think of this shop? Was my review fair and accurate? Tell me below in the comments.
*All participating parties have consented to the review above, along with opinions, and permission has been granted to use likenesses, photos, and links from the shops owner and operator.
*Opinions stated by shops reviewed do not reflect or represent the opinions of AshleysHomeSpun.
*Opinions stated by shops reviewed do not reflect or represent the opinions of AshleysHomeSpun.
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