Wonderful Insights from a Secret Seller!

I have been trying to find out the secrets to Etsian success and I came across Secret Jewellz. 


Kathy was very supportive and has provided some valuable insights... Here are a few Questions and Tips for sellers.


Might I also add that Kathy has some fantastic pieces in her store at great prices and has really nailed it with her Banner - it is branding at it's best!

How long have you been selling on Etsy and how long have you been selling in other areas?
I've been selling on Etsy for a bit over 3 years now. I have also sold at my local market for 2 years at the same time I started Etsy. I have been on MadeIt but only list a few items now and again. 


Is this your full time job or a hobby?

This is a hobby but can border on full time at certain times of the year such as at Christmas time. Although I have a big once a year sale which I start in September and everything seems to snowball from there. 


Describe your typical day/week relating to your business 

Typical day for me is checking my shop first up in the morning for convos and sales. Checking also to see if the sold item is my stock pile or needs to be made up. 

If I am doing a new listing a lot of my time is spent trying to take a good photo. I can take up anywhere up to 15 photos choosing different backgrounds and then making my choice.

I love to use Flickr and think that good photos are really important when selling an item online. 

Also sometimes I like to make up a little story or give a sentimental and meaningful description with some of my pieces. Customers have told me that they have bought a item because of the little story or sentimental meaning of a piece that I have written. So I feel like I have made a piece that means a lot or has some sort of attachment to it and has really made me feel good about what I do.

When things are slow I play around with my supplies and see what new ideas I can come up with. Sometimes a messy table can be a good thing. Although at some stage when I look my work bench and can't get anything from it I clean up.

I belong to two street teams on Etsy. The DUST (Down Under Street team) and EUFAG (United Filigree Artists Guild). 

What do you think makes you stand out when customers purchase from you versus your competitors? 

I think that my brand stands out. I love doing things that are a bit quirky and different. I have been fortunate enough to also have wonderful people who blog about my jewelery and also being in treasuries. I try to do the same for other sellers also. 


Do you have the same or better success elsewhere? 

I have to say Etsy has been the most successful selling venue for me. I am addicted to it and have always amazed at what I find there.


Are you a buyer and seller on Etsy or just a seller? 

I am a buyer and a seller. I love the supplies section and have also purchased gifts for family members and things for myself. Lately baby oriented gifts from Aussie sellers on the dust team have been my recent purchases.


Do you heart other sellers and if so why? 

Yes I heart lots of sellers and items. If something catches my eye which I love I will heart it be it from a competitor, supply seller or other seller. I just love to admire a lot of things and it never ceases to amaze me the wonderful talent on Etsy. 


Any general tips you have come across for fellow sellers that you may want to share…

Believe in yourself and your product. Enjoy doing what you love. Step back sometimes if you have too. Don't be too hard on yourself. 

If you want something badly enough it will happen. Hard work and consistency. It takes time to build a good customer base. Give the best customer service you can possibly give. 

Try new techniques to keep your store fresh and full with different types of things. Variety is a good thing. As an example I have started teaching myself how to do metal hand stamping. A whole new world has opened up there to incorporate that into my work.

If you would like to view Kathy's Store - visit Secret Jewellz