Does your daughter want to earn holiday spending cash?  Is she crafty?  Consider selling on Etsy.

Why Etsy?

It’s one of the most recognized places on the Web to sell hand made items.  So whether you start the store for holiday cash or for fun, your daughter has a well-known brand behind her talents.   Their website has a ton of hints and simple steps to get started setting up the storefront.  So your daughter will get some ideas easily on how to turn her crafts into a marketable business.

If you haven’t already visited, head to the website, www.etsy.com. There are thousands of sellers already online. Don’t get mired in too many details if you feel overwhelmed or are new to the process. Because a simple and finished storefront is much better than one that is cluttered.

What should I do before I go online?

1. Spend some time on the site researching similar products.
2. Calculate your costs.  How much does it cost you to make the item? What are the approximate prices that you see others are listing for similar items?
3. Write a description to entice buyers.
4. Take photos of your products in good lighting and try a number of angles. This is obviously a step your daughter can participate in if she can handle a smartphone.

How do I get the store started?

The platform walks you through each step.

1. You will need a name, your photos, the descriptions, and your prices.
2. Fill in as directed and select your billing and payment options.
3. Your items will be available once you complete the sign-in and finish your store.

How do I get people visiting the store?

Etsy businesses do well from consumer Google searches.  But don’t rely solely on this to promote the store.  You and your daughter can sharpen your sales skills. Print business cards using the link the platform provides.  I’ve used Vistaprint and Staples.  But there are a host of quality stores where you can print business cards cheaply.  Encourage your daughter to carry a few as well if she feels comfortable. Having your own business card in your wallet raises self-esteem.

Don’t be shy about telling people about the business.  This is the holiday season! People are looking for great gifts and can help you earn that holiday cash fast.  Put links on your Facebook page and other social media sites. Facebook and Pinterest offer pages for businesses. Consider a separate page for your new brand. And, since Etsy is product and craft driven, visuals sell. Add photos of your handiwork to Instagram.

Etsy sellers have access to a wide range of help pages on-site and off.  But challenge your daughter to consider what interests her.  Ask questions about which methods she likes best to promote her store.

Like on the job training, a home business can be a way to stimulate creativity.  Your daughter can have a new side income and new found skills on how to sell and market her business.

Your daughter has to know how to sell what’s she has gained from her experiences I’ve encountered many students who have a long list of activities on their resume.  Leadership experiences.  Volunteer experiences.  Work/Internship experiences.  Social clubs at school.  Some were life changing.  Some were just something they showed up to once a week.  And […]