Etsy Star Seller Status: Pride or Prejudice?

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Terrie

Finally!

You would THINK it is not difficult to maintain the Etsy Star Seller status, but it’s actually incredibly tough, and ironically, the metrics actually reward only big sellers who have on-staff employees and automated shipping systems.

In March, I had ONE buyer give me a 2 Star Feedback, with there being nothing wrong on my end.

I needed to get FOUR 5 star Feedback reviews to offset the damage incurred by a buyer unhappy because they didn’t read the listing. Luckily, a review came in yesterday(April 30th, last day of the month). Just under the wire, or I’d not have been honored with the Star Seller Status for yet another month.

Strangely, I DID receive those four 5 star Reviews before month’s end, and even a fifth one, but the algorithm calculates over a three month period…. I’m not very adept in math, and I am unable to grasp the formula, much less run the numbers. But one thing I get very clearly is that the smaller number of sales you make, the more a single ding to the metrics used in the Star Seller formula damages you.

I know many Etsy sellers have realized that the Star Seller program is poorly thought through, but when one takes pride in their business and work VERY hard to provide excellent service, efficient shipping and a quality product, it is difficult to be told you “weren’t good enough.”

I had a shipping error too, which adversely affected my status. It was due to my manually inserting the wrong number in a Tracking label.This has happened to me before (the second month after the Star Seller program was rolled out), and unless you catch the error very quickly and correct it, there’s nothing that can be done. You’re reputation is damaged and the bots look down their noses at you for the rest of the month.

Sure, I know….bots don’t have noses. But Etsy Support staffers do, and when you contact them, with photos of the post office receipt that shows the single digit discrepancy,and screenshots showing the package was actually shipped and received properly, they can’t help you. They’re not allowed to adjust the data. That must be a fun position to be in.

So, when the number error happened to me the first time, I learned my lesson, and began double, triple checking the Tracking Numbers as I entered them. All was fine for a while, but eventually I didn’t catch one, and noticed the parcel was listed as being “pre-transit.” Luckliy, there is a built in grace period, connected to your listed “shipping time frame,” and you have those days to adjust it. Once that time frame has passed, you’re out of luck.

I began meticulously checking my departed orders to make sure they didn’t show as pre-transit, and…it was fine. Until I neglected to notice that it had happened again. Ding! No star Seller for you!

When you contact Etsy support and ask if they can fix the issue that the system won’t allow the seller to, the suggested way forward is to use the Etsy Postage system, which is automated to be attached to the customer’s order.

Granted, using Etsy Postage saves you a bit of money on, so seems like a good idea. But the cost of the machine and labels are an additional expense that has to be offset. For a small seller like myself(sometimes going without a single Etsy sale in a month), that’s a big expense.And,in my situation, I don’t have electricity at my house,and my business supplies are stored in my van. The machine wouldn’t have a dedicated spot, but would need to be stowed, in protective packaging, between uses. Plus I’d need to find an electrical outlet to plug into to print my label…. Every time. Maybe that seems like no big deal, but I assume anyone thinking that is not remembering how things get more difficult for them when the electricity goes down during a storm….

The good news is, that my cabochons sales have begun to really take off – on a platform that is not Etsy,where the poor babies sit twiddling their little stone thumbs and wondering why nobody sees them. So, I’m looking at the cost/benefit formula on a postage label printer again and will likely make the investment this summer. Then I can use the Etsy postage system and save on postage fees.

This summer I’ll also be doing a local market where I offer my earrings and pendants. I have the feeling that I will see good sales there too. If you’re local or visiting the Mid_Hudson Valley this summer, stop by the New Paltz Open Air Market! I won’t be there every Saturday, but if you follow my Instagram, I’ll be posting reminders.

With the upshoot in my recognition as a reputable supplier of high quality, artistically crafted cabochons, and the improvement in sales through the open air market, I have the feeling it will become difficult to rationalize the Etsy listing fees for items that never get seen, and the 10% plus cut from every sale. I’m sticking with Etsy for now, and I will probably maintain my shop for tutorials, but sadly, I think I may be outgrowing what the Etsy platform offers my business.

That’s very sad to me. I had alway expected to have to work hard to be successful with my small business, and I’ve always looked at Etsy as an integral and supporting part of the equation. I’ve put in that work, but to be honest, I’m beginning to see that Etsy has not done it’s part, and perhaps never really did.

For the last two years, I insisted that even simply for use as a Shopping cart, Etsy was a great value. I was used to the listing system, felt the storefronts were attractive and easily navigated for both visitors and sellers, and believed the Etsy platform was very stable from a cybersecure perspective.

The platform stability I’ll still stand behind. I don’t believe Etsy has ever suffered a serious cyber attack they couldn’t defend before it became visible to anyone but the internal IT department. I still think the storefronts are the best looking of any selling venue out there. Fees? I’d be more than happy to pay them – IF I was selling things! But I’m kind of feeling like that’s the rub. I’m not selling things, and I wonder how much of Etsys strategy is dependent on earning listing fees, postage sales, and advertising revenue. Do they simply see fees associated with sales as icing on the cake, or are they REALLY doing what needs be done to help sellers make sales?

And I’ve come to think that maybe sales from people such as myself aren’t actually something Etsy, the company, values. They seem to want to promote sellers who can crank out multiple sales, if they promote an item. They’ve been on the “personalization” kick for well over a year, which is great for a seller who has a design template and simply has to type in different names on a Cricut vinyl template design. Not so great for a jewelry artist that does one of a kind work….

I kind of get that too. Online navigation analysis shows that people will only click through one, two and maybe three pages before they get sidetracked,lose interest, or notice their work supervisor is about to see them playing instead of working and shut things down. It may well be that Etsy doesn’t want to risk bringing people to their site and hoping they’ll continue to shop if that remarkable, one and only, item that led them there got snatched up before they could click “Buy Now!”

Perhaps Etsy should look at that. Perhaps they already did, and are not interested in enticing visitors to look around the site to make their own discoveries. “See it? Want it? Get it!” seems to be the strategy, and not “Come browse within our vast markets and discover something wonderful that you never knew you needed until now ….”

Well, I’m going to stop typing for now. I will probably come in and check my spelling, grammar and punctuation at some point, but I’ve got orders to ship(for $400 worth of stones, and not a single one bought through Etsy), and more stones to cut. However, I’ll leave you with this revised look at my Star Seller status. I had one whole day to feel good about my Star Seller achievement before Etsy updated my seller dashboard and reminded me that I’ll be losing my crown come June unless I “get with the program.”

Talisman Too News for Spring 2021

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Terrie

A year ago, the Covid-19 virus was barely on the radar for most of us. Even as the reality of what we were facing began to sink in, I don’t think most of us expected to be still living with the virus as a primary concern.

I’ve been fortunate to have fared well during this period. One thing in my favor is that I am a person who relishes solitude. Most of the things I like to do are best done alone, particularly when it comes to my small business. So, while I am definitely looking forward to things like going to a movie, gathering with friends for potluck dinners, visits with family members, I haven’t felt the terrible longing that so many have endured.

You may know that I travel cross country during the winter month; something I’ve done every year since 2010, save for the 2013/2014 season. One thing that HAS changed is my vehicle! Meet Ramses!

Last spring, my old van Penney, a1990 Ford E-150, got me back to New York – BARELY – and that’s not an understatement. I knew that was her last cross country ride, and began saving for a new vehicle in earnest. That’s another example of my faring better than many with this pandemic. I was able to put my first stimulus check completely aside for use as a down payment.

I had to take out a loan, and that was something I’d never done before. Looking back, it al went fine, but during the process, I was a nervous wreck. It’s a big difference, having a vehicle that I’ll be paying more than $300/month for the next five year, over a $1200 one paid for and done.

But, since it IS my home for five months a year, I’m getting off much easier than almost any other person who pays rent or has a mortgage. And, it’s been just a pleasure, to have a reliable vehicle that gets up and over the mountains without me rocking back and forth in the drivers seat in an uncontrollable urge to “help” on the steep! Plus – the room!!!!

The interior has not been finished yet. I ran out of time and cash before hitting the road in November, so I’m not going to show the interior. This summer, back in New York, I’ll be dedicating my efforts to getting Ramses in “Picture Perfect” shape. Or, perfect for me, anyway. An Instagram #VanLife Influencer, I’m not. But, if you WOULD like to follow my Instagram feed, you’ll see my day to day goings on, places I’ve traveled to,and insight into the creative process in my jewelry. Also doggy pics!, and how I personally deal with van living.

What I AM is an artisan jewelry maker! And if you recall, last spring I invested in machinery to cut and polish my own cabochons. When I got back to NY, the electricity which was hoped to go in over the winter, had not happened. But, because of Covid, my place of work was not open, and I took over the trailhead booth(which had solar power), and worked for tow months, nearly daily, on crafting cabochons.

Eventually, we reopened, and there went my studio. I was still hoping for electricity to come to my cabin, but it never did, and now it’s not looking likely, at least for a while. So, I went from mid-May until about a week ago, without firing up my machines.

I had plenty of stones to work with, and so was focused on jewelry-making. Here are a few of the pieces I created during that period, all with stones I cut myself. You’ll be able to click the images to get to the listing in my Etsy shop, so you can read about the piece if you’d like.

I’ve also been on an earring making microbinge. Here’s a link to the Earrings section of my shop, and I’ll be adding more as soon as I can photograph and edit images.

As of late February, I’m in Quartzsite, Arizona, mainly due to my ability to polug my lapidary equipment in and work. In a week or so, I will move on, and begin a slowed down journey toward my home in New York. I’ll be heading north toward either Sedona or…should I veer more westerly and head to souther Utah? I haven’t yet decided!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Terrie

I have to admit that, when I organize my inventory, I am often enchanted with my own work. I guess that’s not a bad thing!

Here are some of my recently made items, but you know what? I have not been able to get time to work with all the newly found beads I have – oh, how I wish the temps would cool down a bit, so I can feel inspired to work with them.

Ruby Red Czech Glass Bead Earrings Copper Accents

Deep Red Czech Glass Beads, accented with Antiqued Copper

Genie Lantern Earrings in Iridescent Blue

Genie Lantern Earrings in soft blue iridescent glass, accented in antiqued brass

Blush Pink Beaded Earrings with Antiqued Copper

Lovely peach pink Czech glass beads, with hand hammered earring pins and wires, antiqued copper

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Purchasing to Repurpose

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Terrie

One of my favorite pastimes is browsing through antique and vintage shops, whether online or on the street. Mostly, I justify my use of the time(which can be significant) with the idea that I am searching for vintage buttons that I can use for my collection of ponytail holders at Talisman Studios, but just as often I am enjoying the design and practicality of objects which once were part of someone’s home.

When I saw the necklace that I harvested the beads I created these earrings from, I couldn’t resist buying the piece, and I almost completely forgot to ask the obligatory question(“Do you think you could do better on the price?”), because I wanted to get that beauty home and dismantle it!

I am guessing the necklace was a souvenir purchase someone of my mother’s generation made while traveling in the Middle East or perhaps Asia, The necklace was fairly simple, and not likely to be desired in and of itself, at least at this time. Too clunky for current styles, I thought, as I considered the negative aspects of using the parts instead of keeping it whole. But the beads – so wonderful!

The barrel shaped focal beads are almost certainly Bakelite. Though I have not tested for authenticity, Bakelite is fairly easy to recognize. It has a certain sumptuous look and a saturated denseness that is pretty unmistakable. However, I decided to leave the question open – I do not think the material matters quite so much, in this case. Bakelite or not – they are just lovely beads; a deep chocolate brown, almost black, color.

But the truly remarkable components are the brass bead caps. Each one was cut individually. Looking closely, one can see the angled marks of the metal snip used to make them. The design is inspired by a Lotus Flower motif, which is why I wonder if the necklace wasn’t originally sold in some local bazaar in one of the mountainous regions of the Himalaya. They are delicate, thin sheets of metal, and this makes then precious, in my opinion.

I opted to add a simple round ring to the top of the design, when I made these earrings, and am reminded of a lantern shape. I have enough beads to make a half dozen or so pair of earrings, but I would also like to use some in necklaces.

The earrings have some sort of appeal, as each and every time I wear the pair I am keeping for myself, someone has commented on their beauty. This just doesn’t usually happen to me. So I have to believe that somewhere along the line, these beads were handled by someone with a strong and positive energy. I think it may have been the artisan who crafted the brass beads, and probably the original necklace.I can imagine a man, crouched into the squatting position of rest one sees of the tribal folks of the East, working on new creations as he spent his time selling to travelers passing through. I see him as a kind man friendly, interested in his visitors, and accepting. I am grateful to have found the necklace, and am confident that man would smile in knowing the pieces will be finding new wearers ho will appreciate their beauty.

You can find the earrings, available for sale, in my Talisman Too shop.

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Hats Off (On!) to Autumn

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Terrie

Winter Hat, made from vintage sweaters

I adore a cute hat, and since I spend the majority of my time in an outdoors environment, these first cool, post summer season days have me thinking about my wardrobe of chapeaus. The picture above is my tried and true standby. It’s made from recycled sweaters, by Face II Face London, and I paid good money($70) for it when I bought it at Barneys in about 1998. (I’ve tried to locate a web source for the designer of this hat and been unable – If anyone has a link, please contact me and I’ll update!)

Actually, my friend, Rita bought this particular hat. I had purchased another coloration, in creams and gray tones, from the same designer, and Rita so adored my cap that she immediately insisted we go find one for her. She chose this one, and we were an awesome pair when we sauntered the streets of Manhattan in these wonderfully original creations. Rita died a few years later, from Lung Cancer, and her partner asked me to help clean out her closets. He kept suggesting I take an item; that Rita would have wanted her clothing to go to friends, but Rita was size 4 or 6, and I am…not. When I saw the blue sweater hat nestled with a pile of her winter accessories I knew I could honor our friendship by donning that cap.

So, most of the time, that is the hat I wear in winter, but I still really love hats! And so I find myself thinking about a purchase…..

Here’s another one, which I bought last year at a local craft show. This piece was made by Karen Lloyd of Knit in Color. It was just so damned cute that when I saw it, I had to take it home! It has a tassel on the back as well as the two at the sides, and the texture of the yarn is fantastic. She has similar ones in other colors in her shop, and…I know this post is about hats, but Karen also makes doggy sweaters(and my Lucas loves the one she made custom for him!)..

Another hat I wear, this one from Knit In Color

One of my favorite places to window shop are at the digital boutiques of my fellow Etsy sellers. I’d like to share a few of the finds I have come across in my search.

This, from Wildthyme, is wild! The creator makes each hat with no pattern

Freeform Tam in Hues of Blue

I love the colors in this one, from Dog Mountain Knits. The textured yarn is so pretty.

Handspun Yarn Beehive Knit Hat

This one, from The Mast Hatter, reminds me a bit of a French beret!

Burgundy Berry Hat

Here’s one that is also made from recycled sweater pieces, from Enchanted Ground.

“Blueberry Muffin Elf Hat” by Enchanted Ground

Etsy vs Amazon in the Battle of the Handmade Market

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Terrie

Why I’m Sticking with Etsy, the Reigning Champion

There’s not an online seller of indie craft who isn’t intrigued by the announcement that Amazon.com will be entering the market for handmade items, particular those that frequent the forums at Etsy, who’ve been discussing the lurking competitor daily.

For the most part, sellers are excited at the prospect; many feel Etsy betrayed them when the company relaxed it’s definition of handmade to include factory made products. Like myself, they are distraught, if not disgusted, at having to now compete head to head with factory-produced items which always undercut on price and can often be found at malls and street fairs across the country. Personally, I don’t think the person who chooses a brightly colored plastic bubble necklace

Selection from Etsy Search on “Bubble Necklaces”

is the same customer who would want one of my beaded pieces

A necklace from the Talisman Too Collection

but I can see how this affects many others. My beaded jewelry shop would probably suffer more at the hands of these imported goods if my goods could be found in searches, but I am not fooling myself to believe that even the massive influx of these cheap goods is the reason my items don’t rank highly. There are thousands of “blue beaded earrings” on the venue, and a large percentage of them are genuinely designed and constructed in the minds and by the hands of people in their home studios, just like me.

Nonetheless, I’m under no delusion that a move to Amazon will solve my dilemma. In fact, I may be helped by the behemoth, once the disgruntled and starry-eyed Etsyians make their move to the newly launched platform.

A small seller like myself simply won’t be able to jump through the hoops that will be required at Amazon, once they have populated their community with hopeful selling residents. Right now, the vague outlines of their program seem almost comforting to the casual observer. Sellers must have less than twenty employees or be part of a collective with under one hundred members, but many people don’t seem to realize that China abounds with factories employing numbers that are well within the “collective” range, particularly when the products being produced rely on hand work, such as intricately embroidered or crocheted goods.

Amazon promises handmade sellers a respite on fees that can bite deeply into one’s overhead, but I wonder if most sellers aren’t employing their reading comprehension skills. Specifically, the lowered fee structure is only temporary, and this has been stated outright. Suggestions of a more “small-seller friendly” fee structure have been hinted at, but certainly not promised, an important distinction. The statement’s been nicely framed, lulling the gullible into believing that this beastly creature(the definition of an amazon, after all) will nurture their growth like a kind motherly type, saving them from the cruel feudal hardships they feel they’ve suffered under the reign of Etsy.

The issue, as I see it, is that once a person puts the amount of time needed to build out their shop, develop linkbacks and all the other efforts that go into online selling, they will be heavily invested in the venue, and the idea that they might have to abandon the project will certainly bring on feelings nausea. They will hold on, struggling to work harder, and many will fail, while hungry-for-revenue Amazon swallows and burps. I’ve experienced something like this with my ClimbAddict shop, part of which is housed on the print-on-demand venue CafePress, where the Terms of Use I accepted upon arrival in 2006 have been changed nearly as frequently as one changes their bedsheets. I won’t go into those details, but suffice it to say that many, many sellers who once cheered and supported the company now write venomously about the cut-throat tactics they’ve endured. Why will Amazon, with it’s voracious appetite, behave differently?

I like the idea for Handmade at Amazon, but I believe they are counting on naive entrepreneurs to flock en mass to the cozy nest they have created, partly out of some vindictive desire to claw at Etsy’s foundation. Perhaps it is because some of the factories and importers which have been part of Amazon’s selling base found it lucrative to move to Etsy during the relaxed-guidelines transition?. When the harsh winds of reality blow the loose straws away from the nest, I feel many a former Etsyian will have been devoured and excreted like a compressed owl pellets

Are You a One-of-a-Kind Kind of Girl?

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Terrie

Often I come across remarkable antique buttons, as you can see from the selections with the Talisman Studios shop, but until I began doing beadwork, I wasn’t sure how I could use these miniature pieces of art. Luckily, the beading inspired me to incorporate the tiny delicacies into jewelry. Here is my most recent – a princess length necklace.

The piece features a Mother of Pearl antique button with a brass escutcheon. Made in the late 1800’s, the pearl background serves to highlight the romantic details of flower and wreath border. Bronze colored faceted English Cut glass beads, along with seed beads in iridescent hues compliment the colors within the shell button.

This is a one of a kind piece available for sale in the Talisman Studios shop.

Talisman Shops Handmade Jewelry

Handmade Heirloom Quality Artisan Jewelry – Designer Cabochons

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