Etsy Bitch

EB Gift Guides 5

2009-11-28T17:26:00.003-05:00

So Sorry about the lateness again! I got involved in my Biology homework.

Good news though! We will be running the GG through Cyber Monday. If you want to be included on tomorrow's or Monday's please e-mail etsybiatch@gmail.com

Etsy
Buy Handmade

Holiday Shopping Deals

2009-11-26T14:51:00.006-05:00

Hello! Welcome to our shopping deals guide. We hope this is a success for many of the people who wrote into us.

I do need to note for a couple of sour pusses and grinches, that EB is not one hive mind like the Borg. Each of us has our own issues with Etsy and our own agendas. It just so happens that I love helping other artisans out, whether it be with the EB GG's or this Shopping Guide, or when I help set up craft shows. I love helping others. I am a Utilitarian type, in which I do whatever is for the greatest good, even if it doesn't do well for me. I did add my own link in here because I am also having a sale, but no one has to buy from me. There are many other awesome soapers included in this guide.

So, for those angry pusses, we are not one person. We are several, with our own issues and agendas. I LIKE HELPING OTHER ARTISANS! If I can use the readership and popularity of this blog to help the forgotten on Etsy, then I will!

Now onto the shopping!

Art

http://flapperdoodle.etsy.com
BOGO free on everything! No coupon code
required! You can either pay & I'll send
you a refund for the discount, or you can
wait for me to send a revised invoice!
***12AM 11/27 through 12AM 12/1***
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://introvertedpainting.artfire.com
I've got a 15% off most of my paintings and pendants running up at my art fire shop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All CARVED ANIMALS at www.sandrahealy.artfire.com are 5% off; enter coupon code 5%DEC09 at checkout
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My company, Burnish & Brush Art Studio would like to offer Etsy Bitch readers a 15% discount.
Simply use coupon code BITCHIN at checkout.
Website address is www.burnishbrushartstudio.bigcartel.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My shop's promotion is actually for the month of November, for "early" holiday shoppers...
Free First-Class shipping to the U.S. and Canada through the month of November.
That's at www.LonesomeRoadStudio.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free domestic shipping!
http://handhelddezigns.etsy.com

Jewelry

http://crankheartpony.etsy.com
- Free shipping to the world on all jewelry AND All earrings are $10
- 15% off your entire order (not counting jewelry) when you CONVO ME FIRST and
I will adjust the price or send an invoice! (I wont let etsy get their paws on money they didnt fairly earn.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

www.visart.etsy.com
- 20% off before shipping on everything in my shop (besides sales)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://mercurios.etsy.com
MerCurios is offering Free Worldwide Shipping November 15, 2009
through March 15, 2010. No need for anyone to enter a "promo code" -
all shipping is set to "ZERO"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://badcatjewelry.1000markets.com
Free Shipping on all pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Customers get 20% off any purchase at my ArtFire studio by entering the following coupon code: FASHION20OFF.
The coupon will be valid for any number of times, from now until December 4. Here's the link to my studio:
http://www.artfire.com/users/minaude
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://aliciamae.artfire.com
SAVE US $2.50 On Order Total (orders above US $15.00)
Use Coupon Code:
GIVETHANKS250
during checkout.

SAVE US $5.00 On Order Total (orders above US $30.00)
Use Coupon Code:
GIVETHANKS5
during checkout.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.SophisticatedLady.etsy.com
I am offering 15% off everything in my store, beginning THURSDAY, 11/25 through MONDAY, 11/30.
The sale difference will be refunded through PayPal. Use code "15 Off" in notes to seller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://bbbellezza.etsy.com
The sale: Free Shipping (worldwide) on all jewelry and Free Surprise Gift with each purchase.
I will refund your shipping cost through paypal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm having a BOGO sale 11/27-11/30, buy any one item, get one ring (of your choice) free. http://www.etsy.com/shop/SHAbang
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FREE Shipping Sale is on! BlackFriday- CyberMonday 11/27-11/30 Any order $50+ http://19moons.etsy.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From now until the 30th (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) I will give 20% off on any merchandise purchase of $30 or more.....That's everything in my studio....
http://EclecticOddities.artfire.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

we're crafty foxes! 10% off in my Zibbet & Artfire shops.
www.foxaz.artfire.com
www.zibbet.com/foxaz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering: 25% off Storewide & Free Shipping.
http://www.CombustionGlassworks.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering 25% off everything in my shop Friday
morning through Monday night. my address is:
http://www.debsparkles.etsy.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering free shipping, starting on Black Friday (11-27-09) and ending on Sunday (11-29-09)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DDurda
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all purchases made 11/27 - 11/29.
www.dwolfedesigns.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My shop's promotion is actually for the month of November, for "early" holiday shoppers...
Free First-Class shipping to the U.S. and Canada through the month of November.
That's at www.LonesomeRoadStudio.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering free shipping within the USA and Canada on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
My store link is www.starrydreams.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night's Requiem will be offering 20% off an entire purchase, excluding shipping. This will last from 11/27-11/30.
My url is: www.nightsrequiem.etsy.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.artfire.com/users/sleepingcatbeads
20% off everything in the shop through 11/29 with the coupon code NOV09
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The deal is: enter the code bitching at checkout to get a 15% discount on my handmade jewellery.
The discount is valid to Monday 30 November at http://www.shop.simonewalsh.com and also the Australian dollar version
of my shop at http://www.shop-aud.simonewalsh.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm offering 30% off with coupon BACKINBLACK at http://paraphernalia.nu from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Black Friday! Take 25% off all items tagged "black" http://pawandclawdesigns.etsy.com FREE SHIPPING & GIFT WRAP!! Use code BLACK at http://pawandclawdesigns.artfire.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1- ArtFire Studio - 10% off everything with coupon code HOLLYDAZED at http://nightskyjewelry.artfire.com
2- Etsy Shop - Free US and Canadian Shipping (International shipping is discounted to $2.25 flat rate) at http://nightskyjewelry.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free shipping until Nov 30
http://www.etsy.com/shop/glitzglitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10% with code “BLACK”, now until DEC 4
http://lorianderson.net

Fabric Goods

http://crankheartpony.etsy.com
- Free shipping to the world on all jewelry AND All earrings are $10
- 15% off your entire order (not counting jewelry) when you CONVO ME FIRST and
I will adjust the price or send an invoice! (I wont let etsy get their paws on money they didnt fairly earn.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchntyme
my promo is "FREE" shipping on all cell phone cases Black Friday - Cyber Monday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://beanbun.etsy.com
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALE! 11/26 through 11/30 ALL custom orders get 25% off! Check the HOLIDAY SALE section for all items.
Prices already adjusted. Don't see what you want? Convo me and I'll set up a custom listing for you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://stylesmith.bigcartel.com/
I'm having 10% off a single purchase, 15% off two purchases & 20& off three or more purchases!
I'm using codes on Big Cartel: BUY1 -10%, BUY2 -15%, BUY3 -20%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering 25% off everything in my shop Friday
morning through Monday night. my address is:
http://www.debsparkles.etsy.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

www.auntifranni.artfire.com
My sale at Sunny Days Embroidery buy 5 candy cane holders in any combination get one free.
Please put your choice of free candycane holder in notes to seller no coupon code needed.
You will find them in the ORNAMENTS section of my shop.
20% off the entire shop Black Friday thru Cyber Monday use coupon code CYBER09
You can combine this with the coupon for the candycane holders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://verybigjen.artfire.com
FREE SHIPPING!

Paper Goods

www.kapara.etsy.com - buy 3 get 1 free
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

we're crafty foxes! 10% off in my Zibbet & Artfire shops.
www.foxaz.artfire.com
www.zibbet.com/foxaz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm offering free international shipping for the Holiday Season at my store:
http://inkihandmade.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Naughty and Nice cards only $1.00 for one of each.
http://jailbird.etsy.com

Bath and Body

http://www.thesoapseduction.etsy.com
* Free domestic shipping (11/27-11/30); International orders pay domestic shipping prices
* Complimentary Gift Wrap
* All orders of $15 or more get a free pair of Grandma Klump Denture soap!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://desertmaidenbath.etsy.com
Free shipping on all orders over $20.
50 cents off all bars of soap (Early Bird Special until 6am MST 11/27 is $1 off)
Special bulk discounts
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From midnight Wednesday, November 25, 2009, through Monday, November 30, 2009:

All orders on www.soapcrone.com that are made in multiples of 6 will have FREE shipping!

6 soaps
12 scrubs
24 lip balms
54 bottles of Truth Serum

Anything that you order in multiples of 6 will have no shipping charge. Paypal automatically adds it on--know that I will refund any shipping charges upon receipt of your order. Yowza!

Free shipping is cool, right?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free worldwide shipping in my shop! Soap That Makes Scents ~ http://kreatedbykarina.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOGO Holiday Sale - Buy 3 get the 4th FREE! http://blsoaps.etsy.com

Home and Hearth

http://dinnertimechimes.etsy.com
To help encourage you to have a handmade holiday season this year, we are having a sale. Select windchimes
and owl ornaments have been discounted. Free shipping on the bird houses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am offering 25% off everything in my shop Friday
morning through Monday night. my address is:
http://www.debsparkles.etsy.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Nov 27-30 FREE SHIPPING - US ONLY
http://RobotsAreAwesome.etsy.com

Glass

What: Save up to $20 on select pieces during my ongoing Holiday Sale.
Where: http://www.etsy.com/shop/krakenmosaics

Knit/Crochet/Fiber

Embellished Life Designs: crochet, felt and fabric accessories
30% off total purchase excluding shipping, from Friday 11/27 - Monday 11/30
www.embellishedlife.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://sierrapelonacrochet.etsy.com
Free shipping worldwide! (except for catnip cat toys)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free nail or lip color with qualifying orders from Life's an Expedition 11/24/09-1/31-10 while supplies last.
Details of promotion may be found at http://lifesanexpecition.blogspot.com and includes purchases from these shopping sites:
http://LifesAnExpedition.ARTFIRE.com
http://LifesAnExpedition.ETSY.com
http://www.ZIBBET.com/LifesAnExpedition
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In my Artfire studio, I am offering 30% off of orders of $10.00 or more. Use code HOLIDAYDEAL09. And free shipping store wide on top of that.
To reflect this offer, I've taken 20% off of all items $10.00 or more in my Etsy Store to make for instant savings.
MyArtfire is:
http://laneescrochet.artfire.com
Etsy:
http://laneescrochet.etsy.com

Ceramics/Pottery

I will be offering 50% off all my Ceramic Confections 11/27 through 11/30, Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Use promo code HAPPYHOLIDAYS50 (also in my studio announcement).
Here is the link to my store -
http://www.whimsicalblissstudios.com/store
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

10% off everything in my shop with the coupon code “HappyHolidays” until Dec 24th.
http://ugabugabowls.artfire.com

Clothing

Platipuses Plus Size Love: 16% off 11/26-11/27
link: http://platipuses.etsy.com

Let's talk shopping!

2009-11-25T20:13:00.002-05:00

This busy shopping season you may be looking for handmade, but not know where to turn for handmade items other than Etsy when their checkout acts up or the site goes down. Well, we've compiled a list below of handmade venues, and though there are many other sites where your favorite handmade seller may setup shop, these sites are where you can browse for new sellers and handmade specifically.

1000Markets
Artfire
Coriandr
Dawanda
Folksy
iCraft
Mintd (the site is closing, but there are still sellers there at the moment)
MyEHive
Shophandmade
Silkfair - Handmade (specific section of the site as linked)
TrendyIndie
Winkelf
Zibbet

Do you sell on a handmade venue that isn't listed? We'll add to the list!

You may have noticed that our Etsy Alternatives series stalled...well, we have to be able to experience the sites to give you a good review, and it isn't easy shifting items to a new site every month. But don't despair, we'll be back with a new review (shophandmade) after the first of the year!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday and More Etsy Crap

2009-11-25T01:31:00.000-05:00

Always pitifully late to the party, Etsy published their "plan" for Black Friday/Cyber Monday on November 20, and guess what sellers? It’s a list of what sellers can do to lose more money on Etsy!

Yes, you too can:
1. Lower your prices to below-below cost!

2. Label everything in your store BARGAIN! DISCOUNT! 99% OFF!
2. Offer FREE SHIPPING and lose big piles of money fast!
3. Market Etsy for free all over cyberspace and provide even MORE free labor than usual!

Sure looks like marymary did it again! Slapped together a crappy plan in 5 minutes to make it look like Etsy's doing something for sellers when it’s all about WHAT SELLERS CAN DO FOR ETSY! How much lower can you go Etsy?

Thanks Mary for giving sellers even more work to do to NOT sell a damn thing on Etsy!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials..

2009-11-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

Good morning buddies!!

I want to offer another avenue of promotion. You send us your Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Holiday Promos and on Friday, November 28, I will post all of them, no matter where you sell. Don't forget to give us a link to your store, because Im not quite that psychic :D

Maybe we can get a little extra promotion for you for the holidays!

E-mail us with your promo at etsybiatch at gmail.com with the subject line "Holiday Promos"

Oh, My Etsy-Aching Head!

2009-11-23T07:08:00.000-05:00

Lock lock, mute mute, gotta make a cowl, I can’t knit, Gramma? Gotta get the wrapping paper, lock lock, mute mute, did I buy enough showcases this month? What did she say about me in the forums? Lock lock, mute mute, hey I sent an email to support@ 7 weeks ago! Lock lock, mute mute, gotta make the grass-growing thingy and list it in my store, should I price it $2 or $3? Lock lock, mute mute oh boy, you mean I actually have to pack up these sales and put them in the mail? How do I do that? Where’s the post office? Lock lock, mute mute, did I relist 125 items today or should I do it tomorrow, I can do without groceries for another 2 weeks, lock lock, mute mute. Is it Etsy-ready, cool yet urban, pseudo green and a must-have? Ooops, my camera broke, I’ll just borrow the pix from that catalog, they look the same, lock lock, mute mute, I dunno, should I buy a banner for my store, or buy 6 booklets for sale on Etsy about how to sell on Etsy like every other seller on Etsy doing all the same things that I’m doing, oh, I forgot to relist again today, how is anyone going to see my $5 bargains, is there a weekend sale going on, did I get in, am I on the Front Page, why doesn’t Etsy answer my email? Lock lock mute mute oh damn, time to go to the bathroom, noooooooooo, hey, my Etsy Bill is $87.60 and I didn’t sell a thing last month! Oh, I forgot to relist again, where is that section in the 450-page Etsy Handbook, they’ll tell me what to do! Lock lock, mute mute, oh golly, boohoooohoooo, no one looks at my store anymore! .
Maybe I need to put something on the forums like, uhmm, like, uhmmm, "Where did my views go?" What section should it go in? Will you look at my store and tell my what I’m doing wrong? Lock lock, mute mute, I just wanna be Etsy-Admin-loved, what’s wrong with that?
Lock lock, mute mute gotta get to the yarn store, did I relist 100 items today like I promised myself? Gotta make the fingerless gloves, nope, a flower brooch, no a beige hairband, no a feathered bird, no something that looks geeky, nope, something under glass? hmmmm, gotta relist, gotta relist, gotta relist, lock lock, mute mute.
Lather, rinse, repeat, lock lock, mute mute.

EB Gift Guides 4

2009-11-22T16:11:00.002-05:00

http://baronsstudio.etsy.com
http://metalwork.etsy.com
http://schemata.etsy.com
http://moonlightbaker.etsy.com
http://helbent.etsy.com
http://twistedhandmade.etsy.com
http://beetnik505.etsy.com
http://couvert.etsy.com
http://ladyatlarge.etsy.com
http://jstinson.etsy.com
http://desertfiredesigns.etsy.com
http://acorngirl.etsy.com
http://stonewareporcelain.etsy.com
http://catcharainbow.etsy.com
http://tajones1463.etsy.com
http://sundaezchild.etsy.com

EB Gift Guides 3

2009-11-21T16:39:00.004-05:00

Guys, Im so sorry this is late. Here it is though!

http://pawandclawdesigns.etsy.com
http://ursulaandolive.etsy.com
http://variousandsundry.etsy.com
http://GaHooletree.etsy.com
http://nemesisproductions.etsy.com
http://jsdesigngallery.etsy.com
http://shinyadornments.etsy.com
http://laurenbishop.etsy.com
http://theeye.etsy.com
http://nightskyjewelry.etsy.com
http://onedineglass.etsy.com
http://starrydreams.etsy.com
http://fromtikiwithlove.etsy.com
http://angelamichelledolls.etsy.com
http://weefaeriefolk.etsy.com

Bitches' Auxiliary - New Hires

2009-11-20T13:52:00.003-05:00

Yep, Etsy has added yet another engineer to their force. Ever wonder what the resumes look like for these creme de la creme Chad chooses? Unfortunately, they laid it out in the Dorque announcement.

This email we received just about sums it up!

Etsy hires a friend who has no e-commerce background. But what the heck, he plays a mean banjo and knows a lot about social networking. And isn't that what it's all about? Just folks, hangin, talking, pickin git fiddles and watchin the little uns roll around on the floor? Forget making the site about sales. "It's not about the money man, it's about the people. Anyone who is in business for the money is just an evil breadhead. Pass me that joint, brah."

Best Thread Title: “Is this a Bug or a New Change?”

2009-11-17T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hats off to all the sellers who diligently report daily BUGS in the ever-changing, weirdly morphing, almost unshoppable site - Etsy!

Etsy is so unstable, sellers don’t know whether it’s a bug or a new Etsy feature dropped on sellers like an iron anvil right smack in the middle of the holiday selling weeks!

Etsy pays little attention, but when they do, like lisajune finally did to the pesky shopping cart time-outs, they tell sellers AND customers to send MORE DETAILS in emails that, admittedly, MIGHT NOT even make it through the silly, old support@ system!!!

Etsy, the site that makes it impossible for most sellers to sell!

Forget about “Code Lockdown” Already Etsy?

2009-11-16T00:35:00.000-05:00

Hey Etsy! It’s the start of the holiday retail season, and you can STOP with the daily announcments, tweaks, changes, buttons here buttons there and STOP STOP STOP everything until January 1st.

You should have done all your changes, tweaks and site "improvements" in August, NOT IN THE SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER!

What the hell are you thinking?

Do sellers a favor and go on an extended vacation for 6-8 weeks, we’ll maybe (and that’s a big maybe) see you next year.

EB Gift Guides 2

2009-11-15T12:08:00.002-05:00

http://pinegardenbaskets.etsy.com
http://xenya.etsy.com
http://onlypencil.etsy.com
http://localcolorist.etsy.com
http://eclipse.etsy.com
http://tocadoraleather.etsy.com
http://themidnightorange.etsy.com
http://artsycrafty.etsy.com
http://mermaidsbeads.etsy.com
http://akdlampwork.etsy.com
http://smilingsunshine60.etsy.com
http://sarahkdesigns.etsy.com
http://glazedearth.etsy.com
http://amatheria.etsy.com
http://monsterlab.etsy.com
http://ruttiger.etsy.com

EB Gift Guides 1

2009-11-14T01:17:00.013-05:00

Row 1 (From Left to Right)

http://hideebug.etsy.com
http://RDGDesigns.etsy.com
http://NewEnergy.etsy.com
http://peggysu1464.etsy.com

Row 2 (Left to Right)

http://scrubyourbutt.etsy.com
http://scrumpdilyumptious.etsy.com
http://ivydee.etsy.com
http://kahlaw.etsy.com

Row 3 (Left to Right)

http://whatsbuzzin.etsy.com
http://handhelddezigns.etsy.com
http://AimeeArtz.etsy.com
http://brennabay.etsy.com

Row 4 (Left to Right)

http://fancyfootwrkspottery.etsy.com
http://clearmountaincraft.etsy.com
http://SteamBathFactory.etsy.com
http://mermaidsdream.etsy.com

Happy Holidays!

2009-11-13T22:58:00.002-05:00

So, nows the time to help those who are never seen by those hipster assholes called Admin.

E-mail me your favorite sellers who are not recognized by Admin, and we're gonna create our own gift guides to be featured by the 20 every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. Don't be overzealous though, and only send in a few for each week. :D Give people a shot at making it, so we have a good variety!

Send those e-mails to etsybiatch@gmail.com with the headline EB Gift Guides!

No, its not okay to do it again, Etsy.

2009-11-10T20:17:00.003-05:00

The Gift Guide button is back. This time, its huge, orange and ugly. It draws people away from our shops.

They did this around this time last year and it wasn't okay then. I wonder what made them think it is okay now? Oh, that's right, they don't think. I don't think they have any more common sense than a two year old.

Voice your disgust in this thread here.

EDIT

Yay! They've taken it down.. For now.

Let's Find the Admin Redux

2009-11-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

A little over a year ago we published a list of admin accounts, including those of known spouses and parents. At that time, there were 23 admin with 34 shops between them, and admin held at least 95 usernames. Since that time, at least 14 admin have left Etsy, and many many more have been hired, with admin now holding more than 125 usernames (142 counting alumni) - some having more than one shop that is currently active.

The past year has seen the introduction of titles (CEO, CCO, VP of Product Management, etc) and new department structures. What the past year hasn't seen is better disclosure of admin accounts. There are at least 10 accounts previously said to be admin that have no profile information by which to identify them. They appear to be mainly test accounts, and are possible former admin (in addition to the aforementioned 14), as they are primarily engineers. There are 11 engineers listed on the About page (and one support member) who have no accounts or information attributed to them at all. In total, there are more than 22 engineers working at Etsy. TWENTY-FUCKING-TWO (including one dog...go figure), not counting the unmarked profiles just mentioned and not counting the CTO Chad, and yet the site runs so horribly and they had to postpone an update because the wife of one engineer was having a baby. WTF?

By the way, the About page does not include the new SEO consultant and the EtsyHacks guy, the two most recent hires we're aware of. The about page itself is horribly uninformative.

We've fully updated the admin listing post, now including links to the About articles in the Storque when available, and we'll continue to update the post as admin come and go. We're maintaining the original post in order to ensure that any information we put out there is current, and we're noting the most recent date when that information was altered.

You can always find the list by using the link on the left sidebar.

#etsyfail

2009-11-07T00:14:00.002-05:00

The response to the issues regarding refunds on cancelled sales is still getting the same cut and paste response from Etsy admin. We've seen this before, where Etsy puts up their brick wall and refuses to acknowledge their customers - until they raise a big enough stink.

Well, the stink is going to Twitter (the quoted tweet has one "please" cut for Twitter length requirements):

#etsyfail Please RT Etsy re-think the non-refundable sales fees on returns! http://bit.ly/1gfJOD doubledippingetsy http://bit.ly/3K2lyp

Let's make Etsy rethink their accusatory unfairness and let us pull our pants up for a change.

QYDJ & Other Etsy Myths

2009-11-06T04:00:00.000-05:00

MYTH #1: QYDJ

Only applies to shops making/selling stuff in the distinct Etsy style, working ‘round the clock, and secretly employing lots of "santa’s helpers." An obvious and rather worn out, boring ploy to get more sellers to make & list Etsy-brandable (and usually low-priced) products. You have to be in it (lock, stock & barrel) to win it!

MYTH #2: SHOWCASES WILL GET YOU SALES

Etsy’s added so many Showcases and sub-sub-sub-subcategory Showcases that most shoppers don’t look & don’t care. Hidden in remote corners of the site or obliterated by competing Etsy-controlled promos, they're the biggest cash cow on Etsy, at sellers’ expense. We refer you to the hundreds of forums posts on sellers’ own experiences saying they're not worth the money. In fact, this is akin to opening your window and throwing out a wad of $5 bills with nothing to show for it. Total seller rip-off.

MYTH #3: FRONT PAGE TREASURIES ARE CURATED BY SELLERS

For the last 12 months, more than 50% (at least) of the FPT's are picked by the same Etsy Admins who also pick the FS, GG’s, Finds, and write all the blog posts about a small selection of stores on the site. Rumor is that Etsy also edits the seller-picked-FPT’s that do get to the Front Page. Still wonder why everything looks the same?

MYTH #4: SENDING AN EMAIL TO SUPPORT@Etsy WILL GET YOU THE INFO YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT

A real shot in the dark. Not only does your email go into Etsy cyberspace, you never know who will answer it, when they’ll answer it, and if they actually read your email request to begin with. Caution: Many responses, if at all, will be cut and pasted from Etsy’s list of "take it or leave it" formula answers. (Double Warning: Not the same thing as email to you from content@etsy making (too often false) accusations about violations in your store, hmph, try getting those straightened out before the brick wall descends without notice.) Sometimes, Etsy just likes hassling sellers, it’s fun! Brings out the best in their personalities!

MYTH #5 YOU CAN GET THE HELP YOU NEED IN THE FORUMS

Try finding facts and real help in the forums, we’ll see you after 3 weeks while you look for it. A real hotbed of misinformation, blatant seller-self-promotion, and way too many damn sections that have nothing to do with selling. Avoid the Bug Reports at all costs, because Etsy does too. Go ahead and avoid the forums altogether since "mutes" are contagious (as well as vindictive and ridiculous). Caution: reading the Admin Announcements, aka Edicts, may be hazardous to your health -they’ll send you to read a 20 page blog post (with branded-promo pix!) - avoid them like the plague!

MYTH #6: THE SITE FOR ALL THINGS HANDMADE

Well, we all know what happened to THAT starting in earnest 12 months ago, when the branding frenzy began, turning Etsy into a site for all things in the distinct Etsy style, screw the sellers. Enter at your own peril, shoppers and sellers alike. Remember who’s raking in the dough (and turns a deaf ear to seller complaints with a lock and mute) while you work your asses off with so little in return. Happy holidays with no sales on Etsy! The site that makes it impossible for most sellers to sell!

MYTH #7 ETSY IS JUST A VENUE

Yes, that's what it says in the Terms of Use, but we all know it isn't true. If admin likes you, you'll be promoted left and right; if you aren't completely agreeable, you'll find your fees taken and shop brick walled. Don't try asking questions about SEO, don't worry about mistagging and flagging, and don't try rectifying shopping cart issues or nonpayments...you'll just end up on their blacklist. They're not a venue, they're a popularity contest.

Etsy doesn't allow returns

2009-11-05T15:45:00.003-05:00

One of the 'clarifications' in the changed Dos and Don'ts was regarding cancelled transactions:

The seller may cancel an invalid or void transaction, as defined by these circumstances:
-The buyer did not pay (see Non-payment) at the time the transaction was created, according to the transaction agreement or according to the terms in the seller's Shop Policies.
-Both the buyer and seller agree to cancel the transaction prior to shipment. If the buyer has already paid, the seller has refunded buyer (price paid for item plus shipping).
-The seller has refused service to the buyer (see Refusing service). If the buyer has
already paid, the seller has refunded the buyer (price paid for item plus shipping).
-The buyer paid for the item(s). Although the seller shipped the item(s), the buyer did not receive the item(s). The seller has refunded the buyer (price paid for item at minimum).

But sellers wonder, what about when the sale is refunded because the item was returned? As far as Etsy cares, it was a sale, so they keep their fees... Even if you don't get paid!

Stellaloella says:

The DOs & DON'Ts of Etsy define transactions as such: "A transaction is created when a buyer completes Etsy's checkout process. [...] An Etsy transaction is completed when the buyer pays and the seller ships the item."

Canceling a transaction is linked to refunding a seller their listing and transaction fees. In the case that the buyer wishes to return the item and the seller agrees to a refund, that is still a valid, completed transaction for which Etsy requires fees to be paid by the seller. Etsy has provided a completed transaction service to the seller. If the seller chooses to accept a return and possibly refund the buyer, that does not negate that Etsy has provided an agreed-upon service for which we should be paid.

This was not clearly outlined in our policies in the past, and some sellers took advantage of the opportunity to cancel valid, completed transactions for the purpose of avoiding Etsy's fees or feedback from buyers.

Yep, it's the sellers' fault. Offering refunds on returns like good business people...expecting a completed sale to be the point of a listing. Paypal may do it, but they're suckers!

Don't you all realize that the point of listing on Etsy is to pay them!? All those poor admin working all day and you guys want to take away their fees for doing nothing! shame on you.

On a nonsarcastic note, if the seller doesn't get paid, Etsy shouldn't either. They already received the listing fee for the interaction with the buyer, but if the seller isn't paid for the item (including refunds on returns) then Etsy shouldn't get the percentage cut of the sale price. But then again, Etsy likes to take money that isn't theirs, like the fee for sale prices on weekend deals.

By the way, kind of nice of Etsy to put this policy into play without notifying their members. Hands up for everyone who's gotten an email about the new Dos and Don'ts...yeah, it doesn't matter that I can't see you, I know there aren't any hands up.

Etsy 101: Seller Tips on Spending More Money Than You Make

2009-11-05T01:54:00.001-05:00

Otherwise known as: How to lose a lot of money on Etsy, fast!

Lo and behold, Etsy continues to rake in record profits on listing, relisting and Showcase cash, AND on items that sell for an average of $15.00!

The site is fast filling up with doodads and trinkets priced mostly in the $5-15 range, and we wonder WHO’s really making the money here!?

Especially now, with DXO’s latest project with 3,590 tips for spending more money than you make!

That’s it, folks, the Etsy holiday formula for losing your shirt in that distinct Etsy style! Follow their wacky advice requiring huge gobs of time and labor and you too can get 10 slots in the GG’s, 62 repeats on the Front Page, be included in 29 repetitive Dorkies and those ever obnoxious Etsy Finds! Just keep it cheap and stock up on ric rak for clever, wasteful, but cute packaging!

From your pocket to Etsy’s (free labor included)!

Does Etsy Suck?

2009-11-04T15:21:00.004-05:00

Etsy's been getting some press lately, but not the kind that makes admin look like they know what they're doing.

EtsyBitch and the freedom of expression and frustration allowed here (compared to the Etsy site itself) was discussed in this article at About.com

Anther Etsy-critical site has also been getting press in Entertainment Weekly (EW magazine)...hmmm looks like admin need to pay more attention if they are going to keep Etsy a top tier site in the handmade world.

Too bad they don't listen. Over the past few years, sellers have had suggestions and offered free services to improve the site and keep it clear of resellers. Closing down critical threads, talking down to their customers, and maintaining the hipster status quo has done nothing for the majority of sellers at Etsy.

And people are noticing!

As we posted on our Twitter yesterday, the About article has a poll, which is currently at 75/25% that Etsy needs to open itself up to criticism...

Talking Product - aka Encyclopedia of Etsy BS

2009-11-03T02:20:00.000-05:00

We were so awestruck by the pretentious head of product development, Sara, and her big-bag-of-wind "Talking Product" in this incredibly convoluted and novel-length Dorque post
that we almost thought we’d never get to the last paragraph! The only thing that made any sense was the long, laborious explanation of "code lockdown" and the importance of the holiday retail weeks. But what the hell? Etsy has NEVER paid any attention at all to holidays or, for that matter, paid any attention at all to 95% of their sellers! Heaven forbid a megasite like Etsy thinks about the retail calendar!

Not only is this the biggest piece of pure bullshit (yeah yeah we get it, you're working on it, just like you have been for 2 years), but it doesn’t include ONE THING on the list of sellers’ priorities pinned to a solid date of implementation... shall we repeat what we need? YOUR SELLERS KNOW THE LIST BY HEART!

Whoever you think your audience is, Etsy, it clearly isn’t sellers. It’s ALL ABOUT YOU Etsy, and the sellers are nothing more than the means to an end, to your benefit and not much else.

No wonder you don’t have the time to come up with any solutions for what sellers really want you’re too busy crapping all over the site with a bunch of stuff that shows you have NO IDEA who your sellers are and what they need. You couldn’t care less.

Your capacity for arrogance is astounding!

Boo!

2009-10-31T15:39:00.003-04:00

It's Halloween and nothing's scarier than Etsy admin! Especially when they dress up as their favorite sellers in cowls. And what exactly is Maria dressed up as? Someone who likes to roll in money maybe?!

Be afraid, very afraid, and be on the lookout for cowl-wearing zombies!

The Dorque Gets a Facelift?

2009-10-31T03:47:00.000-04:00

Well, Vanessa, this little ditty just made our day. With the usual accompanying Dorque post that goes on (and on) about the FINAL TOUCHES to ETSY BRANDING that started with a site for selling all things handmade, and turned into a self-proclaimed "online style magazine" for people who are willing to make and list what Etsy tells them to!

Oh my, and here we were, wondering what the hell Etsy Admins do all day, busy as cute little felted furry bees making sure the entire site is a cookie-cutter orange brand statement from its Front Page to its adorable little pencilled characters frolicking though the cupcaked tulips!

Despite the time of year (holidays coming, remember them Etsy?)and the scads of new rules (all the better to bonk sellers on their heads!) we are so relieved to see what’s important to Etsy------- and that’s the Brand!

No new listing template, no more secure shopping cart, no solution to NPB's and resellers, no coupon codes, no customer service department, no new promotions, or just about anything else meant to support and help sellers (other than faves) SELL on Etsy!

The circle of Etsy Fail is complete!

Same ol’, Same ol’

2009-10-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

Oh crap, marymary has decided instead of actually taking the long list of terrific seller suggestions for NEW PROMOTIONS on the site to replace those much hated WEEKEND DEALS, she’s going to let us SUGGEST Etsy Finds for the month of November! Wow!

Digging deep into Etsy’s own, old, tired, repetitive and overdone promotions, here’s a list of November Find topics (ho-hum) for sellers to "review" and "suggest" or, in Etsy Lingo — give us that rubber stamp sellers, we’re gonna do our own thing anyway!

Suggest fresh, new, and emerging shops (isn't that Finds already?)

Suggest Team Events and Happenings (shoppers care about this?)

Suggest unique gift ideas under $50 USD (the promotion every retail site is using this year!)

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Free Worldwide Shipping***

***Oh goody, another wacky promotion that takes more out of sellers’ pockets with free shipping! Hey, that’s kinda like Weekend Deals = sellers pay (and pay dearly) in the end!

The Announcement ends with the usual bull: "Thanks in advance for your suggestions and participation, Mary" oh right, sellers’ suggestions ----- right, Etsy, like you’re suddenly listening to sellers! Suprising? No. Insulting? Yes.