5 Tips for Happy shopping on Etsy
1. Take a Good Look
When you're shopping on Etsy, always make sure to look at all the pictures of the item you're interested in. You can even use the zoom feature to get a closer look. The cool thing is that Etsy sellers have to take high-resolution pictures, so it's hard for them to hide any flaws. So, zoom in and check everything out! If you see something that looks like a flaw and you think it might make you unhappy, it's better to figure it out now rather than later. That way, you can save yourself and the seller the hassle and cost of returning the item. So, take your time and be smart with your money!
2. Get to Know the Seller
Before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check out the seller's profile. You can also look at the owner's profile if you want. This will give you some important information. For example, you can find out if your item will be shipped from the US or from another far-off country. Sometimes, there are sellers who say their items are handmade, but they're actually mass-produced items from China. They just jack up the price! So, be careful. If you're not sure, you can always contact the seller and ask questions.
3. Read the Reviews
Reviews are super helpful when you're shopping on Etsy. They can give you an idea of what other people thought about the seller and the item. Of course, there will always be some buyers who can never be satisfied no matter what. But if you see a lot of reviews saying things like "did not receive" or "looks nothing like the pictures," it's a good idea to be cautious. You can also sort the reviews by most recent to see the latest feedback from buyers.
4. Don't Skip the Description
Make sure to read the entire description of the item you're interested in. Sometimes, Etsy likes to test different layouts to see what makes buyers click the "BUY NOW" button faster. So, the description might be in a different place than usual. There might even be an arrow that opens a drop-down description. Sellers usually start by telling you all the great things about the item and end with any downsides or cons. So, don't miss out on any important information!
5. Check Out the Shop Details
Before you make a purchase, take a look at the details about the shop. You can find information about their policies and any extra services they offer. Some shops can even gift wrap your items for you! And if you're buying a gift for someone, the seller can send it directly to the recipient. Just make sure to enter the correct shipping address when you make the purchase. If you send a message after the purchase, it can cause some problems for the seller. They might even have to cancel your order and ask you to buy the item again with the correct address. So, be careful and double-check everything!
In summary, Etsy is still a great place to shop! However, Etsy does not vet who they allow to sell on their platform and in this economic climate people will do anything to make a buck. So that means you need to be smart, be cautious. Do your due diligence when shopping online. Slow down and take a few extra minutes to check everything out. Etsy has finally started to crack down on the re-sellers, the people selling counterfeit items and items that are trademarked. But it is slow going and I have very little faith Etsy will or can even find all of them.There is nothing worse than feeling you have been duped into buying something you normally wouldn't have. Use common sense. If something seems to good to be true, chances are it is! Here's to a great Holiday Season for both buyers and sellers alike! <3
