I look at a lot of Etsy shops. I’ve seen things I’ve really been tempted to buy and other things that I can’t help but wonder why anyone would buy them much less offer them up for sale. I’ve seen artist profiles and About me pages that were inspired to those that were left completely blank.
But, for goodness sakes, why the anonymity? I’m a female from Texas, I’m a male from Colorado, I’m a female. What’s with that? I can’t speak for anyone else but if I’m going to send you my money and trust that you are actually going to ship me one of your products, I would at least like to know your name!
OK, I guess I can understand wanting to not put your entire personal history on display, but a first name or nickname would be nice. Hey you, Etsy seller, I have a question about one of your items. Just doesn’t seem to work for me.
A name creates a personal relationship. A name can help build a brand. A name helps to build trust.
Maybe next time I’m dealing with an anonymous Etsian, I’ll just address my email, “Dear Female Etsian”. Think they’ll get the hint?
5 Responses to Request for Etsians & Other Shop Owners
I love etsy, but I totally understand your point. Same with Bid or buy. I think people are paranoid that customers will be unsatisfied with the product or something, and then they don’t have to be called on the name, but rather the country they live in.. haha.
I rarely use my name on my blog, but that’s because I don’t sell, so it doesn’t matter then.
Comment by Jo-Anne on
I think when Etsy first started there was a number of people suggesting to artists to remain a bit anonymous to protect their privacy. Seems totally counter-productive for someone trying to build a business to remain anonymous. The fallacy of that is that the buyer probably gets their name through the Paypal system anyway.
Thanks for the input and please come again.
Comment by Michele on
I recently discovered your blog and I am loving it. You are so right about this. “Dear Female Etsian” LOL
Comment by Cross stitch on
Haha … good one! I don’t mind giving up my name…maybe a bit reticent of displaying my full name out there but I guess that’s just me! I did see those sellers that you’re talking about but never really noticed this detail :)) LOL very nicely put!
Comment by Laura on
Hi Laura,
It took me quite a while to get over putting my name out there into the big bad world when I opened up my writing business. Since I live with Mom, I’m a bit under the radar without a phone or being ‘head of a household’. I still cringe about putting my name and address anywhere but I’m asking people to trust me with their confidential business information and hopefully pay me a fair amount of money up front, so in many ways it’s a neccesary evil.
I checked out your shop and love what you did with your profile page. When I first landed on the shop, I thought it seemed like way too many different crafts to be made by one person – quilling, crochet, clay, painting and paper crafts? I admit, that I generally skip down to the items being offered rather than study the banners or intro text first. Your bio quickly told me that there are two clever and talented ladies named Lia and Laura making so many different things.
I wish both of you much success and am so glad you stopped by Blog About Crafts and took the time to leave a comment.
Comment by Michele on