We’ve collected tips to help you sell clothing on Etsy.
Etsy offers a wide range of fashion, from eco-friendly loungewear and bold runway looks to everyday staples. Etsy is a great place to find unique and personal items, whether for everyday staples or fashion-forward items. Etsy, a marketplace centered on people, is an excellent place for artists to test their creativity and gain valuable experience through customer interaction.
Etsy allows aspiring clothing designers to experiment with their designs while building a fashion brand. However, there are some basic guidelines that you should keep in mind. We spoke to some Etsy sellers who are seasoned and new to give you success tips. This advice is for fashion sellers but also applies to other shops.
Use models to take strong photographs
Take great photos to capture the results of your hard work. A live model is the best way to show off a garment’s fit and style. Since 2013, Zoe Miyori Fujii has used models in her Los Angeles Etsy shop Zoe Miyori Fujii to showcase her clothing of fabric printed with watercolors. Zoe Miyori Fujii has observed a distinct difference in the sales of products with vibrant photos compared to those without. She explains that “my items with better photos do much better.” Zoe explains that this is often due to the energy and enthusiasm of the model. She adds that “the energetic pose of the model will often attract more buyers.” “An image that is fun and striking gets more views.”
Start by taking pictures of your products on a clean and uncluttered background if you are new to using models. After you’ve mastered the basics of taking photos with models, add some creative styling and experiences to tell your visual story. Each product listing should include one of your five photo spots. You can mix and match your photos, but make sure they flow well together to create a cohesive brand image.
Zoe suggests starting your photo shoot with simple shots of the garment from the front, the side, and the back. She adds, “Then try to get the ‘cover picture’ to draw in buyers.” You can use a model if you want to but include the model’s height and weight in the listing description. Also, please mention the size of what they are wearing to help your customers determine the fit. Watch the video How To Take Photos Using A Model for more information.
Create a cohesive and inviting shopping experience
Even if you only have an Etsy store, it is worth considering how it would feel and look if it was a brick-and-mortar shop. Spend some time thinking of the types of shopping experiences that you enjoy. What is your favorite store and why? Use your shop’s visuals, such as your listing photos and logo, along with your language and tone to create a virtual experience that is equally as inviting for your shoppers.
KERENVEMICHAL is only one part of Michal Nir’s more significant fashion business. Michal Nir had run a Tel Aviv-based brick-and-mortar boutique for seven years before opening her Etsy store in 2013. She wanted to replicate her storefront’s modern, sleek vibe by using muted colors, simple photography, and streamlined graphics. Michal describes her Etsy store as a “second branch” of her physical shop. “I am trying to open up a window to my world.”
Clarify your item descriptions and policies
You can’t let online shoppers try on your products, so you must provide all the information they need in your product description. It’s especially important when it comes down to fit and sizing. Lindsay DeVere, of Stylecamp in London, has found that this is one of the most difficult aspects of selling handmade retro-inspired clothes online. Lindsay DeVere explains that selling fashion on Etsy is not easy, mainly because customers can’t try on the clothes or touch the fabric. Lindsay has found a solution to this problem by being clear in her listings and communication with customers. Lindsay reserves two of the five spots in her photo gallery for sizing charts and fit charts, which convey vital information visually while contributing to the overall aesthetics of her shop.
Consistency and clarity are important when it comes to shop policies. Shop policies that are clearly stated and easy-to-understand are appreciated by customers. You will feel more confident when you interact with customers if you have policies that you can stand behind.
Consider Customers Worldwide
Etsy allows you to reach potential customers around the world. Use this international audience to your advantage by keeping in mind the different countries that you are targeting in your shop. Lindsay says, “I have been fortunate enough to sell my pieces across almost every continent.” Lindsay didn’t expect that her products would be so widely available, but after realizing the potential of international sales, made it simple for shoppers around the world to buy from her store. She includes information for international customers in the sizing chart included with each listing. Lindsay says the effort was well worth it. Lindsay says that it is rewarding to know that people are wearing and enjoying her hard work in distant places.
Remember that the standard measurements and sizes vary from country to country. In your listing description, include the equivalent sizes for each country. For example, if you sell clothes in sizes XS to XL, state clearly what these sizes are in different countries. In the United States your “Small”, for example, may be a size 4-6, but in Italy it could be a 40-42. Include a chart of these sizes as part of your last image. List your product’s measurements in both the metric system and US standard, including inches and centimeters. This will save your customers from having to leave the shop to research their products.
Offering international shipping is crucial to extending your brand’s reach. Etsy buyers will only see items that are shipped to their country. Set rates for each country that you plan to ship to to ensure you show up in searches. You may lose customers if you depend on them contacting you about shipping rates that are not listed. 3 Tips to Attract International Shoppers has more information.
