Kiwi - One Dozen Vegan Soy Tealights from gypsydreamcrafters.etsy.com

One dozen freshly poured to order all natural vegan soy tealights, highly scented in Kiwi - Juicy kiwi paired with a hint of pineapple and mango combine nicely to create this crisp fruity fragrance. This is a new addition to the fragrances and is already a favorite. These candles are made with metal-free (no lead, no zinc) all cotton self-trimming wicks for a clean, natural burn. They use only all natural vegan soy wax, NOT soy blends containing paraffin. These tealights will arrive neatly packaged in a protective frosted box and enclosed in a colorful ribbon-cinch gift bag. These are available at http://www.gypsydreamcrafters.etsy.com for $7.25.

1. Why did you choose to sell on Etsy/ and do you sell anywhere else?

I chose to sell on Etsy for several reasons. One being, at the time I started I was unable to work due to a back injury and wanted to start an online business so that I could work from home. Another being, by having a good look at Etsy, I felt it was generally a better quality online shopping site than others I've seen/bought from. For me, the concept of 'handmade' is preferable to 'anything goes,' such as you would find on an auction site. It allows artists of all ilks to make their works available. I also sell at local weekly craft markets. 

2. What is your fave thing to buy on Etsy (whether it be supplies or gifts etc.)?

 

I don't buy much on Etsy. Not that I don't want to, it's simply not practical right now. I do buy the occasional supply when it's only one or two items I need. I'd rather support a fellow Etsian than a commercial business. I also buy the occasional item from a friend who has recently opened a shop. I want to support them as well. 

3. What is your current fave product under 20$(not in your store)?

My current fave product....Hmmmmm...That's tough only because I'm not much of a consumer these days. To be completely honest, it's a whipped body butter I'm developing which I haven't listed in the shop yet. I've been using myself as the guinea pig, and it's 'near perfect,' if I do say so myself..;) It will be in my shop in the very near future, so it probably doesn't count as the answer to this question. But, it's the best answer I can give at this time.

4. Any advice for new sellers? 

I can't say I have any sage advice for new sellers, as I'm still learning myself. I've never attempted anything like this before. I've always had a full time job and my hobbies were much different than they are now. Becoming a candle and soap maker/seller grew out of hobbies I started when I injured my back and couldn't work or exercise outdoors any longer. What I have learned is, it requires a lot of hard work to create a high quality product, something you would want to buy yourself; and it requires a lot of patience once that is achieved and you put your products on the market. Although a lot of time and money has been spent perfecting your products and you're ready to 'sell sell sell', it takes time for others to notice the difference between yours and someone else's. (Sigh...If they would only read feedback). Also, when selling a 'common' item, it's important to bear in mind that there are many other sellers who have been around with the 'same' items for a lot longer than you. They have a loyal following, which takes a lot of customers out of your reach. It has been my experience that customers are more likely to be someone new to Etsy, or simply not sold on someone else yet, and it takes time to build a clientele out of that. Patience is indeed a virtue. Good communication with your buyers and potential buyers is very important as well. People appreciate being appreciated. =)

5. And a favorite quote? 

'Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.' 
-Henry David Thoreau