How to Sell in Person on Etsy App

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How to Sell in Person on Etsy App

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In today’s digital age, online marketplaces like Etsy have revolutionized the way artisans and crafters sell their products. However, many sellers are discovering the benefits of combining their online presence with in-person sales opportunities. Etsy has made this transition seamless with their mobile app, allowing sellers to take their virtual shops into the physical world. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using the Etsy app to sell in person, from setting up your mobile point of sale to maximizing your sales at events and markets.

Understanding the Etsy App for In-Person Sales

The Etsy app is a powerful tool that extends your online shop’s functionality to real-world settings. It allows you to:

  • Process credit card payments
  • Manage inventory in real-time
  • Sync online and offline sales
  • Issue receipts
  • Track your in-person sales performance

Setting Up Your Etsy App for In-Person Sales

Before you can start selling in person, you need to properly set up your Etsy app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Download and Install the App

  1. Go to your device’s app store (iOS App Store or Google Play Store)
  2. Search for “Etsy Seller”
  3. Download and install the app
  4. Log in with your Etsy account credentials

Enable In-Person Selling

  1. Open the Etsy app
  2. Tap on “More” or “Settings”
  3. Select “Sell in Person”
  4. Toggle on the “Enable In-Person Selling” option

Set Up Payment Processing

To accept credit card payments, you’ll need to set up Etsy Payments:

  1. Go to “Shop Manager” in your Etsy account
  2. Click on “Finances”
  3. Select “Payment settings”
  4. Follow the prompts to set up Etsy Payments

Connect a Card Reader

For smoother transactions, consider using a card reader:

  1. Purchase an Etsy-compatible card reader
  2. In the app, go to “Sell in Person” settings
  3. Select “Card Readers”
  4. Follow the instructions to pair your device

Preparing Your Inventory for In-Person Sales

Before attending an event or market, you need to ensure your inventory is properly set up in the app:

Sync Your Online Listings

  1. In the app, go to “Sell in Person”
  2. Tap “Sync Listings”
  3. Wait for your online listings to appear in the app

Add Offline-Only Items

For products you only sell in person:

  1. Tap “Add Item” in the “Sell in Person” section
  2. Enter the item details, including name, price, and quantity
  3. Save the new listing

Update Quantities

Ensure your inventory counts are accurate:

  1. Go to “Manage Inventory” in the app
  2. Update the quantities for each item you’ll be selling

Setting Up Your Physical Space

Creating an attractive and functional space is crucial for in-person sales:

Display Your Products

  • Use eye-catching displays that showcase your products effectively
  • Arrange items at various heights to create visual interest
  • Ensure proper lighting to highlight your products

Create Signage

  • Design clear, readable signs with your shop name and logo
  • Include pricing information for easy customer reference
  • Consider creating a banner or backdrop with your branding

Organize Your Checkout Area

  • Set up a dedicated space for processing transactions
  • Keep your device and card reader easily accessible
  • Have a system for bagging or packaging purchased items

Processing Sales with the Etsy App

When a customer is ready to make a purchase, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Sell in Person” section of the app
  2. Tap “New Sale”
  3. Add items to the cart by scanning barcodes or selecting from your inventory list
  4. Review the order with the customer
  5. Select the payment method (cash, credit card, or check)
  6. For credit card payments, use your card reader or manually enter card details
  7. Complete the transaction and offer a receipt (digital or printed)

Managing Inventory During Events

Keeping track of your inventory is crucial during in-person sales:

Real-Time Updates

  • The app automatically adjusts your inventory as you make sales
  • Regularly check your stock levels to avoid overselling

Manual Adjustments

If needed, you can manually adjust inventory:

  1. Go to “Manage Inventory” in the app
  2. Find the item you need to adjust
  3. Tap on the item and update the quantity

Handling Customer Interactions

In-person sales provide a unique opportunity to engage with customers directly:

Provide Product Information

  • Be prepared to answer questions about your products’ materials, creation process, and care instructions
  • Share the story behind your creations to create a personal connection

Offer Customization Options

  • If possible, discuss customization options with customers
  • Use the app to create custom orders on the spot

Collect Customer Information

  • Ask customers if they’d like to join your mailing list for future updates and promotions
  • Use the app to note any special requests or follow-up actions

Maximizing Sales at Events

To make the most of your in-person selling opportunities:

Offer Promotions

  • Create event-specific discounts or bundle deals
  • Use the app to apply special pricing or coupon codes

Showcase New or Popular Items

  • Highlight your bestsellers or new products in prominent displays
  • Use the app to quickly check which items are trending in your online shop

Accept Pre-Orders

  • For out-of-stock or custom items, use the app to take pre-orders
  • Collect customer information and follow up after the event

Analyzing Your In-Person Sales Performance

After each event, review your performance to improve future sales:

Check Sales Reports

  1. In the app, go to “Sales Reports” under “Sell in Person”
  2. Review your total sales, number of transactions, and top-selling items

Compare Online and Offline Sales

  • Use the app’s analytics to compare your in-person sales with your online performance
  • Identify which products perform better in each channel

Gather Customer Feedback

  • Make notes in the app about customer preferences and comments
  • Use this information to refine your product offerings and marketing strategies

Integrating Online and Offline Sales Strategies

To create a cohesive selling experience:

Cross-Promote

  • Display your Etsy shop URL prominently at your in-person events
  • Encourage online customers to visit you at upcoming markets or fairs

Consistent Branding

  • Ensure your physical booth or stall reflects your online shop’s aesthetic
  • Use consistent packaging and branding materials across both channels

Follow-Up Marketing

  • Use customer information collected at events to send targeted online promotions
  • Share photos and stories from in-person events on your Etsy shop and social media

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Be prepared to handle potential problems:

Connectivity Issues

  • Have a backup plan for processing payments if you lose internet connection
  • Consider using a mobile hotspot for more reliable internet access

App Glitches

  • Keep your app updated to the latest version
  • Know how to quickly restart the app or your device if issues arise

Inventory Discrepancies

  • Regularly reconcile your physical inventory with the app’s records
  • Have a process for handling discrepancies discovered during an event

Legal and Tax Considerations

Remember to address the legal aspects of in-person selling:

Permits and Licenses

  • Research and obtain any necessary permits for selling at events or markets
  • Keep digital copies of your permits in the Etsy app for easy access

Sales Tax

  • Understand your obligations for collecting and remitting sales tax for in-person transactions
  • Use the app’s settings to automatically calculate and add sales tax when applicable

Insurance

  • Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your inventory and equipment
  • Check if the events you attend offer any coverage for vendors

Conclusion

Selling in person using the Etsy app can significantly expand your business opportunities and help you connect with customers in meaningful ways. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to take your Etsy shop into the physical world, creating a seamless integration between your online and offline presence.

Remember, success in in-person selling comes with practice and experience. Each event is an opportunity to learn and refine your approach. Stay open to feedback, continuously improve your product offerings, and leverage the power of the Etsy app to streamline your operations. With dedication and the right tools at your fingertips, you can create a thriving business that bridges the digital and physical realms of commerce.

Citations: [1] https://iliketodabble.com/sell-digital-art-on-etsy/ [2] https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/10603291042967-What-s-New-for-Sellers [3] https://fitsmallbusiness.com/selling-on-etsy-tips/ [4] https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/294998091786 [5] https://blog.marmalead.com/tips-to-scale-etsy-business/ [6] https://www.gelato.com/au/blog/how-to-sell-digital-downloads-on-etsy