Etsy Chat Vintage and Supplies #2 May 23, 2008

Minutes Stopped Fri May 23 2008 11:03:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Minutes Started Fri May 23 2008 11:03:50 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)
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HeyMichelle: hee hee
artsfarm: me too--had to look really close
HeyMichelle: hey there!
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pomomamadesign: aha! maybe that's why no sales??
neawear: awesome
PetitPoulailler: lol, ya think, ebb?
artsfarm: I would think it would help he heh
BobbiThisnThat: Morning all!
pomomamadesign: lol
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matt: /ask jkdhkshfksdhfkdhsfk
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mannequinreject: are you going to answer some of the questions from last week or do we have to ask them again?
artsfarm: Mattm if this is going to be via video, I can't hear so could I send you suggestions through e-mail? Too long to post here
matt: hello
ohmytiedye: Hello!
matt: nope via chat
artsfarm: ok thanks
ErinHaldrup: Hello!
neawear: chatty matty
matt: so
pesmou: Hello!
matt: first an update
matt: the changes to the search tips
matt: are now live
matt: there you will see that we now explain
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matt: that peopel need to select vintage
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matt: or supplies if they want to find those
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matt: this is the first steop to making the search changes
matt: more clear to shoopers
matt: number 2
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matt: we are hoping to get the sitewide email out next week
matt: it will go to all
matt: buyers and sellers
matt: 1 million or so
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matt: and will let people knwo about changes
matt: we have also
matt: now introduced
matt: vintage fridays
matt: in ETsy finds
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matt: we hope that ththis will also
matt: increae exposure
matt: we also
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matt: have new gift guides
matt: for suuplies
HeyMichelle: hey jared! welcome friend...
matt: and
jared: Thanks!
matt: vintage is on its way
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matt: these are the first of many steps
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matt: that we are taking to kmake improvements to the these areas
matt: this is aprocess
matt: and we are working towards the vintage and suuply marketplaces
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matt: taht we think will be great for our shoopers
matt: our sellers
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matt: and for etsy as a whole
matt: and shoppers
matt: not just shoopers
matt: so
matt: I am going to take a look at a few of your questions
matt: and then we can open it up
matt: for comment
BarkingDogsBoutique asks, When will the mass email regarding the new search be sent to Etsy users?
matt: next week
matt: it takes several days
matt: and we had to stop the first one
matt: because
matt: it was missing some cruial info
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matt: that is required by truste
matt: namely
matt: our physical address etc
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schOOLLOcker asks, "We know that changes like these will require some getting used to. We're going to give all commercial supplies and vintage items an extra 4 months of listing time in light of this." update?
matt: this is something that we really want to do
matt: our developers are exploring this now
matt: with the best intentions in mond
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matt: we said this
matt: and then realized that it could involve significant site downtime
matt: we are investigating this
matt: and alternatives now
matt: and I will provide an update when we know what are options are
matt: hopefully it will be feasinle
matt: feasible
dancingcircle asks, I don't understand - will vintage be getting thier own "site?"
matt: at some point
matt: we intend to make vintage
matt: its own marketplace
matt: it woudl be connected to etsy
matt: but it will have its own featured seller
matt: front page
matt: categories etc
matt: this is the end ofthis process
matt: we wil be doin the same for supplies
JustJaynes asks, when can we expect to see supply saturdays?
matt: I will talk to anda about this
matt: but
matt: she typoically does include supplies
matt: and i will see what else
matt: can be done there
faro asks, - It's great that you are planning this for the future, but what about right now. Many sellers are experiencing trouble now and need it to be more clear to buyers , how to find vintage and suppleis. now
matt: we see this
matt: and we are working to make it better
matt: the few changes we have made
matt: are the start of the process
matt: but we will keep working to make it better
matt: there is much to do
PetitPoulailler asks, did you talk with techs about search reverting to default, even when the shopper asks to shop V or S?
matt: yes
matt: and it is being investigated
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matt: I agree that
matt: it needs to be fixed
JustJaynes asks, where are the search tips?
matt: to the right
matt: after any search
matt: the right hand side of the page
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artsfarm asks, Could we submit suggestions for category& sub-category setup, and if so, to who or where? Thanks
matt: yes
matt: michelle@etsy.com
matt: we will get to that next
HeyMichelle: heh, that's me!
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NikitaJade asks, I'm late in getting here, so apologies if this has been asked, but where are the "immediate" changes that were promised at last Friday's meeting?
matt: just an pdate
matt: for those who just arrived
matt: email next week
matt: search tios
matt: changes
matt: live now
matt: if you can not see them
matt: you might need to clear your cache
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HeyMichelle: search for something and look at the sidebar...
PetitPoulailler asks, will V&S continue to share Pounce, TM2, Treasuries or will those be separated, as well?
matt: I do not know the answer to this, is jared still here?
matt: i will find out for you
dancingcircle asks, would it be possible to have an admin who focuses only on vintage and supply needs/sellers/issues?
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matt: ultimately
matt: I imagine
matt: athat there will be many people devoted to this marketpace
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PetitPoulailler asks, and shops which currently have items crossing over into 2 or three categories? Will they need to open separate shops?
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matt: No idea how it will work at this point, ideally, not
matt: but that is something we can bring up in the second half of today's chat
roadtripjournal asks, After thinking about it I am a little disappointed in site seperation. I like the mix on the front page treasuries. Do you worry that the seperate sites won't stand alone as strongly as Etsy does now with the eclectic mix of goods available?
matt: I think that vintage, supplies, and handmade
matt: support one another
matt: as stand alone sites
matt: peole will be able to find
matt: what they want
matt: more exactly
matt: but
matt: they will be connected to each other
matt: on the top navigational level
matt: your typical appreciator of handmade goods
matt: I am sure will also appreciate vontage
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matt: supplies
matt: ifo think
matt: that separataing them
matt: will strengthen each marketplace though
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matt: many questions here
matt: trying to get as many as I can
matt: and tackle multiple ones at once
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matt: or rather
matt: simmilar ones at once
dancingcircle asks, Will Etsy emark on ad campaigns specifically targeted toward vintage?
matt: when we have a vintage marketplace, we will have campaigns specifically geared for it
matt: same with supplies
matt: at this point
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matt: we are focusing on promoting etsy as a whole
matt: all categories included
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artsfarm asks, will the forum still be accessible after the split, or will there be 3 separate ones?
matt: Don;t know yet
matt: but I imagine
matt: it wil have its own orums
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matt: that will link to the other ones
matt: nothing is planned for sure
matt: maybe one forum
matt: hard to speculate
matt: at this point
matt: we can bring this up in the second half
matt: of toda's chat
calloohcallay asks, Do you have further statistics to share on loss of views and sales for V&S sellers and the site as a whole?
matt: Not today
matt: I have checked pout many of your shops
matt: and have seen some taht are down in sales and some that are not
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matt: we are tryin to get a bigger picture view
matt: of these things
matt: and llok at where we ar in one month form the initial separation
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matt: we have noted that pageviews etc
matt: renmain string
matt: in both categories
matt: and has actually increased for supploes
matt: but I do not have exact numbers today,
dancingcircle asks, Do you think the new collectibles category will confuse newe buyers looking for vintage?
HeyMichelle: We are currently thinking about this...we will be back later with more info
matt: e ewant to make it
matt: as clear as possible
matt: so we are investigating all or options
matt: and making sure taht it is done in the best way possible
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matt: reading through things
matt: sorry for the delay
mannequinreject asks, your search tips don't mention that there is a dropdown for the search...it just says "Search crafting supplies:Supplies: tags, titles" People still might not understand they have to select this from the dropdown
matt: I think it is ckear, but I am happy to revisit
matt: and make it more so
matt: in any event,
matt: we are halfway through today;s chat
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matt: and I want to move on to the next part
matt: I know there are still many questions
matt: many of which
matt: can just not yet be answered
matt: because
matt: we do not yet have them
matt: that is where the next part come in
matt: we want to hear your ideas about vontage and supplies
matt: what woudl your ideal marketplace have etc
matt: I am going to open up the commenting
matt: in one sec
HeyMichelle: Ahem, I guess that's me!
matt: an then pass the mic to michelle
matt: I will archive all your questions
matt: and try to answerthem in
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matt: the ssummary
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HeyMichelle: Ideas about organizing the future market places for V/S
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HeyMichelle: What types of features from current site should be specific to these areas?
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HeyMichelle: Suggestions for now- category suggestions
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HeyMichelle: 1. Good for buyers
HeyMichelle: 2. Sellers
HeyMichelle: 3. cohesive overall plan
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HeyMichelle: 4. Implentable
HeyMichelle: trying to balance all of these!
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HeyMichelle: lets's get started!
HeyMichelle: 1. Vintage- how would you organize this area?
matt: hi
matt: switching computers
matt: we are going to switch to text based
HeyMichelle: ha ha, sorry, enabling chat
matt: so we can have ninutes
artsfarm: about the forum, we should keep it together since buyers frequent them, and they buy in all categories so it would make sense (and less taxing on server) to keep it as one. Also, it presents us as a commnunity and strengthens the idea that all are part of the whole
faro: Houswares, textiles, collectibles, supplies
dancingcircle: I suggest "time capsules" for vintage - with highlighted eras
CarDonCreativeDesign: by type, clothing, jewelry, dishes
JanEleven: Yay for vintage fridays..silver jewelry would be a good cat for me, but I hope to keep my art &V in my shop
PetitPoulailler: First, though .. I'd love to see three separate portals, V & H & S opening from an Etsy Front Page united all three ... We'll all be Etsy & all three groups compliment each other
HeyMichelle: whoa! Ok, let's start with the categories of Vintag
VermontVintage: ask/ vintage sellers coming to Etsy in DROVES from eBay, started great, everyones sales now down since search change
KnittyThriftyGirl: time capsules is a cute idea!
roadtripjournal: by era first then break into categories within an era
faro: up there Michelle
HeyMichelle: Vintage will have it's own area, with "Categories" underneath, much like we have for Handmade
HeyMichelle: my basic feeling is that the categories would be organized similarly to handmade
HeyMichelle: So, an Accessories category, clothing, etc
KnittyThriftyGirl: do you think vintage supplies should be in vintage or supplies category?
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neawear: supplies
neawear: i hope
anda: i would suggest supplies
HeyMichelle: good question, KTG- that we will get to!
KnittyThriftyGirl: me too
HighDesertRose: BTW, can someone edit the minutes to reflect real questions and answers ? thanks
VermontVintage: ask/ sounds good but where will the shopper start?
dancingcircle: vintage has so many subcategories - I'd like to see what's "hot" in any given month
calloohcallay: I'd rather see by category, with era something you can search within that (or maybe also on its own). (this goes back to earlier question)
artsfarm: there are pretty much established separations for vintage traditionally, that buyers are accustomed to, so it shouldn't be hard to set up
faro: Big NO NO but, e bay has GOOD category models for vintage
CarDonCreativeDesign: can we e-mail you a list also?
HighDesertRose: my eyes get tired lo wading through it iall
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HeyMichelle: The thought is that shoppers would start with a broad header like "Clothing"...they'd also be able to start with things like "who is it for", materials, styles (like mod),
SupplyRiot: It seems to me that the era could be stated in the tags/titles and wouldn't need it's own category
ThriftyGoodness: Vintage supplies should be allowed to choose where they list. I find they sell better listed as supplies, but that's not always the case
HeyMichelle: motifs, perhaps Occasions (like Christmas items), etc
faro: No
HeyMichelle: artsfarm- plese tell about the "Vintage tradition"
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HeyMichelle: also, I'm thinking "decades/eras" would be a place to start too...
HighDesertRose: I think that descriptions should be searchable for vintage. it takes time to research many items and often, collectors are looking for something very specific not covered in the tags we are allowed or in our titles
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KnittyThriftyGirl: I don't think you should even have a vintage supplies category if they belong in "supplies" you have the same problem with the knitting category
dancingcircle: I think ebay's system wouldn't be a bad start for ideas of categories
HeyMichelle: And then, once you are in any of these, break it down by the others I just mentioned
CraftDiner: supplies should be in supplies and broken down into descriptive terms like handmade and vintage..
faro: agreed dancing circle.
CraftDiner: imo
HeyMichelle: HighDesertRose...and others...please tell about what you feel collectors are looking for that isn't covered under the above
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faro: Michelle, why not a thread for suggestions on this? There are many people with LOTS of background in selling vintage here on etsy.
KnittyThriftyGirl: what about china?
faro: I know vintage
dancingcircle: good idea!
PetitPoulailler: I disagree that "collectors" will be our target market
CarDonCreativeDesign: A thread would be great!!
JanEleven: someone said put vintage under supplies...how could vintage bracelets be under supplies? That doesn't make sense to me
KnittyThriftyGirl: I know a lot of collectors would shop on etsy looking for a missing piece of china
HeyMichelle: Also, one thing to consider is that the Vintage on Etsy isn't just purely what you might think of as "Vintage", like a really fine designer dress- much of it is cool thrifty finds from the 80s
artsfarm: it goes roughly: clothing/accessories/jewelry (with sub-cat within), furnishings, toys, books/ephemera, glass, pottery/porcelain, holidays, sewing/craft, art, and more, but that's a few big ones
faro: I think it would be a HUGE mistake to discount COLLECTORS
dancingcircle: yes
HighDesertRose: for instance linens, glassware when it was produced where
BarkingDogsBoutique: Jan they meant vintage supplies should go under supplies
HeyMichelle: we want to accomodate both collectors, and thrifty-finds people
artsfarm: ah, forgot linens--big one
HighDesertRose: background info is what collectors seek
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HeyMichelle: good, HighDesertRose, that is helpful- where produced, noting that
artsfarm: We'd still have the search by price so that covers the thrift aspect'
dancingcircle: we want collectors!
HeyMichelle: by "when", is that by decade?
HighDesertRose: the last thing in the world I expected was to sell to well to do folks in NY but it has happened and it has been through description
KnittyThriftyGirl: what about condition?
faro: I don't htink that the cats can be drawn from th speed chat about it. There needs to be more input, from the community as a whole.
KnittyThriftyGirl: "lots"
HighDesertRose: yes, condition tags would be valid!!1
dancingcircle: sometimes the thrifty shoppers turn into collectors
JanEleven: oh...sorry. misunderstood
KnittyThriftyGirl: for a whole bunch of stuff sold as one big lot
artsfarm: we could also have an info section, with glossary, era info, etc, that users can contribute to
HeyMichelle: condition, good one
dancingcircle: excellent idea
faro: people love to buyLOTS!
roadtripjournal: I would love to feel comfortable listing my high priced designer clothing finds on Etsy... right now I don't feel the market is here for it... I hope it eventually will be
HeyMichelle: we are not drawing all the cats from this chat
faro: YAY! Thanks M!~
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KnittyThriftyGirl: what about autographed or authentic
CraftDiner: are we talking about the collector category...
HeyMichelle: it is easier to understand some things about organization in this format though- a discussion- we will be in the forums about this too
dancingcircle: I'd like to see a center for deeming what is authentic
KnittyThriftyGirl: some type of section for things from celebrities etc
artsfarm: there are condition standards for different cats, and that could be included too
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roadtripjournal: good idea dancing
faro: Good Michelle.
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HeyMichelle: autographed sounds good...what do you mean by "authentic"?
KnittyThriftyGirl: I mean... like a hat from the movie set of....
dancingcircle: if etsy becomes known for having some really valuable things - the word will get out to collectors
roadtripjournal: if it is a real designer item and not a fake or a knock off Michele
ThriftyGoodness: If there is going to be a "collectible" catagory---does this mean etsy is going to actively promote vintage??
artsfarm: memorabilia, knitty, would work
KnittyThriftyGirl: yeh.
KnittyThriftyGirl: that.
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KnittyThriftyGirl: lol
HighDesertRose: say on a scale of 1-5 like most collectible shops do from mint to good wearable but with observable flaws
dancingcircle: yes-no knock offs
HeyMichelle: a "center for determining authentic"- you mean some sort of "panel" that works for etsy?
dancingcircle: it can be user run
artsfarm: that works, Michelle, maybe a separate area or forum section
KnittyThriftyGirl: oh wow, that sounds complicated
HeyMichelle: ah, ok real designer vs. knockoff, interesting...i will think about that one
JanEleven: or China is mass-producing Roseville china for example. Collectors need to know an item is authentic
roadtripjournal: or even a faq page for certain designers or a place where info could be posted on this type of thing perhaps
artsfarm: Q&A also
HeyMichelle: yes, we want to promote vintage
dancingcircle: there are similar services on other sites
VermontVintage: Is tjhe searchability of vintage going to improve other than category break down?
ThriftyGoodness: that's good to hear
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HeyMichelle: oooh, FAQ on authenticity, that sounds good
ThriftyGoodness: I need to leave to actually go find goods to sell... I'll be reading. Thanks everyone.
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KnittyThriftyGirl: vintage books should be broken down
CraftDiner: I would like to know a time frame for the site changes, even a rough one.
KnittyThriftyGirl: into specific categories
iWear1: hey all your great looking people
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faro: There is a GREAT board on the other E for help on dating, makers, condition etc. Very good bunch of peeps, offering valued experienced advice.
HeyMichelle: tell me about breakdown of vintage books
artsfarm: the important thing is educating the buyer. The more they know, the more they feel comfortabel that they're spending their money wisely, and with legitimate sellers
KnittyThriftyGirl: childrens books, nonfiction, pamphlets, magazines
HeyMichelle: great info
HeyMichelle: ok, makes sense
KnittyThriftyGirl: craft books
roadtripjournal: I think buyers would find that interesting, educational and hlpful. I use them all the time on other sites (meaning faqs)
iWear1: yay everyone one is here
dancingcircle: some vintage items are actually quite valuable - there is another market for just cool retro things
faro: Books are hard, there are so many categories - http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=vintage+books&category0=
KnittyThriftyGirl: heymichelle, what about a section for vintage stuff that could be used in mixed media, upcycle stuff
HighDesertRose: that where research and being able to search by description comes into play, all the panels are great but FINDING what they are looking for is really what is at issue for most of us.
iWear1: i have a question is it okay not to put the year as tag if you dont know what year it came from just know its vintage?
HeyMichelle: ok, any other breakdowns in categories (like autographed) other than those mentioned?
artsfarm: books have a specific set of condition values, I can send them to you Michelle
roadtripjournal: yes... that sounds cool
JanEleven: People with expertise in a certain area could contribute
KnittyThriftyGirl: from movie and tv sets
HeyMichelle: great, artsfarm!
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artsfarm: :-)
KnittyThriftyGirl: "as seen in"
HeyMichelle: ok, this is a great start! Let's talk more in the forums about this...as you think about it more, I'm sure more ideas will come
HeyMichelle: ok, vintage supplies
HeyMichelle: where do they go?
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faro: BOTH
CraftDiner: supplies.
KnittyThriftyGirl: I think you should keep vintage supplies in supplies
KnittyThriftyGirl: you have the same problem with the knitting category
HeyMichelle: My initial thought is that if you have to choose one, supplies for most
VermontVintage: a specific vintage should be stated with old things - if unknown, how can you speculate a year?
iWear1: both
HighDesertRose: with supplies
KnittyThriftyGirl: it seems like splitting it up isn't fair
KnittyThriftyGirl: it's a gamble
HeyMichelle: although *entire* vintage should be searchable
HighDesertRose: divide supplies into current and vintage
dancingcircle: wouldn't they have to be in with vintage?
BarkingDogsBoutique: I think all supplies should be listed in supplies than broken down: handmade,vintage,commercial, it's so confusing right now
artsfarm: it should be up to the seller, I think, and they can determine what's best for their specific items
dancingcircle: that might work
JanEleven: I have one book-antique prints that could be used for lots of things..need a description search, I think for books
faro: they should be alloed to list in either.
KnittyThriftyGirl: Well put BarkingDogsBoutique!
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calloohcallay: There are vintage items that are supplies or collectible, like buttons.
dancingcircle: true
HeyMichelle: all good points in here!
CraftDiner: If I am looking for supplies, I would go to supplis no matter what type of supplies I was looking for.
KnittyThriftyGirl: supplies you can only list "handmade or commercial" you should add vintage
iWear1: true
faro: that makes sense Diner
KnittyThriftyGirl: and that would solve it
HighDesertRose: me too. vintage should be in supplies or specialty hard to find supplies
calloohcallay: But what's a supply to one person could be part of another's collection, that's the point.
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HeyMichelle: perhaps what we need to do (would be better in forums), is discuss particular types of items, and whether *those* items go in Vintage or Supplies
HighDesertRose: vintage supplies that is
dancingcircle: I'd like to see the largest offering when searching for supplies
iWear1: yeah hmm
artsfarm: if we had a 'vintage sewing" main cat, it can be broken down into patterns, fabric, buttons, notions, all vintage
HeyMichelle: now, i'm thinking that no matter what, you'd be able to search *all supplies*
HighDesertRose: ok I have a TON of unopened vintage zippers where would they go
KnittyThriftyGirl: good heymichelle
KnittyThriftyGirl: that would be my only concern
KnittyThriftyGirl: so that is good
calloohcallay: "All supplies" would be great. That would solve it.
faro: ALL SUPPLIES!
CraftDiner: supplies
faro: But, also, commercial, handmade, vintage
KnittyThriftyGirl: right now, put them in supplies, commercial
KnittyThriftyGirl: not handmade faro
HeyMichelle: my guess on the zippers would be Supplies- right now you have the option to list V. supplies in either Vintage or Supplies
HighDesertRose: like a vintage main
HighDesertRose: for supplies /sewing
VermontVintage: I'm so glad this ISNT ebay, but...what's wrong with a search returning all items that contain the word then letting the buyer click from a list of categories?
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faro: My supplies are handmade. I don't want to NOT be on the search for supplies!
artsfarm: would it be possible to have each section within each drop-down separate into either vintage or new?
BarkingDogsBoutique: Yes please all supplies together.
HeyMichelle: VermontVintage, having breakdowns for the buyer after their search is on our list! very important
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dancingcircle: we can learn a lot from ebay without becoming them
HeyMichelle: ok, this is great guys! We will ask some specifics about this in the forums
VermontVintage: Bravo, dancingcircle!
JanEleven: Would it be possible to list something like a book of prints in both categories - V&S?
CraftDiner: Will we all have a common time machine? what do you envision the front page looking like?
WindysDesigns: Sorry, I disagree on the all supplies category, if you did that, you could then just have any category, accessories for example, and then sub cats of handmade, commercial and vintage. You start diluting the whole site again.
faro: Right NOW, I'm in Both handmade and the drop wodn for supplies.
HeyMichelle: Now, let's discuss the organization of Supplies
HeyMichelle: my question is-
faro: If you take supplies out, where will I fall?
HeyMichelle: do you break it down by the use (sewing, mosaic supplies, jewelry supplies)
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iWear1: type
faro: yes
CraftDiner: By the type
iWear1: of supple
iWear1: suppile
HeyMichelle: and, by the way, i'm thinking that you'd be able to break it down in all sorts of ways...but what's at the top?
dancingcircle: what about stuff like shipping labels?
HeyMichelle: that (sewing, etc), or type of item- fabric, beads, etc
CraftDiner: beads, glass, plastic, stone
iWear1: type
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iWear1: then use i guess
KnittyThriftyGirl: at the top? handmade, commercial, vintage
faro: beads, mosaic, ephimera, .......
artsfarm: usage would make sense since the people looking for it already know the use :-)
HighDesertRose: probably jewelry and sewing, paper
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iWear1: yeah but there is mutiple uses for supplies
KnittyThriftyGirl: then break it down into different arts and crafts
HighDesertRose: usage is good
iWear1: so i like type
BarkingDogsBoutique: Supplies: knitting,fabric,notions,scrapbooking,mosaics, etc etc. than search tags for handmade,commercial handmade
HeyMichelle: good question on the shipping labels...i could see either a "shipping" section or perhaps something that is a "seller goods" section, perhaps with the banners & avatars
CraftDiner: or by material, glass, metal, plastic, paper
BlueLadyBeads: Maybe a category for shipping and storage. Then zip bags, tins and mailers could go in there.
artsfarm: packaging & display, graphics
KnittyThriftyGirl: heymichelle I think you should definitely have a section for fiber arts
iWear1: is gocco found on etsy?
KnittyThriftyGirl: and then break that down
HeyMichelle: exactly on the different uses- one issue is that one type of breakdown works well for some items, while another type works best for others
faro: I have to go to work, I'm pretty stressed over where I will land with my handmade supplies if/when this split comes about. Please let me know if you can Michelle.
KnittyThriftyGirl: fiber arts is so popular on etsy
artsfarm: yes, lear1
HeyMichelle: fiber arts (not necessarily that name, but the idea) will have a section
KnittyThriftyGirl: yey
iWear1: who sells gocco i cant find it
dancingcircle: the more folks who can find what they need, the more sales
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HeyMichelle: bye faro! this is very important, so more discussion to come on this
VermontVintage: Forgive me, but, I think all shoppers have a formulation - a specific way of searching they fine tune in their own way. If split too many times, will this freedom be taken away from the buyers?
KnittyThriftyGirl: a special section for knitting needles and notions
WindysDesigns: Once again, I am against lumping all supplies together, especially handmade with all the rest, you are losing focus on handmade once again
KnittyThriftyGirl: crochet hooks and notions
HeyMichelle: what do you mean, VermontVintage?
artsfarm: if you search just 'gocco' under supplies that should do it
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faro: Thanks Michelle, I'm gonna bug you about it LOL!
faro: Carla- keep me posted girl!
KnittyThriftyGirl: windys I think etsy needs to embrace everything for sale on their site and focus on all of it
BlueLadyBeads: Could you do both, have a list of categories by type and by function? Then each listing we'd select the type of item and have maybe up to three selections for function?
HighDesertRose: me too, i like brainstorming but am just too stressed about being found in searches right now. I will check the minutes. I just don't see your most recent changes to search as being productive to the buyer to find items. Our tags are either too limited or vintage will need search by description.
BarkingDogsBoutique: Windy these are changes we are talking about when supplies and vintage are moved to their own marketplace
HighDesertRose: I respectfully stand by that
VermontVintage: I mean if you can only find knitting needles by first navigating a list of terms or categories that not all shopper use, might they never find them?
CraftDiner: Windys, the supply section is a focus on supplies not just handmade.
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HeyMichelle: The basic assumption we are working under now is that handmade crafting supplies will be a category under Handmade. But you can search handmade, vintage, CS together
VermontVintage: We're all so different in the way we search...
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KnittyThriftyGirl: vermontvintage, they will be a search too that you can just search the word knitting needles
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KnittyThriftyGirl: isn't this just to classify things?
faro: :( I want to be in supplies...
KnittyThriftyGirl: why can't they be specific?
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dancingcircle: what statistics do you have about how etsy shoppers search?
HeyMichelle: Ok, very good on this (the supplies section)...we will look at the notes, and talk more in the forums
roadtripjournal: I agree with what Vermont is saying... too specific of a search may keep people from finding things
VermontVintage: When I search vintage dress, I get only handmade dresses that include the tag vintage. Will this be changing?
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KnittyThriftyGirl: you need to change the drop down menu to vintage
HeyMichelle: As far as features on the site (and I'll tell you that this would likely be farther out than a separation of categories, with V/S having their own "areas" for the categories)
CraftDiner: I understand wanting to get everyones input but does Etsy have a site structure in mind?
VermontVintage: What does "areas" mean?
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artsfarm: vermont, if you're searching within 'vintage' that shouldn;t happen unless they're using the main tag as vintage which is a no-no
HeyMichelle: Alas, it is very hard to describe what we mean without *showing* you
KnittyThriftyGirl: there are tons of handmade supply sellers on etsy confused about where they belong
KnittyThriftyGirl: yarn...
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KnittyThriftyGirl: handspun yarn
dancingcircle: I vote for research before trying new features that may or may not work
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KnittyThriftyGirl: I know a lot of people put them in knitting.
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roadtripjournal: I second that
HeyMichelle: but by an area- shorter term, perhaps the best way to describe would be a page, with a link visible from the front page & every page on the site - one leading to V, one to S
BarkingDogsBoutique: You should be able to go to supplies and type in yarn and it will bring up all yarn OR you can use the catagories to go to the yarn section and divide it by vintage/commericial/handmade
VermontVintage: Right, I understand not passing vintage off as handmade - boo for that - but shoppers are NOT getting that they have to change the drop down. It's been catistrophic
artsfarm: 'portals' michelle?
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HeyMichelle: basically- would you want to see one forum as now, or separtated?
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KnittyThriftyGirl: vermontvintage, I don't think it has been catistrophic. have you noticed a change in sales or something?
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CraftDiner: Is Etsy going to simply make a front page for each category or is the whole site going to be re-designed?
dancingcircle: keep everyone together
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artsfarm: I think one is better because buyers cruise them all the time
HeyMichelle: my feeling too on forums is to keep them together
roadtripjournal: yeah, keep the forum together
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artsfarm: and sales are corossover
artsfarm: crossover
VermontVintage: (clicked out accidentally)
BobbiThisnThat: absolutely - one forum for all!
dancingcircle: yes
JanEleven: yes
BarkingDogsBoutique: I say keep them together but I do wish there was a separate forum for teams.
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artsfarm: it enforces us as a community too
HeyMichelle: The flash shopping features & front page, the assumption is that *one day* we could have one for V, one for S
VermontVintage: By one forum do we mean no 'handmade estsy' vs ;'vintage etsy'?
KnittyThriftyGirl: I just have to say real quick, that I am so happy that etsy is putting supplies and vintage in their own place. It's nice to know that we have a "place" now.
JanEleven: I like being part of one community
HeyMichelle: i like the feeling of community too, with everyone together on the forums'
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HeyMichelle: ok, great!
artsfarm: vermont, it should calm down once teh split happens
roadtripjournal: But maybe there could be additions to the forum like "Vintage discusision" or someplace where people could ask questions about Identifying era on a piece or something
KnittyThriftyGirl: heymichelle, we won't have to make new shops will we?
iWear1: yeah thats why idont know if i am a big fan of vintage handmade spilt i guess it makes it easier on the buyer
VermontVintage: i LUV handmade stuff and people who make it even though I sell more vintage. I like the togetherness....
HeyMichelle: now, as far as the future, that is what I have for this discussion...more to come, of course! and if you think of more , please convo me...
KnittyThriftyGirl: Can we have all of our handmade supplies with our handmade FOs?
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VermontVintage: I don't understand what 'the split' is - can you direct me?
JanEleven: I still would like my art and vintage in the same shop
BululuStudio: Hello!
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CraftDiner: OK, so all we are talking about here is a front page for these categories?
HeyMichelle: Right now, I think we can take subcategory & subsubcategory ideas for Vintage & Supplies categories
dancingcircle: thanks for your time today
VermontVintage: Yes, JanEleven, me too!
artsfarm: vermont, when we are on separate sites
BarkingDogsBoutique: I would like to see alchemy for supplies and vintage.
iWear1: yeah
HeyMichelle: CraftDiner- they could have a front page, their own TM2, their own pounce, etc etc
iWear1: two sets of alchemy
KnittyThriftyGirl: that's a good idea barking!!
WindysDesigns: When are you going to consider the category suggestions for the main site?
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HeyMichelle: right, an alchemy!
WindysDesigns: Like ART???
HeyMichelle: we *are* considerung them
HeyMichelle: and by considerung, I mean considering
HeyMichelle: we will be talking with the Artists soon
WindysDesigns: And Jewelry?
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HeyMichelle: again, considering
JanEleven: now that will be interesting...artists
VermontVintage: Can someone direct me to any previous articles / posts on the split to seperate sites? I'm feeling not up to speed for all of this dicsussion but cldnt find before....
BarkingDogsBoutique: I wish immediately it could say in RED " USE DROP DOWN" in the search box on the home page.
artsfarm: yes, if someone is looking for a specific item to complete a set, or a certain piece of designer clothing, ot a book. Book collectors are avid
CraftDiner: HeyMichelle what changes will happen right away, like in a few weeks?
KnittyThriftyGirl: barking that's not a bad idea
HeyMichelle: as far as what we just talked about, CraftDiner?
WindysDesigns: So, amongst all this 'considering', which will take priority?
VermontVintage: Yes, BarkingDogs, GOOD idea. Shoppers are NOT getting it.
EchoesOfAudrey: nope they are not
HeyMichelle: basically, if anyone were to have an idea about Art or Jewelry that was workable in the short term & good for the long term, we could do that...
CraftDiner: As far as a front page for supplies, heymichelle.
calloohcallay: I agree with BarkingDog--a week ago Matt said there would be some immediate changes to front page to highlight supplies and vintage and search issues as an interim.
JanEleven: Do you know when vintage Fridays will start?
VermontVintage: Maybe they should be, but they just arent....peopel filter alot of whats right in front of them online
HeyMichelle: none of the ideas about these categories are completly satisfactory...basically. We are hearing the concerns on these, and working to figure out solutions
roadtripjournal: they started today Jan
KnittyThriftyGirl: JanEleven I got a vintage fridays e mail today!
KnittyThriftyGirl: =)
artsfarm: she's talking about alchemy & other things for after we split into 3 marketplaces, it won't be on "Etsy Main"
HeyMichelle: CraftDiner- none of the things we just talked about would happen within weeks
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astraled: Matt already made the changes to search tips as promised :)
BarkingDogsBoutique: I have already started moving to Ebay because my sales are so poor here. I really want to see a change right now "USE DROP DOWN" in the search box
JanEleven: oh...I didn't...still learning after 2 months
VermontVintage: I second barkingdogs, though I cant stomach returnign to ebay
CraftDiner: A front page for supplies, how long, six months? a year? just a rough idea, heymichelle. No pressure! LOL
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KnittyThriftyGirl: I just opened a vintage shop when they changed the categories and I've been selling very well!
KnittyThriftyGirl: I sold 13 items already since May 9
KnittyThriftyGirl: I think.
EchoesOfAudrey: that's lovely. I still don't see the buyers
iWear1: nce
iWear1: yeah me eihter
BarkingDogsBoutique: I can hardly stomach it either but I need to pay the bills and my sales here were supporting me and no longer are since the change in search.
BululuStudio: congrats Knitty
KnittyThriftyGirl: It would be nice if supplies and vintage were included in treasuries more
EchoesOfAudrey: using the drop down without highlighting it in some way
KnittyThriftyGirl: and picked for the front page
HeyMichelle: We really can't give a timeline on anything, alas. Also, it's hard to discuss, since this is in *phases*. Also, I know that people make business decisions based on the info we give, so we must make sure that it is accurate...sorry!
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CraftDiner: what is the first phase, heymichelle.
HeyMichelle: Ok, everyone, if anyone gets ideas about a subcategory that you would like to see now under supplies or Vintage, please convo me, or start a forum thread (and convo me the link)
roadtripjournal: I just think that Etsy could have made this change more smoothly with an announcement to buyers planned to coincide with the change in search, it's too bad it is taking this long to do anything about it
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KnittyThriftyGirl: roadtripjournal, etsy is in beta. right?
BarkingDogsBoutique: I'm hoping for an immeciate change to the current site to help buyers find my commercial supplies that are properly tagged and not selling anymore
KnittyThriftyGirl: they are forming themselves!
HeyMichelle: next phase is giving them categories (rather than just subcategories), as well as changes to tagging to make sure that things are properly listed
KnittyThriftyGirl: and no other site informs their buyers and sellers as much as etsy does
KnittyThriftyGirl: I think they are doing a great job
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JanEleven: Would there be different Treasuries if the site were divided?
calloohcallay: Ditto roadtrip. And the promised changes to front page to alert buyers to new search issues. When?
VermontVintage: If vintage shoppers arent finding vintage items in a simple initial search here, they'll leave and not return. If this happens, the vintage sellers will have no choice but to follow.....
EchoesOfAudrey: I would take a look at the members club in say vintage pulse, those are excellent as far as subcategories and speciific interests are concerned
HeyMichelle: do you like different treasuries?
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VermontVintage: I don't wanna go!!! I like it here!
calloohcallay: KnittyThrifty--Etsy isn't in beta, no--just in transition.
HeyMichelle: yes, in transition is a good way to put it
KnittyThriftyGirl: maybe if they are both chosen for the whole sites front page
KnittyThriftyGirl: (treasuries)
JanEleven: I like having a diversity of items in Treasuries
BululuStudio: just growing
HeyMichelle: we are very excited about the future direction, and there are defintely "growing pains" right now...
calloohcallay: I love mixed treasuries, but also the option of separate.
CraftDiner: Do you think the front page links to new category pages will be a last phase then, heymichelle?
roadtripjournal: I like the mixed treasuries
BululuStudio: and listening to all of us
EchoesOfAudrey: mixed
BarkingDogsBoutique: I have three stores, supplies, vintage and handmade. Will I be able to keep my store names and feedback when the separate marketplaces go live?
KnittyThriftyGirl: great question barking!
HeyMichelle: it is sooo important to us that we create the ultimate marketplaces for people to buy/sell handmade, vintage & commercial supplies though, so thank you all so much for your help and time
BululuStudio: other marketplaces do not do that...listen
EchoesOfAudrey: thank you michelle
HeyMichelle: we really appreciate that we have dedicated sellers who want to make this place even better
artsfarm: Thanks Michelle!
KnittyThriftyGirl: exactly bululu we are so lucky that etsy communicates with us in so many ways!
JanEleven: well done discussion
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calloohcallay: Thanks, Michelle and Matt.
HeyMichelle: you all are amazing! Thank you for coming, and for all of your input in these workshops and on the forums
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HeyMichelle: Again, have your people convo my people if you have more ideas/ephipanies
VermontVintage: Thank you Michelle, hope I can still be here when the growing pains are behind Etsy!
BarkingDogsBoutique: Thanks HeyMichelle!
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HeyMichelle: me too! I know that things are a bit rough now, but I promise that we are on the way to something wonderful
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BarkingDogsBoutique: My thoughts exactly Vermont
CraftDiner: thanks admin!
roadtripjournal: Adios everyone... have a great weekend
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HeyMichelle: Thanks again, everyone! I will see you all on the forums!
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HeyMichelle: Happy weekend to all!
VermontVintage: Hangin' in there with fingers crossed. Thanks!
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