Maximize Savings with Etsy's Share and Save Program

Maximize Savings with Etsy's Share and Save Program

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Etsy's Share and Save Program
3. The Benefits of Joining the Share and Save Program
4. The Skepticism Surrounding the Program
5. Etsy's Aggressive Promotion of Competition
6. Sellers' Lack of Control on Etsy
7. The Importance of Having a Separate Website
8. Opting into the Share and Save Program
9. Conclusion

Introduction Etsy recently launched a new program called Share and Save, which aims to help sellers expand their reach and grow their businesses. However, there has been much debate among Etsy sellers about whether or not to opt into the program. In this article, we will delve deeper into the topic and explore the pros and cons of joining the Share and Save program.

Overview of Etsy's Share and Save Program The Share and Save program is described by Etsy as a way for sellers to save on fees by driving traffic to their own shops. When sellers join the program, they can generate trackable links to share with their customers on social media or other platforms. If a direct sale is made through these links, Etsy offers a four percent refund off the total order as a means to save on fees. This refund comes as a welcome relief to sellers, especially considering the backlash Etsy faced when it increased its transaction fees in the past.

The Benefits of Joining the Share and Save Program Joining the Share and Save program can provide several benefits for sellers. Firstly, it offers a way to lower fees, especially for sellers who are already driving traffic to their Etsy page. This can lead to significant savings and more money in their pockets. Additionally, the program is easy to use, requiring sellers to simply change the links they post on social media platforms. From an objective standpoint, Etsy already has some of the lowest fees compared to other online marketplaces, making the Share and Save program an attractive opportunity for sellers.

The Skepticism Surrounding the Program Despite the potential benefits, there are skeptics who view the Share and Save program as a trap. One of the main concerns is Etsy's aggressive promotion of competition between sellers. There is a fear that sellers who put in significant effort to drive customers to their shops may end up losing sales to competing products or even drop shippers. Additionally, Etsy's lack of support for sellers to directly communicate with their own customers and build an email list raises concerns about the long-term viability of relying solely on the platform.

Etsy's Aggressive Promotion of Competition Etsy's practice of showcasing competitor products and listings on seller pages has sparked frustration among many sellers. This aggressive promotion of competition can divert potential customers to other sellers, undermining the efforts made by individual sellers to attract buyers. The concern is amplified by the possibility that Etsy may further increase the number of competing products displayed on seller listings in the future. This dynamic can significantly impact sellers and their ability to generate consistent sales.

Sellers' Lack of Control on Etsy Another aspect that sellers should consider is their lack of control on the Etsy platform. Etsy frequently introduces changes to its website, including the placement of competing products and alterations to its algorithm. This lack of control can have a significant impact on sellers' sales and overall success. Therefore, sellers should prioritize establishing their own website and driving traffic to it to regain control over their business.

The Importance of Having a Separate Website Having a separate website, such as Shopify or WooCommerce, provides sellers with more control over their business and customer relationships. Sellers with their own websites can process orders independently and communicate directly with their customers through effective channels like email marketing. It is crucial for sellers to prioritize building their own website to reduce reliance on the unpredictable nature of Etsy's platform.

Opting into the Share and Save Program Whether or not sellers should opt into the Share and Save program depends on their individual circumstances. If sellers already have their own website, the answer is straightforward – there is little to no benefit in joining the program. Sellers with their own websites likely have lower fees and greater control over their business. On the other hand, sellers who exclusively sell on Etsy can benefit from the program's significant fee reduction. However, it is essential for such sellers to prioritize building their own website to ensure long-term stability and control over their business.

Conclusion In conclusion, Etsy's Share and Save program presents an opportunity for sellers to save on fees by driving traffic to their own shops. While the program offers benefits such as lower fees, there are valid concerns about Etsy's aggressive promotion of competition and sellers' lack of control on the platform. Sellers with their own website should focus on strengthening their independent presence, while sellers relying solely on Etsy may find value in joining the Share and Save program. Ultimately, sellers must carefully evaluate their individual circumstances and long-term business goals when deciding whether or not to opt into the program.

Highlights:

• Etsy's Share and Save program offers sellers the chance to save on fees by driving traffic to their shops.
• Joining the program can provide significant fee reductions for sellers already driving traffic to their Etsy page.
• Skepticism arises from Etsy's promotion of competition between sellers and sellers' lack of control on the platform.
• Sellers with their own websites have greater control and should prioritize building their independent presence.
• Opting into the Share and Save program depends on individual circumstances, with sellers weighing the benefits and risks.

FAQ: Q: Can I join the Share and Save program if I have my own website? A: Yes, you can join the program even if you have your own website. However, the benefits of the program may be limited in this case, as you likely already have lower fees on your website.

Q: Does the Share and Save program allow me to communicate directly with my customers? A: No, communication with customers outside of Etsy's messaging system is discouraged and could be considered spam. It is important to prioritize building your own customer base through your own website.

Q: How can I ensure long-term stability for my Etsy business? A: To ensure long-term stability, it is crucial to establish a separate website where you can process orders and build customer relationships independent of the Etsy platform.

Q: Should I opt into the Share and Save program if I exclusively sell on Etsy? A: If you exclusively sell on Etsy, joining the Share and Save program can provide significant fee savings. However, consider prioritizing the development of your own website for greater control over your business and customer relationships.