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Etsy is a bride’s paradise. From stationery and decorations to favors and lighting, there is nothing you can’t find on this amazing site. With so many vendors to choose from, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your business to the right shop, so take a look at these tips to make shopping on Etsy stress-free. And then click through the slideshow to check out some of our favorite Etsy shops to help you get your shopping started.
Ask lots of questions. If you have any concerns of this shop being legitimate always send a message, ask a few questions about the product, says Phallin Marie, the owner/creator of Four Sisters Farm Soap Co. “Ask when the ship date will be (custom items can require longer ship dates). A truly upstanding Etsy shop will respond to your messages within 24 hours–unless there is an emergency.”
Look over the listing carefully. “The most important thing a bride-to-be can do when ordering Etsy items for a wedding is to read the entire Etsy listing and provide a date by which the piece is needed when placing an order,” says Jean Kake of Quilted Cupcake. “Especially during the wedding seasons, some shops have longer lead times than a bride may expect.”
Read reviews. Each seller has reviews once you click on the product. Skim those reviews, paying particular attention to any negative reviews, says Michele Velazquez, owner of The Wedding Bomb, a pop-up wedding company. “If people are saying the product looks better in photos or shipping was delayed, run!”
Check out the location. Shipping from another country can seriously slow things down and more importantly, items could be held at customs. Try to order in the country you reside in if possible.
Pay attention to the materials. The materials are usually featured in Etsy tags if not in the listing text itself –knowing this will help ensure all of your products, even from various vendors, coordinate (all one fabric type, all one ribbon, all one paper finish, etc.), says Kate Ziegler of Union Jack Creative.
Order in advance. Cut down on pre-wedding stress by having everything ordered at least three months before the big day, says Kendra Barnes, owner of CUTEnCRAFTY Shop. “You will feel prepared and organized and this leaves a little wiggle room for delayed shipping, lost packages, etc.”
Protect yourself. If you pay with a credit card or Paypal, you are protected if anything goes wrong. I don’t recommend mailing a payment, recommends Angie Barrett, owner of Angie’s Suds ‘N Such.
[Photo: Etsy]
