In the world of online shopping, trust and reliability are essential for the success of an Etsy shop. This concept is related to authority which we talked about earlier.
Think about it: would you buy from a shop that seems sketchy or unreliable? Probably not. Your potential customers feel the same way. They need to trust that what they see is what they'll get, that it'll arrive on time, and that it's worth every penny they're spending. If there's even a shadow of doubt about your reliability, they are not going to press the ‘buy now’ button.
Let’s look at some ways of how you can increase that for your shop:
Your listings are often the first (and sometimes only) chance you get to make an impression. Also, they are the only source to know how your products will look like and ‘feel like’.
Obviously, your listing photos need to be great quality and highly accurate. Clear photos in good lighting condition that show your products from every angle. Also include close-ups and any special details of your products. Also view your photos on multiple screens next to your product to make sure the colour is accurate.
Listing videos can give an even better sense of the product's movement, size, texture, and overall look. They can also demonstrate the product in use, helping buyers visualise how it fits into their lives. This is especially important for products that look different in motion, are unexpectedly small/large in size, etc.
Your product description is where you get to give other essential information that is not available in your listing photos and videos. Be thorough. Include information like what it's made of, its dimensions, how it closes, and any care instructions.
Your shop policies are crucial for building trust. Use Etsy’s default shop policy template and make sure your return and exchange policies are clear. Not only is it important in building trust, it’s also one of the ranking factors of Etsy search, meaning that a shop with policy would rank higher than a shop without.
Consider offering a guarantee if you're confident in your products. It can increase perceived value and could allow you to charge a higher price than your competition. Just make sure to factor in the costs and re-evaluate how it affects your profitability regularly.
Don't forget to fill out your "About" section. Share your passion, your process, and what makes your shop special. Knowing that they're supporting real people with real stories, your customers are more likely to buy from you.
From your shop banner to your logo to the style of your listing photos, keep your branding cohesive, including your brand font, colour, aesthetics, etc. A well-curated shop that looks cohesive conveys reliability.
A lot of times on Etsy, shoppers reach out to multiple sellers at once. A quick, friendly and helpful reply gives a good impression to your customers. It also shows them your passion and that you care about their business. Sometimes, the first seller to give them a satisfactory reply gets the sale.