Paper, Mice and Lasers......

Yoda Mouse by TheHouseofMouse

The countdown to the opening of my new store has begun......

I'm past the design process (which involved lots of paper and mice...well....a mouse) and the cutting process (magical lasers) and the pieces are almost ready to go!!

I'm hoping to launch it in about a week, depending on how much of the evil thesis I get through.

Watch this space! Very exciting :)

Etsy Front Page Treasury!

The treasury I created made front page!!

It's the first time one I've created has made FP Yay! Lots of Aussies and a couple of kiwis were featured. You can view the proper list with links to the items here.

Don't forget to check out the huge sale going on this weekend hosted by the Australian Etsy DUST team. There are lots of giveaways too, with great chances of winning. Details here.

GIANT SALE on etsy this weekend!!!!

Vintage Princess Prom Dress

The Australian Etsy Sellers' Team DUST is hosting a HUGE sale this weekend for Christmas in July!!

There are so many shops with fantastic discounts running all weekend- check them out here with pics down the bottom link

VintagePrincipessa is offering 15% off the purchase price of all items in store across the weekend. I only have one of each my vintage pieces, so once they're gone that's it!

As a special offer for blog readers, a 25% discount applies to the following pieces (just mention 'blog' at checkout in notes to seller):

Vintage Black and Silver Beaded Swirl Earrings

Vintage 60s or 70s Funky Blue Mini Dress with Daisy Trim


Vintage Handmade 50s Gingham Apron with Cross Stitch Detail

Sweet 50s Vintage Apron with Applique and Embroidered Detail


Vintage 80s Satin Handbag or Clutch with Diamantés



80s Sparkly Costume Ring

Kiwis on Etsy!

I thought it was time to feature some of the amazing etsians from New Zealand- even though the name of this blog is the Australian Etsy Blog, I think it would be nice to feature some kiwis as well. Actually I was born in NZ, so it's even more appropriate :)

Navy Merino Beanie by NaturalStar

It's funny, I've only recently started to look through the New Zealand items on etsy (I don't know why I didn't think of it before)...and I've already got my eye on so many things...especially snuggly things!

Power Pole Ring in Sterling Silver by Ashhilton

...and some very funky things.

Kokako Journal by Honeydesignbooks


Soft Rocks Knitted Silver Chain Necklace by Toggle


Pocket Protector Tee Shirt by Papercup


Bambina Vessels by Popcraft

PayPal and Etsy - things to consider as a seller (and buyer)

Men's Seatbelt Wallet by Interrobang

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the ins & outs of PayPal, but thought I'd post this in case it might be of use to some....

Issues for Sellers

• To be covered at all in the event of a PayPal claim, you need to send items via a method that requires signature on delivery (ie registered post, or potentially international airmail with insurance). You probably also need a copy of the documents showing that you posted the item to the address on the buyer's PayPal account- so watch out for post office people just sticking a registered label on a prepaid satchel. You need to fill out the form (although I haven't tested this out!).

• With domestic registered post, you are covered for loss of up to $100 (through Australia post). You would probably need the tracking number and a receipt showing the value of the item (eg the etsy transaction). You may also be able to claim some money back for regular post ($50?), but you might need to have proof of payment. So PayPal would refund your buyer in the case of a claim, but you should be able to get your money back (I am not sure what would happen in terms of compensation if the buyer refuses to sign a form saying that the parcel was not received- the PayPal claim for 'item not received' may be enough to resolve this though). As an aside, you might also be able to claim through AusPost for damaged items (but probably not the postage fee itself). Also, stating the correct item value on overseas packages might be relevant if you need to claim compensation for the item.
  

• Sending something registered post isn't going to help you in the event of a claim if you send it to an address other than that listed on the buyer's PayPal account. If the one on etsy is different, you can ask the buyer to change the address they have selected so that the addresses match.
  

• If you didn't send an item via registered post, but have emails indicating that the buyer did receive the item, keep these emails if the transaction isn't going well in case they file a claim that they didn't receive the item.
  

• Buyers can only file one dispute per transaction.

Issues for Buyers

• As far as I can understand from PayPal's explanation of their policies (insert roll of eyes), etsy would be covered under the Buyer Complaint Policy, not the Buyer Protection Policy (which is for ebay purchases). This means that items on etsy are only covered for claims of 'item not received', and that there is no protection for 'items not as described'.

• If an item gets lost, it is the seller's responsibility to deliver it to you (with proof of delivery) in the eyes of PayPal. You should therefore win a claim if your item does not arrive. The seller may be able to claim for compensation from the postal service. Just be aware that this can take a long time (sometimes longer than a month), so if they ask you to wait until that is sorted out, make sure you don't miss the PayPal deadline for filing a dispute (within 45 of payment). A dispute is not a claim, but begins the process and allows for communication between buyer and seller. This can then be escalated to a claim within a certain timeframe, which will mean that PayPal assesses the case and decides the outcome.
  

• I have been trying to get a straight answer out of PayPal on this one in relation to Ebay, but in the case of the Buyer Complaint Policy (relevant to Etsy), it is my understanding from the policy document that if a buyer is awarded a claim for an item not received, but the seller has removed all money from their account, you may not be able to get your money back. The seller's account would be put into the negative, so if they receive any money it would be taken by PayPal. However, if they do a runner, PayPal may not refund you all/any of your money. It's difficult to be sure about that though, so I recommend having a look at their policies.

Disclaimer: please note- all of this is just my understanding of how PayPal and AusPost work, and it may be in error. I am not responsible if you do something silly on the basis of this information ;)

....

Please take a look at my post from yesterday to see some pretty things...and a special secret discount for readers of this blog in the comments! Yay!

Custom made 'Twig' ring in sterling silver by Angelene

WishList Wednesday

My wish for today (and every other day actually) is to be a real person. One who can get up on time without turning off their alarm every 5 minutes for two hours (serious), one who doesn't pour hot water into the sugar jar instead of their tea cup, and one who doesn't look like a strange combination of zombie and person-who-has-suddenly-grown-taller-so-their-tops-don't-meet-their jeans (most uncomfortable in winter, I can assure you).

I have been collecting some yummy new things to start my transformation, including a very daring little black dress (whoever invented the name 'bodycon' dress should be slapped), some cute black heels & a brand new laptop bag from the lovely Bobishi on etsy so that I don't have to look like such a dork:



Now- I just need a few more things.... ;)

Wish list:

Custom Sterling Silver Ring by Angelene

Cream Petal Clutch by MSHandbags

Bow Tie Necklace by Angelene

Sexy Butterfly Tattoo Knew High Socks by Post (Tel Aviv)

Aussie Stylistas

Linen Dress with Belt in Wheat by Pamelatang

Until I went looking, I didn't quite realise how many stylish clothing designers we have amongst us. I thought I'd share some of the funkiest stores I came across (now if only I had a few spare etsy dollars!)...

Black Winter Dress by Lyptis

Acid Singlet with Ela Rose by AshleighTaylorSydney

Reconstructed White Fleece Winter Dress 'Ella' by HeidiAndSeek

Black on Black Bustier by PenelopeRed

. . . .

Don't forget to check out special offers for readers of this blog below- available for one week only!

Secret Offers and Giveaway Winners!!

Rainbow Peasant Skirt by AngelLeaDesigns

Thanks to everyone who entered the latest Australian Etsy Blog giveaway- there were around 160 entries!!

Thanks also to the wonderful sellers who offered the prizes: AngelLeaDesigns, PleaseEloise and PinkLizzyFromAus :)

The winners are listed below, but there are also some special offers for all readers of this blog!
From PleaseEloise: Order of 3 or more items from PleaseEloise will receive one free set of Fleur ponytail holders by quoting AusEtsyBlog in the notes to seller.
From AngelLeaDesigns: 15% discount off purchase price for purchases from AngelLeaDesigns, with code AusEtsyBlog.
Both offers are valid for one week (ending midnight 8th July Sydney time).


Mia in White- Silk Hydrangea Hair Clips by PleaseEloise

Giveaway Winners!
Congratulations to:
Rosie, winner of the giveaway from PinkLizzy: My favorite item from Pink Lizzy is the Spiced Vanilla earrings because they would go with everything!
Lauren, winner of the giveaway from PleaseEloise:
Please Eloise, love the Charlotte hair clips and hair ties, the angels are so sweet!
Ali and Josh Holt, winners of the giveaway from AngelLeaDesigns (twitter entry)


Bubble Dress by PinkLizzyFromAus

Another giant giveaway will be coming shortly, so keep an eye out :)