Alchemy – Match Your Craft with Buyers

“Alchemy” is an Etsy.com tool that is often overlooked by Etsy sellers. Alchemy is where buyers can post requests for custom items that they can’t find listed on Etsy.com shops. Once the post is up on Alchemy, sellers bid to make the item. The idea is that sellers can get an opportunity to see what buyers are looking for that is not found on the site already.

Buyers posting to Alchemy may or may not have scoped out Etsy.com to see if their item already exists. Make it easy on yourself and look through items to see if one of your shop items matches the request – it just might!

Here are two Alchemy posts our team found that are simple and may fit several existing items in a seller’s shop:

• “Ivory platform flip flops that look bridal. I don’t want to look like I just walked in from the beach. Heel needs to be about 2 inches+.”
  
• “I have a pair of mid-sized gold hoop earrings that I received as a gift. I am looking for a necklace that will go with it. I am open to the idea of an initial pendant or something with a birth stone charm. I like things that are simple and elegant. Something that I can wear everyday.”
  
• “I am having a DC wedding and want a save the date that incorporates the city. I am thinking I’m open to any ideas! Please let me know if you are interested. Also, do not pay too much attention the price there. We can talk about that!”

Many Alchemy listing have very few bids. This tool has some potential for many Etsy shops – from painters to jewelers to clothing designers.

Here are some tips to help sort through Alchemy requests:

1. Pick a starting date. Going through all the Alchemy posts will not only consume your time but most likely turn out to be inefficient. If a buyer is looking for an item, they are most likely in the market for that item now. Just because the deadline is in a few months, doesn’t mean they really want to wait that long. Don’t start with posts from a month ago and move to today’s posts – consider starting a week ago and focusing on those posts.
   
2. Get a routine. Make it a habit to check the postings each day. Be ahead of your competition – check at least once a day, but consider checking several times. A routine will fall into place if you are consistent. Check Alchemy, say, when you wake up and when you finish crafting for the day. Whatever works for you… just be patient and consistent.
   
3. Work hard for the money. If a seller is posting something that is impossible (think: a platinum ring for $20), you should not waste your time. Don’t connect with potential buyers who don’t respect your work. The time it takes to contact the buyer, figure out details, and make arrangements is valuable. Pick buyers that seem serious, reasonable, and respectful.

And remember, Alchemy is a two-way street.  A buyer needs you as much as you need them!  Don’t settle for a posting because you are desperate for sales.  Getting involved in transactions that benefit both your Etsy shop and the buyer is the ultimate goal.