Hello, and thank you so much for being here!
I’m incredibly grateful for your support of Lilac Earth. As our small business has grown, Etsy has helped us reach wonderful customers like you. However, I’ve made the decision to shift away from Etsy and focus on offering our products directly through our main website, lilacearth.com. I wanted to share why this choice is important for both our business and for providing you with a smoother, more reliable shopping experience.
1. Control Over My Shop’s Availability
On Etsy, if I receive more orders than usual, Etsy might put my shop into “vacation mode,” stopping new orders from coming in. This is out of my control and could mean that you won’t find our products when you want them. On our website, I have full control over our availability, so you’ll always be able to shop when it’s convenient for you.
2. Better Customer Support for You
Etsy’s customer support for sellers can be limited, with no phone support for urgent issues. In contrast, Shopify, the platform I use for lilacearth.com, has more reliable support options. This allows me to manage any issues quickly, ensuring I can keep providing the best service possible.
3. Protection Against Automated Suspensions
Etsy sometimes uses automated systems that scan for product photos across the internet. Unfortunately, if my photos are found on another site (even if stolen without my consent), Etsy may suspend my listings, assuming I’m at fault. This can disrupt my entire shop and delay orders. With our website, I have more control over protecting my brand, so you can always access genuine Lilac Earth products.
4. Shipping Options That Fit Your Needs
Etsy has strict rules around tracked shipping for purchases to be eligible for its protection program. But, for Canadian businesses, tracked shipping costs are quite high. This often raises prices on Etsy, which isn’t ideal for customers. On my website, I can offer more affordable shipping options, clearly reflect the true costs, and set expectations that work best for you.
5. A More Personalized Shopping Experience
On Etsy, Lilac Earth is part of a larger marketplace, which can make it challenging to stand out. On lilacearth.com, I can provide a more unique experience that reflects our values, our vegan and cruelty-free commitment, and our dedication to creating products just for you. It’s important to me that you feel connected to the brand, and our website allows for this more personally.
6. A Stable, Reliable Shopping Environment
Etsy frequently changes how products are shown in search results, often favoring paid ads or specific trends. This can hide smaller brands, making it harder for you to find the products you love. On lilacearth.com, you can browse easily without worrying about search shifts or hidden items. This consistency lets me focus on creating the best products and experience for you.
In Closing
This decision to move away from Etsy allows me to provide a shopping experience that is truly dedicated to you. By choosing to shop on our website, you’re supporting Lilac Earth in a way that lets me maintain control over our brand and serve you with the highest quality and care.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and for being part of the Lilac Earth family. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please visit lilacearth.com or reach out directly—I’m always here to help!
Warmly,
Kathy @ Lilac Earth