RAK-a-Day

I'm taking part in a very fun swap -- perform one or more RAKs (Random Act of Kindness) per day for a week then write to your partner to let her know about your week.

Most of the RAKs will be quiet ones. You don't need to know. It's more fun that way.

But one of the things I'll be doing this week is listing one or more PIF items in my Etsy shop per day. PIF stands for Pay It Forward. Sellers list an item for 20 cents (the cost of the listing). The buyer is supposted to continue the movement -- list something in their shop as a PIF or perform sort other sort of RAK.

I did a seach for PIFs yesterday and discovered that (as is the case with most things) some sellers are using the PIF listing as a selling tool. They tag something PIF but charge a huge shipping charge (often the actual price of the item plus shipping). Really bad karma, I'd say.

These PIFs are real. The cost is 20 cents (because Etsy won't let you list something for free). I'm paying the shipping charges.

Be on the lookout this week!

Sneak Attack

I love this idea -- a group of folks get together and plot an "attack" on a new Etsy seller. They set a specific time and at that time, they all purchase something from the new shop.

What a great way to give a boost to a new shop! Can't you imagine how thrilled you'd be to find out you were under that kind of Attack?

Well, Michael Phipps of PhippsArt Etsy shop has come up with a way to make this happen over and over on a regular schedule. He is hosting a site called The Handmade Movement.

Volunteer hosts take care of a specific Attack. They choose a new shop based on specific criteria (0 or only a few sales, some items under $10, the shop has been open for at least several weeks, etc). At a specified time, the name of the shop is announced and the buying begins!

So... tonight I'm hosting the Attack. I've been stalking all sorts of new Etsy shops and have come up with a candidate. It'll be announced on The Handmade Movement website at 7:00 pm EDT.

I hope you'll join us in making October 27 a day this seller will never forget!

Pictured above: the cute little pitcher I purchased in a Sneak Attack about 10 days ago.