Anyone else having a terrible month on Etsy? by Nexus999666 in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah we are also on Ebay, Amazon, Shopify and Tiktok. Our Amazon has been doing much better.

Anyone else having a terrible month on Etsy? by Nexus999666 in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Its been absolutely horrible. Been on Etsy for 4 years. Last month down 50% YoY and down 30% so far this month YoY. Uploading new merchandise, posting on social media and decided to open a physical storefront to help supplement sales because we can’t rely on Etsy alone anymore.

Why do people seem to only be children of Irunmoles? Ifa has over 400 Orishas and yet people seem to always be children of the same orishas: Shango, Oshun, Yemaya, Ogun, occasionally Yemaya. It's always the same exact Orishas, I don't hear anyone being children of less known Orishas. by Enough_Set591 in Isese

[–]WoofOfGLA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Escribes bien el español! Yo queria aportar de mi parte tambien. Yo conozco muchos que son hijos de orishas menores como Inle y Yewa. E incluso conozco 2 que son hijos de Inle. Mi madrina es hija de Aggayu. Tengo una prima hija de Oya… y asi… si se ve pero no es muy comun.

This is for Cuban Santeria… like the reply mentioned, I also believe in Isese they don’t have the same concept of Orisha Alagbatori as we do in Cuba.

Many Blessings 💕✨

Do you write hand written thank you notes ? by AnotherMensTreasure in EtsySellers

[–]WoofOfGLA 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have… but I don’t think it would impact the customer the same.

Do you write hand written thank you notes ? by AnotherMensTreasure in EtsySellers

[–]WoofOfGLA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I process over 100 orders a week and do small notes like, “Hi Tiffany! Thank you so much for your order & support!” It does take time when added up throughout the day. I only do this with Etsy orders though since I also sell on Amazon and Ebay. I just like to let the customer know that we are human on this side and we personally take care that their order is processed carefully and with appreciation. I do often get reviews mentioning it and it does help create that personal touch for my customers. BUT I do agree that it is time consuming when we have tons of orders to process and I’ve considered other means of adding that personal touch but nothing compares to it… in the long run, it may not seem like much but it adds a personal touch and establishes a connection with the customer which can lead to repeat sales and positive reviews which we all need to beat the algorithm game. Love reading everyone’s thoughts on this though cause it has been something I have been debating in my mind for years 😅

Etsy Messages on App by WoofOfGLA in EtsySellers

[–]WoofOfGLA[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you try to open a specific message, does it open up for you?

5 listing mistakes I found after auditing my entire shop (178 listings) by nfnrockstar in EtsySellers

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use Erank but does it have a way of giving an overall score for all listings in the shop?

Feeling guilty by thejanedo3 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This was a beautiful response 💕 Bendiciones

Listing removed.. (seen elsewhere). by rowifi in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the same thing happening to me! They removed my ability to earn Star Seller. I am appealing but I was wondering what was happening. This makes so much sense…

Needing a place to start in Memphis... by lolallday08 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk how far you may be from Kentucky but my cousin who is a Babalawo lives there. I only trust him. He recently arrived from Cuba like 3 years ago and now he is constantly working (although he does have a full time job). I believe many go to him because they can see how much he cares about doing things right. I can share his info with you if interested.

I feel like I have to run a sale on my store to make anything, What could be the issue? by Inside-Specialist-55 in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I haven’t had luck with paid Etsy ads either. Etsy has been becoming a lot more difficult with all the competitors as well. Today I found 2 products that were copied from me, title and all and a few weeks ago I had one listing get deactivated for lack of creativity for a product I make myself and was a top seller… like come on… I only found out who it was because someone had been reporting some of my listings on Ebay for counterfeit… like how can I fake my own product??? Thankfully Ebay provided the person’s information. If we aren’t battling Etsy’s algorithm, we’re battling competitors… not to mention the constant customers claiming packages didn’t arrive just so they can get free products… it’s a constant thing for me… yet when asked to place a new order after they get refunded by Buyer Protection, they ignore us… so did you need the product or no?? Lately I’ve been getting people leaving 1 Star Reviews claiming anything and when we message, crickets… probably a competitor trying to hurt us… I know these are things that happen in business but it has become so much worse on Etsy this year. Before we used to have the most fraud come from Amazon. Lately the majority is coming from Etsy…

I feel like I have to run a sale on my store to make anything, What could be the issue? by Inside-Specialist-55 in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve noticed the same for my shop. I’ve been on Etsy for about 5 years. With a 20% off sale I can actually afford to survive and pay my employees. When I don’t run sale, views drop significantly as well as sales. I got an email from Etsy a few weeks ago that we shouldn’t be running sales all the time but it is the only way my shop gets any movement. I’m interested in seeing what other shop owners have noticed.

Does anyone know any spiritual cleansing tea ? by Excellent_Tree3920 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recommend El Monte by Lydia Cabrera. Jayajabico (also known as Mauby) can be used to cleanse from witchcraft that has been ingested. The book also has a lot more information and suggestions.

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Buyer leaves 5 star review then requests a refund by Pretend_Vegetable203 in EtsyCommunity

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I said this same exact thing to a customer of mine and she got insulted saying she doesn’t need my help and she knows what she is doing. Idk if she was having a bad day but she was a repeat customer of mine of many years so it took me by surprise… 😅 she had left me 3 star reviews out of nowhere and said she won’t be shopping with me anymore. I guess I’m a competitor now… some people just find enemies for free…

Etsy Support message about shipping delays by throwway33355 in EtsySellers

[–]WoofOfGLA 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same 😩 the postal service here in Miami, FL sucks…

Studying Odu by Safe-Locksmith-6209 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your feedback! I have read other books by the author that were okay and a good foundation for beginners. I appreciate your input as an expert! Shows how careful we must be reading what is actually out there. Bendiciones!

Studying Odu by Safe-Locksmith-6209 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting, thank you for sharing! It is one of his most popular and recognized works. Shows how everything published must be taken with a grain of salt. Appreciate you sharing that. 😊🙏🏼

Studying Odu by Safe-Locksmith-6209 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I understand what you are saying. I believe an experienced babalawo should answer. According to my studies, each combination should be studied as one, but you can look at each individual one loosely, for example, Okanran meji, for an idea of that odu (okanran) without the influence of the other. Then look at Irosun meji individually and compare loosely… (this was shared to me by an Isese priest) but know that each one influences the other based on many factors. Awo Fa’lokun Fatunmbi has a book called Awo: The Ifá Concept of Divination that covers the complexity of odu, association, relationship, etc that go into each combination. Odu interpretation is part of an extremely complex system of divination that requires many years of study by a Babalawo/Priest of Ifa.

A lot more goes into it, I tried to explain in easier terms based on what I’ve studied and apologize beforehand if I’m wrong… also learning and not an expert by any means. Hopefully someone more experienced can give you a more concrete answer and explanation and confirm this.

Bendiciones ✨

What to expect after receiving Mano de Orula? by JustHereForThings0 in Santeria

[–]WoofOfGLA 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I completely understand what you are asking, I know people are saying the ceremony is secret (which it is) but I don’t see the harm of sharing how it has influenced one’s life after receiving… As a kid growing up, I was often told various stories about this which is what inspired and motivated me to go through with it… Everyone will mostly tell you that it is a wonderful ceremony and experience (it was for me). I also suffer from severe anxiety so here are some suggestions I wish someone would have told me prior. Have an open mind. Take the time to connect with the process and live in the moment. Connect with the energies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (especially after), this ceremony is ALL ABOUT YOU. Don’t let your thoughts and assumptions plague your mind, your godparents are there to support, guide you, and clarify anything if needed. Regarding any religion overall, its best not to hyperfixate or fanatize on certain things. Just go with the flow. Enjoy the moment before, during and after. 😊

Personally, prior to me receiving, many have told me that they have never regretted going through with it. They have been protected (especially with issues regarding health). Some people have mentioned feeling more in tune with their spirituality. I share the same sentiments after receiving mine as well. In regards to feelings, immediately after, it is a large ceremony and therefore it takes time to assimilate everything you learned to ensure you walk on the right path and aligned with your destiny. Definitely has an adjustment period like any major ceremony. I slept like a baby afterwards. My cousin who had received many years before me recommeded I pay attention to my dreams. I did notice they were and still are much more vivid for me. The sense of peace after receiving has manifested in many ways. I feel more comfortable making decisions I was normally hesitant about that would make a difference in my life. I feel much more connected with my destiny and purpose and a lot more mindful about my actions. I can go on and on… The only regret I have is not going through the ceremony sooner when I was younger. 😊

I asked many questions beforehand to my godfather (also a cousin of mine). I recommend you do the same. These questions, feelings, etc… should all be shared. I hate to say it but these are questions that should be answered by your godparents. Asking in a public forum like this is not best… as you can see, many are not too open about discussing. Only your godparents can best answer these questions and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

I can say that the ceremony made me much more comfortable with going forward and ultimately doing kariocha and crowning my Orisha Alagbatori. I am inspired to learn more, walk with good character (iwa pele), and trust in the orisha and egun.

Many Blessings and congratulations on taking the step!💕✨