If you’re an Etsy seller, there may come a time when you need to take a break from your shop. Whether it’s for a family emergency, vacation, or just some time off, you want to make sure that your shop continues to run smoothly even when you’re not actively managing it. This is where vacation mode comes in.
What is Vacation Mode?
Vacation mode is a feature on Etsy that allows sellers to temporarily close their shop while they’re away. When vacation mode is turned on, buyers can still view your shop and products, but they won’t be able to make any purchases. Instead, they’ll see a message letting them know that the shop is on vacation and when it will be back.
Does Vacation Mode Affect Your Shop’s Performance?
One of the biggest concerns for Etsy sellers considering vacation mode is whether or not it will have a negative impact on their shop’s performance. After all, if your shop is closed and buyers can’t make any purchases, won’t that hurt your overall sales and rankings?
The short answer is yes, turning on vacation mode can have an impact on your shop’s performance. When your shop is closed, you won’t be making any sales or generating any revenue. This means that your sales numbers will likely go down during the time that you’re away.
However, there are some things you can do to mitigate the impact of vacation mode on your shop’s performance. For example:
- Announce Your Vacation Ahead of Time: Let your buyers know ahead of time when you’ll be going on vacation and when you’ll be back. This gives them an opportunity to make any purchases they need before you close up shop.
- Extend Your Processing Times: If possible, consider extending your processing times before going on vacation so that any orders placed right before or during your absence won’t be marked as late.
- Promote Your Shop Before and After Vacation: Take advantage of social media and other promotional channels to let your followers know about your upcoming vacation. When you return, make sure to promote your shop again to let buyers know that you’re back in action.
How to Turn On Vacation Mode on Etsy
If you’ve decided that vacation mode is the right choice for your shop, here’s how to turn it on:
- Sign in to your Etsy account and click on “Shop Manager.”
- Click on “Settings” and then “Options.”
- Scroll down to the “Vacation Mode” section and toggle the switch to turn it on.
- Enter a message for buyers letting them know when you’ll be back and any other important details.
- Click “Save” to activate vacation mode.
The Bottom Line
While turning on vacation mode can have an impact on your shop’s performance, it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether or not it’s the right choice for your business. If you do decide to use vacation mode, make sure to communicate with your buyers ahead of time and take steps to minimize any negative effects. With some careful planning and preparation, you can take a break from your shop without derailing all of your hard work.