Category: Lifestyle
Price: Free
Release Date: Updated May 31, 2012
Version: 2.0
Seller: Etsy, Inc.
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad.Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Link to app

TiP Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

App Store Description:

Buy directly from independent, creative businesses. Explore over 11 million unique items from small businesses all over the world.

The Etsy app for your iPhone or iPod gives you one-touch access to the world of Etsy. As a buyer, you can browse your activity feed and explore treasuries, search by category, convo sellers, and purchase items directly from your phone. As a seller, you can view your shop stats, access your listings and latest orders, get mobile alerts when orders are placed at your shop. and use merchant tools to manage your business on the move. With seamless mobile integration of your cart, favorites, purchase history, and shop, the app is a streamlined extension of your online Etsy experience.
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Summary:

Whether you’re browsing for vintage art or checking your shop’s stats, Etsy’s latest update will cause you to spend money faster than you can say “crocheted iPhone case.”
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Review: 

Whether you’re browsing craft supplies or jonesing for handmade or vintage art, chances are you’ve lost many hours (and dollars) to shopping on Etsy. You might want to hide your wallet because Etsy’s latest update will cause you to spend money faster than you can say “crocheted iPhone case.”

Etsy, which recently surpassed 1 million downloads, just released version 2.0 of its iOS app. The app wastes no time getting started by immediately launching on the Explore tab so you can kick off shopping right away.

The improved Explore experience allows you customize Channels so you can be sure that you’re browsing items that are most relevant to you. You can adjust which Channels appear by tapping on the Customize button in the top right corner. Handpicked and Seasonal are locked, but you can choose from other categories, such as gadgets, for him/her, kids, weddings, and so on.

You can also keep up with shop owners and your favorite curators through your Activity Feed, which is also found on the Explore tab. This feed will remain empty until you begin following other Etsy members — which you can do directly from the app.

These Channels are what will greet you every time you open the app. You can swipe left or right to change it up, or just scroll down to continue browsing. When you find an item you’re interested in, tap on it view shipping information, shop owner details, and to add it to your cart.

If you’re shopping with something particular in mind, you can search for items, treasuries — which are member-curated shopping galleries — and people through the Search tab. Additionally, you’re also able to find Shops nearby, so you can connect with local shops and possibly even save some money on shipping.

The nice thing about Etsy is that you don’t need an account to browse, but if you do have one, you can log in by tapping the You tab. Once you’re signed in, you can view your conversations, purchase history, favorites, treasuries, followers, and so on. If you’re a seller, you’ll be able to access a new Shop Stats dashboard where you’ll find your shop’s views, orders, favorited items, and revenue.

The check out process isn’t too shabby either. Although, in my experience, it’s only as good as your connection. So if you’re on less-then-reliable wi-fi, or dropping bars fast, you might want to hold off on checking out until you have a more stable connection. Don’t worry, your items will remain safe in your Cart until you remove them.

Overall, Etsy did a great job with this update. The interface is user-friendly and browsing is actually fun now that I don’t have to sift through tons of items that don’t matter to me. Both shop owners and customers will be satisfied.. 

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