Luckily for Aussies, we don't really have to worry about customs too much. Anything under a certain weight (I believe it's something like 5kg - 176 ounces - but I could be wrong) you just need to fill out a free form and have your ID checked. Anything above the weight and I think costs start getting involved. Of course, that's not including anything that is registered or insured. (This seems to be all supposition. I tried checking on Aus Post's website, but it's not very good at providing customs info)

One thing I'm finding is that the more I read, the more certain I am that a link from my site to Etsy is probably not the best way to go. And after thinking about the downloadable order form, that seems stupid too - may as well just have a web form that sends to your email address, to which you can then reply and ask the customer to make a payment. (With none of the form's inputs saved on your site for security)

Forms are good if you are going to fax or email. I sometimes just download a sellers form for my own records of the product that a person has to offer. I then put in a folder where later I add payment receipts and notes in case I want to purchase from that seller again.
I think sometimes you just to have to go with the flow and just do what you feel the most comfortable with. I did a experiment where I listed one of my kits each on EBay,Etsy, and of course my web store. So far I'm one sale on web store and two on EBay. I'm not sure there is much else to do when you are just a small business.

That's a good point about forms for your own records; but again, with a web form, you can send yourself a copy automatically depending on how it's set up. Fax is no use to me, since I have no fax (I'm aware there are sites out there where you can turn faxes into pdfs and have them sent via email; though again, why bother?).

If you're going to email a form, it's an extra step that the customer has to go through; which is why the webform is better because it doesn't require: uploading to your email and sending it; printing it out and mailing it; scanning and faxing it. A webform you just fill out and press send, much like a Paypal button, just without the payment part of the functionality.

I agree with going with the flow. As said upthread, I'm probably going to try a link to Etsy on some of the products, and Paypal on the other, and see which works the best. (I probably haven't mentioned, but I'm not considering NOT selling on Etsy; just not linking to it from my website)

I just came across this article and thought others might be interested in reading it:
http://boagworld.com/business-strategy/how-to-make-them-buy

"How to make them buy". It's got some good basics on getting customer attention.

I use Paypal shopping cart. I do have my shipping set so it charges per amount spent, rather than weighing each item. I've been with Paypal for years. They just make it so simple to list items on the web site, add the paypal info (including choices like hair color, skin tone, etc.), and it's done.
I like Paypal because they keep track of all sales and purchases (with my debit card from them I can purchase supplies), and I can print reports (think IRS) for my accountant.

I use Paypal shopping cart. I do have my shipping set so it charges per amount spent, rather than weighing each item. I've been with Paypal for years. They just make it so simple to list items on the web site, add the paypal info (including choices like hair color, skin tone, etc.), and it's done.
I like Paypal because they keep track of all sales and purchases (with my debit card from them I can purchase supplies), and I can print reports (think IRS) for my accountant.

Thanks for the input. I'll definitely be looking more at Paypal - especially as it's probably going to cut out a small margin of the middle-man fees between Etsy (since most people pay using Paypal anyway) and me.

For the time being, I wonder if people on this thread - or those browsing - would let me know what they think of my test redesign:
http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/index.php/2010/09/22/test-goddess?blog=44

This is an example of how my new site is going to look. One thing I'm most concerned about is whether or not the buy now link is not obvious enough. (I will most likely add a hover effect so when you mouse over, something happens to signal it is indeed a link.) The page isn't finished yet, but this is the main design that I'm going for.

As you can see, if you click on the 'buy now' link, you'll be sent to Etsy, where you would have to add to cart, etc etc, before payment. This is what I meant by extra steps: if you wanted to buy something from my site, would you be discouraged by this?

Looking good Na!  I think you might be right about the buy now link. I mouse over might help but I think some might even miss mousing over it. Actually if you use PayPal they supply a Buy Now button I suggest using that since it is recognizable as PayPal.

Yeah, I was thinking of incorporating a small Paypal icon of some sort to make it more obvious. (Not a fan of the generic paypal buttons) I'm trying to reduce the amount of 'stuff' that's on the page, which is why I haven't added it so far. I do worry there's already too much on the site. When writing up a list of all the necessary elements, it was hard to figure out what went where and still not overcrowd the page. I'm hoping the colour and placement of the buy now button will be attractive, but I guess it's not attractive enough just yet!

Anyway, glad you like it. Not sure if you noticed, but I've been releasing the new design bit by bit and the homepage, main product page (the 'puppets' navigation link at bottom left), the contact info and the about me page are all done. Let me know what you think!

Question for those using paypal.  I've used it for years. Recently I noticed they are "holding" in reserve a percentage of money that comes in.  Since I have never had charge backs, I cannot understand the purpose, and trying to get a straight answer from them is like trying to get a politician to explain why he hasn't come through on a campaign promise.
Trying to decide if I need to change back to a basic paypal acct or what. Any help would be appreciated.