How do I buy something from Etsy?

If you are like me, probably you want to read everything you can about something before doing it. *I* personally hate it when you have to sign up in order to be able to purchase something online. I've had surprise presents spoiled because "someone" glanced at my open email page and saw a welcome email from a particular shop. So when I actually consider signing up, it is because I know what I'm getting myself into.

  About ETSY: 

 Etsy is a webpage where you can browse awesome art and handmade items that are truly unique. Of course, like everywhere, you will also find mass produced items being sold, but mostly crafting supplies. You can navigate to just the Handmade section and be wondered and fascinated with beautiful things. you can enjoy this page by just being inspired by it, or you can also find that special something you would like to gift to someone, or why not? to yourself.

 Well, as I see it, joining Etsy has been a great experience for me. They don't swarm me with unwanted emails, which is one of the main reasons I hate signing up to pages. (just go to Your Account -> Settings -> Emails, and disable everything you Don't want to receive.)

  Signing up: 

 To sign up, go to http://www.etsy.com/ and click on the big gray button on the top left of the page that says "Register". (right next to the orange big Etsy button). Now fill in the form and in a few moments you will become part of not only a "marketplace" but also a community of local artists from all over the world that are trying to show what they love to do.

  The actual purchase: 

 Now, to the fun part: Browse around the thousands of items available. Also take a look at the shops that hold them, sometimes you might find something you like even more after you browse the shop! And the artists will be trilled to see someone browsed around their things.

 Click on the small pictures to go to that specific "listing" page (Listing just means the items that are available for purchase). In this page, you will be able to read a bit more about the particular item. The seller might tell you some fun facts about how they made it, or just some description about it.

 ***EXAMPLE***
This is how a listing page looks like:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/124171108/dark-mystery-pendant-dark-purple-glass

 Once you have found what you want, click on the big green button on the right that says: "Add to cart" This will take you to another page that will show you the items you have chosen and the total amount to pay. Remember there are two prices you need to pay for something: The Item itself, and the shipping.

 You can browse around and add more things to your cart. Your cart will be divided into a cart for each shop where you are buying from. So you can pay individually to each shop owner.

 When you are ready to pay, click on the green button "Check out with Paypal" and follow the instructions to pay. You can use your credit cards to pay as well, and some particular shops offer some other payment methods.

  After buying: 

 I don't know about you, but I *Love* waiting for the post, specially when I ordered something pretty. When you do get your purchase, don't forget to go back to Etsy and rate the item you bought. Sellers really love to hear back from their customers, and Etsy facilitates this with a feedback option.

Please do this, Your seller will love you for it :)

  A few extra thoughts: 

 *Just remember that most of the items being sold are made by "normal people" and not by corporations with a lot of money invested in marketing. So not everyone has the great skills needed to be eloquent and describe beautifully their works of art. And also, some of us might make mistakes with our English language. (Sorry!)