For myself it is encouraging to show number of items sold but conversely I do not think it discourages people if you see they have not sold anything yet? If I see that no items have yet been sold and they were selling what interested me, I would still have a look and form my own opinion. Some items may have been sold, yes, but it would be better to concentrate on feedback hopefully left after sales. On this subject I often find it difficult how to leave feedback, not just on folksy. How about, instead of showing number of items sold being replaced by feedback quotes?? My shop empty at moment as concentrating on ideas that do not leave large postal charges. Sorry not sure to vote yet.

But it does give honesty - what *would* help, I think, is also adding a date the shop was opened for sales, then people can see that it's a new shop.

I think it's good that buyers can know whether they're about to buy from an existing, experienced seller or a brand new one. That's not to say I won't buy from a new one, I've given quite a lot of shops their first sale, but I like to have that information. I also enjoy looking a what items a shop has sold, and it gives a buyer the opportunity to contact a seller and ask for them to make something similar to something that has already sold if they're so minded. Think of it as a showcase for your successful items once you get going. You might feel very different about this once you've sold your first 100 items or so.....!