4Real Forums: to etsy or not to etsy?

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Topic: to etsy or not to etsy?

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monica
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 9:42am \| IP Logged

i have been contemplating starting an etsy shop. i love the idea of making money from something i enjoy doing and i can do at home. but, i am not amazing at sewing. i have made some pretty nice quilts, but i am terrible at sewing clothes and knitting, though i am learning. do any of you have etsy shops? is the money worth the effort? are there any hidden drawbacks?

thanks
monica

mavmama
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 11:57am \| IP Logged

I don't have an Etsy account, but I sure will be watching this post to see what you ladies think! Thanks for asking this, Monica.

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Liz
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folklaur
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 12:23pm \| IP Logged

I will have an etsy shop in conjunction with my web site.
It is less stressful than ebay. Though not as busy.

I have purchased from etsy shops and been very happy with my purchases.

I know a few people on another forum that do pretty well with their etsy shop.

Wish I could be more help.

mellyrose
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 12:39pm \| IP Logged

I think one of the hardest things about an etsy shop is that is so difficult to search for and find things on there. Partly because there is SO much on there.

I think that to have a successful shop, you have to back it up with marketing -- a blog, social networking, etc. You can't just have an etsy shop and expect it to grow.

I have been very happy with the items I've purchased on etsy - I'd say more than 1/2 I found through means other than searching the site. It's usually because they have a blog, or they've been reviewed on a blog I read, or I know them through facebook or twitter or someplace else.

I absolutely love buying handmade goods, and that's one of the reasons I love etsy.

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Teakafrog
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 12:49pm \| IP Logged

Have you also checked out HyenaCart? It was started as a cloth diapering site, but now sells all kinds of handmade things. I've bought several things there that have been great. I'm not sure how their fees rate against etsy, but you might check it out too. Good luck!

trish
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Posted: Sept 25 2008 at 8:34pm \| IP Logged

I have an etsy shop. : )
It's not expensive to set up. But yes to the promoting part. I think because there are so many shops on there you do have to get 'your name' out there. I have a bit of a disadvantage because my soap is heavy and thus the shipping is more expensive. But I love selling from my home.

I like to purchase handmade too. I've found beautiful things on there and have been very happy with what I've bought.

editing to add : I also can't stress enough the importance of taking good quality photos and having good descriptions of your product. If you have any questions just send me a message.

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domchurch3
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 10:35am \| IP Logged

There are blogs out there that talk about ways to make your etsy shop a success. Once successful esty shop owner, littleputbooks has a blog with helpful advice on the do's and dont's of running an etsy shop that you may find helpful.

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nissag
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 12:04pm \| IP Logged

I Etsy, too. I really love the community. The quality of work is much higher overall than on EBay. I've had things made for me, and I even found an illustrator for next years' Simple Gifts Home Management Book... That's pretty neato, I'd say.

I don't have any problems finding what Im looking for. If you can't find what you want through a standard searh, there's Alchemy, where you can make a specific request. You'll get more bids to make what you want than you can shake a stick at!

Alchemy is also a great way to get work - all you have to do is watch the requests for bids, then respond when you see something that you can do.

Blessings,

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trish
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 12:25pm \| IP Logged

Nissag I like your shop! Cute little girl : )

This is My Etsy.

I too like the community. It's friendly.

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nissag
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 12:42pm \| IP Logged

Thanks Trish - that's my little Sophie. Very photogenic - nothing like her mother. Your soaps are works of art. Absolutely beautiful!

One of the things I like so much about Etsy is that everyone is so supportive. Everyone seems to buy from each other, makes gift-giving very special.

At the moment, I'm waiting on personalised mugs for the kids - they're being re-fired this week. And I am making several custom dresses for folks. So it works out great. I don't know that I can say it's a great money maker - but I sure do get better quality stuff and a creative outlet into the bargain.

Blessings,

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Nissa
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monica
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 12:48pm \| IP Logged

ok, you ladies are convincing me. have you noticed if quilts, placemats, wall hangings, tableclothes sell well? i think that is what i would start with.
thanks for your help. your shops are inspiring. i am already trying to think of a name for mine.
blessings,
monica

trish
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Posted: Sept 26 2008 at 5:30pm \| IP Logged

Thanks nissag.

I think with the Christmas buying season coming up they might do well, Monica. Just remember to take really nice pictures.

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missionfamily
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Posted: Sept 27 2008 at 7:02pm \| IP Logged

Monica--In the spring, I looked for table linens on Etsy and couldn't find any. Had yours been there, I probably would have bought them...so I'd encourage you to give it a try, and let me know when you do

.

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wifemommy
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Posted: Oct 13 2008 at 8:13pm \| IP Logged

My dd was supposed to be in a craft show in Nov but they overlooked her application and now they are full

I am going to try and get her in another show but I am looking for other marketing ideas. I think I may try etsy I think we would have to do something together because of the credit card issue. Also she is only 14 I didn't see any age restrictions but am I missing something. Oh yes she designs, crochets and knits purses, hair bows, bears,doll clothes etc Annie

trish
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Posted: Oct 14 2008 at 12:28pm \| IP Logged

As far as I know there aren't any age restrictions. But with the credit card issue you'd probably have to be 'in charge' of the shop. As long (I believe) as it's handmade by you and your daughter you're okay.

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~ Trish ~
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