Is etsy worth joining?

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   ryannaylorposted 12 years ago

   What would you say are the pros and cons of etsy? Do a lot of actual shoppers go there or is it mainly artists selling to other artists?

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      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      People I know who sell baby things seem to do very well.  Anything handmade for kids.  I whipped up about 20 knit Christmas stockings about 3 weeks before Christmas and sold 8 of them.  After I listed them, I did a search on the site for Christmas stockings and they showed more than 52,000 - I kid you not.  I freaked out thinking no one would ever find mine so I think selling 8 was pretty good considering how many were on there.

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      h.a.borcichposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that one can get lost in the vastness of eTsy,  but The opportunity is there as well. I have an eTsy store for my jewelry.   
      Bling by Holly B.       
      success is slow, I just keep working it I think it will be worth it.
      
      My customers have not been other artists per se, and they have been from all over the US.

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      burrell1975posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think it's mainly alot of artists selling to other artists but the public does come and check it out as well & enter this cash sweepstakes for a chance to win $40,000 just click the link to enter, it's free to enter, Good Luck http://www.moolpit.com//?vcode=8AB1A52F058358B  & get your friends and family to enter to if you like

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   ryannaylorposted 12 years ago

   That is good, to sell 8 with over 52k listed. Why do you think yours sold?

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      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Really don't know.  I'd like to believe it was because I'm so talented but it's probably just the odds.  I don't know how many were sold from the entire site.  I do make them really different.  Try to see what's out there then make something that's out of the norm.  There's always the chance no one will 'get' my creativity but in this case someone did.  I get really crazy because I'll always make so many of something then expect everyone to just come out and buy everything I made.  There's just soooooo much competition! For everything!
      
      I do know this much (I think).  I always make sure my pictures are really clear, close ups and full shots, and I always give full descriptions of everything I list including colors, dimensions, fabric content, embellishments, washing instructions if applicable, etc.  I know I appreciate that when I'm looking to buy.  Too many listers talk about how cute or wonderful an item is but really don't tell anything about it.
      
      Have you ever worked with Yardsellr?  I just tried something on their.  The sites a little rough but we'll see.

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   brittanytoddposted 12 years ago

   The Hub of the Day was about this topic a couple of days ago.  You can log out and go to the homepage to see it.

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   dappledesignsposted 12 years ago

   I have been selling photos on etsy for a few years now, and I recommend the site. It's a popular site - so each category is heavily saturated with products that are posted every minute. So it's not as easy as just posting your product and waiting for it to sell. Just like anything else, you need to put a lot of work into it - market your products like crazy and spend numerous hours networking.
   
   Honestly - I wrote a few hubs on here about photography, posted some of my own photos with it, linked them back to etsy and saw my sales increase.
   
   A few things that I have learned:
   1. spend time in the community forums, offer quality information and answers and learn from others that have been successful.
   
   2. Don't expect to become a millionaire.
   
   3. Live up to what you say you are going to do - print images on the paper that you promised - sign the photos if you said you were going to and ship the products on time. Feedback is everything, and it is way too easy to give negative feedback. Be a good seller.
   
   4. Remember that sellers and buyers both have profiles in etsy - so when you are in forums you could very well be talking to a buyer. I have found that there a lot of sellers that participate in the forums, and purchase from sellers that they have communicated with without a sale involved.
   
   5. Have fun - Etsy is priced very low (.20 cents per listing for 3 months with 5 images available) so you can post some products and see how they sell. You can edit the listings as much as you want once you figure out what is working.
   
   6. Use all of your keywords - there are 14 spots available, use them all. Tag correctly, use appropriate keywords, and think like a buyer. If you as a buyer type in photography and get a necklace, you will most likely get frustrated and leave.

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      Robie Benveposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This is a very interesting thread, Etsy seems to be so popular that I was wondering if products get lost in the ocean of items posted.
      Thank you dappledesigns for your insights and everyone else for true user feedback.
      This is very useful to know for people like me that has not joined yet, but is on the edge of making a decision.

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   EmpressFelicityposted 12 years ago

   I've been selling vintage jewellery, clothes & accessories on Etsy for three years now and have made over 370 sales. I haven't made loadsa money by any means, but I really like the fact that it's so cheap to list there.
   
   eBay gives you better exposure but listing fees are much more expensive & not worth it unless you can be certain that your item will sell via auction for a decent profit.

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   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   i have two etsy shops. One is photography only and the other offers vintage, artwork,supplies and handmade jewelry.
   You have to spend time promoting to get some attention.
   Some months sell well and others are dead. Handmade clothing, seems to sell well.

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   GDiBiaseposted 12 years ago

   I have two stores on Etsy also I sell jewelry I have made and shabby chic home decor. I have found its a hit or miss, I sole alot of Jewelry last Christmas, but minimal so far this year. You have to be constantly promoting store to be successful, at least that's been my experience.

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   Eliminate Cancerposted 12 years ago

   I have a friend who sells jewelry on Etsy, and she does quite well.  She sells things all over the country...

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   BMJayposted 11 years ago

   I have just joined Etsy, and was wondering by you all, if photos sell well of say insects, birds, nature ? and does the site send the items, or do we?. For if we do, it would cost a fare bit to say frame up a photo and send it, also there is the chance of it being damaged in transit. Or would it be better just to sell the print via say email to them. I feel somewhat confused about the site, and i don't want to become rich, but more be able to sell photos so i can save to get better lenses etc... For i have been laid off work due to health reason, so need to make a few dollars. I only have my photos to sell, for i'm not an arts/crafts person. Please share your adice. Oh and lastly, i see alot of you say "you have to send links and do alot of marketing etc..." Where are places to do this, i know of facebook and flickr, but i don't have many people on them i know. So for me to get the word out would be hard. Please help, for you have been on there for abit, and have sold before, thank you.

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