Tammi M

Not sure if this belongs on this part of the site, but I have some questions for anyone who has ever sold anything on Etsy. How is it done? I haven't actually looked at the Etsy site for info-since I was reading the QB, I thought I would post.
I love to make handbags, totes, etc. My daughters have told me repeatedly I should be selling them on Etsy. I don't have enought time to make hoards of bags to sell at craft fairs, etc.; I have a full and part time job, so just sew when I have time. I also try to do a quilt in there occasionally too. Their suggestion is to just make a few at a time and offer them when I have them. I make bags from patterns, though, not my own design, so is it legal for me to sell them? Or do I just have to acknowledge the pattern designer(I have no problem doing that!)
I just wanted a little info/input from anyone who has done this or knows someone who has. Thanks!

sewingsuz

I tried to sell som baby blankets I made. They were real nice but I did not get one bite. People tell me the same thing. I really don't know the answer. Let us know if you are successful.

TinaRibena

I make glass beads and sell them on Etsy; it can be quite hit and miss as to whether things sell or not. But, it doesn't cost very much so it's definitely worth a try. It costs a few cents to list something for four months, then if it sells you pay a percentage of your sale to Etsy (all done via Paypal).

Things to think about;
1. Have some clear Terms and Conditions set out (what happens if something gets lost, someone doesn't like it etc. ; you can look at other shops for ideas.).
2. Take good, clear photos of your item and write a nice description.
3. Don't under-sell your product; hand made things take time and talent!

With respect to the pattern/ copyright thing, probably best to check with the individual pattern maker; some are happy for you to sell with acknowledgement, some want you to pay a small 'licence' fee to sell.

Good luck!

Jingle

I have heard too many are willing to sell quilts cheap. Seems people don't want to pay much for anything handmade. They will pay lots more for nearly useless items. I don't sell anything, I give my quilts away to whomever I decide needs a quilt. Now I am just keeping them until I decide what to do with them.

Prism99

I have looked at Etsy, as I thought my dd could list some of her art work for sale there. When I looked, I found ***tons*** of art work like hers for sale. I don't know how a buyer would narrow down the field enough to find her stuff. Also, I have heard that whose work comes up first in searches depends a lot on how much you have already sold there (and maybe on other factors?).

I just went to Etsy and did a search on "batik tote". It came up with 24 pages of items, 44 items per page. If you have unique items and are willing to leave them listed for a long time, then I think it could work.

Edit: Interestingly, on my "batik tote" search, the second item on the first page was a handmade quilt instead of a tote. This also makes me wonder how search items are organized for display to buyers. When I clicked on that photo, there was nothing on the page for "tote" except for my search word! Batik was mentioned twice in relation to handmade quilts.

Scissor Queen

No pattern seller has the right to tell you what you can or cannot do with the items you make. Period.

TinaRibena

I'm only going on my personal experience; I bought a handbag pattern a couple of years ago, and the terms and conditions of sale where that I agreed not to sell any bags that I made using the bag name. (I think it was a Buttercup bag, but can't be sure). The designer wanted a very nominal fee if people wanted to make bags to sell. I guess if you're going to use their design name and sell it as such, it's fair enough, and it was all up front.

vickig626

I have an etsy site and as mentioned .... it can be hit or miss, depending on what people are looking for. I also do bags and totes but they need to be very unique in design and fabric to grab interest. At least that's my experience.

I've sold a rag quilt (lap size) a couple years back for $75. I was ok with that since the money came in handy at the time. It was fast to make and inexpensive so it worked for me.

I'm like you when it comes to making things here and there so etsy works for me. I also post on FB when I add a new item and get local customers that way.

So, if you are willing to wait and wait at times for things to sell, go for it. This time of year is my best selling period but do sell things throughout the year.

As for craftshows, I don't bother anymore, especially with bags. People was things "cheap" or will tell you they can buy it at Walmart for 1/4 of the price. Not worth my time and effort anymore for what gets sold.

Check out etsy.