Bicycle Hobo

I would like to clarify that many-most people are now in "bargain" mode plus being bombarded and raised up to the expectation of big box stores pricing that it spills out to every other vendor-including the home based or even small studio sewer/crafter/quilter. With the prices shooting ever upwards the constant wear and tear of bargain haggling , I noticed a great number of closed shops or Websites within the Etsy & Artfire communities. While there are many more anxious people to take their place, I decided that the "Bicycle Hobo" (the actual name of my design line) would be better served to wait this out.

You forgot to mention all those tacked-on fees (Listing fee, Transaction fee, Advertising fees, Payment processing fees, Currency conversion) that one would be required to pay mostly whether or not you have an actual sale. Your dream of being a vendor actually morphs into someone else making money off you. Plus you are far more poorer for it than when you began.

Our ancestors had a word for this. Slave labor. I decided to pass until people come to their senses and stop trying to bargain everyone in the chain to death.

ejpkam

Lol I'm with u on the slave labor I had a woman want me to make a king size quilt for 100$!!!! I told her she might get a crib size for that. Don't insult me!!

alisonquilts

Etsy used to have a section called Alchemy, where you could bid to make an item that someone wanted. I got my first (and pretty much only) Etsy customer through that, by making her a T-shirt quilt (and yes, I bid waay low!). I have made her several more since then. They have shut Alchemy down now. That first success has not translated into anything else, and the only reason I keep my Etsy store open is because I am certainly NOT going to sell my odds and ends if they are neatly packed in tote boxes on the top landing! The only Etsy fees I pay (unless I make a sale) are the $0.20/item listing fee, which lasts for four months. This doesn't seem very high to me...especially if I sell even one small item per year! My other problem is that the stuff in my shop doesn't change very much - I'm not adding new and exciting things all of the time...this may be part of the problem. Most of my quilting is done for my friends and family.

I will be doing my very first craft fair next month, so I'll see if that is any different...

Alison

ghostrider

Like any other retail venue, Etsy is most beneficial if you actually pay attention to the marketing end of things. You can't just put things out there and expect to have flocks of people running to your door no matter what or where you sell. "Selling" is an action verb.

The main advantage of sites like Etsy is that the "audience" is people looking for handcrafted items, not Pottery Barn knock-offs. Yes, you have to self-promote and work on the marketing, but there's lots of help, advice, and experience available to make it easier for novices...much the same as we have here for new quilters.

Lori S

Etsy can be an effective suppliment to a craft business. If you do craft shows an have developed a following of customers, they can still find your stuff without having to find you at whatever show you may be doing, and have acees to an inventory without waiting for your next show.
It is easy to get lost in the sea of people listing on Etsy, so unless someone really wants to find you and your wares it can be tough.
That being said , it all in how you market yourself and your goods.

jaciqltznok

bingo!!!!...I have had my etsy shop for years and rarely sell anything....I don't bother to keep it up much any more!

jaciqltznok

and do not forget that now Uncle Sugar has his hands out and you will be sent a 1099 this year for all online transactions! You will be responsible for paying taxes on what you sold, plus declaring it as income, and for paying sales tax on items you buy. All of this is now tracked via Paypal, billpay, and any other electronic payment site!

cwessel47

I have a site on Artfire and my items sell sporadically at best as well. They link your product up to all kinds of searches and I do get maybe 50 hits a week. In my case, I believe that I am asking a fair price for my products and folks are looking for bargain basement prices. I've decided not to let that bother me. When I do make a sale, I can be sure that both the buyer - and the seller! - are happy with the transaction. I'm fairly sure this would be the situation on any of the sites available. The plus from Artfire is that you pay a low monthly amount, you can list as many items as you want, and there is no listing cost per item like there is on Etsy. Good luck!

Edie

My sister sells her work on Etsy. You can see her stuff if you google Meadow Wren. I have her Scissors Fob. I just love it. Also her husband does Pottery - Alethia Pottery. Google Alethia Pottery. He does beautiful work. Edie

Latrinka

I've never tried, but have looked on there.