Etsy site.
 

Has anyone ever been successful selling quilted or sewn items on Etsy? I placed a few things on there and I couldn't even find them - I have been reading up on how to become noticed and more successful - but I am wondering if the average person can make it without spendng alot of $$$ to get noticed. I really want to make a few dollars - at least get the money out of my fabric - Just wondering if anyone else has been successful and how they did it.

for me, i've been selling quilts for about 8-10 years now- i have had the most luck (locally) as in --- i take quilts to work- or send them with someone else to work---people see them, like them- want to buy them---i've not had any luck with any on-line sites---ebay you may have $150 into a quilt and sell it for $45---etsy seems to be more 'artsy' items- not quilted items-
quiltsforsale.ca may be a place you could try- they have been 'growing' for a few years now and their quilts do seem to sell- though i don't know how quickly- it seems that some 'sellers' maybe are (established) and sell more than new people- but their fees are very reasonable- and it is worth a try. but i have definitely had most luck on a more 'personal' level- i take quilts everywhere- guild/sewing group meetings, work, family get togethers---generally even if i make a quilt for someone there's a good chance someone else will see it and say---hey i love that one--can i buy it? the first quilts a sold years ago- my sister was working in a factory and took a quilt i made her in to show someone---next thing i knew i had 'orders' for about 20+ quilts! she kept me quite busy for a couple years---until i finally said- no more! it got to feeling like production sewing and wasn't any fun any more- i much prefer making a quilt- showing it off- if someone wants it great- i sell it-

I have purchased a couple of items from etsy but have not tried selling.

ckcowl - yes, that is what I have been doing - is taking my stuff to show friends and family - my problem is I don't want to charge them much - if I didn't know them it may be easier for me. I am talking with a friend this morning about local craft fairs and fesivals - I think that may be the way to go - some of the things on Etsy and Ebay - I look at them and wonder what are they thinking with the prices - way too high. Oh well, I figured that Etsy would be difficult to get noticed with out a major marketing plan. Thanks for the reply.

It probably doesn't help that when somebody clicks on your etsy shop link they get a "doesn't exist" page.

I opened my Etsy shop in Sept. I think, sold 5 quilts before the end of Nov. and not a hit since, most people say it's better around the holidays. As far as pricing, if I can't make a small profit I'd rather give them as gifts.

There's nothing in your shop, Otis. Hard to give you feedback on nothing. :o The URL in your signature line is also incorrect...the dot com part is in the wrong position.

Try your local bookoo too. I've seen some on ours and they sold. It's all about your audience, and i've found it's about accessories too for some. Make a matching pillowcase or a matching mug rug include it in your selling price but that would make you stand out and takes scraps to make. For babies make a matching bib. Just some ideas to get your name out there and you would stand out.

Sorry, yes I know - I sold the items that were listed and have not put any new things up for sale - just wondering if I want to continue or invest my time and energy into local craft show/festivals.

I know it seems very time consuming to prepare items to list, I felt the same way initially. Once you have the wording and shipping cost figured out it does go so much quicker. If you have the patience, you should certainly give it some time and it will be an inexpensive way to market your items worldwide for minimal expense.
After all you have already sold some items. Good Luck!!!