That is the question!
Lately, I've been having a lot of people tell me that I should start selling some of the things that I've been making. That I should start an Etsy or some other online shop.
Honestly, it's been one of those things that has been on my mind. I would love to be able to make things and be able to sell them. My problem is that between working my "real" job, and taking care of a significant other that has cancer, I don't know if I would have the time to maintain and run and online business. My other issue is that I'm kind of a random crafter. I get on tangents or stuck on a certain craft that I like doing, until I get it out of my system, then I move on to something new. A lot of online shops I've seen usually have some sort of niche, like jewelry, or sewn items, and I don't really know what exactly I'd put in my shop.
But maybe my brilliant readers can answer some of my questions:
Do you have an Etsy?
How much time do you spend working on it/ stocking it?
What items seem to sell?
How did you decide you wanted to start an Etsy?
If it's not an Etsy, what other site would you recommend?
Where do you get your supplies for your items you sell?
Is there anything that I've shared with you that you would buy, if I had an Etsy?
Any success/fail/too much stress stories?
Is there anything that I've shared with you that you would buy, if I had an Etsy?
Any success/fail/too much stress stories?
I'm not sure if this is even something that I should be thinking about starting, but at the same it, it would be kind of fun. It might make me some money that I could spend on more crafting supplies. Or is might just drive me crazy!
I have been pondering those very same questions...I too get stuck on something and then bored with it...nice to know there are other peeps out there like me. I will be opening an etsy shop soon, but my strategy is to start by selling everything I have made and see which gets the best response and go from there. I am being selective in the size of my items because I don't want to spend a lot of excess cash on all different types of packaging and that sort of thing. Don't know if this helps, but I do wish you the best of luck and can't wait to see what you decide. :)
ReplyDeleteI have an etsy shop- so here is my little opinion: Unless you have a truly unique item OR a competitive price for a popular item, it may not really be worth it. If you do a lot of custom work, it's a good way to reach a world-wide audience. Personally, I am not really all that creative- but I'm really good at copying things I have seen and liked. I did sell one piece of jewelry to a girl I went to high school with, so etsy didn't really help. So... those are just my thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I've been following you for a little while and I love your stuff! You are very creative! I have an etsy store and here is what I think. Etsy is going to be what you make of it. It seems to me that a lot people sit on there all day and promote their stores. Obviously, like most of us, you have a life! It only costs 20 cents to list somthing, so I say, why not give it a try?? If it doesn't work out, and you don't sell anything by the time the listing expires, then you haven't lost anything! Also, I have found it to be a great resource to get rid of old, unwanted supplies!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Emily
I am in the same boat! I think I'm going to bite the bullet and give it a try. My only concern now is whether or not I need to start an LLC & make it an official, government recognized business.
ReplyDeleteRight now I am working on building up some inventory before I even open it. I know I discredit stores that only have a few items.
If you can recreate things you've made as orders come in, I would say go ahead and list photos of things you have already sold or want to keep & then create them as orders come in. Should help with time management :)
Good Luck! Let us all know if you go ahead with it!