Author Topic: Etsy (Read 3838 times)

SmallTimeSmallholder · « **on:** January 13, 2013, 10:53:29 pm »

I wondered if any of you ever sell any of your goods on Etsy? I have a friend of mine that's very crafty (in the arty sense

) and she's asked me if I might share a shop with her. I don't keep a stock of the stuff I make but it would be nice to make an extra bit of cash!
Do any of you have any experience of selling on Etsy? Would be nice to hear of your experiences

Thanks

renee · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2013, 08:13:53 am »

I opened an account but don't use it very much , I find I sell better having a market stall once in a while when I have too much stuff. What do you make?

Bionic · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2013, 09:50:56 am »

I think Ellisr used to sell her things through Etsy but haven't seen her on her for a while.
Maybe you could try pm'ing her

SmallTimeSmallholder · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2013, 10:42:39 am »

Quote from: renee on January 14, 2013, 08:13:53 am

What do you make?

An assortment of stuff really, hats, scarves, gloves, quite a lot of jumpers, cardies, tank tops for the kids. I've only really knitted for the family, but, like so many of us, could do with some extra cash.
What do you find sells well (if you don't mind me asking)

[size=78%] [/size]

MAK · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2013, 11:10:46 am »

We had a good look at Etsy and FOLKSY ( UK version). We are currently making our own web site to keep advertising and commision costs down.
Given that not one of my family had heard of Etsy or Folksy I wonder how succesful the site is for vendors. My feeling is that a high percentage of the traffic on Etsy is of those who are looking to sell and not buy. I guess the real trick is to refer people to your own products displayed on Etsy but you will be paying for this per item/4 month period - then commison if you sell.
The other point is that you will need to create stock to have available to sell. The fallback of a periodic market stall sounds good.

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2013, 12:01:41 pm »

I have a friend who does the occasional craft market and she has said she will sell stuff for me on a commission basis. Maybe worth seeing if you could find someone, ofr join with someone else to share the cost and the manning of the stall.

renee · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2013, 12:54:36 pm »

Quote from: SmallTimeSmallholder on January 14, 2013, 10:42:39 am

[
An assortment of stuff really, hats, scarves, gloves, quite a lot of jumpers, cardies, tank tops for the kids. I've only really knitted for the family, but, like so many of us, could do with some extra cash.
What do you find sells well (if you don't mind me asking) [size=78%] [/size]

Ask away

It is a bit tricky though as I live in an area with 5-6 months of snow! But my handspun is fairly popular and woolen hats which I have knitted for me in my own wool. Hobby people are beginning to needle felt so I am surprised how much carded wool I sell. Raw washed wool for decorating Father Christmas. (That goes all year)
Home made soap goes well -again something I sell for a friend. I sit and spin when at the market. Takes some doing at -10. I go more to avertise my lamb meat and café. Oh, and of course I have sheep skins. But I live in a different country with different traditions. The Norwegians have a good economy and they come on holiday to Jämtland where prices are lower.

SmallTimeSmallholder · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2013, 01:57:01 pm »

Thanks everyone,
You have helped me decide. I think a market stool would be a good idea. All I have to do now is to decide what to make

I hadn't considered selling carded wool - what a good idea! Nothing to lose there! If it doesn't sell then I'll just take it home and spin it!

I think the nice thing about making something out of your own hand spun is it makes it completely different to what you can buy in the shops. Unfortunately I don't have any sheep, so I won't be able to do skins. Shame because I love them.
I'll go and knit up a big pile or stock, which should then guarantee a long hot summer when no one will want knit wear!