Etsy anyone?

[khadi]

Does anyone else here run an Etsy shop? Or buy things from there?

I love and appreciate Etsy, but the whole "craft culture" can be weird/manic.

[annaelizabeth]

I absolutely LOVE etsy. I've bought quite a few things on there. There is such a variety of items that it's amazing.
I don't run a shop though. Just a fan.
I've noticed etsy has become very popular lately. I like to browse local craft fairs, so that is probably why I enjoy it so much. It's like an online craft bazaar. It is somewhat overhwelming though with the number of sellers.

[rara avis]

God bless the internet, I love etsy. What a great idea. I've bought a couple of things there- results can be varied. But it is fun to browse. There is some really awesome stuff, mostly from real makers, not second, third, or twentieth-hand retailers.

I vaguely think of starting a shop there... might be a fun sideline, if I could be productive enough. My sister wants me to try making stationary/greeting card type things.

My mother crochets baby blankets like there's no tomorrow, she has about 20 of them piled up (and no grandchildren, *cough cough*) - we've been trying to talk her around to setting up shop there.

There is a lot of very crafty crap, but there is some brilliant quality stuff mixed right in. Fun.

[Merle]

I love etsy so much. I just had two packages arrive today :) I buy presents for my sisters from there a lot.

I have intended to start a shop for quite a while (selling jewellery) but, to be honest, there are so many jewellery shops on there I'm not sure it's worth it. There is some shockingly bad stuff on there, but there is also some really astonishingly brilliant stuff, I wish I had the money to spend on some of the properly artisan crafted things- furniture, beautiful jewellery etc.

[dandylion]

I like, not love Etsy. It's all right. I have a couple favorite sellers, and I've bought a few things from the site, but I am generally discouraged from buying most things since I noticed that many people like to overprice their items. I understand they're trying to make a profit and they put time into making it and yaddayaddaya but that doesn't justify $200+ for a shirt. It seems that some sellers are delusional about the quality or worth of their product--that, or they're wannabe designers so they use that as an excuse to charge an exorbitant cost on a rag even though they're just amateurs who haven't really "made it" yet.

[annaelizabeth]

I like, not love Etsy. It's all right. I have a couple favorite sellers, and I've bought a few things from the site, but I am generally discouraged from buying most things since I noticed that many people like to overprice their items. I understand they're trying to make a profit and they put time into making it and yaddayaddaya but that doesn't justify $200+ for a shirt. It seems that some sellers are delusional about the quality or worth of their product--that, or they're wannabe designers so they use that as an excuse to charge an exorbitant cost on a rag even though they're just amateurs who haven't really "made it" yet.


on the flip side of that, I've bought some items which I felt were way underpriced. So it really depends on the individual seller.

[khadi]

There is some really awesome stuff, mostly from real makers, not second, third, or twentieth-hand retailers.

Yes exactly, it's nice, buyers and artist-sellers communicating with each other directly.

I vaguely think of starting a shop there... might be a fun sideline, if I could be productive enough. My sister wants me to try making stationary/greeting card type things.

It's fun, but trying to promote your shop can be very time consuming.

My mother crochets baby blankets like there's no tomorrow, she has about 20 of them piled up (and no grandchildren, *cough cough*) - we've been trying to talk her around to setting up shop there.


That'd be great. I get the impression that Etsy has caught on with young moms. Baby blankets are actually useful, too!

I have intended to start a shop for quite a while (selling jewellery) but, to be honest, there are so many jewellery shops on there I'm not sure it's worth it.

Yeah that seems to be the case. I think anyone trying to sell jewelry must have a hard time of it, there's so much competition.

I am generally discouraged from buying most things since I noticed that many people like to overprice their items. I understand they're trying to make a profit and they put time into making it and yaddayaddaya but that doesn't justify $200+ for a shirt.

I agree that clothing prices seem exorbitant, though I haven't shopped around for clothes. Aside from that and furniture, though, most things seem fairly priced. And a LOT of things are underpriced, as annaelizabeth says, probably because sellers are getting frustrated about their wares not selling.

[Lil]

Go to etsy and search for chickrocks. I've bought jewelry from this artist in person... her earrings are exquisite. The stones and color combinations are incredible. I also have several of her necklaces. I think her prices are reasonable. (More expensive than Target, where I get MOST of my earrings! :) )

ETA: I'm not interested in her photos or cards... just the jewelry.

[SShack]

Has anybody visited Regretsy (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)?

[StarvingArtist]

I have a shop there, but don't sell much..... It is well made, uniquely designed jewelry and is priced accordingly..... and you are right about there being so much jewelry..... Mostly made by hobbyists (not trying to be a snob, but there is a difference between someone who does beadwork and a bench jeweler who has $20k+ in tools and more in an education....)...

I am focusing more on local boutiques and galleries....

Etsy shop is fishhawkdesigns, by the way......

[khadi]

Has anybody visited Regretsy (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)?

Ha, I'm a fan.

I have a shop there, but don't sell much..... Etsy shop is fishhawkdesigns

Hey I bet you'd get more views and sales if your pictures did the pieces justice, i.e. natural lighting, close-ups, several angles. It helps to think of your pictures as published ads. Also you'll get more hits if you fill in all your 14 tags! That's how people looking to buy things will find you. fwiw.