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If you haven't been to Etsy ( https://www.etsy.com ) yet, go! I've all but abandoned eBay in favor of Etsy. (Disclaimer: I am not a seller on Etsy and I'm not familiar with their policies on listings, fees, etc. I'm coming strictly from a buyer's point of view.) Etsy is the best website I've found for DIYers and crafters to buy and sell supplies and finished goods. Their payment methods are various (credit card or paypal), they have Feedback, and some unique ways of browsing people's shops. Lately I've spent too much time at work using the "Pounce" view just to see random stuff. Harsh on my pocketbook! If you're on Etsy, show off your shop! Love Etsy? Hate it? Discuss it here. Here are a few of my favorite shops, to start off with. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5202178 - Sells prints, jewelry and tshirts http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5007565 - Fantastic hats! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=14907 - Cool jewelry http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5133492 - Beautiful beaded jewelry http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102343 - Drool-worthy fiber batts for spinners
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# ? Jan 8, 2008 19:57 |
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# ? May 15, 2024 04:02 |
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My shop isn't stocked yet, but I'm hoping people who do run shops could answer some questions about the logistics of running one?
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# ? Jan 8, 2008 22:05 |
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I've been toying with the idea of making stuff to sell on Etsy, so here's the rundown on pricing and whatnot. Basically, $0.20 to list an item, the listing will stay up for up to four months, and if the item sells, Etsy will charge you 3.5% of the purchase price (not including shipping). I went looking through their FAQ forum (I think?), and found a thread by a disgruntled seller, stating that the average fees paid per item sold was something like $2.75, with some items costing them in excess of $13 to be listed/relisted however many times/sold. Some replies to that were to add 3.5% to whatever price you want for an item, as well as to only list an item once (as the likelihood of it being sold on a subsequent listing is really, really low). If I ever decide to start selling, I'll let y'all know! Anyhow, some awesome sellers: Hansigurumi: sells all sorts of amigurumi (literally "knitted stuffed toy" in Japanese, where cuteness is emphasized) sea creatures, owls, etc, along with patterns! Gillian Lee Smith: artwork, accessories, and a really cool corset. Autumn Russell: amazing dresses! Treetop Studios: Portland-based artist with some really cool prints for sale. Ecstasy: Some really cool ideas for screenprinting/redesigning shirts and accessories.
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# ? Jan 8, 2008 23:47 |
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My sister just started selling her glass there during the last month or so. She doesn't really know what to charge people for stuff. She's been making stuff for years but only recently started selling any of it. Her stuff is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5388525
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# ? Jan 8, 2008 23:49 |
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Muffy_the_Diver posted:Gillian Lee Smith: artwork, accessories, and a really cool corset. I've actually bought some of the artwork from Stiletto Heights, who collaborated on that corset. Neat stuff! Jet-Poop posted:My sister just started selling her glass there during the last month or so. She doesn't really know what to charge people for stuff. She's been making stuff for years but only recently started selling any of it.
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 00:08 |
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Jet-Poop posted:My sister just started selling her glass there during the last month or so. She doesn't really know what to charge people for stuff. She's been making stuff for years but only recently started selling any of it. This shop is awesome. I saw a striped bowl like she has at an art show for about $400 dollars. I am so glad this is reasonably priced!
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 00:25 |
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I'm an Etsy addict. I buy a lot of stuff from there and have yet to be disappointed! I started my own shop at the end of October. You can find it here: http://www.pixel8ed.etsy.com
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 00:25 |
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I am in love with Etsy. My favorites: Silent Cheesecake- Jewelry with bugs and flowers in little glass vials, I have one of a black widow with little red blossoms Jesswitaj- Nice screen printed dupioni and silk neckties- I got one for my boyfriend for Christmas I haven't bought from these people but want to: 1 Of My Kind-AMAZING art nouveau jewelry Willy Nilly Water Lily- Out of stock right now but makes adorable plushies Louise Black/Dollflesh- beautiful gothy/vintage clothing and corsets
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 02:27 |
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These might sound like a dumb questions, but I've never bought anything off etsy, and I'm about to start my own shop. How does shipping factor in to the price? As a seller, should I add it in? Or is it charged separately when someone checks out? Does that separate charge go to etsy or to me? How do I get paid? Should I open a new bank account just for etsy business?
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 02:37 |
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Shipping is added in as a separate cost. When you're listing your item you'll go through a bunch of screens, one that asks you for the description, one to tag your item, one to set the price which will include separate spots for your shipping, one for pictures as well. You'll want to figure out your shipping costs on an item prior to listing it. You can list by specific country too, so your US shipping price can be different than your Canadian shipping price which can be different from your Australian shipping price, etc, etc. Some sellers decide not to ship internationally, but if you really want to cater to everyone you should consider it. Other than that the place is a little like Ebay. You might want to consider buying a couple of lower priced items to get yourself some feedback to get started with. Post in their forums in order to get your name out there a little. Browse and add shops to your favorites and they might return the favour. You get paid however you would like. You can take cheque, money order... Most however do Paypal since it's pretty instant. Well, instant for the buyer. As a seller I have to wait days to get money out of Paypal and into my bank account but it's only a minor inconvenience. Good luck with your shop when you do open!
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 12:01 |
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pixel8ed posted:Shipping is added in as a separate cost. When you're listing your item you'll go through a bunch of screens, one that asks you for the description, one to tag your item, one to set the price which will include separate spots for your shipping, one for pictures as well. Thank you so much! I'm just so worried about it failing I guess v:(v
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 14:08 |
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There is forum thread on Etsy called "Confess ONE lesson learned & spare a newbie" that is an excellent read for both new and experienced sellers: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5186947&page=1 If you do set up shop, be sure to check Livejournal communities that are into what you sell, and post to those communities. Even if you hate/don't use Livejournal it is an excellent way to target and attract customers. Personal shops: Chronomorphs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5228029 I rework busted pocket watches into jewelry as a side hobby. Dolluxe Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5215824 My girlfriend's shop selling hand-made Dollfie clothing and accessories. Crimson Empress - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5215797 This one sells her own clothing line and accessories.
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# ? Jan 9, 2008 17:35 |
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I don't have anything up on Etsy, but some goon is advertising their soap via banners on SA and I have to say that their creations are beautiful. It's enough to make me want to get into soap making, and I'm not really a bath-and-beauty whore. Whoever that is ... make a thread, k?
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# ? Jan 11, 2008 03:42 |
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Carlton Banks Teller posted:I don't have anything up on Etsy, but some goon is advertising their soap via banners on SA and I have to say that their creations are beautiful. It's enough to make me want to get into soap making, and I'm not really a bath-and-beauty whore. You mean a thread like this one? Her store is http://savor.etsy.com and her soaps are all super delicious. Plus, if you tell her you're a goon when you order from her, she'll throw in a sample or two
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# ? Jan 11, 2008 08:38 |
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Carlton Banks Teller posted:I don't have anything up on Etsy, but some goon is advertising their soap via banners on SA and I have to say that their creations are beautiful. It's enough to make me want to get into soap making, and I'm not really a bath-and-beauty whore. Oh geeze yes, I have to order, that is the tastiest looking shop on all of Esty. Sounds better and is not as spendy as Lush.
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# ? Jan 12, 2008 16:40 |
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elbow posted:You mean a thread like this one? But I didn't know about the SA-Mart thread, so thank you!
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# ? Jan 12, 2008 20:52 |
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Her soaps are amazing! I got one during SASS and I placed another order last week. They look amazing, smell even better and they're a great quality soap. I think she's out of town though due to a family emergency, but not for too long.
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# ? Jan 12, 2008 22:07 |
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I've only browsed Etsy a few times, because I fall in love with all the beautiful and creative things, and then get so disheartened by the cost of everything. I'm a stitcher, crafter, jewelrymaker, etc, so I understand that you want to charge for your labor and designs as well as materials, but I'm also a student and that means being broke pretty much all the time. So my questions are these: Do y'all find Etsys to have significantly high markups as well? Do things actually sell at these prices? Is running an Etsy actually a good way to suppliment my income, or more of a hobby?
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# ? Jan 12, 2008 23:02 |
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I think most things I've looked at are fairly priced when you consider that everything is handmade. It takes a lot of money in supplies and a lot of time to create these items and I don't mind paying a little extra for that quality. Honestly, I have never bought anything from Etsy and regretted it. I've purchased bath and body items, prints, jewelery and crocheted items among other things. Unless you're willing to put a lot of time into promotion its probably best as a hobby thing. A lot of people do a pretty good job though of supplementing their income. Some even use it as their only source of income which amazes me.
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 01:15 |
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I'm not a crafts person and haven't anything to sell but I just found my way to the men's shave section thanks to this thread and there's so many goodies! Thanks a ton. I hadn't ever heard of this site before.
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 02:12 |
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I totally have an etsy shop! I do gocco screen printing, and to offset the cost of the stupid expensive supples, I sell stuff here: corporatewh0re.etsy.com
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 03:20 |
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Etsy etsy etsy! my shop is at http://catrocketship.etsy.com I paint things.
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 03:54 |
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My friend has a shop up at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=10299 Kateblack
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 10:57 |
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howdy http://couturedejourdotcom.etsy.com finances shop. makes good snacky foods, cloths, and jewelry
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# ? Jan 13, 2008 19:31 |
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I think once I make enough Kanzashi I'll start selling them on Etsy. So maybe sometime this spring. And maybe I'll throw in a goon discount Whispering Machines fucked around with this message at 06:47 on Jan 14, 2008 |
# ? Jan 14, 2008 05:52 |
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I'm actually kind of surprised that not more people have an Etsy account on here. It's just such an awesome place. In any case, here's mine: http://ikebanana.etsy.com I have some charms and things up for Valentine's Day if you're so inclined. Otherwise, I do accept custom orders. hehe
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# ? Feb 2, 2008 00:44 |
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my best friend just launched a vegan chocolate store http://chocoagogo.etsy.com She's amazing!
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# ? Feb 8, 2008 17:54 |
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Whispering Machines posted:I think once I make enough Kanzashi I'll start selling them on Etsy. So maybe sometime this spring. Please do! What about a bulk discount? I have a really cool idea for a piece and I need kanzashi for it but I can't make my own, believe me I tried.
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# ? Feb 8, 2008 19:17 |
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Question for anyone that makes art things and sells them on this site, specifically things like paintings: Is it worth it? Do you actually turn a profit and feel like the time you put into setting up the shop/shipping things out/etc is made up for by the money you make? Or is it more of a "I love my craft and I do it because it brings me pleasure" type of deal
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# ? Feb 8, 2008 23:15 |
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Chiming in with my fiancee's shop: Reach for the Sky She's fairly new. Mostly pendants at the moment. A decent amount of people make these with scrabble tiles, but I think (and I'm biased) that hers are more original and higher quality. Hope you all like it.
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# ? Feb 11, 2008 07:12 |
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My only complaint with Etsy is that there is so much stuff to look at! I remember in a gift-giving thread last year, someone posted a mermaid necklace that they bought off Etsy. I wish wish wish I had kept that Etsy page, because another awesome necklace, a kind of clear orb with dice inside and the words Fate Has You, was there, and I didn't buy it before I lost the page forever. The search continues...
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# ? Feb 12, 2008 05:34 |
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One of my friends started selling jewelry! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5558849 I keep telling her she is underselling her stuff... but she never listens.
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# ? Feb 12, 2008 15:31 |
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Wow! I never knew this site existed! I am looking for a good place to get original art for my new home.
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# ? Feb 12, 2008 20:22 |
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I made some shirts. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5211774
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# ? Feb 14, 2008 01:04 |
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elbow posted:You mean a thread like this one? Yeah, just got my order from her. (OMG YUMMY STUFF) I LOVE ETSY, I'm going to keep an eye on this thread, shop some more next week, probably. I now browse it a lot and pick stuff up because most shop owners have great prices on top of cool stuff. I'd rather have that go straight to the person. Seeing some good stuff in the thread, my poor credit card. I did get a few friends (some goons) laugh at me for buying soap "from Somethingawful".
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# ? Feb 15, 2008 21:25 |
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They'll laugh until they see the soap. Stuff's terrific.
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# ? Feb 16, 2008 18:32 |
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Hey thanks for mentioning me in here! I didn't realize there was an etsy thread until Kibbles send me a message My store's being restocked right now, I got featured on Etsy's main page and it WIPED me out. I'm making hundreds of bars this weekend. I sold an estimated 200 pounds of soap in two days... woah! Thanks everyone for the nice comments about my soap!
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# ? Feb 16, 2008 20:51 |
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https://magipp.etsy.com I don't have much stuff for sale, but I'm working on some things.
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# ? Feb 18, 2008 05:39 |
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Does anyone know of any etsy shops that carry perfume oils? I like exotic/dark/unusual stuff, like one might find at Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab.
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# ? Feb 18, 2008 06:50 |
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# ? May 15, 2024 04:02 |
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Whispering Machines posted:Does anyone know of any etsy shops that carry perfume oils? I like exotic/dark/unusual stuff, like one might find at Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. Try this one: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=93472 They are exotic and seem to do very well, so people must like their stuff.
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# ? Feb 19, 2008 16:31 |