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I've been a member of the Etsy community since April of 2006 and have been selling there since Spring of 2007. Although I'm not a big time seller, I do my share of buying on Etsy and I have some observations or selling tips I'd like to share with you. While sales may be down, I love Back Home Again more than ever and continue to find ways to make it work!
Price Point: In case you haven't heard, money is tight and
consumers are thinking twice before they spend. No, I don't think you
should loose money on your handmade goods. However, I do think you
need to think about price points. For
example, I use to sell a bag for $58 that was stabilized with quilt
batting and canvas, had a flat bottom, a closure and plenty of
pockets. Lots of labor and supply cost! By scaling back on the
stabilizing, design, size, closures and pockets, I now offer a tote bag that
is big in vintage style but small on the pocket book.
Promotion: You MUST promote yourself
outside of Etsy. Start a blog, get a facebook (although I haven't
LOL), twitter and join social groups specific to your work. But a
word of caution. Determine the amount of time you want to spend
promoting, think quality not quantity and never spend more time
promoting than creating or searching for vintage items. If you don't have time or desire to promote,
purchase inexpensive advertising on select blogs or social
networking groups.
Expenses: The one thing you have
control over are your expenses. Try your best to use what you have in
stash, join co-ops, dig through your grandma's closet or barter. When it comes
to packing supplies, go to your local doctor's office, nursing home
or pre-school. This is where I get all my shipping supplies and I
don't pay a dime.
Shipping: I think this is especially
important when it comes to selling vintage. People just don't want to
pay huge shipping costs. The majority of my items will fit in a
bubble lined envelope and ship for less than $5. The cost of shipping
Pyrex, for example, is often as much if not more than the item
itself.
Send a positive message: When you post
in the Etsy forum, you are posting a message than can and will be
seen by all. I purchase quite a bit from Etsy sellers and I will not
purchase from someone that is pushing their political or religious
views down my throat. If you are nasty, I will not purchase from you.
Be supportive of other artisans and promote them when you have the
opportunity. Like it or not, the message you send is a direct reflection on your work.
I'd love to hear your tips on selling
your handmade goods on Etsy or other online venues. Just leave a comment and pass it on....
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