Selling Crafts on Etsy!

Hi my friends!

Well I have gotten a few emails about selling on Etsy and thought I would share with you guys how to get started and a few tips if you are already signed up.

What is Etsy?
Etsy is a website where people can sell handmade items, supplies to make handmade items and vintage items. CLICK HERE to de directed to Etsy.

Who can sell on Etsy?
Everyone :o)

How do I sign up to sell?
CLICK HERE and you will be directed to the Seller sign up page.

What do I need to get started?
You need a product to sell; in our craft world you can sell cards, altered items, journals, mini albums, scrapbook layouts, paper, stamps, envelopes, and much more! You will also need a paypal account and a camera.

How do I price my items?
Well just browse around at other stores like yours. See what they sell for and if you feel that your cuts are more detailed or less detailed adjust accordingly. Another thing I do is ask my family and friends how much they would pay for my items. It is the best way to get a feel for pricing. I normally sell my cards for about $2.50-$3.50. If you are a crafter that stamps images and colors them in with Copic markers I would charge a little more only because Copics are an art all by themselves. :o)

Can you make a living on Etsy?
I believe that there are some crafts that you can defintely make a living on Etsy. There are a lot of success stories if you take a look at their site. Now when it comes to paper crafting I do not believe that you can produce an entire salary from it but you can definately support your crafting addiction. I buy all my crafting stuff solely on my Etsy money.

How do you get paid?
Through your paypal account. I have a debit card that Paypal offers and thats how I get the money out. You can also have it transferred to your bank account.

What do you ship your cards in?
 All of my cards are always packaged in Cello Sleeves and then I use bubble mailers to ship. I buy those supplies on Ebay super cheap.

Does Etsy charge you to sell?
Yes. They charge you 20 Cents to list the item and 3.5% of the total sale price. For a detailed list of Etsy Fees CLICK HERE!

Can people request custom orders?
Absolutely. I have had over 20 custom order requests since I started. When you set your shop up it will be like a store. If you would like to see mine I have a link on my sidebar or you can CLICK HERE! On the side there is a link that people can press to order custom items.

The most common question I get is "Is it worth it?"
For me, it is! I love selling on Etsy and I love knowing that people want to buy my items. It makes me feel all muchy inside! :o) Plus it helps me purchase all my crafting stuff, which is totally worth it!!! All I can say is to give it a try and if you dont like, then stop! Thats all there is too it.

Now here are some tips for once you get started or if you already have an account:

-Post something atleast once a week. It is the only way to keep your store at the top of the search list. When people search for "Handmade Cards" the most recent listings will show up first. So post frequently.

-If you have a facebook, attach your Etsy to it for more exposure. Email the link to everyone you know. Who else to promote your business than the people who already love you.

-Practice taking pictures and have good lighting. The pictures are what sell. I have a desk lamp I keep on my desk and a white poster board that I fold in half. Put the poster board on your desk when taking pictures and the card will have a nice white, clean background. Point the desk lamp right at your card and you should have a nice photo when your done. (Instant photo studio) :o)

-There is a profile button in your shop. Write something about yourself. Share your blog so the shopper can see what your crafting style is like.

-Always ship on time (In your store you have a section that you can tell the shopper about your shipping and return policy) and answer emails within a 24-48 hour timeframe. You want them to come back and buy again.

-HAVE FUN and don't think of it as a JOB! :o)

I really hope this helps as many of you guys out as possible! If you have any other questions please email me at madebymomo@yahoo.com as many of you already know I email back as quickly as possible and I absolutely love to hear from you guys!

If you decide to open your Etsy shop, please share it with me! I want to seeee!!!!