Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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!!!!

16 comments:

Heather said...

I was totally thinking about doing this. Thanks so much for the tips. Timing could not have been better if ya tried.

~ Big hugs, Heather ~

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

I've had my Etsy shop open since August of 2009! I don't post as often as I should.... but I will! LOL! My Etsy Store Name is DoubleClickConnect

I wish I had your posting when I started!

Holly said...

I just started an etsy shop too! I'm in major need to supplement my craft fund, this summer is totally about saving money for school in the fall... My world is just breaking a bit, so i'm kind of on my own with finances and living.. :(
But, hopefully I can handle it, no matter how hard I have to work. All I can do is my best right?

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tips!!! I have one item on etsy... I'm too scared no one will like my stuff :( oh well i guess i need to keep on making cards and post them up on there...

Thanks
kat

buglvr2010 said...

It is funny that you posted this...I was considering emailing you to ask you if you thought your store was worth it. I've been considering doing this but have been chicken...but I'm goint to give it a shot.

thanks.

Corri

~Molly~ said...

Hi Momo,
What method of shipping to you use so that the cards don't get messed up and how much does it cost to ship?
I am new to all of this, but my husband is noticing how expensive it is and is asking if one day I plan to sell what I make to fund my new hobby. LOL When I get better, I may have to do this!
Anyway, thanks for the info!
~Molly

Joanna said...

I'm so glad you posted this about Etsy...I've really been considering selling on there. I just wasn't sure if it would be worth it,but I need some extra $ for my addiction! LOl...I think I will try and get some things together! :)

ReNae Allen said...

You are such an inspiration, MOMO, and so helpful to other crafters. I appreciate all you do for us. The Q & A on Etsy was very informative and interesting! Thanks!

crazyaboutcricut said...

Priceless info, and thanks again for being such a HUGE supporter of your fellow crafters :)

Tammie said...

Thanks so much for all the answers! I'm almost ready to take the plunge - getting in some packaging materials today.

mustbecrafty said...

Thanks for all of the tips. I just went to your ETSY shop and everything is so beautiful and wonderfully priced. I loooove your post-it note holders!

The Archiving Angel said...

Hello dear~ fantastic post!
Thanks for the info.
While I basically had the gist of it all it is quite nice to see & hear from an experienced seller.
Encourages me to go for it.
Thanks,
Sonia

Deanna Mulder said...

Hi Momo, thanks for sharing your Etsy tips. This is one of my goals to get started on this year is setting up a shop on Etsy to sell my cards to help fund my "craft habit"! I may email you with more questions as I get closer to getting started.

Live Love and Scrap said...

hmmmmmm....I'm thinking! I'm thinking! I'm thinking.....

Patty said...

Thanks for the push!!! I had a blog with a bunch of projects done but somehow it got hacked on :( So I recently created a new one... A friend of mine told me about Etsy and by reading your blog I think I might try it although first I have to post some projects on my blog first lol :P I saw your shop and boy aren't you creative! LOVE your cards!!!

Trisha said...

Your the sweetest person ever!! Helping crafters with ways to fund their crafting addiciton! :) But seriously, i've known about etsy for a while now b/c my bestfriend got her wedding invitations custom made through someone on etsy and its always been something that I've considered. Since I'm a stay at home wife (for now, lol), I think I might have to really look into this!


Thanks dear!!