CatherineMarissa

Etsy Buy Handmade CatherineMarissa

*Why Etsy? Was Etsy your first online store? Do you sell elsewhere?

I had an online shop connected to my personal website for awhile, but it was incredibly time consuming without the desired results. At a show, another fabulous vendor pointed me in the direction of Etsy and I figured it was worth a shot since the listing is so reasonable and the template is easy to follow.

In addition to Etsy, I sell at a few craft shows and home parties each year and have my work in a gallery.

*How long have you been on Etsy as a seller?

I started an account in the late fall of 2006. I began listing jewelry in my shop in January of 2007. I had intended on opening sooner, but my second son showed up a couple months premature and knocked me off course.

I opened a destash shop "Jewelry Supplies" in January of 2007 and began listing pretty much immediately. "Avery Winslow" opened in September 2007.

*Why do you sell what you sell? What is your inspiration?

I sell jewelry because I enjoy designing and have gotten a good response to my work. I also sell my own line because I like having a creative outlet and, while it certainly isn't paying the mortgage each month, the income that I do have helps with medical bills and the occasional guilt free family trip.

I'm mostly inspired by people, as general as that sounds. I've always been the type of person who is content to sit and watch others go about their days. I'm inspired by the stories that I create for these strangers. I also find inspiration in fashion magazines, vintage clothing books, the supplies themselves, and that incredibly fascinating time each day where I drift between wakefulness and sleep.

*How long did it take to get your first sale?

It certainly felt like a lifetime! Even though I knew that wasn't the case, I really wanted to post and have that first item sell...as if to tell me "this is the place for you." In reality, I think it was around 3 weeks and I had around 30 items in my shop.

*What is the hardest thing about selling online for you and what have you done to help you do this?

No question, my biggest challenge online is photography and descriptions. When I sell in person, size is obvious (rather than struggling with a ruler when purchasing online) and the shoppers can see the sparkle and clarity of a piece with no question as to its quality. It's difficult for me to translate the beauty of each piece online. I'm working on it though. :) I've tried different styles of photography, different backgrounds, and experimented with ways to show scale. I'm still working on the best way to do descriptions that blends factual information with the fun details.

Additionally, I think selling in general is difficult for me since I'm so busy with other responsibilities and short on time. I feel like I have a million ideas for pieces, advertising, and marketing...I just need 48 hours in a day (or a full time nanny!).

* What do you think is the BEST most effective way to get your name out?

This is a question that I still struggle with. I think it's most important to first figure out who your market is and plan your advertising with that market in mind. Although I've heard a lot about MySpace working for other sellers, I know that my typical clients do not use MySpace so that isn't the best way to get my name out. I also know that many of the online features do not appeal to my customers. As more and more shopping takes place on line, I'm hoping that an online form of advertising will stand out as effective. At this point, I've received the most traffic following magazine publications or features. In my budget for 2008, I am planning to spend more advertising dollars on print ads.

Anyone selling should have business cards with them always and give those out to family and friends who are comfortable sharing information about the business. That's the easiest way to get your name out.

Please Visit her blog and website!

Artisan Impact

Etsy Buy Handmade artisanimpact

Ilan, Oded and Ev are completely passionate about jewelry. They have been making and selling gold and silver jewelry for 16 years in galleries. Their designs are inspired by Spanish and other cultures.

They decided to start selling online on Ebay in the summer of 2007 but do not think it is as good a fit as Etsy is. They heard about Etsy in July of 2007 and started to sell there as well. Their first sale was a week after starting on Etsy with their second sale another week later. It took them two to three months to get regular sales on Etsy.

They have come up with a unique solution to advertising, printing a catalog called “Artisans of the World”. They print their designs and sell space to other etsyians trying to get their name out.

It is mandatory that you set aside money and time to promote your shop outside of Etsy. Posting on the boards will get people to look at your shop but isn't easily done on a daily basis.

Visit their other Etsy shop and their website.

Little Bug Boutique

Etsy Buy Handmade littlebugsboutique

Little Bugs Boutiques is actually this mother's second shop, her first being opened in 2004. She didn't open shop on Etsy until December 2007. It took her a week to get her first sale on Etsy.

Charlene has always been creating and artistic. She got her degree in Interior Design and started working in an Architectural firm. She loved her job but then some things in her life changed.

In 2001, after the birth of her first child, she was searching for something that would allow her to spend more time at home, but still allow her to get out some creative energy. She tried and disliked scrap booking. One day she woke up and it dawned on her that she should make and sell jewelry and has had a passion for it ever since. In 2005, she started to focus on the jewelry business full time. She still does some Architectural work now and then, but children & jewelry are her primary passions and keep her quite busy.

The hardest thing for Charlene about selling online is that you can't actually see and hold the item. She states, "You have to sell the picture." This means practicing and experimentation. Try every angle, light, and prop you have.

She also things the BEST way to get ones name out is by word of mouth. "Good quality and service are essential," emphasizes Charlene. Have your items shipped promptly and packaged well.

Visit her blog, website or her supply shop on Etsy.