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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

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carter

Veteran

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Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Diana

Veteran

It's basically independent craftspeople/sellers, although some larger companies do have a presence as well. Kind of an online version of a craft fair maybe. Anyone can sign up to sell things. I think return policies and such are determined by the individual seller. I have never had a problem with any seller on Etsy (although I've never tried to return anything so I can't comment as to returns, etc.) Most of what I have bought has been either jewelry or yarn/knitting supplies.

ETA: I always pay with paypal so I'm not concerned about financial security issues.

April

Veteran

Handmade is much of Etsy, but vintage has become a huge part of it as well. It's like an eBay where everything is "Buy it Now" and nothing is via auction.

rabbit

Veteran

I've bought less than a dozen things from Etsy, although I've browsed a fair bit. To me it's more like Ebay than Amazon. Individual online shops, each with their own policies. There are Etsy gift cards that many shops honor, and coupon codes and the like. Again like Ebay the larger shops have a high number of favorable reviews.

It initially was supposed to be all handmade/artisan produced and vintage resale (over 20 years old). But I guess they recently started allowing some factory produced objects if they are unique.

I've not had problems when I've needed to return an item for a different size, but the time on fulfillment is of course longer than a traditional retailer as the items are often made in small batches. There are also a fair amount of customization/made to order options.

It's great for niche looks (for example: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Carouselink ) but also interesting individual pieces, jewelry and accessories.

carter

Veteran

Thank you, Diana, April and Rabbit! Cruising necklaces...two in my cart. Bracelets next, then scarves. So wish I knew what to do with knitting supplies, Diana!

Such fun stuff! What else should I be looking for?

Gigi

Veteran

I don't have a lot of experience with Etsy, but I know that people like to shop there for handmade items, especially knitting and jewelry. So it looks like you are right on target with your shopping cart! I have bought only one thing: a hand-knitted hooded scarf (four years ago). I wasn't super-excited about the design, but the quality was excellent, and the price was much less than I would have paid in a regular store (it was 100% wool, from the knitter's own alpaca farm).

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like it for very unusual things. My feather headdress came from Etsy.

rachylou

Veteran

I like Etsy. I've gotten a variety of things off Etsy. A little suit, some shadow puppets, some pottery... I like the handmade things best.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I love Etsy. Like an international, beautiful crafts fair.

deb

Veteran

Carter, I have purchased original art and gifts from Etsy also. This is one of my favorites I have hanging in my office. It is an original oil on board.

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fern

Veteran

I have been very happy with my Etsy shop for my art.
I always try to buy something from Etsy when I sell a piece there - paying it forward - so I have a number of accessories from Etsy. Great jewelry.
Here's a variation of the scarf I bought in December - it's gorgeous and so warm.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....scarf-tide
I'm thinking of going back for her bigger size throw to wear at my desk (by a cold window!).

fashionfwd

I am a huge fan of etsy!! in fact when I got married in italy, most of my wedding attire was outfitted by etsy, including a gorgeous veil with hand sewn petals and crystals. It is great for lots of unusual and artisanal things...especially unique jewellery. I always leave my reviews because the community grows and thrives and it helps the sellers when buyers leave reviews/feedbacks.

LoveSarahDub

(website)

LOVE Etsy for both jewelry and art prints! I've ordered an awesome 3 piece Octopus chevron print for my bedroom, as well as adorable nautical theme prints for my son's room. You can find so many unique pieces! I really enjoy it!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have purchased unique jewelry for gifts on Etsy. I have never had a problem, and items have arrived nicely packaged and on time.

E

Veteran

I've never had a problem w using Etsy. Like Diana, I use Paypal so am not giving my info to any sellers. I also usually message the seller with a question first (I do this on ebay as well) to gauge from their response how fast/professional are. I will say that, if you're shopping there because you're interested in fair trade issues, you have to be aware that there's a factory produced presence now. Etsy doesn't seem terribly focused on banning sellers who aren't following the handcrafted/vintage policies.

Other than vintage clothing & both vintage & handcrafted jewelry, I love looking at the original art prints available there!

Alassë

Veteran

Never had a problem, used Paypal, & sent lots of seller messages to gauge tone of seller. I've only used for accessories, and I don't mess with Asian stores, but it seems pretty good. Like the others said, Ebay for handmade.

Thistle

Veteran

I like Etsy a lot, although I have never tried to return anything, so can't speak to that. I just bought an embroidered blanket for my newborn nephew with his nickname. His parents loved it.

I have also bought a lot jewelry there. It is really fun to find unique things someone made that are one of a kind and actually made with quality materials.

I also really like being able to customize, although, I have bought plenty of pieces I just loved. And I like supporting small craftspeople, so I tend to look for sellers who are here in the US or Canada and you can tell they are clearly making the pieces. If it ships from Asia, I avoid it.

viva

Veteran

I discovered etsy in 2008 and let's just say I spent a LOT of time (and money!) there those first few years. I'm rarely on etsy now, but only because I don't buy these kinds of things much anymore ... but I envy you that you are just discovering it. It's such a cool place, although a total time suck: be warned.

What I like most about etsy is the chance to purchase from all over the world, and the chance to deal directly with artists / vendors. I always use PayPal and have never had a problem.

Like Deb and Fern, I have original art from etsy: a tiny oil painting of a sailboat, from Italy, that I gave to my husband; a beautiful painting of a house in a field of Tulips, from Poland; a strange and lovely sculpture; a print of a woman wearing a dress made of flowers (and lots of other prints). I
Etsy is also great for Christmas ornaments if you celebrate the holiday. I bought a box of 24 vintage glass ornaments from a collector, as well as new handmade ornaments.
Jewelry -- hammered silver and gold narrow bands, a set of seven, that I wear every day. My favorite stud earrings, which are from Israel, and my favorite hanging earrings too. Numerous items for my daughters.
Posters -- vintage Elvis Costello concert poster for our music room. New York subway poster.
Knitted items (for those who don't knit). There are a ton of knitters who sell on etsy -- everything from mittens to purses.
I've also purchased iphone cases, a handmade leather ipad case, personalized water bottle wrappers for my daughter's graduation party, natural pomegranate ginger blueberry lollipops, dog tags and collars, clothing .... the list goes on and on.
Happy exploring!!!

bella

(website)

Veteran

For the last two years, I purchased gifts for my secret santa from Etsy! The sellers are usually individuals who design and craft the items themselves. It allows me to find unique pieces. Also, these sellers really pay attention to customizing, packaging, little notes that accompany the gifts,etc. so I try to use etsy for special gifts.

carter

Veteran

So sorry I didn't make it back to answer last night...I was filling my cart on Etsy! Yikes. How could I have missed this? A time suck? It certainly is, Viva!

Thank you all for your thoughts on Etsy and the lists of types of things you have bought. There are a few I need to add to my search...iPhone case, hand-knitted items, leather goods, gifts, pottery. Oh my, it's going to take some serious cart editing before I pull the trigger. I'll let you know what I end up buying.

Kristin L

Veteran

I've loved Etsy for presents. I've found some very pretty jewelry and decorations there.

Diana

Veteran

Oh, and how could I forget! We got our custom letterpress invitations/save the dates/thank you cards for our wedding from an Etsy seller (although my husband knows her in person too). Her prices were super reasonable compared to larger commercial letterpress outfits, and she even did a custom graphic for us.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I've only gotten a few things there, but have been impressed with the quality, especially a handmade shawl.... now I just gotta use it

AviaMariah

Veteran

It's a great place to look at art. I've purchased a few pieces and plan on purchasing more. One of the pieces I purchased came from at artist in Paris which I didn't realize until the package came. That was fun and made me feel like a real art collector!!

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

I'm also an Etsy fan. Over the years I have bought necklaces, scarves and artwork. I buy friends who have had a baby a piece of artwork for the baby's room.

But yes, big time suck.