Shopping Etsy...advise, pls

Isabel

With Sona's latest Etsy find ( and so many other people's too ), it got me wondering, how do you even begin navigating Etsy ? Do you look for something specific on Etsy ? Or do you do a general Google search and then get a link there ?

Etsy overwhelms me, though I would love to buy from these "smaller" and hand made items shops. I feel the same about eBay. Do you specifically think one day, "Helmut Lang" and then go looking. These don't strike me as places to browse easily. Any advise ?

13 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from ClaraT

Kristin L

Veteran

I usually do a search on etsy for a broad topic, like silver rings. Then I just keep narrowing it down using the side panel-thing.

13 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

Not a lot of help here, just wanted to say I find it difficult to navigate too! Glad Im not the only one

13 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, I just browse and narrow using the filter.

13 years ago

Becky

Veteran

I usually am looking for something specific, rather than browsing in general, so I do as Kristin does, starting with a search and narrowing from there. I wouldn't know how to begin to just browse. Even my specific searches end up costing a lot of time!

13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

I've looked both for general things ("Bangle") and specific (the beaded sash I had attached to my wedding gown). I start with a general search and narrow it down with the left panel and more terms, like the rest. I think the main thing is that you have to have some time to kill and not mind a bit of hunting

13 years ago

rebekahphoto

Veteran

For etsy, I do a specific search. For instance : "Red leather tote". Then you can select vintage or handmade. that helps to narrow things down. Some categories are huge, and others smaller. I have had very good experiences buying handmade items off Etsy!

For ebay the same, adding a size is great to limit your options. also new or used. Having a brand is helpful, but sometimes it is fun to just search "Merino caridgan xl" and see what pops up!

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I am not sure there is a great way to do it - something etsy might need to work on to generate more traffic.

I have bought a few things there, but in general, it takes time to wade through everything. I think it is more difficult than e-Bay as e-Bay has far more categories to help narrow.

13 years ago

Spiffy

Active Member

One tip is when looking for something, say 'silver rings' if you see something that isn't exactly what you want but you generally like the aesthetic, click through to the sellers shop. I've had great luck finding stuff that way because producers and resellers tend to favor certain looks ( boho, mcm...) and while the ring might not be spot on, the earrings might be just the thing. Most of what I've bought has been through searches for unrelated items.

13 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I love shopping on Etsy but I have to have something specific in mind or the site is just too big to navigate. I search for something like "leather wrap bracelets" and see what comes up. It's harder (for me) to find art like paintings or photographs since I don't usually have a specific search criteria.

13 years ago

Sona

Veteran

yup. semi-specific search term: red earrings. or rubber necklace. or vintage brooch.

13 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

I've only shopped Etsy looking for something specific: a non-leather clutch as a gift for a friend led me to this link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/redru.....eller_info Before that experience, I thought Etsy was for very crafty looking items, but there are some beautifully made pieces.
I'm with you: browsing is overwhelming.

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13 years ago

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