Tell me about your Etsy experiences…(update down thread!)

Anonymous

I've only purchased once, and the quality of what I bought wasn't up to my standards. The lesson I learned from that particular transaction was " you get what you pay for" .

2 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I've purchased jewelry and a few t-shirts and several household specialty items. We have wonderful floating chunky rustic wood wall shelves made custom from an Etsy woodworker. I have acoustic tile panels for my studio that are art in themselves and were very affordable.

Most purchases have been satisfactory but there were a couple bad buys mostly due to me not carefully asking questions on a couple things - sizing in one case - age and wear on another vintage item.

2 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Read the reviews and definitely check any associated customer photos as they might give a better, non-perfectly-lit idea of what you’re actually going to get. I personally order mostly from Canadian sellers (although I would consider an international order for a item generally associated with the country it’s coming from, and I have ordered a US item to send to family who live there). I haven’t ordered clothing, only Canadian made jewelry, a knit hat for my teenager with specific taste (I’m happy to support her interest in unique, non fast fashion items), and some vintage items. I’ve been happy with the results. I do think there is plenty of crap on there (my understanding is that they changed the rules a while ago to make it way less stringent), but you can read between the lines.

2 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I have purchased multiple things from Etsy sellers, primarily art and pottery (I love mid-century European pottery, and there are several sellers in Europe who do a fabulous job with this, including packing and shipping), but also small leather goods (a leather bracelet, some leather straps to replace on a tote) and some linen pieces. My experiences have been fabulous, with extensive interaction with the sellers and great customer service overall. I would say to read their reviews carefully, and pay attention to their return policy. Which I guess is what you'd do for any retailer, so I'm afraid I'm not too helpful :).

2 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My experience has been similar to Jonesy. I have bought jewelry and home decor items and have been very happy with my purchases. I stick with vendors who have lots of good reviews and photos.

2 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I've had very positive experiences on Etsy and I'm a repeat buyer from a handful of shops for everything from art to housewares, toys to jewelry. I've purchased both brand new handmade items and vintage secondhand items successfully. I think the trick is to read reviews carefully and figure out whether a shop is legit (actually selling handcrafted items vs selling cheap mass-produced stuff that's been repackaged as "artisan"). There are lots of articles/reddit threads/etc with tips on how to cull the good from the bad. I typically message the shop with questions before purchasing, google their name to see if they're selling on other platforms or via their own website as well, and browse the whole shop rather than looking just at the individual item. Referrals from friends, blogs, etc are useful too. I've only had a couple issues with orders (one damaged item one incomplete order), and in both cases the sellers were prompt, gracious and helpful and I got a full refund in the first case and the missing items shipped free of charge in the second.

2 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I had a couple of different etsy shops (hand dyed yarn and vintage/repurposed items) in the past, and I have bought many items from from many different sellers over the years. I love etsy- it's my go-to for anything unique. I don't know that I've ever had a bad experience. Definitely read the reviews, read listing specifics and ask questions before purchasing. Just this week I received a beautiful hand loomed table runner to freshen up our ofrenda, and some turkish towels (from Turkey) of varying sizes and colors for a bathroom refresh in the new place. I am extremely happy with all of these items, but again-I don't think I have had a bad experience yet on etsy. I only have good things to say, both as a seller and a buyer.
I added photos of my recent purchases.

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2 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Following with interest.

Put off the gift I planned for my mother last year because the Etsy shop (sockmates) was sold out of the cherry on top—velvet socks that said “if you can read this….bring me a glass of wine”. They don’t make them any more. Now I can find plenty of velvet socks, plenty of socks with that or similar phrases, but no velvet socks with sayings on them.

Searching is a pain because there are tons of ads formatted exactly like the search results, so any kind of sort order is ruined. I could pay a fee to get rid of the ads, but that just makes the gift more expensive.

Also, I’d love to get my sister a cool old fishing creel or lobster trap or something, but haven’t the slightest idea how to tell a cool one from a crappy pile of mold that’s about to fall apart. Vintage is always tricky. Long-distance vintage, where some wear is part of the charm (but not overboard like Texgal describes) is even trickier (for me).

2 years ago

ChristelJ

Veteran

I also have had many good experiences and use Etsy mostly for vintage items and sewing patterns and fabric. I look very closely at all the photos and zoom in on them, which is very helpful. SInce I am in the US I usually filter for items from the US just so they will arrive more quickly, at least that is what I assume. I do look for good shop reviews and I often message the seller ahead of time with a question or two. Everyone has been very responsive. Some of my best experiences were with small shops just starting out who only had a few reviews and were eager to be helpful. Good luck and have fun if you decide to shop Etsy!

2 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I’ve bought many things, mostly vintage scarves and handmade jewelry. My experience has been pretty good. I have returned a couple things. A vendor with lots and lots of reviews will probably be okay.

2 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

I have had very good experiences with the Etsy sellers I have worked with. I do read descriptions and reviews carefully. I also ask questions of the seller prior to purchasing. As with any transaction, I find communication, clarity and customer service are the keys to success.

2 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My experiences are minimal but all have been good. I have bought fabric masks (not a need for you, since you sew your own!) and jewellery and several gift items for others and the customer service, delivery, and the items themselves were more than satisfactory. I'd say read reviews, descriptions, etc. carefully. I tend to order only from Canadian sellers simply for the ease of the transaction and to save expense.

2 years ago

cat2

Veteran

I have not purchased clothing from Etsy. I have purchased art and vintage table linens. I think it’s key to research the vendor and to read the return policy, some are really harsh. Angie posted a green clothing vendor that sells on Etsy and she won’t accept any returns, which is a complete non-starter for me.

2 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I’ve purchased a number of things. I’ve only had good experiences—but I think what’s been said is true: look at the vendor, leave off of the resellers. I’ve purchased pottery, reusable paper towel substitutes (love those, don’t buy the ones with snaps), and once a custom made wooden cutout sign. I bought the cutest little summer suit too - pink actually, a colour I don’t often go for.

2 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

I've had one experience and it worked out really well, but it was from my nephew's wife who had just started a ETSY business selling plushies.

2 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Good experiences for me too ... I've bought jewellery, home decor and printables (well, I guess those are home decor as well) ... never had a problem. Descriptions have always been accurate, etc. The only thing to be mindful of is that I don't know how often you can return or exchange if the item doesn't work, so keep that in mind!

2 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Lots of jewellery. Some vintage. Some custom made. Clothing (all custom made). Face masks. Handbag straps. Last week I commissioned a custom made handbag. We’ll see how that goes.

I’ve looked at homewares. Especially cushions, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

All my dealings with sellers have been great. My only disappointment has occasionally been a vintage item. Sometimes it was just a little more worn than I expected or it just didn’t suit me. And mostly you can’t return. But they were inexpensive so not heartbreaking.

I read seller reviews carefully. And always post them myself.

First photo is of my custom made (teal) beaded necklace set. Second photo is of a vintage (70s) teal and purple necklace I found for $8. The find is a custom made top.

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2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Brooklyn - those beaded necklaces are gorgeous!

2 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

All great experiences here, too. I’ve bought vintage jackets, handmade scarves, dyed yarn, commissioned wooden fountain pens, linen pieces, and jewelry. All have been outstanding both in service and craftsmanship (for custom stuff).

Agree with others to ask lots of questions, read reviews. You can filter shops by geo, too. That helps a lot.

2 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Brooklyn, how did the process of making the necklaces and top go? Was it fully collaborative, did you have an idea & approach someone who makes similar stuff, or what?

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

My experience has been generally positive. But as others have said, I spend a lot of time reading & looking at pictures. I’ve found that I prefer to order from people who have customers who post reviews with pictures, that gives me a sense that the reviews are real. And I spend time reading about the shop
Owner. I’ve ordered a winter hat, sandals, leather headband, and a number of Barrettes. And some Tchotchkes for Hanukkah gifts last year.

2 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Fash, I bought a set of purple beads (shown in the photo) as a listed item from the seller. I liked them so much I asked her to make me a teal set. I sent her some colour boards to suggest the colours. The seller was incredibly helpful. She actually made up little sample swatches of beads in different colours and photographed them so I could choose what I wanted. I also specified length etc (so I could layer them with the purple set). I’m very happy with the result.

The top was a listed item on Etsy but I asked the seller to make it for my measurements. In particular, to make it longer in the torso. I specified the exact measurements. Again, the seller was very helpful.

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2 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Like Jonesy, I’ve had a great experience with etsy sellers. My purchases have primarily been jewelry, ceramics, and home decor.

2 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have bought (jewelry and a belt) and sold (vintage items) on Etsy and have a very good impression. Check reviews, description and return policy carefully, as you would for any online purchase. Also I have found it is very easy to communicate with the seller and they are typically very responsive.

2 years ago

BrieN

Veteran

Have had good experiences on Etsy in general.

I eventually lost one of a pair of earrings that’d I had purchased on Etsy and the seller was happy to sell me a single. That was a nice outcome.

2 years ago

Kyle

Veteran

All good experiences, but they have all been small purchases.

2 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

The only thing I purchased was some masks. They were fine.

2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Thank you! Thank you! For the feedback. I did what was recommended. Read the reviews (with photos) of a Canadian Etsy vendor who specializes in making recycled things from vintage fur coats. Returns accepted. I ordered a 4 inch wine/red fox Pom Pom. Within 24 hours of placing the order, I got confirmation that it was shipped, and a second e-mail with a note about care/maintenance and how to affix it to my hat! I should have it in 3 days.

The plan is to upgrade my beanie (Finds) but I can affix it to any hat!

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