Totally OT - Etsy Shops, Worth It?

Please ignore if it annoys you that I'm posting this here, (or just let me know, and I'll be happy to delete it) but I'm at a bit of a loss for where else to get advice.

Do any of you have s shop on Etsy? In your experience, has the revenue been worth setting up shop? I've been thinking about getting back into drawing/painting/photography/knitting lately and I look at some of my older work and can't help wondering if someone would think it was worth something. I've never done something like this before, but I love creating things and there's only so much I can keep/display at home....I'm just wary of getting into something and going over my head, or falling into a trap with fees and surcharges or something (though with the sheer number of Etsy shops out there, I don't think that's a worry)

Anyways, I sort of had this in the back of my mind as a resolution for the new year, to get more creative and make something out of that side of my life....so any thoughts/tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

16 years ago

judy

Veteran

I have bought things on Etsy, but not sold anything. Did you happen to see this article in the NY Times about it recently?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12.....;ref=style

chewyspaghetti

I have had a shop on etsy for several years now. It's pretyt much defunct now, but it was a great place for me to start small and build a business. It expanded for a while, but I wasn't able to weather the recession. It's a really nice community, and you can learn a lot from the folks there. I would suggest lookng at the forums they have, and lookng closely at shops who would be your comeptition to see what/how they are doing things. I think that starting as a hobby business is the way to do it with the least amount of pressure. If you're passionate- you can make it into a profitable business.

Ele

(website)

Active Member

I saw worth it, or at least worth a try. I don't have an Etsy shop, but I've bought stuff before and feature sellers and shops regularly on one of my blogs. It's a great way to indulge your hobby and make some money. If you don't like it, or feel that you're in over your head, you can always close up shop.

I've also been considering starting my own shop, but I've got so much going on right now that I keep pushing it into the background. Maybe in the new year!

Inge

Moderator

I definitely think you should give it a go, Srujana. I don't have an Etsy shop myself, but if I was the least bit artistic/handy, I would absolutely try selling my items via Etsy. I've bought quite a few things there myself, and I'm convinced it's at least a good way to get some extra money from a hobby. And you never know if it could turn into more than that.

Let us know when your Etsy shop is up please?-)

Srujana

Thanks for the feedback ladies, it was honestly more than I hoped for. =)
I need to figure out the kinks of how to produce paper goods (sketches, prints, photos, paintings, etc) on a bigger scale...and bulk up inventory a little bit so as to not have a dusty, empty shop....but I really really appreciate the encouragement and hopefully will have a new shop to share with you all once the new year starts. Thanks again!

Anonymous

I haven't bought from Etsy because I am still trying to figure it out. The number of shops and items for sale makes my head spin.
It sounds like you would be a perfect candidate to have a store there. I would LOVE to see what you make.
Good luck!

lol San...it kinda makes my head spin too...but it might be worth it

*fingers crossed*

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