Selling Crafts.
By coach7172
@coach7172 (43)
United States
September 13, 2009 9:51pm CST
Hi everyone! I am pretty new here, and from what I have read, it sounds like a lot of you really enjoy making your own crafts, either for gifts or to sell. I also really enjoy making things, and was wondering if anyone had any good ideas as to how or where I could start selling some of the things I make. I am a stay at home mom, and money is definitely tight...especially with a new baby on the way and the holidays approaching. It would just be really nice to find a way to start helping out with some bills where I can. If anyone has any ideas, please share!
3 people like this
7 responses
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
17 Sep 09
I would definitely consider selling at Etsy. I have had a shop there for a couple of years and it's a wonderful online selling opportunity. Compared to eBay, selling on Etsy is not on less expensive, but the buyers appreciate handmade items and are willing to pay what the item is worth...and that is not something you can say about eBay.
Etsy has a large, world-wide following and many of the members are very helpful.
If you have enough inventory, you could consider looking for a local craft show...maybe find another local crafter and split the fees on a table.
If you have any questions about Etsy, feel free to ask.
Welcome to myLot!!
1 person likes this
@joye68 (151)
• United States
17 Sep 09
I have three sites to recommend.
www.etsy.com
www.artfire.com
www.1000markets.com
and if you speak French, here's another: www.alittlemarket.com
I recommend you create a webpage or at least an online "calling card" so to speak, which gives basic information about your business (just a page). You can also use facebook, myspace and twitter to promote your business site and/or blog. Be patient. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. If you like what you're doing, it's a plus and you can't go wrong.
@coach7172 (43)
• United States
17 Sep 09
Thank you for all your suggestions! I have been looking at etsy very seriously, I will have to check out the other two you suggested also!
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
15 Sep 09
I would highly recommend Etsy. I have a lot of crafty friends who use that website and actually sell a great deal of items. A lot of it is a matter of getting your name out there! I would also recommend Craigslist. That website is great for selling items. There is always Ebay too - but unfortunately with Ebay you have to pay fees and well I don't like having to do that. I only ever buy on Ebay, don't sell. Good luck!!
@coach7172 (43)
• United States
17 Sep 09
Etsy seems to be the most popular suggestion! Thank you! Hopefully I have as much luck as your friends selling my handmade items on there as well! I may also check craigslist!
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Does ebay charge for selling items? I have some crafts that I am working on and am hoping to start selling soon. I have been thinking of ways to make money and am now ready to try selling by next month. I am a college grad and cannot find a job. I know the economy is hurting everyone and I hope that it will pick up soon.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
19 Jul 10
I am looking for some unique things to make that others are not doing. I am already doing mosaic art items such as makiing wooden boxes and ornaments. I am also going to start soap making soon. I am also looking into making dough ornaments and felt ornaments. I might do jewely making, but I am not sure. I am thinking about setting up a web site, but I really need to research this to find out if this is a good way to sell or not.
@coach7172 (43)
• United States
19 Jul 10
One of the things that I have learned from selling on Etsy is that you have to find your "niche." It is what separates your products from everyone elses of the same type. One idea would be to look at etsy and search for the type of products that you will be selling, and then see what makes yours different and unique from those that are there. I wish you the best of luck!
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
17 Jul 10
I am glad you asked that question. I am looking into selling my crafts as well. I am hoping that there will be a craft fair close to Christmas so I can sell some of my items. I will be starting on my Christmas crafts this weekend and am hoping to have some of them online next month. I am hoping that they will sell. I make ornaments out of felt, paint tiny birdhouses and turn them into windchimes, and alsi paint dough ornaments. I am hoping to get into soap making and candle making. I had wanted to make jams and jellies, but I need a permit and do not have the money.
I have heard that people sell on ebay, but I am going to look for other sites as well.
@coach7172 (43)
• United States
19 Jul 10
Hi! I am glad you responded:) I actually took the advice of one of the first responses that I received, and started a little shop on Etsy. I have enjoyed it, and have had several sales. www.coopscraftycorner.etsy.com if you would like to check it out! I think the hardest part is actually getting the word out that you have an online shop. I am fairly shy, so I don't usually go around telling everyone, and maybe if I did, I would have more business. It is definitely a great idea to start working on the holiday stuff now because there are always people out there who like to look early, and like to think about things for a while and so on. I have been pretty slow to work on my holiday things, but will try to also get to work soon! Anyway, I wish you the best, and maybe I will see you on Etsy!
