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Selling online/Etsy

8 replies

ChipInTheSugar · 25/08/2017 03:40

How do you know if your stuff is good enough to (hopefully) sell on Etsy, or similar?!

I've started making wire crochet necklaces and ear rings; hope to do various styles of bracelets, and possibly tiaras but am super-critical of my own work. Also looking at building up stock and doing small craft fairs, but I'm really nervous of taking the plunge in case nothing sells!

Selling online/Etsy
OP posts:
tomatopuree · 25/08/2017 10:25

Beautiful. Set up your etsy and do it!

ChipInTheSugar · 25/08/2017 10:47

Ah thank you tomato. I think because I know I just sit on the sofa and "mess about with beads" I don't put the same value on as someone looking at it with fresh eyes iyswim.

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CryingShame · 25/08/2017 10:50

Look at ways of taking good photographs of your desgisn (not saying that's not a decent photo but you need the photos to be your shop window). Give it 6 months and see what you shift.

ArtyBat · 25/08/2017 11:22

Hello OP, I'm an artist and have sold my work in various ways for years.

Have friends, family etc ever said to you 'ooh, they're lovely, you should sell them'? If so, that answers your question as to if they're good enough. However you won't ever sell anything if the world doesn't know about you.So....

*The necklace you show is beautiful. However, some aspects of it do not show up very well as the background is of a very similar colour, so experiment with each piece you make to show them off to the very best you can.
*Detail shots are always useful too.

A website is useful, and I believe you can 'rent' blank ones online, where you just load your images/text onto, if you don't want the faff of sorting out your own. If you don't want a website then use -
*Facebook - Set up a business page (it's free) and post on there every day about your work, events you're going to be selling at, images of items you've sold, that kind of thing.
My work sells very well on there. There is a good artist community on there too so get to know them in your area, and they should be able to tell you about fairs and such that happen. Once you begin to be seen you will probably get followers and even collectors of your work. This does take time so don't give up in the first week, month, year.

*Etsy is a good place for selling work, but they have just changed a lot of their T&C's so read and think carefully before diving in - I don't use them.

*I don't use Ebay for selling. Ever.

*Yes, to do fairs you will need stock, business cards, display stands, (unusual items often attract people to the table) nice table covers, lots of patience and an endless smile!

  • Also, look at local craft galleries and shops. Go visit them, see how they display/sell other artists work. If you like the set up judge the situation and either speak to them if they're not busy, or go home and email them with a self introduction and images of your work, and ask if they would be interested in taking you on. Be aware they will take commission though.

As part of my work I make rings and wear them everywhere I go. Because they're quite unusual they get noticed. Often I then get orders there and then, and (if I can't reproduce that particular design)have even sold one or two straight from my hand - for a small discount !

So, wear your own work, everywhere you go. Carry business cards and a note book with you too.

If you're not too far from the Yorkshire coastline get thee to Staithes Art Festival in 2 weeks time 9th/10thSept (Just above whitby). most of the cottages/houses there open their doors and hosts the artists and their work, with approx 160 artists exhibiting this year. It's an awesome event. This would be idea for you to see the many ways work can be exhibited and sold.

If you need to know anything else just pm me, be happy to help.

ArtyBat · 25/08/2017 11:23

*would be ideal Blush

ChipInTheSugar · 25/08/2017 12:47

ArtyBat thank you so much for your detailed advice! Unfortunately nowhere near Staithes, but I've got my eye on a craft fair at a popular day-out venue near Warwick in a few weeks' time.

I am definitely "wearing my work" and also selecting a couple of friends who get about a bit (in the nicest possible way!) to give a freebie to be walking advertisements.

crying - thank you, yes, I hear what you're saying. I'm sorting a light box and looking for inspiration re staging the shots.

Getting excited and scared in equal measures now!

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ArtyBat · 25/08/2017 13:22

Chip you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I Still remember, 40 years ago when i sold my first ever piece of work. I was shocked, elated, and amazed...I still feel like that today. It is such a compliment when people hand over their hard earned money for something that YOU have created.

I(f you go down the craft fair route, be prepared that you may not get your table money back that day, you may feel bored, or get awkward customers. But that's the down side. The up side is that you are doing what you love, and for me, that is what matters.

One other thing - don't allow people to photo your work on the stand- they're often cheeeky people who will then try and copy. Also, if they ask how you made a thing or what it's made from or what suppliers you use, be vague.

Wishing you lots of fun and success!

ChipInTheSugar · 25/08/2017 13:58

Thank you!Flowers

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