With only two more events for the rest of the year and I won't be back until April or May of 2015, it's time to focus on my Etsy shop. These are the highest months for my shop. I've already had four orders in October. This is what I do. I have a Etsy shop and I do art fairs. But since I live in Michigan, this is the hibernation season for the art fairs. I am trying to get up to 100 items in my Etsy shop. That is still not close to a fully stocked booth but 100 items on Esty gets you some more exposure...
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
Comments
Thanks, Linda...I have one shop that buys directly from me and several others that only do consignment. I usually drop things off or mail them based on what my end of month statement reflects or if the shop owner notifies me. I think it might be worth your while to look into it and see what develops.
Christina, I agree. We just did the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs, Mississippi this past weekend. We sold over 100 pair of earrings and several bracelets. We had $2,500 for the two days and pay The Square a small cut for taking payments. My price point if $20 per pair----which is what draws them in. When I had a shop on Etsy I would have to keep that stock separate just for Etsy customers. Like you, my time is so important....since each of the earrings is unique it would mean photographing so many and that takes TIME - and photographing jewelry is NOT my strong point... We have been approached by quite a few different shops to sell to them but I haven't followed up on any of those yet. Do you have to make trips to shops and restock etc or do they buy it outright?
I think the secret is putting a lot of time and effort into it to make it pay off, like anything else really. I just wouldn't have time to knit if I spent all day working on my Etsy shop, not to mention that I sell things locally and quickly, so what do I put on there in first place? Items that have already been sold? Items to take orders on? I don't really like to do that as I'd rather have each piece retain it's "original" status. So, the quandary for me is do I produce all new mdse. for Etsy only or photograph things that have already sold or take custom orders or just forget about it and continue to sell in gift shops where I only get 60%?
Carol, we do the festivals in Alabama and surrounding areas. Our Etsy site was listed on our business cards, and I would post things on Facebook when I had a new item. I guess I need to get a website going.....
I've had the same problem, Christina. I only have a few items on there, but I've seen zero action so far, so I haven't put much time into it. I've known people who have made a killing on Etsy though, so I'd love any tips! (I do graphite and colored pencil drawings and I also sell merchandise with my drawings on it, such as tote bags, t-shirts, phone cases, etc.).
What about using the Etsy shop as a place to show some of your work but using it as a gateway to your website for a more elaborate offerings? Is that a good idea? Are you allowed to link to your website from Etsy? Seems to me the more places your name pops up on google the better.
Linda how were you driving people to your shop? It sounds like you were doing quite well at it.
Jacki it is so inexpensive to have a shop just 20 cents for each item you list. I have not looked to much in the advertising part and I believe that is where the expenses can be. It really is quite easy to get it started.
Scott, you did a good job on your Etsy shop. What does it cost to have a shop? That seems like a great way to keep a cash flow going in the winter. No traveling either. Do you have your Etsy shop on your business card so people who have already bought from you can easily find you when you are not in a show near them?
My son lives in Ypsi on Eastlawn. Have you heard of that street?
I had a shop on Etsy for a little over a year. I make paper bead jewelry. I sold to Australia, England, Canada, Texas, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi. They don't push it out to Google, Bing, etc - you need to have some $$$ for advertising to get it pushed out. I just closed it out because I didn't want the hassle of keeping up with it. Also, I used it when I had people call for custom orders. I would post it and they would pay through there. Then, I decided I didn't need to give them a cut off my sales so I closed up shop. I'd like to get a website up and running - maybe late December when I can take a little break. Heading to Peter Anderson Art & Craft Festival in Ocean Springs, MS this Saturday and Sunday. Lordy - supposed to be in the 30s Sat & Sun morning......time to get the long johns out. How does your website do, Carol? Have a great weekend!
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next