I have made so many items that I have no place to store them any more. I am thinking of selling them on Etsy. Has anyone any experience with this? Does it sell? How does the it work?

I have sold at different Markets and have learnt to stay away from Trash and Treasure ones or Boot Sales as people think they can have things for nothing as you just want to get rid of it.
The more up market ones are the ones to try where professional people tend to go.
Costs more for your site but worth it. Also they aren't interested in something similar to what they can find in the shops.
If you price your items at an amount you can live with you will do OK. But no one will really pay what it cost if you factor in an hourly rate. Remember you are competing with cheap imports where their workers get a $1 an hour.

I tried Folksy (the UK equivalent) to sell designs and some items. However, I found it was more trouble than it was worth! Craft fairs are frustrating, but at least you get to chat with the customers.

1 comment

by lique 02 Jul 2014

Thank you.

If I had just one dollar for everything I have made and ended up giving away., I could take that cruise I've always wantedtogo on. But I really don't mind. I knit, embroider, paint etc. etc. because I love it I never thought I would get rich at it (Hoped I would but .......he he) I'm alsoa firm believer inwhat you give you get back 10 fold if not here and now someday. So enjoy yourself!

I have decided that I cannot compete with the cheap stuff available in the large stores. However, I have sold a couple of things but the price has to be quite low to attract buyers unfortunately.

1 comment

by vickiannette 28 Jun 2014

edit... did not sell using Etsy.

If they don't sell save them up until around Christmas time ,everyone needs stocking stuffers

I give them away and i feel what goes around comes around .It works well foe me:):) Hugs

Just for information I have just done my third craft fair, and all i made was £20.this time, but I think if you got the right craft fair it would be a lot better. This one is indoors and not advertised enough, and may be in the wrong area.
Hugs Pa

4 comments

by tiggy000 28 Jun 2014

I see that you posted your money in pounds. I was in Scotland last year and the pound was worth $1.71 in USA. What is the exchange now in your country? What did you actually sell?

by shilpabob 28 Jun 2014

$34.07 is the exchange rate for £20.00

by justsew 29 Jun 2014

I sold a cushion, two bottle aprons and hats, doggie bandana, mug mat, some sew it your self stuff, and three lots of fabric bags with mixed offcuts of fabric in.I was asked for a peg bag but I did not have one.

by tiggy000 01 Jul 2014

Thanks for your information. I am watching "Monarch of the Glen" and I love it. I get to hear your wonderful accent, bagpipes and see that gorgeous scenery.

Don't know how it all works but my Grand daughter has purchased designs for me from there to put on her childrens outfits and the designs were always good/Lillian

Lique I cant answer your question but I do know that a lot of the young girls I know that sew sell through Facebook and ebay too.

2 comments

by lique 28 Jun 2014

I must look into that! I need some lessons on selling on the internet (I buy quite happily!)

by vickiannette 28 Jun 2014

sounds like me!

It perplexes me the folks who do sell on etsy. Don't many of the copyrights say you can't sell in retail or on the internet? It's not worth getting in legal trouble.

3 comments

by lique 28 Jun 2014

Interesting I had not thought about that! Thanks

by marianb 28 Jun 2014

If you read the copyright doc you get with the designs most say you can sell up to 100 items and not for commercial use, but you must put a message either in ad or on a tag giving credit and a link back to the designer and or site

by jrob 28 Jun 2014

Marian is correct. Just be sure to go back and look at anything embroidered or any patterns and be sure you have the designer's permission (which will be posted on each site).
The copyrights that say you can't sell are for the most part digitized embroidery files.

I too wonder how to sell items. So many of us are hoping someone will have information how it works.

I've had very little luck selling what I make. No one seems to appreciate all the time and work that go into items. BUT, I keep making things, its my outlet and creativity. When I start a new project, my son says- what are you making now that no one will buy? It's gotten to be a joke between us. I think it's important for everyone to do something for a feeling of accomplishment. I like my things and so does my son, what else matters?

1 comment

by bielie 28 Jun 2014

I agree with you, I too sew for pleasure and it is my therapy. We have to try out the desigs, don't we? I just love my embroidery.

I am blessed to belong to a group that gives a lot of things that go for fund raisers. So I can embroider-see what a design looks like and send it on its way for someone else to enjoy.- Illinois USA

I too will be waiting to hear. Good luck with your ventures.

I think this must be so very sad for you, as I know that much work goes into your projects. I shall be interested to see what replies you get with this post. Sarah

2 comments

by lique 27 Jun 2014

No not sad just an excuse to make more!

by airyfairy 27 Jun 2014

I like that!!!