Money Saving Monday (and Works for Me Wednesday) – Etsy, baby!
Well, I promise this isn’t all I’m going to blog about now, but it is Money Saving Monday AND Works for Me Wednesday, and I planned to share my recent idea over there. So for my regular readers – you’re going to read about it again. And call me crazy, but if this is my idea for WFMW, too, shouldn’t I just use the same post? Instead of boring my regular readers? I think so, too. So excuse the lazy editing.
I’m obviously brand new at this, but a few months ago I discovered Etsy, and about a week ago I took the plunge and opened a shop. Etsy is basically an online shopping mall, and anyone can open a store for free – selling exclusively handmade things. So if you’re at all crafty or creative, this is a great avenue for selling and getting your name “out there.” When I’m perusing the stores I kinda feel like I’m at a giant online craft fair.
I’m surprised how much traffic I’ve gotten already. Lots of interest and people asking questions, and some purchases already. Given that my items are all Christmas-themed, I think the bulk of my sales will happen in the next few weeks to a month – we’ll see. I’m offering a lower order-before-Thanksgiving price, so maybe that will entice some people to order theirs sooner.
Anyhoo, if you sew, paint, design, craft, or generally do anything with your hands, definitely check out Etsy! The percentage they take from your sales is very minimal and reasonable. And it’s a great way for a Mom to bring in some income from home with her God-given talents.
For more money-saving ideas, head over to Money Saving Mom! And for more great tips on, you know, life, go to Works for Me Wednesday!
posted: 07 November 12
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just meanered over to your site (not sure from where), but i love your cards. i love the simplicity of design. keep up the good work.
so, question. are you in the states? or oversees?
blessings…lylah
I like your work… and your blog’s overall design. You have a good eye. All the best to you!
Lylah – I’m overseas. We don’t share where over the internet for security reasons, but we are indeed Americans living abroad.
e-Mom – Thanks!
I’m writing an article on Etsy and highlighting several vendors for it. A few of them are going to be doing giveaways. I’ll be posting it on Saturday, let me know if you’d like me to include you.
Your cards are really pretty!!
I keep tossing around the Etsy idea. Thanks for the post letting me know it’s working for you.
Thanks for the idea! I’ve been wondering about Etsy for awhile (too lazy to look into it) and am thinking of starting my own online business selling handmade cards someday, too.
Great info!
I have been thinking about Etsy. If I take the plunge I may be back with questions.
Thanks for the tip! My mother has been looking for a place to sell her handmade stuff. I’ll have to tell her about Etsy. Thanks so much!
Just a quick q – I have been debating about doing etsy myself, as a stay at home mom looking for some work.
When I read the etsy fine print, it looked like they charge for you to set up shop and a percent off each purchase. Is this true? Is it worth the time and money to invest in it?
Thanks and love your stuff!
Laura
Just a quick q – I have been debating about doing etsy myself, as a stay at home mom looking for some work.
When I read the etsy fine print, it looked like they charge for you to set up shop and a percent off each purchase. Is this true? Is it worth the time and money to invest in it?
Thanks and love your stuff!
Laura
Oh and good luck with your upcoming little one – I’m due just a few days earlier
There’s no charge to set up a store. To list an item, it costs $.20 per item. And then when it sells, they take 3.5%.
The 3.5% may seem steep, but added all together, I think it’s a great deal for what they provide. I’ve been told Ebay charges a minimum $16 a month just to have a store, then they also charge to list an item and then take a hefty percentage. So… I guess it’s a matter of whether it’s worth it to you. It is to me.