I could really use some advice....

8:40 AM Posted by Natalie

I know I don't have a lot of readers and even less followers, but if you're stopping by, I'd sure like to know what you think. You may have seen this post a few weeks ago about the bows I made for the silent auction at church. I started making bows a little over 2 years ago. I loved it pretty much immediately and started buying up ribbon and supplies. I sold a few on Ebay, but mostly I've made them for Lauren, sold them to family or friends, or given them as gifts. I had been on hiatus for awhile after we put our old house on the market, through the holidays, and with the move and everything. Making all those bows for the auction has sort of lit a spark again.

So I've been thinking about opening an Etsy shop. Back when I first slowed down with my bow making, other ladies were saying Ebay was slow. Then Ebay made a bunch of changes and raised fees which made even long-time sellers there consider leaving Ebay all together. Etsy has much lower fees and the listing lasts for up to 4 months, so it would give me time to build up an inventory rather than have a bunch of items to list at one time. The layout is simpler, which would probably take less time, and it's not an auction-style site, so I can hopefully avoid selling my items for much less than they're worth.

My dilemma is that I am wondering if it will be worth it. There are MANY sellers of handmade hair accessories out there, some who offer things that are even better than mine. I don't have any patented designs or unique hair accessory inventions. I am wondering how I would fit into that big market and set myself apart from anyone else so that my items would sell. And listing on a site like Etsy takes more than just making the items. You also have to take good pictures of the items, edit them, and post the listings. You also want to make sure you have nice packaging materials to send them in. At the same time, it still feels like something I would really like to do. Whenever I'm in Michael's or Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart or something, I cannot seem to keep myself from buying ribbon. It's like an addiction. Seriously. But would it be worth my time?

5 comments:

  1. Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

    I think you should give it a try! Your bows are cute! Maybe make a trial period, give it the 4 months and see how it goes.

    If you decide to, let me know when your store is open, and I can make you one of my featured Etsy posts :)

  2. Erin said...

    I say go for it! I adore Etsy and have even done some photos for my friend's shop in exchange for free product. You never know if you'll make it until you try! Best of luck!

  3. cbdkndmom said...

    It's worth a try. And if it is not so costly, it's worth a look at the very least. Personally, I love your bows (and K WANTED to wear one today) and I think you'd do well. The photography may not be as hard as you think, I'm sure Heather and Angie can give you pointers.

  4. Corrie at "Cents"able Momma said...

    I don't know what the costs are on Etsy, but if it's not too high, it's worth a try. You never know until you try it, right? It would be fun to pair an obsession with some extra spending money :-).

  5. SimplyBillie said...

    I think it's all about networking. Use this blog, Twitter, anything and everything you can to get the link to your Etsy store out there. The more traffic you bring in the more potential customers you have.
    Seeing as how it's like an addiction to you... I say go for it!! Your more likely to succeed at something you love. Best of luck!