Selling your wares

[BlondeSpiders]

I'm thinking about making items to sell. I don't expect to get rich or even quit my day job, just make a little pocket money and perhaps save up for my walk-in closet reno next year.

I have ideas for 4-5 items I'd like to make, and they are Cricut-based. Some jewelry, some home decor. I'm still doing a lot of research to see what products are over-represented. I don't want to be another Cricut idiot out there selling the same stuff! My start up costs will be minimal as I already have a lot of supplies. I have also made jewelry in the past, and have boxes and boxes of findings and tools.

My question is about selling platforms. I've heard some not-so-great things about Etsy, but it does seem like a good place to start. Has anyone considered Shopify, or Facebook Marketplace? I subscribe to a couple of "choosing beggars" groups and the entitlement I have seen displayed by buyers on FB gives me serious pause. I suppose that could be anywhere, really!

If you sell on multiple platforms, what made you decide which ones work best? Any tips?

I have owned my own business in the past, but it was my day job and it feels a little different this time. 

UPDATE:

I opened my shop! I settled on earrings and keychains to start, and I expect to add many more things over the summer as I perfect them (looking at you, pillowcases!) I have a bunch of Pride merch as well, just in time for June.

If you'd like to check it out, please use this link for a 15% coupon code. www.etsy.com/shop/DangerNoodleStudio?coupon=FANDF15

[tacokick]

I think Etsy is the easiest online option. A lot of people are on Depop now. A friend sells her earrings on Instagram and does well.

Would you be interested in selling in person? IMO that’s the easiest way to make sales. There are pop ups all over year round and you’d have tons of time to amass some items for a holiday or fall big craft show. People come to them wanting to spend money on handmade items.

Or what about selling in any local gift shops or boutiques?

Online sales are tough because there is a ton of competition. Those who do really well are either in a great niche that sells itself and/or do a ton of promotion and social media.

You can always try Etsy and see what sells. You aren’t locked in forever. They made mailing items really easy because you can print out the labels at home for a discount.

I would not suggest Facebook Marketplace for this sort of thing unless you are making items of really local interest.

[mala]

Etsy is certainly the easiest, but you need to have a way to get traffic to you specifically. It's so oversaturated with EVERYTHING, the fees nickle and dime you forever, and ads push your listings to the bottom. If you have a way to get people to your etsy specifically you'll have a much better time, but getting people to stay at your store and not go to something suggested is a challenge.

I have a squarespace site and I really do like it. I also do local shows, so far about once a month, and I do OK, but my goal for the markets is more about getting the brand out there locally than anything else. My end-goal is income equivalent to a part time job, so not as casual as you are going to be. A sizeable chunk of other makers in my groups go with Shopify, so that might be a good start, too.

[sandandsea]

As a customer, my go to is Etsy online. Facebook marketplace seems scammy to me almost like Craigslist.

I also think something like a farmers market or summer fair booth could be a good local option though some of those get really pricey.

Also local retail stores were good for my dad when he sold his honey. He’d stop by a few stores every week or so to restock. It’s a small town and very everybody knows everybody so not sure if that’s an option for you. Maybe you could partner with a local flower shop or bakery or other retail stores.

[BlondeSpiders]

Apr 6, 2022 12:36:09 GMT -5 sandandsea said:

As a customer, my go to is Etsy online. Facebook marketplace seems scammy to me almost like Craigslist.

I also think something like a farmers market or summer fair booth could be a good local option though some of those get really pricey.

Also local retail stores were good for my dad when he sold his honey. He’d stop by a few stores every week or so to restock. It’s a small town and very everybody knows everybody so not sure if that’s an option for you. Maybe you could partner with a local flower shop or bakery or other retail stores.

This is a great idea. I'm already thinking about craft fairs; I expect to be ready in the fall.


My medium-sized town has a really quaint and walkable downtown area with tons of cute shops. Now I just need to figure out wholesale pricing!