Thursday 23 May 2013

Jewellery Makers - Are you Selling on Etsy Yet?


Etsy.com is a vibrant community ecommerce website of 15 million buyers and craft related  businesses.  If you are just starting out, Etsy is an easy and cost effective way of introducing your brand to a ready made and like-minded audience.  You can sell handmade, Vintage or supplies.  To gain more experience, you can use the online Labs and engage with other sellers.  The online community puts you in touch with other artists and entrepreneurs, informing you of events near and far as well as the opportunity to gain valuable information from the more experienced.

specialise in jewellery and craft supplies, with Etsy providing a wide variety of categories to enable the Crafter to sell their creations, including fine jewellery, personalised, eco friendly and display accessories.

This is a worldwide marketplace where you can choose your region, language and currency.  There are no membership fees.  A small fee is paid for each item that is listed for up to 4 months.  When the item is sold Etsy take a 3.5% commission on the sale.

Your own profile allows you to show a shop banner, photos and give your story to your potential customers.  Etsy.com allows your business and creativity to grow at your pace.

Of course, the Etsy way of selling allows for a lot more flexibility in your working.  You don’t have to be tied to a traditional shop, you can work from home, fit your selling around your childcare needs and work in the evenings if it is more suitable.

“I was instantly hooked on the idea that I could make a living doing what I loved most while staying home with my newborn.” – Seven Ply

There is a rich collection of Blogs, featuring craft ideas, selecting sellers to feature, inspiring writing from mentors in the craft industry, party ideas and weddings to name a few.  Another valuable source of information and interest.

Etsy are prominent on Social Media, with nearly 2 million followers on Twitter and 1 1/4 million likes on Facebook.

The website Etsy.com is modern and easy to navigate.  When you click on a product you see a larger image, full product description, delivery and payment options, how many other items the company have in their store and a little synopsis of the company itself, for example this bunny toy Etsy Product Page.  There is also a contact link, add to favourites and links to their social media.  So, even if the customer does not want to buy that item, there is an opportunity to browse that company’s products easily.

Etsy.com is a great site for weddings, including its own Registry which you can manage, featuring unique gifts for that special day.
Craft Wire Jig Boards at International Craft

International Craft  provides all the tools and supplies you need to create your own jewellery or craft business, Etsy.com is the stepping stone you can move to next to make it a success.