So, the subject of Etsy recently came up and I, as a long time user, felt it best to write an article about it.
Are you familiar with Etsy?
Yes. Yes I am. I have used it for a very long time now and I also use it to sell Melty Shoes.
What are the pros and cons of using Etsy?
I guess I should probably write a section for both buying and selling, since they go hand-in-hand when it comes to site use.
Buying
Buying on Etsy is actually very simple. The system it uses is very similar to most sites where it checks out using Paypal. Some sellers also have custom items on there making it easy for people to order unique items just by choosing different options.
Some sellers, however, can be just as devious as EBay users. So be very careful about who you buy from and what product it is. For example, wedding dresses. A seller with photos taken by them or a photographer are more reliable than a person using a copyrighted image of a dress taken off another site, or a stock photo.
Keep your wits about you just as you would elsewhere and ask as many questions as you can before you click the purchase button. Also, be sure to check postage and postage costs. Some sellers may only post to their native country, while others may charge a lot for shipping outside of their country. (The shipping info is located below the product info.)
Selling
Selling on Etsy can be good or bad. It all depends on various aspects.
Firsts things first though, selling on Etsy costs. Just like Ebay, you have to pay a small listing fee for each item. It's only small (I listeed 4 items for 80 cents.), but still keep it in mind.
Secondly, advertising helps. If your item is placed in the store and left as is, chances are you won't sell it. Advertising is always a good option. (And I don't mean paid advertising, don't worry!)
Ways you can advertise:
- On your website
- In your blog(s)
- Create a Facebook page for your products
- Advertise on Twitter (For info on useful Twitter hashtags, click here!)
- Join forums relating to your product types and advertise there
- Create a Pinterest board
- Add your products to ShopSimple.com (Free)
- Submit your store to free listing websites
- Distribute business cards
Once your product has been sold, your money (Depending on the payment methods you accept in your shop) will be in your Shop Payment Account, your PayPal account, or will be mailed to the address you have on file.
If you need any info regarding taxes and such, I recommend giving this a read: https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/category/seller-handbook/
So, let's look at this simply. (Based on my experiences.)
Pros for Buying
- Easy searching
- Detailed categories
- Easy to use buying system
- Lots of skilled sellers
- Vintage, handmade AND supplies can be bought
Cons for Buying
- Fraudsters using stock/copyrighted images to sell a rubbish item
- Knock off items
- High shipping rates outside of native countries
Pros for Selling
- Easy to use
- Offers various image slots
- Featured item option
- Low listing fee
- Easy to find the right categories
- Sell vintage, handmade and craft supplies
- Can integrate with various sites (Including site builders like webs.com)
Cons for Selling
- Listing fee
- Items may not be sold if not advertised correctly/not of a popular subject
- Payments may be subject to tax
- Payments may have a percentage deducted by Paypal upon transfer
