I created a Function(D) Etsy shop in late June, about two months ago as of this post, to see what kind of visibility and sales it might generate for Function(D). The $.20 listing fee and 3.5% transaction fee seemed rather reasonable to me. It's not like $.20 is going to kill my margin as it's healthy anyway, and increased business is always good, and the 3.5% transaction fee would be paid out for credit card processing to someone anyway (though it could be as low as 2.75% if used Square Invoices instead).
I had a bit of fun with it, posting the Survival ID line- the Keychain and Sticker, but also a Taco Lasso, some Boot Roll-Ups and Plastic Bottle Cap Capsules. I sent a link to my store to some friends and family and posted it on Facebook, which got a few sales. Two months later, and over 850 views and 30 "Favorites" from over a dozen countries later, I haven't gotten a single sale to an actual Etsy customer. Looking on the Etsy Shop Forum, I see others in similar situations grumbling about having the same issue.
Despite a lack of sales (I'm not too bummed as I haven't been proactive about marketing it) I am happy with my experience. If you have a shop and browse the owner's forum, you see that it is a very warm and helpful community that make up the population of sellers. Each one is happy to give advice and tips on selling on the platform, from how best to take pictures to best practices for shipping items. I actually purchased my wallet from Etsy, from a shop I feel is similar to mine and I'm really enjoying it. There's something about purchasing something that I know was made by hand, with love, just for me that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Do you have an Etsy shop? Have you purchased something on Etsy before? Do you have any ideas of other channels that could be used to sell my creations? Your feedback is welcomed!
I had a bit of fun with it, posting the Survival ID line- the Keychain and Sticker, but also a Taco Lasso, some Boot Roll-Ups and Plastic Bottle Cap Capsules. I sent a link to my store to some friends and family and posted it on Facebook, which got a few sales. Two months later, and over 850 views and 30 "Favorites" from over a dozen countries later, I haven't gotten a single sale to an actual Etsy customer. Looking on the Etsy Shop Forum, I see others in similar situations grumbling about having the same issue.
Despite a lack of sales (I'm not too bummed as I haven't been proactive about marketing it) I am happy with my experience. If you have a shop and browse the owner's forum, you see that it is a very warm and helpful community that make up the population of sellers. Each one is happy to give advice and tips on selling on the platform, from how best to take pictures to best practices for shipping items. I actually purchased my wallet from Etsy, from a shop I feel is similar to mine and I'm really enjoying it. There's something about purchasing something that I know was made by hand, with love, just for me that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Do you have an Etsy shop? Have you purchased something on Etsy before? Do you have any ideas of other channels that could be used to sell my creations? Your feedback is welcomed!
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