Etsy Store

[Heirloom]

I'm considering selling some of my jewelry on Etsy.  I am not very computer savvy when it comes to setting up web pages.  I can do all kinds of word processing, but web pages mystify me.  One of these days I'm going to take a class to learn more about it, but I have too many irons in the fire right now.  I have my own website, created and maintained by someone else, but I'm so busy that I haven't had time to keep it updated with new products.  It's the day job getting in the way again.  Ugh!

Anyway, I've noticed on Etsy that most of the artisans have pages with cool graphics that really are eye-catching.  Will Etsy step me through the process of creating my page?  Where do I go to find interesting graphics or scroll-work to adorn my page?  How do I create a banner?  Any help would be appreciated.

[Heirloom]

After I reread my first post, I feel like I should probably clarify myself.  I don't expect anyone to take the time to step me through the process of creating a banner or setting up an Etsy page.  I know how busy you all are and I would never ask someone to do all that for me.  I would just like some suggestions of where I can look to find that information.  I'm more than willing to follow instructions and learn how to do it myself.  I just don't know where to look. 

[martha]

Hi -

Etsy has free banners which are pretty eye catching  - and lots of people offering to make banners.

You need NO web expertise to sell on etsy - just a scanner or digital camera, access to a way to crop and edit your pictures (I know there are free ones out on the web); a computer and a paypal account is good..

go for it.

there is a lot of help on the forums at etsy as well.  It is the easiest format I have ever encountered!

good luck,

martha

[Heirloom]

Thanks, Martha.  I am definitely going to try it. 

A question for the webmaster - yesterday there were several replies to my email but today I can only find one.  I was at someone else's computer yesterday and didn't have time to read all of them, so I figured I'd do it today.  Where did they go?

[JessicaFranchuk]

We haven't deleted any replies to this post.

The only way the posts would have been deleted is if the user who posted them deleted them by his/herself.

There is another thread on Etsy found here, you may have viewed that one thinking it was yours by accident.

Thanks,
-Webmaster

[Heirloom]

You're right.  I was looking at the other posts.  Thanks for clarifying that.

[julie]

Just go poke around on the site for awhile. 
If you go to community, then into one of those links, I think it's resources, there are more links as bars at the top of the page.
One of those, 2nd from left, has a lot of reading material.

When I registered, they sent me a few e-mails with links for info to read to set up.

We have the full photshop program on our computer, but I do not use it, my husband does it for me. There are simple
photoshop programs that one can download for free off the internet, I believe.
I am still working on my shop pages.

I am intrigued with Etsy; I don't always like to conform -  although  you know I am not a troublemaker.   
I can see where younger artists who balk at the current rules to make it in the art world would give this a try.

Julie

[julie]

Community--Resources, ---Links.

J.

[Tom Young]

I can see where younger artists who balk at the current rules to make it in the art world would give this a try.
Julie

You may be interested to learn that there was considerable buzz at the CODA Conference this past week - http://www.codacraft.org - in Little Rock about Esty regarding its place and impact on American Craft.

As is commonly the case there was a variety of opinions. Some see it as a viable entry point for new artists while others seem to think that it is below their dignity to even consider the possibilities that it may represent.

Some things never change.

Tom

[martha]

It is just a venue.

[julie]

http://team.etsy.com/links.html

I reread my post, I was trying to help Heirloom
navigate around the site, (why?) instead of just putting out the link.

Julie

[julie]

I have not had time to read over there (Etsy) for some reason, I seem to spend a good part
of my day making pots....


Tom, what positive things did you hear about Etsy? Just wondering.
I am intrigued because it has younger potter's work, which I search for at the shows that I do, in vain.
On Etsy, I have to pick through, it's mixed in.

I believe the outdoor art shows began as a way for artists to get their work out who were
going against the mainstream, (galleries), and didn't want to play by all of those rules.
Now the art shows are the mainstream, and this is the new venue.

My son is 22 now, and I have watched him buy stuff off the internet for some time.
I now know and accept that people- his friends and even some of their parents- purchase cars off the internet.
Not new cars from a dealer, but used, from individuals. 

I sold our piano, and that was done via E-bay. The buyer rented a truck and drove 3 hours one way to pick it up.

Those examples of selling on the internet, make me put selling my pots on Etsy, into an acceptable perspective.

Julie

 

[Heirloom]

Thank you all for your words of advice and wisdom.  Probably like most artists and craftsmen, I would rather be busy creating things than trying to navigate the Internet to sell them.  Even thought I use a computer for my "day" job, I get really frustrated when having to figure out something new on my own.   

[martha]

I, too would be interested in hearing more comments about etsy -

[julie]

Tom, are there any pro comments about Etsy that you heard at CODA that you could share with us?

Thanks,
Julie