I Like to Buy from Independent Sellers Online

by Janice
(UK)

I have bought handcrafted jewellery mainly from stalls (local markets) and from online - both independent shops and Etsy.com. I love Etsy - it means that independent small sellers can set up online stores and sell their products worldwide.

I prefer handcrafted jewellery because I like items that are different, and I also like things that will last, rather than the cheap plastic stuff found in most stores.

Most of the time I buy for myself, but I have bought items off Etsy for gifts too.

The reasons I have gone back to the same artist is because of the quality of the item, and also sometimes when I receive lots of positive comments on a piece of jewellery - I may go back and buy some more stuff as gifts.

I prefer to shop online because I don't always like meeting different people, in the past (at markets etc) I have found people have been a bit pushy, especially if they need the money from sales.

I think the best thing, apart from making quality work, that jewellery artists can do is have a website or Etsy site, and to package their work well with relevant marketing collateral - brochures, business cards, nice packaging such as gift boxes and tissue paper. I think good and professional packaging can make a huge difference.

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I Like to Buy from Independent Sellers Online

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Thanks for the Insight!
by: Linda G.

Thanks for sharing! I am learning a lot.

Linda G.
LinnyGirl Designs
www.linnygirldesigns.com

Check out Artfire it's like Etsy
by: Blingsupreme

Artfire has some great handmade items, too. It is newer than Etsy but has lots of great items and sellers.

Blingsupreme on Ebay, Etsy and Artfire

I understand your hesitation to deal with sellers
by: Leah

I totally understand the hesitation to deal with sellers, even though I am a seller of handmade jewelry! Like anyone that sells, we have seen both sides, but I usually always relate to the buyer's experience because I have been a shopper most of my life.

This is one of the struggles I have with selling my wares in person. I have done art/craft shows, etc. and although I am enthusiastic about my work, I hate the idea of being pushy or annoying to a potential customer. I don't believe in hard sales. So, this kind of sales environment makes me uncomfortable at times. I do not want to pressure anyone to buy ...

That is why I eventually opened up my own website. I wanted to allow shoppers to browse my handmade jewelry pieces without feeling like I am leering over them. And that way, when they purchase a piece, I know that they really like it instead of that they were pressured to get it. Does any other seller feel this way too? Obviously, we all feel comfortable employing different kinds of sales practices and I respect that. :)

Leah C. Eastman
Savvy Silver Jewelry
http://www.savvysilver.com

Thank you for your help.
by: Autumn Reed

I am a seller on etsy and really need help trying to find out what women need during their shopping experience. Knowing this vital information has given me new inspiration so I really appreciate your personal comments on the subject. Thanks again and have a lovely one.

Warm Regards,
Autumn
www.autumnreed.etsy.com

I went for it
by: Leah

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that despite my hesitation, I decided to give Etsy since it is such a huge handmade buyers market and it is quite reasonable in terms of costs to sell over there.

I signed up in Feb 2010 but just started loading products in early May so I am a "newbie". I will continue to promote and see if it is a worthwhile venue ... and maybe check back here to let everyone know.

Leah C. Eastman
Savvy Silver Jewelry
http://www.savvysilver.com
http://www.savvysilver.etsy.com