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Member since 12/28/09
Posts: 29
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Posted on: 3/1/10 8:26 PM ET
I'm not sure whether this is the right board to post this, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to sell your hand sewn products on those websites that have a billion sellers out there selling the same product? Is anyone familiar with Etsy and Hyena Cart enough to voice an opinion? I've been making personalized bibs, burps, slings, etc., and everyone tells me to start selling them online. Thoughts anyone?
  
Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Posted on: 3/1/10 8:32 PM ET
you have to start somewhere. Give it a try. Then you can see if the items you sewed sell. You can also do craft shows to.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
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Member since 7/1/08
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Posted on: 3/1/10 9:08 PM ET
I'd check out the other shops and get a feel for the prices, products, shipping costs, etc and also figure out how many others are making similar items. Then decide to either go for it and sell or thank everyone for their kind compliments and let them know you'll sell them one. Keeping up with those sites is time consuming so you'd have to know your available time.
Best wishes whichever way you decide to go.
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Sewing: A creative mess is better than tidy idleness. ~Author Unknown
  
Member since 8/1/08
Posts: 1821
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Posted on: 3/1/10 9:33 PM ET
In reply to NanaMo
I have tried ETSY with quite poor results. Its kind of sporadic. I actually have done better w/overseas interest. There are literally thousands os sellers on there and even doing a search w/every imaginable tag I was never able to pull up my items. I think in the early days it was pretty good but too many ads now. If you do go for it you should consider "Showcasing " your items ( various catagories for sales ) on a regular basis. You may try seeing if you have a store locally that would sell your items on a commision. I did this for a while until the economy tanked.
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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
  
Member since 12/28/09
Posts: 29
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Posted on: 3/2/10 9:24 AM ET
Thank you for this information, I Really appreciate it. It helps with my decisions. I wanted to get some feedback on anyone that "has" used those websites. I did a google search last night with just "personalized bibs" and I was amazed at the hits for wahm websites that I didn't see on any of the selling sites. Thanks to my other two responses for your input. I love this site!
  
Member since 6/7/05
Posts: 1778
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Posted on: 3/2/10 12:05 PM ET

Since most stores make the most sales around the winter holidays, I wonder if it would make sense to sell your items in a kiosk in the mall or at some other booth type setting around the holidays.
  
Member since 12/28/09
Posts: 29
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Posted on: 3/2/10 12:20 PM ET
That's a good idea too...thank you. I'm also thinking about finding a local craft fair type option, setting up my macine and do on the spot personalized items.
  
Member since 8/2/09
Posts: 878
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Posted on: 3/2/10 1:54 PM ET
I have been looking for a partner to share a booth with at craft fairs for a long time. I had a few friends that asked me to ship my stuff to them for their shows in other states. I didn't do too bad (shipping costs do bite though). I sold bib & burper sets, kitchen scrubbers, decorated flour sacks (embroidery and appliqued).

I belonged to a gardening club online years ago which had an advertising section. I sold neck coolers and kitchen scrubbers and it kept me busy. Time was an issue though. For example, a scrubber takes me an hour to do. I do get the material on sale or with coupons and doesn't cost too much. But, for one hours worth of work for $1.50? Oh my. People love them because they are useful, pretty and don't scratch most things. My hour is worth more than that!

At one time while working at a large medical center, I would bring hand sewn Barbie doll clothes in and by noon, they would all be sold. Then another time a good friend of mine decided we could make decorated satin hearts that hang (for Valentine's Day). I had the laborious part - construction (3 rows of lace around the edges) and she had the fun part of decorating the front. We couldn't keep up with the orders and we sold them for $35 a piece. With that said, I don't want to even think about sewing them again!

I think a craft show would be fun though...if I could find someone to do it with me. That way someone is at the booth the whole time plus split the cost. I just wish I could find someone HERE! lol
  
Member since 7/15/05
Posts: 13337
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Posted on: 3/2/10 2:54 PM ET
I have an Etsy shop and I do the local craft fair (there are several, but I only do the one that is *right* near my house - as in less than 5 miles away). Etsy is definitely hit-or-miss, and sales typically go up around the holidays. This year, mine were crazy around Black Friday up through the middle of December, which totally messed me up. However, I listed new items on Black Friday, and I think that's what got it re-started.

The local craft fair is more steady because people remember what you have and come back. This fall I had some new items, some of which sold, some of which didn't. I'm working on even more new items for the one later this month - they haven't been listed on Etsy yet because, if I sold the on Etsy, I wouldn't have any stock for the craft fair.

Just my experience
Larisa
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research associate in the field of child development, married to an engineer

I am woman, I am invincible, I...am...TIRED!!

  
Member since 12/28/09
Posts: 29
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Posted on: 3/2/10 2:55 PM ET
Sounds like alot of fun! I'd have to drag one of my sisters along to help for sure.
  
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