Etsy vs. selling at a local shop

9.03.2007

I've been thinking about selling some of my items in a local Iowa City shop I recently discovered called White Rabbit. I have no idea if they would even take my stuff, but I've heard they do a lot of consignment. It would mean I'd get to keep 60% of the profit, which isn't bad. But I've also thought of selling stuff on Etsy. You may be wondering why I'm even thinking of this, because I already have my own business and sell stuff through my website, The Graceful Lady. But my website is basically geared towards historical reproductions as well as the occasional wedding gown. Although I've always thought it would be fun to sell some of my modern creations. I tried to put a few things on a separate page of my website for awhile, but that didn't work. And now that page is screwed up, which I don't understand. In fact my whole website needs updated, but that's a totally different story!

So I've been thinking of selling some of my things on Etsy, since that would mean I'd get full profit. Although I could be unaware of a cost to sell on Etsy. I haven't really looked into it that much. I thought I could do both; sell on Etsy AND sell some stuff on consignment. The store I found is 100% d.i.y. which I think is way cool and I love to support local businesses. But at the same time I need to think of my own labor and the amount of work I put into a garment. After all, I've got to think about supporting myself too. Of course it wouldn't hurt to sell some of my things at the local store for a time and see how I like it. Plus it might get my name out around here. I honestly don't mind selling most of my things out of state, though. It's not a big deal to me. I'm just happy when people find what they're looking for and that I can be a service. So it's a toss up for me.

Anyone have an opinion? I'd love to hear it. :)

6 comments :

  1. I don't necessarily have an opinion, but I will say this - I'd snap up any modern clothing items in your hypothetical Etsy store in a heartbeat :) The problem is that I'm poor :) I wish there was such a thing as hypothetical money lol

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  2. Hehe. Thanks, Rosie! You're so sweet!

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  3. There's always the possibility of both! I think from your post that you'd be interested in this article on pricing your handmade goods (perhaps you've seen it before). From her suggestion, you could price items at the store higher (or etsy cheaper) based on the rate of return to you.

    Don't know if that helps much, but I look forward to hearing how things go!

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  4. I've sold my own clothing line on consignment through four different places, and 2 out of the 4 screwed me. One place didn't pay at all even though they sold my stuff and another paid me part of what they owed but a year late. Make sure that you check this store out first by contacting other people that sell there to find out if they are dishonest or flaky. If they have a good reputation with other designers, then go ahead. You have to start somewhere. I couldn't make enough money doing that, so that's just my advice. I've never sold on etsy before, but I myself am going to embark on that soon. We'll see how that goes. Good luck!

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  5. I know I'm late with this, but I've been out of state and now am ill! :p But I just wanted to chime in and say that you should take a chance at doing brick and mortar consignment! Especially since with garments people like to try them on before purchasing, and having them in an actual store enables that!

    I would give Etsy a shot too; if nothing else it further gets your name out there. Etsy is registering more and more on the radar of non-crafters as a valid venue, so I think it wouldn't hurt to put some feelers out there. :)

    Good luck with whatever you try!!! I know you'll do awesome! :D

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  6. Oh, and I don't know if this is totally out there or what, but if you ever need/want to revamp your site I'd be happy to offer some design/code assistance! Just an offer... don't feel obligated!! :D

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