Etsy.com?

Turner1974

Was thinking about trying this auction site out, does anyone know if it's any good?

Crowqueen

It's very restrictive.

If you have vintage items (20+ years old) to sell, or excess craft supplies, then that's OK.

Otherwise items need to be handmade, or at least upcycled - so you would need to be a business and adhere to all UK/EU regulations, such as DSRs and so on if appropriate (fixed price sales only until next year, then on every sale you make).

They have a problem with people selling tacky stuff that is not in any of the above categories. Read the Regretsy blog for all that sort of stuff (it's also a hilarious read about what some people feel it is appropriate to sell - or can get away with selling!).

Meanwhile, if you are genuinely a crafter, go ahead - it's a good niche site, I guess the buyers might be more understanding than they are on eBay, and there are also British-based sites such as Folksy which also deserve support (though are still slow as regards buying traffic).

Just be careful that you are obeying all site rules and appropriate laws. Etsy is very 'community focused' but as Regretsy notes this can actually be a drawback when it comes to policing their own site.

Good luck - it's always good to diversify!

RFW

As above, it's a craft marketplace. It isn't an auction site.

Lots of people do very well from it, it needs a bit more work than Ebay but if you are 'crafty' and community driven it could be for you.

StokieBecks

Also be careful with etsy. Many of them are american sellers and if you are shipping to UK then you are likely to have to pay customs charges. UK customs are getting a lot stricter and not so much is getting through without charges. I ordered a necklace from etsy and by time had paid £3.50 taxes and royal mails £8 handlin charge for holdong an item thay had customs due i had nearly doubled the oroginal price of the item

Crowqueen

I think OP is selling, not buying - but that advice would still apply in reverse if the buyer is in the US or Canada. Both countries have very strict customs requirements; the US has periodic clampdowns due to tight security, and Canada can be rather a stickler for proper addressing etiquette (anything you send needs a return address put in the top left-hand corner of the envelope or package).

But if you're willing to work hard to drum up business and handmake items and get fed up with some of the demands of eBay buyers for quick shipping, then give it a whirl. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

puppypants

Have a look at regretsy.com!!

mrsjanebanbury2009

Yep, it's a marketplace so depends on the individual seller. I bought some cufflinks for my OH; absolutely gorgeous, beautifully made, great price, fast delivery - and the seller seemed lovely in the comms I had with her.

P.S. I don't know her or anything and she didn't pay me to say this!

Turner1974

The stuff I want to sell is kind of homemade, as I collage and paint old vinyl records. Maybe I'll give it a go. Let you know how I get on

Crowqueen

Yes, please do. That sounds very fun - but obviously make sure you are properly registered with the taxperson and have proper returns policies.

Best of luck.

We need a good guide to Etsy here; Regretsy is fun but it doesn't often give an accurate picture of selling on Etsy and is largely an American site so may not also represent British experiences well.

As a buyer I am encouraged to see the quality of people selling on Folksy, judging by their forums. They seem to know their stuff, respect their customers and understand the law a lot better than some eBay sellers. Too bad this ethos has not caught on on eBay.