My Etsy Shop!

>

Thursday, January 21, 2010

I Need Your Input

Hi Blog friends! I need your help on something-consider it market research :). I am thinking of setting up an Etsy shop in which I can sell some of the things I make. If you do not know what Etsy is, go look and then come back--I will wait :)

Ok, now that you are back, what do you think? I was thinking of listing items like the following (click the links to see photos, some you need to scroll down to see):
-monogrammed towels like the one I made here or burp cloths, customized
-jewelry like washer necklaces that can be personalized, bracelets, earrings, brooches, etc.
-coin/make-up bags, like these zipper pouches
-smaller hand knits like headbands, mittens, ornaments, scarves, children's clothes, possibly some shawls, etc (the larger things like blankets or sweaters would be really difficult as they take a good bit of time and the materials cost a lot and so I am thinking that while I am capable of making them, not too many folks are willing to pay like $200+ for a sweater that I would need to charge to recoup the cost of materials and time, you know?)
-hand-made children's games like the ones in this post
-hand-painted monogrammed tile coasters (oops, I made these for Christmas gifts but didn't take a picture--use your imagination and make them fabulous in your mind :) )
-pillows, made customized for the buyer if desired
-appliqued totes/bibs/tees with various cute silhouette designs (sort of like this one my friend Dawn made me with Africa, hearts, birds, dinosaurs, etc-the sky is the limit on this one!!)

There are a million ideas running through my head for other items, too. The main purpose of this shop would be to finish paying for our adoption and after that to fund future adoptions, whether ours or someone else's. If God is done growing our family, I would love to give $ from the shop to our church's new adoption ministry to help others answer God's call on their hearts. Anyway, all of that aside, my question for you is this: would you buy these types of things? Are they things you could see yourself purchasing for yourself or as a gift for someone else? I don't want to set up a supply where there is no demand:) If you feel like you could see yourself being potentially interested in any of these types of items, could you tell me in the comments? I am NOT asking you to buy anything or commit to anything AT ALL, just getting a feel for the potential success I would have. If you are a blog lurker, can you come out of lurking just to let me know what you think of this shop idea? Your feedback is very valuable to me!! Thanks in advance!!

8 comments:

Dawn said...

YES. do it. you are amazingly talented! and um i think you should make me a headband because well i like headbands and you like me... so i think that would be swell. :)

Tisha Alexander said...

Ditto what Dawn said... you are amazing!!!

Jana said...

I think that you are uber talented and anything you put on there will sell!! Go for it!

Amy said...

I just found your blog and I love all of your crafts.

We are currently adopting from Ethiopia (#22 on the boy's waiting list with AGCI). Do you mind if I add your blog to my adoption blogroll?
Blessings,
Amy

Sarah said...

Sorry -- I just can't get past the "adopt again" thing...

But, really, go for it! If you could find the time to make all those amazing things at Christmas time, then you can do anything.

And I'd buy them online. But when I move to VA I'll just come knock on your door instead.

Cristie Cerniglia said...

Just found your blog and I love it! Love your crafts and love the Etsy site! We are waiting for a court date this Thurs for our son in Ethiopia!
www.contagiouscristie.blogspot.com
cristie

Mellie said...

I like the washer necklaces, and I'm sure other things as well.Anything that might make you "sweary", definitely.

Charisa said...

love the washer necklaces!!

Might get you to make me one to celebrate our upcoming boy/girl!

Send me details on it !