Since I had several disastrous experiences with my old host provider a bit over a year ago, I have been without an on-line place to buy my project packs, stitch guides, and ebooks. It’s been frustrating for you and for me.
I have been reconsidering Etsy. In the past I have avoided it largely because I find it so hard to find things as a shopper. But I think I have figured out how I can do it so you can find me easily.
But I’d like your opinion of using Etsy, buying this way, and if you’d be OK witha link along the top of this blog’s pages to the shop.
I want honest opinions, good and bad, from as many people as possible. Just put your opinion in the comments section for post.
Commenters will get a gift.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Yes to Etsy!
I started buying on Etsy when my sister had a shop for her tole painting. I’ve never had any problems and have been delighted with the variety of products and services available. I wouldn’t hesitate to shop on your Etsy shop if you establish one.
I think Etsy would be fine especially since you would be providing a direct link at the top of the blog, otherwise trying to find you could be a hassle.
Hi. I’ve used Etsy a few times and never had a problem. I’d love to see a link to your items. I love being enabled!! I enjoy all of your emails. The only drawback is that I want to travel to all the classes!! Thanks.
Janet, I’ve purchased many things from Etsy over the years and I’ve only had one bad experience. I’ve learned how to tweak the search to result in more appropriate stores and it’s one of my go-to online shopping places. I admit I’ve sometimes had trouble locating a really specific item but especially if you have links to your store in this blog, I think it will be easier to find you. I’d say, based on my experience, go for it!
I think your idea is a good one. I really like supporting independent artists through Etsy. It may eventually help you find even more customers – since you can also mention the blog in your Etsy shop page, I think. Best of luck.
I have never had a bad experience with anything I have bought on Etsy. I do have a problem finding particular sellers though. Recently you had mentioned an Etsy shop that did needlepoint finishing. I wasn’t able to find the shop. Maybe it is a lack of knowledge on my part. I wouldn’t mind seeing a link on your blog page, in fact it would be helpful. Good luck!
I agree with you about ETSY and it being an enormous time waster a far as searching even when you know the store name.
You might consider opening an ebay store. It would be easy for you to link to specific ebay items from this site. When you set up the store, say you want to sell as kit kit, you can include in your listing that you have a certain number of copies of the item, say 50. When you have sold that initial 50, you can re-list the item and then continue selling it.
I use ETSY frequently and find it easy to use.
As a customer, I use it regularly and love it.
I have purchased a number of patterns from several shops on Etsy (usually blackwork or biscornu patterns) and I have not had any problems. However, I do make sure that the seller uses PayPal for my card security. I think a link would be good as then folks would not have to search for you.
I have not had any issues with purchasing things from Etsy for the most part. To be honest though, I do not usually think to that as my first go-to place as often it is a process to have to go through all the pages to find what I want in the limited time I may have. Having a banner with the link is a good idea in that if I wanted something, I could then directly get there from this page. Thank you for what you do here. I am learning a great deal from you.
Dear Janet,
It has been frustrating for all, and most of all I feel this year has not helped your reputation professionally. I now understand why it was because for your server and not being able to contact suppliers. I think that you should have explained more fully to us what the computer problem ENTAILED. I have computer problems as well, but that line does tell does not tell you the consequence.
I have no experience with Etsy but as long as there is a clear link and we can still contact you, it is fine with me. As you have more experience and advice in this area, go for it.
Eleanor, A Fan
I like Etsy and have no problem if you add that link.
I buy often from Etsy and you’re right, it can be difficult to find the “shop” you want. I find that if I am specific about the name, however, it isn’t so bad. I think you should try them.
Ask Mary Corbet how she manages it. Now that Etsy has been bought by an investor – there will be more pressure for profits and I suspect it will go they way of EBay with lots of seller fees.
I think that having that link would be the key. My daughter has had lots of her friends tell her they had trouble finding her stuff too.
Although etsy has lots of interesting things their dite is difficult to navigate. I have also had problems when I did buy domething. I have come to avoid using this site.
I have ordered many items from etsy, and have always be satisfied with my purchase.
I would like to recommend one very nice lady in Holland, Nelleke, who makes beautiful needle cases and ships them promptly. ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftedorVintage?ref=l2-shopheader-name ) I have ordered several for myself and for gifts, and they are lovely. The shop name is HandcraftedorVintage.
Another etsy vendor is JRCrafter, who makes beautiful laying tools using the BLT. Again, I have a few of these (one in each sewing bag) and love them. ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/JRCrafter?ref=search_shop_redirect )
I have no financial interest in these shops, but I am an enthusiastic purchaser of their products.
I have bought many things on Etsy and dont find it especially difficult to navigate. If there was a link from you email to you shop it would be easy.
I love your blog and the links to other shops and needlepointers
I have shopped on Etsy many times and never had a problem, even if the seller is outside the US. I certainly would watch for your store and purchase.
I’m not a fan of Etsy at all, for the same reasons that you have mentioned.
How about Amazon? Sooner or later they’ll win, and for me Amazon and Zappos are the easiest shopping experiences in the world.
( I do mean having an Amazon link
You’re very sweet to offer a gift, but none needed.
Hi Janet
I have only used it once from a designer in Sechelt BC she dies pearl cotton thread. I found it to be very reliable easy to use and prompt service. Hope this helps.
I use Etsy to purchase hand dyed silk threads from a lady in England. Also, I have used it to purchase unique sterling pendants. Never have I had a problem.
The communication and payment processes are easy to use. The sellers I have dealt with are very attentive and accommodating.
I believe you would benefit greatly in using this venue.
Regards, Anne Roberts
Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop, easy to make purchases..don’t worry, shoppers will find you!
Hello,
I have never used Etsy (although that might change if you included a link!)
eBay is my go to place for online shopping, and I agree with Cathy’s suggestion of an eBay store.
Good luck!
I have looked into eBay stores and perhaps things will change. From the buyer’s side eBay has better search engines, though their needlepoint search ability has changed for the worse.
From the seller’s side things are different. Etsy has a small listing fee plus a transaction fee when the item sells. eBay has a monthly fee to have a shop, no listing fees and a higher transaction fee. For the monthly minimum store fee on eBay I could list 75 items each month on Easy for the same price — and I’m just not that big!
Keep stitching,
Janet
Etsy is ok with a link, but eBay is always my first stop. It’s very easy to create a list of favorite sellers and follow them with automatic notifications when new items are added.
I have purchased items from a couple of bead designers on Etsy. I get an email that there’s a sale and I go look. I’ve never had any problems, but I’ve never searched for anything. I think having a banner on your blog with a link would work just fine.
Hi, Janet: I’m not wild about etsy as it’s difficult wade through an overabundance of search returns. to find products and woe is me if I lose the name of a store I like. Using favorites is helpful but just okay. Etsy doesn’t seem to filter well. Mostly I use ebay to purchase needlepoint canvases, books and supplies as there are many full-time needlepoint sellers or actual brick-and-mortar stores who sell there. I’m very satisfied with ebay.
etsy is so responsive and easy to use. I use it for multiple sources.
I’ve used Etsy and do occasionally think it is difficult to find things, but if you offer a link to the shop that would be great.
I had a bad experience with etsy, so no longer will use it. I’ve only had one or two bad experiences on eBay, but that was due to the seller and was corrected by eBay. Have you considered using them?
I have never used Etsy but I would if you provided a link. It would definetly push me to look and explore.
Whatever works for you is fine with me. Justine Pearse
Janet: I use etsy all the time and I think that a link at the top of your page would make it super easy to be able to access the merchandise we have been unable to get recently. It is very easy to use, displays information beautifully, and allows for pdf downloads of things like stitch guides and patterns, something I have used many times. I think eBay is too cumbersome for what you are trying to do.
Good Luck with whatever way you proceed…..Mary Cline-Buso
Janet:
I use etsy all the time and I think that a link at the top of your page would make it very easy to access your merchandise that we have been unable to get recently. It is very easy to use, displays information beautifully, and allows for pdf downloads of things like stitch guides and patterns, something I have used many times. I think eBay is too cumbersome for what you are trying to do.
Good Luck with whatever way you proceed.
I have used Estsy a few times and was always satisfied. I do however make most of my needlepoint purchases through ebay – that is always my first stop for shopping.
Jane
Great idea. Not the best on Etsy but this would be a good reason to try!
Yes. Worth a try.
No gift needed! Whatever you choose, as long as you have a link to it (why would anyone object?), it should be no problem for people. I’ve only used Etsy occasionally, so I’m not an expert on it by any means. But I would love to see what you offer in a store. Wishing you the best!
I haven’t used zesty, but if the link was right on your page I would check it out.
Looking forward to class in September.
Oops I mean Esty. ?
I think an Etsy shop is a great idea but take the time to make your items are more easily searchable with the help of titles and tags, there’s lots of info about that online. I know of plenty of designers who have had other opportunities come their way because they were found on Etsy. I think a link to your shop here is an excellent idea too. I love visiting the shops of the blogs I follow! Whatever way you go, I’m looking forward to the opening of your online shop 🙂
With a link I think it would work nicely. If nothing else, it will get you back out there and buy you time to an alternate solution.
I have only bought a couple of items from Etsy but it was easy and I would do it again.
Which ever you choose will likely be fine with most of your fans… as long as there is a link on your blog we shouldn’t have any trouble finding your store. Best of luck resolving your problem.
I do use Etsy on a regular basis and have never had a problem. I think it might be a good fit.
I have had a mixed experience. The sellers have been good, though when getting to shipping costs I am not a fan of how it has been established. I don’t know if there is a better way or not. I have had trouble finding what I want and as mentioned by others, I do not have the time to spend hours finding the exact search language to get what I am after. I agree that having a link on the banner would help with that problem. I am inclined to think like another poster and would look at Amazon as an option.
Thanks for your effort and expertise as you help so many with this art.
It’s been awhile, but I’ve used Etsey without incident, so as far as I’m concerned, just do what works for you.