Being an artist is tough. Making a living only off your DIY products is even tougher. The competition is intense right now, so you should really think about improving your client base and sales in the long run!
At the same time, starting an eCommerce business has never been easier. You just need to register on an online platform and start making sales.
Etsy is one of the most popular websites where you can sell your goods and services. In general, it is focused on DIY products, but people also sell guides, online courses, and other materials in the form of downloadable files. In any case, there is a huge market for homemade products that are original, interesting, and eco-friendly.
One of the many benefits of eCommerce business is that anyone can do it. As a small business owner, you can combine your entrepreneurship with your studies! For example, students often use write essays for me services so they can have more time to spend on their sales. This way, your grades won’t suffer, and you’ll have an opportunity to grow your business!
Still not sure that you can make it on your own? Here are some pros and cons of using Etsy to sell your DIY products!
Everything You Need To Know About Etsy
You probably have already heard about this eCommerce platform because it’s one of the most popular online marketplaces for handmade products. In the last couple of years, it has gotten a little out of control, so there might be a lot of ads for mass-produced goods. For this reason, you need to make sure that your clients can find you organically, but more on that later.
The website itself was founded almost 20 years ago in an attempt to connect creators with their potential clients. Today, this company provides a place to more than 2 million sellers!
Of course, this also means that you will have to work twice as hard to make a name for yourself here. Still, this is a unique experience that relies on independent sellers instead of chain stores.
Pros Of Using Etsy
Just like with any other website, there are some controversies both for the sellers and for the clients. Here, you will find all the positive things about promoting your business on Etsy.
In case you don’t have enough time for your studies, try looking for an essay service review online. Expert writers will take care of your homework while you set up your web store!
It’s Very Easy To Navigate
Starting your own website is very expensive and time-consuming. Etsy makes sure that every person can start selling their goods as soon as possible! It’s very intuitive and easy to set up. Here is all the basic information that you will need to open up your online store:
- location of your shop;
- name or brand;
- shipping options;
- payment options;
- your bank info so you can pay monthly fees.
Great Testing Ground For Your Services
It’s always a good idea to test out your product before pouring lots of money into development, marketing, and manufacturing. With Etsy, you can see if your goods will be popular at all.
Also, this is a great opportunity to find your own niche that has less competition. Maybe your clients will even give you some feedback for your future improvement!
It Already Has An Audience
All people who go on Etsy already know that they trust the sellers. This platform has a very strict policy when it comes to payments and possible scams. As a result, you get a loyal client base that trusts your business immediately!
It’s Pretty Cost-Effective
Instead of renting a huge office, hiring a marketing team, and paying for manufacturing, you’ll have to think only about production and paying due fees.
The navigation and advertising are pretty straightforward on Etsy, so you won’t have any issues with doing everything by yourself. This will be a great trial period for your small business with minimal expenses!
Cons Of Selling Your DIY Products On Etsy
Of course, no eCommerce platform is perfect, and Etsy is not an exception. There are still some negative sides to using this website. Don’t get discouraged though! Maybe these cons won’t be a huge issue for you and your small business! Here are some disadvantages of using Etsy as a place to sell your DIY products:
- the competition is insane. There are thousands of new goods being added to the website every day. You need to invest in advertising to get new clients.
- issues with brand image. Your customer is more likely to say that they got your products on Etsy without specifically mentioning your brand name.
- not everything is handmade here. Many people try to resell manufactured items and mark them as authentic, decreasing the price.
- fees that can add up. It might not be a problem for popular stores, but if you haven’t made a single sale, you still have to pay for listings!
To Sum Up
Now you know the basics of selling your handmade goods on Etsy! It’s a great platform for beginners who are not really sure that they found their niche.
Here, you don’t have to commit to a long-term development plan, a marketing strategy, or a huge manufacturing process. As soon as you feel like your company has taken off, you can move to your own website!
