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dangerbears Sep 19, 2011

I have to admit that I've spent little time on my Etsy shop. Once I figured out that the secret to success there is frequent (if not daily) new listings of low-priced items, it didn't seem like a good match to the handmade bear business.

But I'm trying to keep an open mind. Is anyone making sales from their Etsy shop? Or are you using it as inexpensive advertising space? I'd love to hear about any of your experiences.

Becky

peterbear Sep 19, 2011

Hi Becky,

From the point of view of buyer instead of seller, I don't regularly log on to my Etsy account, but last weekend (feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't be at the Hugglets show  ) I decided to take another peek at the teddy bears on Etsy and I was surprised to find a lot of really great bears on there. 

Although the category "Artist Bears" is hard to find on Etsy (you have to search in "Dolls and Miniatures" first to find the bears), I think it's still a valid alternative.

Need I add that I decided to adopt one of the bears I saw??  Methinks not!     This is the one that tugged at my heartstrings: a large classic bear by Lynda Hampton.

Hugs,  :hug:

Peter, Vincent & Arthur

4 users like this: Conni, Coraleen, New Avenue Crew, susana fung

Conni Sep 19, 2011

Hi Becky,
In Germany there is Dawanda. It is as etsy.
I often look. One needs patience for the sales or must be always topical.
My Dawanda http://de.dawanda.com/shop/CorneliasAllerlei

Coraleen Sep 19, 2011

Peter, your bear is beautiful   

1 user likes this: peterbear

dangerbears Sep 19, 2011

Thank you for the information, Conni. You shop at DaWanda looks very nice.

Need I add that I decided to adopt one of the bears I saw??

You needn't. I adore Lynda's bears, and this one has an especially sweet face.

Becky

1 user likes this: peterbear

rowarrior Sep 19, 2011

I've had a few bears featured in treasuries, but that's it.  I'm going to repurpose my shop for other smaller items, I think it's not really the place for big ticket items, such as a bear, mainly due to the people using it, who don't necessarily go browsing for big things (except for Peter    ) but pick up more smaller things

dangerbears Sep 19, 2011

I think it's not really the place for big ticket items, such as a bear

That's my impression, too, and Peter can always find our bears here.

Becky

Gabriele~GJOYfulBears Sep 19, 2011

The only thing I ever buy on Etsy is puppets hand-made by some makers I know. I collect puppets as I am a puppeteer however I'm not doing shows at the moment ~ but my collection of puppets is still allowed to grow  There are some fantastic puppets on there, or at least there was last time I looked (4 months probably). I agree though there are mostly only smaller items.

And Peter that bear is a "Real bear" isn't he? Congratulations on adopting him.

joibear Sep 20, 2011

From the point of view of buyer instead of seller, I don't regularly log on to my Etsy account

Peter, may I ask where you usually go to find new additions to your hug!! 

peterbear Sep 20, 2011

Peter, may I ask where you usually go to find new additions to your hug!!  :rose:

Kelly,

I am on the mailing list of several artists whose work I admire;
I almost daily check out Bearpile;
I daily check out the new bears here on TT and on a French teddy bear forum;
All my FB friends are teddy bear artists or lovers;
I buy several international teddy bear magazines and
I belong to members clubs such as Steiff, Charlie Bears, ...

Is it any wonder I am never short of a temptation to adopt another bear? 

Hugs,  :hug:

Peter & the bears

2 users like this: binglebears, joibear

susana fung Sep 20, 2011

hi Becky,
i find it's an alternative for displaying my bears in an acceptable price. I like the idea when you are under treasury from other people who make different interest, your making will spread over so your market will be widen to certain state.
it's a convenient way when people have the first sight of interest on your bears, then you can drive them to the detailed description at once.
wish it helps.
susana

joibear Sep 20, 2011

  Thanks for your response Peter.  I appreciate your input.     :hug:

Carlyle Bear Co. Sep 20, 2011

Becky-

I confess that I gave up on Etsy a long time ago.  If you don't continually re-post your item it gets lost in the shuffle.  I also found it was more difficult to add bears to my shop on there than it was on Bear Pile.  I realized that I loved shopping on Etsy but not selling. 

Peter- you chose an adorable bear for your hug!

dangerbears Sep 20, 2011

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

I think we can agree that Etsy does serve as inexpensive advertising. It's not a great place to sell more expensive or less frequently listed items. And Peter got one terrific bear! :dance:

Becky

1 user likes this: peterbear

kallie214 Sep 23, 2011

I think your right about big ticket items on etsy...not to say that I haven't sold a few bears there, but I mainly use my account for selling my patterns. It seems a better fit for that marketplace.

Bear Hugs,

Kim