My thoughts exactly, Helen! I signed up as a member who's supposed to have a shop, but I'm reluctant to continually pay fees to list things that are highly specialized in category and nice-looking but I believe would be far less popular to buy (ex. my imitation 1940's women's hats). I can't imagine selling more than one or two in a 6-month period!! Handmade costume jewelry items are another of my creations but there are far, far too many other similiar items in the Etsy community selling floor, with all the likelihood that mine will remain ignored. Part of what the fees pay for plus a cut from whatever purchase is actually made is the routine of sending advice articles and sometimes marketing-related videos via e-mail on an ongoing basis. Despite all the nice things they say to encourage, and taking into account the hard work and expense of creating the items, I can't afford to lose money on things that are not selling! What good is an inventory of 100 items for a higher total listing price if those 100 items are not even being looked at?
For reaching potential customers, I don't want more than just my Facebook activity. I don't have the extra time for more than that. I don't want to get a Twitter account too. And blogs require a maintenance routine too and could be regarded as just an online diary or place to express opinions about a variety of subjects.
I'm not criticizing the idea of blogs. Blogs are actually how I learned about so many American women getting lucky enough to live in France, and doing what it takes to be allowed to stay there as more than just a temporary tourist. Before the expat-in-France blogs, I never dreamed there were so many other American lady Francophiles besides me saving themselves for marriage to strictly Frenchmen! I didn't know there were so many American women who have acheived it and successfully qualified for such a thing aside from simply already knowing the French language and appreciating the culture! Most of all, the blogs are also very informative on the not-so-elegant side of dealing with France and the French, such as the famously steep administrative barriers and bureaucracy. Some bloggers who have overcome those are nearly half my age, and already have a France-connected career to boot. All risk of envy aside, the blogs can be a source of encouragement and inspiration (maybe even the professional kind), even if you know you'll probably never meet these people in person.
For the time being I'll just have to maybe be an occasional customer. However, I'm slightly disappointed at the very high asking prices of reproductions 18th century colonial gowns (aimed mostly at the living history and theatrical community). You'd think they'd lower the price to sell them quicker and not just sit in the listing for so long.
I'm glad someone here brought up this topic. I'm stymied not knowing how to approach the prospect of being an Etsy seller, especially in light of my unfortunate current financial situation. Purely for money reasons that have nothing to do with my degree of self-discipline or being a hard-working type of person (which I am anyway), I'm far from able to become an entrepreneur. My hope is that someday that will change! I've been told that not everyone can handle even trying to be one, and are therefore stuck in a "regular" job working for someone else in a not-so-creative or artsy line of work. Above all, how does one be an Etsy seller from the standpoint of being someone who wants to become eligible to be connected with France occupation-wise as well as culturally?
Best regards,
Carolyn