I've seen a number of new blogs and met some great bloggers that are so very talented. I'm amazed daily at how talented my online friends are using whichever medium they prefer. I've also learned that everybody has their own method of selling their artistic creations.
In seeing so many different styles of creations - from jewelry to glass beads to knitted, crocheted and sewn creations to photographs... each artist seems to have their own desired online store.
The two most popular I've seen are Artfire and Etsy. I'm just wondering which do you prefer and why? I know each offers their own goodies, gadgets, widgets & gizmos... but what I'd love to know is which one is working best for you.
If you would share your opinions with me, I'd really appreciate it. I think we can all learn from each other, and I'm curious what you prefer and why. Thanks in advance for sharing!
Have a terrific day!
Dawn
10 comments:
Artfire looks like a lovely venue in my opinion. The only problem is that it doesn't get the exposure (and therefor sales) that a seller will experience with Etsy. That's the primary reason I haven't set up a shop on Artfire.
While I agree with the previous comment about exposure, I have shops on both ArtFire & Etsy. The customer service I've received by phone from ArtFire is exceptional, plus they do NOT charge a percentage of the sale like Etsy does.
As a Verified Member I pay a yearly fee and can list as much as I want. With Etsy I pay per piece-not listing.
ArtFire auctomatically sends your listing to Google Base for maximum exposure and you see the results.
ArtFire is "newer" on the scene and Etsy is well known. For me, I would love nothing more than to use ArtFire only, but I get equal sales from both. Supplies -not designs- sell on Etsy and designs sell on ArtFire.. Go figure..
I wish I could say I've had good luck with online sales - but have tried ArtFire - with no success, and currently have an Etsy site, with several items listed and viewed, but also without success. I KNOW that my pieces are quality, and are priced in line with others that are selling, so not sure what else I can do to prompt sales. Glad to hear others are having luck - would love to know more tricks other than selling things at rock bottom garage sale prices....
I have been selling on Etsy for about a year now and sales have steadily increased. I've started listing with Artfire about 2 months ago and it didn't take me long to start seeing sales.
I think a lot of the exposure you get is what you put out there. I've had more sales lately on Etsy but that may be because I've had connections through Etsy, where someone wanted to partner up our work or feature me in a blog. Basically, these few people found me on Etsy and they are promoting my Etsy.
I also have a Zibbet account which I haven't had any sales on as of yet, but, I have also met people that prefer Zibbet because of the exposure they got there.
I really like the idea of their free ride programs that Zibbet and Artfire both have as well. Any referrals you get will lower your monthly fee. Although I haven't made a sale on Zibbet, I do almost have a free account. :)
My best advice is to market your shops like crazy. Tweet it, blog it, facebook it, etc. I seen very minimal sales for a long time until I started the networking and meeting people through these sites. I thought just opening a shop on Etsy would do it but it really is about putting yourself out there.
it is interesting to read the differences in prices charged by the different sites. It seems like a good idea to list stuff on many sites going by what others have said!
To be perfectly honest I don't do well on any online venue...part of my problem I think is I don't spend the time required to update the sites...other than that I'm not sure why I don't sell?
I do have an Etsy shop, which I've sold a few pieces, I've never listed on Artfire??? I do have a website as well...
My sales are all at my shows/markets...I have an online presence because my customers seem to like/expect it, otherwise I probably wouldn't even bother!!!
Cheers
Well, I personally prefer ArtFire; but that might be just a little biased ;)
If I had to pick my own favorite feature on ArtFire, it would have to be the Facebook Kiosk. The app puts a constantly updated Kiosk version of your ArtFire studio on your Facebook Profile and Fan pages. Couple that with ArtFire's no account checkout, and your friends, family, and fans can purchase from your kiosk without ever leaving Facebook!
I'd be happy to answer any questions about ArtFire you might have as well. Good luck to everyone no matter what venue you sell on!
Kevin Ian
Director of Social Media
ArtFire.com
Thanks so everybody for your comments. I really appreciate it! I've learned so much my brain has to take it all in! Like many of the comments said, it does depend on how much you promote! Kevin, I especially like that Artfire doesn't require a buyer to have an account. That's been a challenge in the past with people that just want 1 item because they saw it on my blog or in Facebook, but have to set up an entire Etsy account to purchase. So that is a great feature!
I appreciate all your comments! The more we share with each other, the better our online selling will get! Have a terrific weekend everybody!
I've just recently opened my Artfire store and just starting as a Basic seller for the time being.I feel very fortunate after reading the forums where people have been on there for 12 months with 7,000 plus views and haven't sold anything. I've had less than 100 views and only been opened for 3 months and have already sold one item. I do like the nice clean, clear look of Etsy more than Artfire, but Artfire suits me at the moment and their customer service is very good.
I love all these comments...such great information....I also have an Etsy shop and Artfire shop and a Zibbet shop...I just opened my Zibbet shop this week and had a sale today...
I do agree I think it is what you put into it...It takes time and effort...
It is a big world...:)
giveaways and promotions help to I think...
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