Oct 26 2008
Yarn Whispering-Part 1
The other day I mentioned something about doing some research on the benefits of joining the ranks of Etsy. After much thought and consideration, I have decided that I do, indeed, want to start up my own Etsy store, and also that I am going to document the trials and tribulations and unexpected joys that come from this process!
I’m really kind of stoked about this venture, because it combines everything I love with the ability to make some potentially excellent income for my art. Yarn-good. Creativity-good. Writing-good. Money-good. What’s not to love about this new project, I ask you? Phase 1 began yesterday, with my 2nd visit to Etsy. I’ve read several online articles touting the joys and benefits of selling through this innovative site, as well as a write up about the original founder, in the recent issue of Inc. magazine. I’m intrigued by young entrepreneurs and how they develop successful startups seemingly right out of the gate! So yeah, I’m willing to give it a try!
I spent some time reading through the registration process, and the seller FAQ’s, just to get an idea of how to start formulating my store. As with any new business venture, it’s imperative to give the following factors some much needed consideration:
- Effective and catchy business name
- What exactly am I going to offer?
- What is my overhead?
- How will I market my store?
- Pricing
- Customer service-policies and procedures
Those are just a few of the things that I need to sit down and take stock of…..but right now, my Chili is almost done, so I’ve gots to go start some grilled cheeses and feed the hungry masses before they take it upon themselves to delve into cannibalism or some other heinous feeding practice 
I’m not sure in which direction Part 2 will go, but if you want to follow along with the creation and development of my soon-to-be-fabulous Etsy store, please make sure to subscribe to the RSS feed, or add me to your blog roll. Also, if you or someone you know if part of Etsy or if you have ideas, do not hesitate to contribute!
Happy Sunday, Faithful Yarnies!
Oh I love the colour in that pic makes me want to start doing some needlework! Buzzed ya too.
I have cruised through Etzy many times but never quite bought anything. I think a lot of people with stores focus on selling what they have rather than filling a need. For example I spent ages trying to find a laptop bag there but none was the right size!
Oh, I lie, I did buy some soap there, but it is hard to mess up soap
Thanks, yanjiaren. I’m enamoured of all shades of reds and purples, and it definitely does spark creativity!!
Veinglory, did you ever locate a laptop bag? I know there’s a feature on Etsy where you can request an item to be made, and I bet if you put in your request, one of the many “bag” artists would probably have one ready for your perusal very shortly!!
Or hey, I have a sewing machine. Let me know your specs, and what color and type of material you want. We can work something out!!
Thanks for the heads up though about filling needs. Filling needs is way more important than selling current inventory, in any biz!
Definitely things to keep in mind!
I just bought a new laptop–a little ASUS, I’ll measure it. Let me know when your shop is up and I will be your first customer.
Sweet
I’ll be doing the whole setup thing in the next week. In the meantime, if you decide on color or fabric preferences, just holler!! 