I opened my Etsy shop back in May. In the first six months I only had one order, and it was from my mom.

But I didn’t mind, I was busy with a newborn and a toddler, and a patron-less Etsy shop is much less stressful than a patron-less brick and mortar shop.

Then suddenly, out of no where, I had an explosion of orders. Maybe explosion is the wrong word; in a span of three weeks I got eleven orders. For me, that’s an explosion. And it was amazing. It was so amazing that each time I got an order I thought it was a joke. If I didn’t know better, I’d accuse my mom of creating fake email addresses and placing orders just to support me and boost my confidence.

Those eleven orders, in addition to non-Etsy orders from friends, have kept me busy. Tom and I call it my one-woman sweat shop. But it’s the best kind of busy because receiving an Etsy order is wonderful and affirming…there are people out there — strangers — who actually like what I’m creating? So much that they’ll pay actual money for it?

The excitement I feel when I get a brand new order has inspired me to, as much as possible, shop Etsy this Christmas. I’m a huge believer and fan of places like Target and Pottery Barn, and most of my Christmas list is brought to you by J.Crew; big retailers are awesome and have their place for sure. But when it makes sense, I’m going to buy from people like me — stay at home moms, students, crafters, artists. Most Etsy prices are reasonable (for what I’ve found, anyway) and you get a great, one of a kind gift. The sale will likely make someone’s day, too. Win-win-win.

If you’re curious, there’s a link to my Etsy shop in my sidebar, or you can find it here: www.etsy.com/shop/amandaleighknits

This post isn’t intended solely as self-promotion, especially since most of my items are custom-made (and therefore take time) I have a limited number of orders I can fill in time for Christmas. (If orders are placed, the listing for custom orders will be down until I can catch up and then I’ll put it back up, so if you don’t see a custom listing for custom hats, that’s why. Just check back in a few days.)

Instead, the post is just a reminder to check out some alternative retailers this Christmas.

I also have a few incredibly talented friends with Etsy shops. Check out their stuff, too. And if you happen to sell wares through Etsy or some other vendor, add your link in the comments.

Lynsie Rae
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LynsieRae

Mikaela Fuchs @ The Hungry Fox
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thehungryfox

MaryEarley
https://www.etsy.com/shop/maryearley

Share this:

Facebook

0

Twitter

Pinterest

0

email