This post is a follow-up to my last one on the ArtFire Group Deal. I did opt in and I became a Pro Member as of October 1, 2010. I now have my shop up and going and fairly well stocked with just under 50 items.
I continue to operate my Etsy shop and will likely continue to sell in both venues. I have to say, however, the ArtFire platform is very user-friendly and has some features I really like that Etsy does not offer. For example, I can create "coupons" for customers to use to receive discounts. I can also mark individual or multiple items for "sale" with price markdowns. I can even create gift certificates. I can also show a link to my Etsy shop in my ArtFire shop - not permitted on Etsy. I can also show 10 pictures of an item versus 5 on Etsy. And my overhead is less selling on ArtFire's site as well!
Still, Etsy is not a bad place at all. It certainly contains a thriving community of talented and interesting artists. It is also very well known and has a large following of customers. The selling platform is simple to use and easy to upload items for sale. Visibility is Etsy's strength, however since it is still the best known site for handmade items.
Still, ArtFire is coming on strong and with all its perks and low fees, it's market presence is steadily growing. So for now, I will continue on with both shops. It might be that I eventually settle on one or the other. Or I might find that I want to divide my inventory of designs and sell one type on Etsy and the other on ArtFire.
Please check out both my sites - feedback and comments are welcome!
DJAjewels.etsy.com
DJAjewels.artfire.com
Great read!! I have had the basic on Artfire FOREVER and have never sold a thing. But then again, I never add any new things to it either. Last couple of sales have been through Zibbet, but there, I'm on the free basic too. So only allows 25 items to be posted. Only thing I don't like about Etsy is the relisting fees, where you don't have those on the other selling sites. That can get quite pricey!!. Love both of your stores and wish you much success!!..Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne for the feedback. I also have had a basic store on ArtFire for a while and not sold anything - am hoping to breathe new life into it by putting more time and energy into it with the Pro shop and all of its features. Time will tell....Best wishes on your shop endeavors as well!!
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