I'm trying to figure out what I want to do in terms of selling my goods here are the options I have come up with *Online - ie paypal / ebay *Online - money order and post office box, local only *Commission deals in local boutique stores which would mean losing profits and a 100% markup plus 10% gst on my goods making for a very pricey bag *Selling on market days, through a stall of my own * Word of mouth. I dont know what to do. Anyone out there who have tried these avenues and could give me some of the realistic pros ad cons?
Right now I am selling on Etsy. it works for me right now as it allows me to be seen, make a few sales and doesn't require me to know too much about computers in order to use the site. The fees are decent and it is a friendly place. I sell tons locally, by word of mouth, doing shows and handing out cards. My advice would be to decide what it is you really want out of starting your own business. Is this something you want to make a living at, or are you just doing it for fun and to make a few extra bucks here and there. With your own website you are solely responsible for generating traffic to it and making it presentable and atractive to buyers. Up keep on a website is not always easy. Going with a place like EBAY or Etsy, you are only responsible for bringing in extra traffic and promoting your store. While those places are advertising, they aren't solely advertising your store. Boutiques can be rip offs. Consignments sucks because they take a huge chunk of your profit. Try getting a permanent booth at a local flea market and or vending outlet. Makes sure it is one in a high traffic area adn one that is clean, presentable and doesn't just sell junk.
ETSY WORKS FOR ME!!!! ITS A GREAT LITTLE PLACE but dont give up straight away if it starts of a little silent, you haveto make your presense known
Ebay's prices for stores and stuff are getting ridiculous. The fees from listing and paypal are outta hand. I would only use ebay selectively for your best items, and direct the traffic you generate from ebay to another place, a personal website or etsy. You can link a personal website to paypal and still take their payments. I think a personal site would be best because you can 100% control what is on it. Ebay can make a dent in the wallet if you have to relist things repeatedly. I use to sell on their alot but ended up just doing stuff word of mouth and supplementing with ebay. I get requests for things from time to time from ebay sales.
