5 Harsh Truths Craft Business Owners Need to Hear

[@CreativeHiveCo]

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[@olasaleh9525]

Am trying to join, but not accept my resignation. Don't know why

[@CreativeMouse]

Etsy should create a spin-off business - Etsy Commercial which would be non-handmade items. Which they would be able to segment the market easily.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's an interesting idea! Having a separate platform like "Etsy Commercial" for non-handmade items could definitely help streamline the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@kevinwarner959]

This is a genius idea!

[@maryjohnson2244]

Etsy already tried this with supplies. Cant remember the name. They can't operate the current business and ideas they are trying to implement.

[@penneyreed7316]

I am a creator/maker, and the biggest thing I have heard from buyer is disappointment. People buy something handmade, and it turns out to be junk. I have seen other booths at shows & markets, it's true. So much of the time handmade items are made by inexperienced, or uncaring individuals. The goods are shoddy, poor materials, and not cleaned and presented well. I seen "makers" who have hot glue strings on the finished piece, on display. Anyone who buys from someone like that is left with a poor opinion of hand made. When i started a majority of craft shows had a quality check, before you could sign up. I have seen such garbage for sale as handmade, it gives me second hand embarrassment

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's really disappointing to hear about those experiences. As a fellow creator/maker, I understand the frustration when handmade items don't meet expectations. Quality and craftsmanship should always be a priority. Thank you for sharing your insights!

[@graythistle]

Might be time for a PR change, like rebranding it "master craftsmanship" or something along those lines.

[@charlottesmom]

Juried craft markets were a thing when I wanted to sell my handmade items years ago. They had a group of people who viewed a selection of your wares then decided if you would be allowed in the craft fair/market. They only wanted quality not amateur wares.

[@gracemakeslace]

​@@graythistle Agreed. I often brand my stuff as "artisan made" as it implies it's skillfully made.

[@charlottebooth7614]

I think the problem is the trend that all hobbies should be a side hustle, so you get complete beginners at a craft selling their products at ridiculous prices, when frankly they should go an practice a little bit more. I have stopped going to craft fairs because most of the stuff is tat, badly made or a complete beginners level.

[@lx95020]

I sell on Etsy as well and I had to make some changes. Instead of dealing with price conscious customers I started to target customers that don't mind pay higher prices for an item that is more custom to their needs. With all the mass-produced product on Etsy....this is the only way I was able to get away for the making many units for a small profit margin. It's more about the customer experience and their satisfaction with the product. Many of us think in order to make a sale we need to sell low......not true. Make what people want and charge a fair price. If the item is 100% custom then charge a much higher price. If they don't want to pay then this is a customer you don't need.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's a smart approach! Thank you for sharing!

[@tera_windon]

This is honestly the best idea and what they taught us in advertising school. DO NOT COMPETE ON PRICE, unless you are Walmart 😂. I've structured the product placement for my planner Etsy shop as a middle ground between Happy Planner and Levenger. Buyers that want more mature styles that HP, but don't want to pay $100 at Levenger, and 100% handmade! Since doing that, I've almost doubled my sales every month without having to run a sale

[@marshalepage5330]

I think it's ok to separate the hand made from the digital, but not ok to tell digital artist they aren't allowed to sell.

[@ordinarydragon8764]

Their talking about digital products ex: dropshipper keychains/print on demand shirts and stuff, not handmade digital art-!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights! 😊

[@PunsandPixels]

I design digital crochet patterns. They are made by me. I think digital products like these and those that artists actually draw things on procreate themselves for example should be included in the hand made umbrella

[@cyndisays]

I do not think handmade will ever end. Crafters will have to up they game (which if you got it you go it).

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@gracemakeslace]

You have some excellent points, but I really don't think getting rid of digital altogether is the way to go. Lots of us creators sell things such as digital patterns in categories such as crochet, sewing, knitting, lace making, etc. It lets those of us who like to create have accessible places to sell and buy and download well-made patterns. I just searched on Amazon for "tatted lace pattern" and "crochet blouse pattern" and only got books back as a result. I can easily see a one-off pattern being high quality at $4(that's what I and most of my lace-making peers charge for our lace patterns), but a whole book of patterns for $6 makes me question if it'll be executed well.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights! 😊

[@coffeebreak100]

Why are digital products being attacked? There’s a lot that goes into thinking up the product and using your ‘hands’ to work to bring it to life. Just because a computer is used to create that image or that product does not mean no work has gone into it or that it’s not handmade. I’m not talking about AI generation, I’m talking about having a creative idea and bringing it to life making a product that can be sent electronically. Like a planner, or an excel template, or educational printables, digital illustrations.

[@dolliebluest]

I was going to comment on this as well. I would vastly prefer they make it harder for physical products which are not handmade such as print on demand, and even drop shipped… to be listed vs digital art. When I am browsing Etsy looking for art made by a real artist, I am never bothered by digital art. I am ALWAYS bothered by certain physical items saturating the space. And I am sure there are some examples of digital items which fit in a similarly “not hand made” category but it’s a tiny % of what is really beautiful hard work. Vs the physical items being MOSTLY not “actually” handmade. And I would even be happy with room for certain products not made in house but CLEARLY drawn by the artists, such as enamel pins and even custom bags etc.

[@kumada84]

Selling "digital" products is a completely different thing from selling physical products. If you sell handmade necklaces, every necklace you sell was physically made by you. If you sell something like digital files for scrapbooking paper, you made it once, and what people are buying are copies of it - which they then also have to print out themselves. Ultimately, everything starts out as "handmade" - even AI generated content requires someone to write a prompt to start with. It's not about bashing digital products, it's an issue of whether or not things like that should be allowed to be sold on a platform that's supposed to be for "handmade" products.

[@salnellen1381]

@@dolliebluestPrint on demand is a great option for artists who don’t want to sell their original artwork. The artwork is original and the artist has another way of selling their paintings or illustrations. This should be allowed. It can be difficult selling originals as the prices are higher. But why not allow artists to sell both since these are the actual creators?

[@ahills578]

I think of all the artist I support that sell prints of their art. Digital art takes as much time as hand drawn art. I feel this can only be applied to poorly ai made products or quickly made products you can tell they took 2 seconds to make. And some print on demand are of artists art pieces on a shirt. So it should be as simple as “get ride of digital products” right. It’s not black & white which is why Etsy seems to be attempting to fix it with security stuff being added

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally get what you mean! It's crucial to support creators and respect their work, whether it's physical or digital in nature. Thank you for sharing your insights ♥️

[@WeirdSnakeGal]

I absolutely predict a resurgence in handmade product popularity due to the overflowing impersonal AI produce products. It might take a few years but a lot of people will get sick of it and will value quality work more.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

I totally agree with the hard truths you talked about! I don’t even like shopping on Etsy anymore because of all of the junk that is clearly not handmade or original digital designs that were made by an actual person. I see SO many products for sale on Etsy and Amazon that are literally the EXACT same products I can buy from Temu, AliExpress, Banggood, etc. for pennies on the dollar, especially silicone molds and jewelry. The only time I still buy from Etsy is if it’s a direct link from a seller who I know has made the product or digital file themselves.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's so disheartening for genuine artisans who put in the effort and creativity to make unique products. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this!

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

@@CreativeHiveCo It truly is disheartening. I make all types of things, but I don’t even want to list them for sale publicly because of how things are these days. I just make things for the joy of making them.

[@truthhearit1471]

Most of the stuff on Ali and Temu is stolen.

[@amyrp9115]

I can't help but think some shops buy from Temu and resell on Etsy??? I was looking at tiered shelf bundles for upwards of $60, and pretty much same bundle on Temu for around $6-$15!!! Kind of scandalous!

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

@@amyrp9115 That’s exactly what they’ve been doing. As both a customer and a maker, it makes me sick to see that.

[@inkyapron1862]

I’m particularly frustrated with the flood of POD listings as someone who hand screenprints my products. I’ve had my shop since 2014, and I have witnessed the impact that it made on Etsy. I model my shirts on my own body and refuse to use the generic mock-ups. I do own a direct to garment printer but they are so prone to breakage, cost a fortune to maintain. Screen printing is still the standard, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

Some people lack he startup funds to buy multiple shirt sizes, printers, inks, etc. POD is like a miracle for people like that. I did POD for a while and saved the funds to start making my own products.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally get where you're coming from! Thank you for sharing your insights

[@ebonymochi1790]

Yup I made a berry charm once for an online swap and the woman claimed I didn’t make it. I used polymer clay and Crystal glaze to give it a shiny coat. That woman said I bought it and then I had to do a demo to prove it since it was handmade only swap. I didn’t mind because I did a lot of tutorials in my teen years on crafts. She shut up and the host blocked her from future swaps. Am I agree with you on AI posts and fake craft pics. I’m tired of it because it isn’t handmade.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Wow, that sounds like quite the experience! It's awesome that you were able to prove your craftsmanship with a demo and that the host took action to maintain the authenticity of the swap. Thank you for sharing!

[@KittysFiberArt]

I spin yarn. The company Louet my spinning wheel is from, there is no dealer in my state. I’m forced to buy parts online. The big company’s like The Woolery and Paradise Fibers have limited stock. Drop shipping is the only way I was able to receive my footman connector for my two year old spinning wheel. I prefer to support small dealers than big retailers. Dealers on Etsy have been a huge help for the fiber art community.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@alyssamurphy2002]

Yes! Copying is so gross with handmade products for sale.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@barbarareeder7997]

I agree about Etsy to a point…..I live in a tiny town and the “big city” has a Michael’s only. I make scrapbooking journals and I have loved the digital papers…..I can use them when I need them instead of storing which takes up space. Now I will agree on all the other products that are “machine made”. I recently started to learn digital design so I can make my own digital papers …….its very time consuming which is fine in the beginning but delays my work if I relied on my own digital papers it would take me a month or more to get one journal done instead of 3 days. Pricing the handmade items is difficult from both ends. Your art and time is worth money. What I face is that if I wouldn’t buy it for the price it’s worth there is good chance no one else will or very few. Etsy could make 2 stores on their platform……handmade gifts and then the other is for everything else. That would give the customer easier access to what they really are looking for.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Your idea about dividing Etsy into handmade gifts and other products could definitely simplify the shopping experience for everyone involved. Thank you for sharing your insights!

[@gracemakeslace]

Ooooh this is a good idea! There's been times where I've been hunting for a specific thing and the results are littered with others. Handmade gifts separated from tools and supplies is pretty brilliant, but there should be an opportunity for some crossover, for instance, buying handmade tools or supplies for crafters as gifts.

[@yootoob1001001]

No, it's not dying. It depends upon what people make. I have a feeling it will eventually go on the upswing at some point because people still appreciate unique items/crafts/art and think eventually the mainstream will get tied of mass production cookie-cutter items.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@ChrisW228]

A big part of the problem is that it’s prohibitively expensive to legally stop people from copying copyright protected items. No one can afford to pay an attorney thousands of dollars to stop people from copying EACH of our hundreds of original designs and products. The only two choices designers have is to just live with it or find a new career. I chose to find a new career.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hopefully, there will be more support and solutions in the future to help protect original designs without breaking the bank. Thank you for watching!

[@fredericapanon207]

Sending you my condolences on having to decide to bow out of selling your arts/crafts.

[@ChrisW228]

@@fredericapanon207 I appreciate that very much. I’m a digital designer, so I was in many of the same Facebook groups as much of my customer base is, so I frequently saw my own work purchased by one person and then shared to group files for thousands to use. Since such a huge percentage are on Facebook and in the groups, that was literally my income being stolen. They rationalize it that companies like Disney gouge people on prices, etc., but they also do it to struggling artists. Then, the icing on the cake, people tweak my designs the slightest bit and claim THAT is protected and that people shouldn’t copy “their” work without asking them. It really just isn’t worth it. :(

[@msblondeasian]

Homegirl pulled out the DICTIONARY! 😂. You’re so good at concisely saying what I’m thinking.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@weirdoneontheblock]

My main question is, as an artist, what would be the line of the term handmade. For example, could I only sell originals on Etsy if it went back to handmade? No prints or stickers unless I find a way to print them at home? Would it only be okay to sell acrylics, oils, or watercolor paintings and I would need to stay away from digital illustration and/or painting?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi there! When it comes to selling on Etsy, you can typically sell originals, prints, stickers, and a variety of mediums, including acrylics, oils, and watercolors. The key is to ensure that you're directly involved in the creation process and that your items reflect your artistic touch and craftsmanship.For example with prints and stickers, they prefer items that have a personal touch. Printing them at home can add that personal connection, but even if you choose to have them printed elsewhere, as long as they're based on your original creations, they can still align with Etsy's guidelines. 😊

[@elbanti]

I enjoyed making and selling at markets etc. decades ago but I think nowadays I can see there is way more money in online education and digital downloads… in crafting and crafting business content.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Transitioning from physical markets to online platforms and digital content creation can indeed offer a wider reach and potentially greater financial opportunities. Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@49lucky]

Etsy will never go back to HANDMADE ONLY😢😢😢

[@elizadys]

Sadly this is very true. They will only change if they get shareholder pressure, not seller pressure. We saw from the recent Etsy Boycotts that those pretty much change nothing for the better.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

😔

[@calieandco]

Discussing what should be on Etsy could be it's own video... I get where they're coming from with offering the variety they do. As someone who makes things entirely by hand though, it hurts my business competing with people who do print on demand. If you see a POD mug for $15, then my handmade mug for $40, it can be confusing to buyers why they should pay more for one over the other when both were "handmade". I really appreciate your videos by the way! Keep it up!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate it!

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

You make great points and I don't see them as anywhere close to controversial. They are, as you said, hard truths. I especially like your point about making your listing grab a buyer's attention by demonstrating how our product is exactly what they need and then educate them on how it's handmade. I need to take a look at some of my products through this new lens. Thanks.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@mizunotohru]

I'd say what Etsy really needs to crack down on is dropship/mass produced items being incorrectly tagged as handmade. And the separate category of people who pay a factory in China to make their clothes, then maybe sew the label themselves when it gets to their house and label it as handmade. Completely skews the search results and warps people's perspectives on pricing.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@misscraftsalot8647]

Sameness is what I’m seeing at craft shows a lot. Everyone is using a laser cutter, and making signs and decor with laser cut outs, not to mention vinyl on tumblers and the like, and it’s just all the same! I want to buy unique and handmade, not repetitive and the same. So what you say makes sense. I look forward to the shift. I’ve been a crafter long enough to see that it does ebb and flow. Right now handmade is slowing down so that everyone can make the same things. I prefer to make unique pieces no one else has done.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally get what you mean! It's like walking through a craft show and seeing clones of the same stuff over and over. Can't blame you for wanting something with a bit more personality! Thank you for watching!

[@only3sewingventure]

We are a itty bitty sewing company and we have found that using terms like made for you, unique, one of a kind and limited edition helps. As we are catering to a niche of a niche we knew it would be hard. Thankfully we haven't quit our day jobs... probably never will 😢

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's all about highlighting the special qualities of your products! Thank you for watching!

[@bg4779]

I'm curious what your thoughts are on 3D printed products? There's a duality split between 3d printed products, those that design their own models and sell them and those that use models that are already available but pay for a commercial license for those models. In both cases there is still some "handmade" aspects to it. Like resin figures, even after I print off the figure I still need to process the print by sanding and what not to ensure the parts fit together and times when painting parts may be necessary. But there are too many stores that just spam out the latest flexi dragon and do nothing other then hit print and throw in a box after its done. I enjoy being able to bring almost anything in my imagination to life and see what I do as handcrafted but I can also see the low effort print farms that dilute the market. I can put in the extra effort to take a preexisting model and refine it to a higher quality that my customers enjoy but then there are other shops that do the bare minimum to get it into the box that appear to be the exact same product as mine but at a far cheaper price. So I'm really torn on this.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Personally, I think it's all about finding that sweet spot between creativity and respect for intellectual property. Designing your own models is super creative, and supporting creators by buying licensed models is important too. It's like a digital maker's paradise with a dash of ethical responsibility thrown in!

[@Sewthatsmylife]

I became tired of justifying my prices. I made dolls from patterns I created, everything was handmade. And although I had some really great customers, it became so tiresome trying to get others to see value in my work. I think Etsy transformed into something different over the years and has not been handmade friendly. for some time. And some of the craft shows allow so much manufactured stuff, that it's not worth it to participate.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I completely understand your frustration. Hopefully, you can find alternative avenues that better appreciate the dedication and skill you put into your work. Thank you for sharing!

[@elizabethb3436]

It's expensive time consuming labor of love why my knitting stays within my family it's just too expensive to sell one sweater or shirt ect cost time and materials quality fiber can be upwards of 200 dollars for enough yarn on top of it taking at least 4 straight days of knitting 96 hours x $35 which is how much Im paid at my job now is $3360+200 makes it $3560 and who is going to pay that not the average joe.

[@Sparkleaddictionart]

Thank you!! I've only been selling since Nov and I noticed that some followers are not my niche and I worry they are just copying my ideas, another reason to dump my Etsy account. What did you remove from your cart page?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! This is what I'll be discussing in my Sell More, Work Less 5-day free workshop! If you're interested to join, here's the link: www.creativehiveco.com/challenge/

[@Pandemona01]

Hi, gorgeous. Your channel is a great help. I am glad I found it. I have a question: how big a business can get when one only have two hands to execute pieces? Pieces that each one of them takes hours to finish (even one day per piece)? I can't speak in terms of volume. I am reatricted to, at most, 14 pieces by month.

[@thissmallhouseshop]

This is the handmade dilemma. You can only produce so much by hand yourself in a day. Which makes it hard to scale your business.

[@Pandemona01]

@@thissmallhouseshop Indeed. I am starting this adventure and I feel it isn't enough, or that it won't sell...or my taste is awful...so many fears. I am concerned. 😱

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for your kind words! ♥️ The size of your business when you're limited to producing a small number of pieces per month depends on your pricing strategy and target market. Since each piece requires a significant amount of time to complete, it's important to ensure that your pricing reflects the value of your craftsmanship and covers your costs adequately. Focusing on creating high-quality, unique pieces can attract customers willing to pay premium prices. You might also consider offering limited editions or custom options to increase the perceived value of your work.

[@Pandemona01]

@@CreativeHiveCo Ohhhh. That didn't even crossed my mind! You are a savior. Thank you so much for your input. It helps me a lot! I am really, really, really grateful for this because I am on a boat without a rudder, watching one side of it that look suspicious. Like it is going to break and let water in to end up sinking at the sea of entrepreneurs (glu, glu, glu, glu). Thank you so much!!

[@ChrisW228]

Too many people claim things are handmade when they aren’t, making the prices of real handmade goods look exorbitant. A lot of it is AI. Artificial intelligence is being exploited to such an extent that it’s stealing livelihood from anyone creative, from crafting to professional digital art. The only understandable reason I see people dismiss handmade is because they just can’t afford it. They recognize the value. They just can’t buy everything they need unless it’s mass produced.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@ChrisW228]

Please expand on what you removed from your cart page that resulted in doubling your sales.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Oh, this is discussed in detail in my Sell More, Work Less Challenge workshop! If you're interestedm, you can still sign-up for free: www.creativehiveco.com/challenge

[@ChrisW228]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thank you very much! I just found your channel, so I’m not yet familiar with what’s here.

[@stickeroonie]

Virtually everyone's sales are down 40-50% mine included. The past 2 years. It's not just craft sales. The economy sucks. The media lies.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing a downturn in sales, along with many others. Economic challenges can indeed affect various industries. Wishing you better days ahead!

[@tommiespriggs9606]

Hi 👋🏾! Thank you for this enriching content video. I am just starting my business and I have no social media presence. So, your #5 truth has me scratching my head, can you suggest what one can do? Thanks.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching! I encourage you to join my free 5-day workshop so you'd get to know more about the "tweaks" I mentioned in the video. Here's the link for more details:www.creativehiveco.com/challenge/

[@pianotips2623]

Handmade is a niche market. The reason you got those comments on your viral video is because most people don’t want or can’t afford to buy handmade but they like the look of the product. Same with clothes. Very few can afford a handmade Gucci belt, instead they complain about the price and buy a cheap knockoff or H&M alternative. Good handmade will survive because there is demand for it, but the market is too saturated and bad sellers need to drop out.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate it!

[@Woodwhittling66]

This is actually an interesting video even though I don't sell. I'm very much interested in getting involved in the crochet community.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@HO-bndk]

When AI generated "art" started to take off, I always said that real (human-made) art will always have its own special cachet, in the way that a painted portrait is still more "special" than a photograph. I guess the same goes for quality bespoke items as opposed to mass-produced junk.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@saquoryasmith8712]

I have my own stationery shop. I can tell you that you have to have the mindset of a "builder". Just because something is lawful doesn't make it advantageous. Just because you can create something doesn't mean it is sellable. As crafters we have to understand that we are responding and creating for a market. All our ideas may be precious to us but unfortunately it isn't all sellable or marketable. These are the breaks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your insights!

[@Amieeapple]

I’m fine with digital items staying up like layouts and prints consumers print themself, but I agree drop shippers gotta GO. Selling digital prints is a great way for traditional & digital artists to sell prints without having to fill their house with paper.

[@lazygardens]

One of the "print on demand" shops is a guy who shoots 100% of the photos he's selling. And they are superb.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your insights!

[@chunkyclaydesigns]

Totally agree with you about the market being saturated with sameness. #boring

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@CreativeStitchingwithAnn]

Originality is the reason why I make my gifts handmade. I've had several birthday parties and holidays in which the same exact gift was gifted to a child twice!! The first time it was awesome, they second gift and the gifter got an oh, I already got this. But with handmade it's unique and tailored to the likes and interests of the recipient.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

So true! Thank you for watching and sharing your experience!

[@llamalluvv]

The definition of handmade you're using would exclude any knitted or crocheted sweaters or sewn clothing items. I use tools to manipulate the yarn. I use a sewing machine to stitch the pieces together. The yarn and fabric are manufactured by using machines. I have alpaca yarn I watched be processed and a lot of machinery is used between the steps of skirting by hand and hand applying labels to finished hanks for sale.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate it!

[@sharellstobbe2023]

Yes I really truely do wish Estaty would go back to only good truely handmade products!!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@nomihandmade]

I find selling online is a bit tricky for people to see the quality. I find selling where people can physically interact with the product in person is best. Boutiques especially. And trade shows. No longer do markets - these folks also don’t appreciate then toil and labor in our work sometimes.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I totally get where you're coming from! Selling in person does give people that chance to experience the quality and craftsmanship firsthand. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@janicepyke779]

I agree sometimes the quality is just not there

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@ettajames3494]

Temu and Shein are the cause!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Ooppss! 😬

[@EmilyEverglot]

Do you think there's a difference when things are advertised as "artisan" as opposed to "hand made"? I think the biggest issue with AI is when you have pages that previously considered reputable are now consistently posting AI pictures! I would love an Artisan owned, Artisan run platform, that is geared for selling their items.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's definitely a valid point. Maintaining authenticity and supporting artisanal craftsmanship is essential, and a platform dedicated to artisans could provide a much-needed space for genuine, handmade goods. Thank you for watching!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

PEOPLE. ARE. BROKE. That's the bottom line. Most of us no longer have expendable cash - so no, a precious piece of jewelry that costs $50 is off the table, even if it's worth $3000. All most people can do is stand back and admire. This isn't a criticism of the craft. it's an indictment of our wallets. The economy has been retracting for awhile now and everyone's had to downgrade their lifestyle. At this point, *all* the fun stuff out the window and even necessities are being downgraded as much as possible. We've officially hit the point where the cost of living is actually truly painful for the majority of Americans. I'm a retired old lady and I don't think it was even this bad during the Carter recession in the 70's. Nobody had fun money and the gas prices were insane, but at least there were cheaper food options. You could EAT, so there was that. And we must definitely didn't have the housing crisis that we have now. Or the student loan bubble. What scares me is that I know damn well it can get worse. Buckle up, people.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@hotpepper7782]

By experience, the word handmade make people cringe, even though handmade waaaaaay outweigh factory assembled....

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's a shame that "handmade" can sometimes carry negative connotations, but hopefully, as people continue to appreciate craftsmanship and individuality, that perception will change.

[@HopeLovePeaceJoy2022]

Such a cool video filled with inspiration and good info for handmade artists. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@btdarterschannel112]

Mei, great video! I'll admit, I haven't seen one from you come up in my feed for quite a while now. Like, a year. I think KZbin might be shadow-banning you. ☹️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@ijf8226]

I don't have a problem with stores selling tools and materials for makers on Etsy. That would include downloadable sewing and needlecrafting patterns.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@billmartins5545]

Etsy is a big part of it. They have knowingly sold out and allow factory made things to be sold and even listed as "handmade". When you can get a "handmade" tote bag for $15, then a genuine handmade one at $55 seems expensive and a ripoff. People just can't think for themselves.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's a reminder for consumers to stay vigilant and support true craftsmanship, even if it means paying a bit more for quality and authenticity.

[@suzannef3593]

Can you do a video on Tedoo? I joined it and still learning it but its has some features of fb. Its a friendly place. But only handmade products to sell.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That sounds like an interesting platform! I'll definitely consider creating a video about Tedoo in the future.

[@suzannef3593]

@@CreativeHiveCo thank you.😊🤗

[@stephenwolfe8332]

If I use a cricut and cut and press my on vinyl on shirts. Is that still handmade?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It can still be considered handmade, especially if you're personally designing and creating each piece. While machines may assist in the production process, the creative input and effort you put into crafting each shirt make it unique and personalized.

[@NettysPoolofDesignz]

​​@@CreativeHiveCoit's really unfair that people who use AI get bunched into one group as just looking to make a quick buck. I'm a mixed media user I use different things to make my items I don't only depend on ai. I make my items I use by hand so I really feel it's unfair . I did print on demand and hated it because I wanted to create my own. So no not all of us ai user just want to make crap. I spend time in front of my computer to make sure the images I do use give quality...there is a healthy blance in anything you call art. Plus there were people producing crap items with print on demand and others copyrighting issues before ai was even made to the public. So it's really unfair to say we can't produce quality items. It's about the person's intentions and wants that makes so or anything in life be an issue in the handmade world.

[@ivyandashboutiqueresinflow5360]

I never thought a handmade culture would have picture porn on their website. I was very shocked. Etsy should really just go back to handmade and also bring back Captains and Boards! Such a lost community now, all us handmade in competition with AI, drop shipping, imaging companies etc. I honestly saw a BIG change when a billion people started making t-shirts with companies printing them. It really sucks for us makers.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Bringing back more focus on genuine handmade items and community connections would definitely help us makers stand out again! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@soarpurpose]

I offer print on demand prints of my original fine art paintings. They offer a different price point & I use a quality printer. It makes no sense to criticise print on demand.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for your comment! I completely agree that print on demand can offer a valuable option with different price points, and I appreciate the quality you bring to your prints. My point was not to criticize print on demand products themselves, but rather to suggest that Etsy could benefit from having a more defined distinction between handmade and digital products. I think this could help maintain the unique charm of handmade goods while still allowing digital and print on demand products to thrive in their own space. Thanks again for sharing your perspective!

[@soarpurpose]

@@CreativeHiveCo I think it depends. Some digital items actually take a long time to make. Just can be more easily replicated. That includes photographs. Could argue that handmade items can be mass-produced on a mini scale.

[@ZephyrinSkies]

I want to start a print on demand store using original art, but it's depressing seeing the flood of AI mush and the same repetitive combination of Canva assets and phrases flooding the market. Like what you said about the labor that goes into handcraft, most customers can't recognize or don't care if the illustration on a shirt is AI if they think it looks good. Am trying to think of ways to market to people that find value in real art and impart value to stand out of the low-effort AI much, I think that's my biggest hurdle.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally get where you're coming from! But hey, you're onto something big here -it's all about finding those who vibe with your vision and showing them why your art is worth investing in. You've got this!

[@ZephyrinSkies]

​@@CreativeHiveCo thanks for taking the time to reply. Your encouragement is really appreciated :>

[@thuzarthatforyou5889]

Hi Mei i need help with website which website should I use

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I highly recommend Shopify! 😊

[@AlexandraRodriguez-h6r]

I think it depends on the culture and country. I value handmade for many reasons. I’m from the US and live in the UK now in the north. It’s more welcomed here. Also being on only Etsy online and word of mouth in the community you live in is what sells here. Going back to basics and more of an old fashion slow pace life offline and not living on the internet. It’s the American culture I’m afraid.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights on this!

[@jniccreations]

IT REALLY DOES NEED TO BE HANDMADE ONNNNLLLLYYYYY!!!!!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@AQUARIUMFREAK123]

If you make a model , but make a mold of that model... can i still claim it to be hand made ?. it is stil hand painted by me.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hmmm..technically speaking, if you're hand painting the molded item, you could argue it's "hand-painted," but labeling it as "handmade" might be a stretch. However, if you put significant effort into the painting process and it's a unique piece, you could still market it as a handmade item with the clarification that it's hand-painted on a molded base. Just be transparent about the production process to avoid any misunderstandings.

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

I think the link to the free workshop might be broken

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Oh, sorry about that. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: www.creativehiveco.com/challenge/

[@MormoZine]

Just found you and subbed. I sell ATC's on Ebay.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@cap4life1]

You have to sell your products to a niche market that WANTS to spend on bespoke. Otherwise, your craft business will fail. 99% of customers are price conscious and will trade quality for low price. Go for the 1% that will spend more and appreciate your craftsmanship.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@joycegifford8826]

There is ZERO money to be made in DIY/Craft products. The money is in the items needed to MAKE the DIY/Craft product. Never say “handmade” EVER.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts on this! I appreciate it.

[@socalnahtty]

Right from the beginning.. people really started thrifting.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@amystreasuresdesign]

Actually etsy was originally handmade only. Then it was handmade and vintage and supplies. Around 2013, they quietly let in resellers and it was flooded with resellers. Those of us selling handmade stuff were buried even when we changed the SEO in our listings. I opened shop in 2007, closed in 2014. I reopened in 2020 in the hopes of bringing customers to my website. I sell POD items that are drop shipped, I realize people will hate me for it, but given all of the inventory I had when I closed my shop in 2014, this works better for me. Plus I don't have space for all the extra stuff needed for handmade items. Would I like to do that? Yes but given the fact that I don't get views or sales it makes no sense for me to spend money for stuff that's going to take up space in our condo.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I appreciate it.

[@amystreasuresdesign]

Edited .y original post to correct dates.

[@MakeYourLifeaWorkofArt]

Thank you for this video 🥹🩷 I’ve been feeling ALL this so much these days! And I’m sick of arguing with everyone online 😢

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Sending virtual hugs your way! Thank you for watching!

[@mubashirgfx]

Hey there, Hope your day's going awesome!I've been checking out your content, and I must say, it's pretty amazing. But when it comes to your KZbin thumbnails, I think we can take them from good to great. How do I know? Well, I've been in the thumbnail design game for 4 years now… And let me tell you, I've got the skills to make those thumbnails pop. Plus, I've got a long list of happy clients who can vouch for my work. If you're up for it, I'd love to team up and work some magic on your thumbnails. Let me know if you're interested! Best, Mubashir

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching! I'd be sure to let you know when I need help in the future 😊

[@TheSimmpleTruth]

Unfortunately, everything you create end up in Temu for $1. That´s why I gave up.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. 😔 Have you considered exploring niche markets or setting up your own platform to showcase your work? Sometimes, it's about finding the right audience who truly appreciates the craftsmanship and uniqueness of your products.

[@timmytee734]

I personally stopped buying handmade products because of bad customer service. Some people start a business without learning how to deal with complaints. I had so much rude responses and refusing exchange or refunds. I'm done with arguing for my rights as a customer. It's a shame because there are many good small business owners but I'm not not risking wasting my money ever again.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Sorry to hear about your experience. 😔 Thank you for sharing!

[@userbunny]

Digital products are also handmade 🤔 Like an illustration, a planer or something like that 🤔 But yes because of ai there are a lot not handmade

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights!

[@janicepyke779]

You cannot charge for your time it is unrealistic!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hey there! I get where you're coming from, and it's true that valuing your time can sometimes feel like a tough balancing act. But think of it this way: when you're charging for your time, you're not just selling minutes or hours-you're selling expertise, experience, and the effort you've put into honing your skills. So while it might seem unrealistic at first, it's all about recognizing your worth and finding the right balance that works for you and your clients.😊

[@BEAUTYFUL18]

WELP MY PRODUCTS CONSIST OF CREATIVITY AND MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES I WRITE.WHO DOESNT NEED MOTIVATION. GO TO THE STORE SEE WALL DECOR WITH QUOTES ON IT.THE MAKERS DIDNT CARE ABOUT WHAT REAL PEOPLE GOING THRU.👽

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@faelinna1501]

Everybody and their brother started copying others art, #1. Then #2 , people starting making video's and tutorials how to make everything they and/or others do. I have been saying for years.... eventually nobody will buy, because ya'll just kept teaching everybody how to make their own. Why should I buy that, when there are 50 video's teaching me how to do it... step by step. Nobody bothered to look ahead. smh

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@danielmalinen6337]

Really, your jewelry is cheap. If they were made in Finland, the price of the handicrafts would not be $50 but around €150-€300 because handmade work is a luxury and more valuable than industrially produced.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! ♥️

[@Jasminecute234]

Etsy should Drop, drop-shipping and digital products and only handmade products ! Etsy has nothing but lazy uneducated digital product sellers who think their smart😂 and dropshipping

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!