From a 10-year seller: Etsy then vs. now 2022

[@makennashuter6606]

Thank you so much for this extremely useful insight! I've been thinking about starting an Etsy shop for a while now

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I'm so glad you found my video helpful and I wish you the best of luck wherever you decide to go :)

[@ThreefoldDesigns]

Yeah, after opening my Etsy store YEARS ago, I had to close mine, because I just wasn't getting enough traffic and sales. I was selling handwoven scarves, and the amount of crappy cheap mass produced scarves on Etsy really killed the handwoven market. Even as a buyer, shopping on Etsy is tricky, because you don't know if you are buying from a maker or a reseller!

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I feel your frustration, Michelle. I'm really sorry you were forced to go head to head with resellers; losing actual makers like you to resellers is a complete fail on Etsy's part for allowing outsourcing :(

[@lifeunscripted6489]

Your hair is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing all you do. Im trying to do something with my art I’ve been practicing for 23 years but have not been successful at making sales yet.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you so much for your kind comment; I greatly appreciate it! :)

[@nicolekisch7363]

I love your videos because you always put so much thought and truth into what you share.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for this, Nicole - I appreciate your kind words.

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Great information, I was thinking about Etsy, but now will follow their changes. Thanks for your honesty 🙂

[@naturalflow157]

You are a true inspiration for not only me, but for so many of us. As someone who has been struggling with mental health and stress for the best of two years, I am finally slow and steady regaining the power, energy, and control over my life. Watching your journey, your transformation, and the experiences that you share with us through your channel has been very inspirational. I find it truly moving and soothing to come here and feel inspired, not alone, and able to take the steps to make something special out of the life. Thank you again, and wishing you the best :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Words cannot express how much I appreciate your comment; thank you for this; I am honored to know you've found this channel helpful and welcome you to connect with me anytime :)

[@artKarolina]

I have tried to open an Etsy 3 times before I got my shop finally going well so I dabbled with old Etsy...and I honestly find what you say about now still applied then. The community on Etsy wasn't really all that...it was still extremely competitive & kinda fake exactly because people didn't know what to really do to stand out like they might now...lots of following games, liking games. It felt more like the fakeness of Instagram. I find there is still a community, but it's in different places/websites & it takes a bit to find people who are collaborative not just competitive like with all things. The fees are getting ridiculous though, but they force everyone's prices to go up... one of the things I hated about old Etsy was it was a competition to the bottom...it was makers trying to sell for the lowest price possible, so people would price things below min wage, eat shipping cost, eat material costs. Having to use Ads sucks, but the ads cost less than say FB/Twitter/Pinterest ads and actually work. 30 a month is nothing compared to hundreds you can easily waste on FB/Insta ads, for example, and get zero sales.

[@najmaarif9800]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@francineh.7825]

Thank you for all of the information! I enjoy hearing from your perspective. I would love if you did more vlogs 😁 best of luck with transitioning to your own website.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your thoughtful and kind comment, Francine 😊

[@tkikpar4882]

It’s great to see you again on KZbin. Yours is one of my favorite channels. This was very helpful. I really just want a platform to send my collectors to shop when I make posts on Facebook and Instagram of an art piece for sale. I don’t produce high quantities of work as I have a fulltime job. So I really just need to figure this all out.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your kind comment; so glad you found this video helpful :) If you're just looking for a landing place for those who already know and buy from you, maybe Etsy would be a great choice....and I get it; narrowing down all of the options is the hard part :/

[@chelseascreatures]

Thank you for making this, I thought it was just me. I had a super neesh product ( I even researched on Etsy to see if there was any one just like mine and I couldn't find one) and my products were totally hidden. It's hard to be seen on Etsy now, .. unless your a celebrity, I'm SURE they TOTALLY handmade their items *eye roll*

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I am always heartbroken when I read responses like yours because it is SO not what Etsy is supposed to stand for :( Makers like you are needed there in order to keep the marketplace handmade and interesting! So, so frustrating!

[@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122]

Niche! Not “neesh” 😂 Your lack of intelligence will always be an obstacle in the modern world full of competition who is smart.

[@maggiegallo1354]

Thanks, Ellen. I’ve had a shop on Etsy for almost two years. I regularly run ads at $1.00 a day, but that is definitely not enough. I get almost no traffic, maybe 1-2 favorites, and almost no sales. When I have time, I post on Pinterest and Facebook and still no traffic. Too much competition in the category I represent plus. I do my best to price my wares affordably, but the “not handmade” competitors have me over a barrel. Thanks again for you very helpful and straightforward videos.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

It saddens me to read that so many are suffering at the hands of resellers. I'm sorry that is happening with your business and that you're having a harder time selling. I don't know what the answers are but I hope there is some sort of movement that artists can get on board with; I'd love to see another platform that has the vibe of what Etsy once was.

[@ohiovic1236]

I love your videos. I listen to them all day.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Wow, thank you! I'm glad you're finding them useful!

[@ohiovic1236]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio very very useful .. they give me hope and happiness 😊

[@johncollado1151]

Hi Ellen.... I have to agree, mainly with the fact of saturation on most platforms. I never got involved with Etsy as I don't sell anything but the competition for commissions has gotten way out of control for many. I know you will figure it out and I hope you remain on KZbin. I have so much enjoyed your advice and knowledge on the special things that you do with your art. I don't do much on Facebook, but I did sign up to your page to keep up with what is going on. It is good that you mention these things because they are happening in similar ways elsewhere. People should know what they are getting into if possible. I look forward to seeing the direction you decide on. Stay safe.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

thank you, John. It's great to have you there on FB, especially during my 'droughts' here on KZbin. I am having to reevaluate everything I thought I knew. Things are always changing and I need to get with the program, which, right now seems to be creating short video content - something else that I'm not particularly good at, lol!

[@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122]

It’s only going to get worse. Too many artists (and AI “artists” as software) are selling, but nobody buys original art and rarely any prints. Art is no longer a business, it’s a HOBBY. Earning a living from it is unrealistic, even earning first $100 is pretty impossible, unless it’s your family and friends pitty you. You’re definitely better off buying lottery tickets! Or get a real job, that produces something actually useful. People are broke, nobody buys art (by nobody, Imean 99.9999%).

[@rebeccas.murphy.]

I've had so many recommendations to etsy from friends of mine, it's getting a bit annoying. Thanks to people like you, I decided against going on etsy and do some research and found I would be better off getting my own website. Thank you!💖

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Rebecca, I greatly appreciate you taking the time to respond to my video - and glad I could assist in some small way. I think you've made a good choice for the moment. I wish you the best of luck!

[@rebeccas.murphy.]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio Thank you Ellen!😊

[@najmaarif9800]

Thank you so much for your honest feedback and suggestions.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122]

Best suggestion is to keep art as a hobby, unless you want to be even more broke 😂

[@ladyliddie7721]

Thank you for another video! Please keep posting, I miss your insight and seeing what you're up to. I just started my Etsy shop. I held off for so long because I heard all these artists and their opinions as to why it wasn't a good idea anymore. Everything you've said, I agree with but I'm in a spot where I have no choice but to use it. I tried selling through my own website without any luck. People still trust Etsy especially for a no name person. Once I can become more established, I'd like to switch platforms. But at the moment, any option is too expensive for me. 😭

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

First, thank you for your kind words - I'm so glad to know you enjoy the videos :) And I really feel for you; and sympathize as well! It's very cut-throat there right now - especially when there are 'similar items' waiting for potential customers even though they've landed on your shop's page :( I can't afford to leave Etsy right now either, but I feel there must be a way to utilize that traffic to our advantage somehow. I've added in my shop announcement where else people can find my work. If nothing else, at least people know Etsy is not my sole location. BEST of luck to you!

[@roseaurora-artstudio1953]

I totally agree. I have pulled back from them as well. They should have two categories. Perhaps they can be better by being upfront. One division which is not truly creative and handmade and another division which covers really creative and handmade or at least original work... whether it be a real painting, a print of the real painting or t-shirt design or handmade items. Etsy, like many forgot their mission. They doubled the fee this year... seriously unappreciated.

[@susank8257]

I just want to say that I really love your artwork and have enjoyed watching your other videos. I completely agree with you on the frustrations with Etsy. I have had an Esty shop for almost 2 years now, and have been spending a lot of money on ads, but just recently stopped a few months ago, because of an issue that happened with my shop that has really hit my business and morale. I was only able to afford about $2 per day and I did get a lot of people liking my artwork, but hardly any sales. I also thought that Esty was unique and is a marketplace for those who make things by hand or at least do most of the work themselves. Like you were explaining, I have worked so hard putting my art work on there, the only assistance I have is a printing Company that prints my art. I wish you all the best with your business and thank you for sharing your thoughts:)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Thank you for your kind words, Susan 😊 I'm sorry to learn that you've been experiencing frustrating issues as well. I am researching new places to move to; when I have settled in somewhere I'll be creating another video about my experience in the hopes that it might help.

[@susank8257]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio Thank you !

[@DabblebagTheArtofAnnaBarnhart]

Yes! These are the reasons I decided not to put more effort into pushing my Etsy store-- even with dropshipping! I still shop Etsy for some supplies that are handmade. I wanted something better for long term and more customizable, so I put it in my own website.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Good for you! I hope if more sellers do this, perhaps Etsy will get the hint that we are not powerless and won't simply bow down to every demand they make of us. BEST of luck to you!!

[@amywoolsey6591]

Thanks so much for this video.

[@lifeunscripted6489]

Do you have a Referal code for gooten?

[@minimanart]

I am just starting my Etsy shop. I don’t have any followers or traffic for my own website. Do you think it’s still possible to sell? I don’t know how to effectively generate targeted traffic. Thus Etsy. Are there any alternative platforms you can recommend? Thank you so much 😊

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I think it is possible to sell IF your items are sought after and if you use Etsy ads so that they can be seen by potential customers. Paying is really the only way items percolate to the top of Etsy search. Right now as I do research I haven't found anywhere to move to, but I'll report back when I've decided where that will be :)

[@gairionysten3188]

Might be a little bit of an off topic question, but what do you think about AI image generation? Do you think it will negatively affect your business? I come from the game art world, worked for big studios for most of my proffessional carreer. So I've not really encountered many people from fine art world before, untill youtube randomly recommended your channel to me. And I'm interested in how your side of art industry is dealing with this. AI has been a big worry for a lot of games artists, especially more junior ones during the last couple of years. Personally I think game art involves a lot of specific technical skills, that AI can't replicate just yet. But given 5 -10 years who knows... To me it seems that the fine art world would be hit harder, since image generation, and selling prints is your end product. Where as with game art it's just a component part.

[@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122]

Obviously, competition will destroy whatever pathetic art sales leftover from transition of art from a business into a hobby. Nobody buys art much, and with AI those rare sales will be cancelled too. Earning from art is an unrealistic adventure. You can not make a living thos way.

[@gairionysten3188]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 Seems like quite a lot of people on youtube earn a living from art. And there are hundreds of thousands, if not milions of artists earning above average wage in games, VFX, and entertainment industries in general.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

AI image generation is very concerning for obvious reasons, and is just one more setback for fine artists, in my opinion. We've been dealing with roadblocks for years though - selling online is literally the best AND worst, all at the same time. Personally, I've been dealing with people stealing my images and using them for profit for years - now it's AI.

[@Guylangloisartist]

Good information

[@politerabbit3100]

Had my Etsy shop open now for less than a month......crickets. I even started with a good sale and $5 a day ads, but not even that many clicks to use that much $ in daily ads. Very discouraged as I've spent a lot to get it opened.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I am sorry to read this. Etsy has been a challenge for me as well, especially this year. I'm not sure what the answer is there anymore :(

[@soniafinch7922]

I invested in marmalead to improve visibility on all the platforms I use. I don't use off-site ads. I'm not making much money.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

How is Marmalead working out for you, Sonia? I signed up for that some time ago and didn't find it to be too terribly helpful, but perhaps I didn't invest enough time in it.

[@soniafinch7922]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio it did help but it is a lot of work and cost for little return. I'm probably going to cancel it. I invested a lot of time on it and revised 74 products several times over. I neglected my painting for months. Erank free isn't any good now either.

[@LOVE.IS.THE.ANSWER.54]

Ellen, I hope you are okay.

[@luzloveslife]

I’ve missed your videos.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

What a kind and thoughtful comment - thank you for this :)

[@palletcolorato]

Thx for the info. I made sure to turn off the "Off-Site" ads. 15%? Yikes! Corporations are sucking everyone dry for the sake of investor profits. Public traded companies in this category should be privately owned. Sucks to be a grunt.

[@YellowMelle]

Etsy is never going to care about what individual sellers think because it doesn't affect them financially. We're just their free marketers they dont need anymore. Because I'm an artist, I never really paid much mind to their fees, since we are so used to the 20-50% commissions everywhere else, though getting that Square sale with that little 2% fee feels like a breath of fresh air! XD I mostly just use etsy as a highly functional checkout for their shipping calculator and global sales tax set up these days, so no community aspect, though I do remember treasuries!! I still have a bunch of listings with colours as keywords because treasuries were all about colours! I bet it doesnt do much for my listings now though, eh? lol

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

It's nice to meet someone else that remembers treasuries! That feels like so long ago and so much has changed since then 😕 And I agree - that 2% square fee would now be a dream come true, lol

[@CoreyartusImagery]

The only way Etsy will get better is if they get rid of Silverman and Dickerson. When they went public, they decided they wanted to compete with Amazon, and their investors became more important than their sellers. I don't have any faith that my shop will take off. Knowing that going in somehow makes it easier. I'm not going to be disappointed. We will find other venues and opportunities, somewhere. It seems too obvious a hole for some rich altruistic guru not to sweep in and create a new platform. Okay, well, I can dream, can't I? :)

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Not having any expectations takes the pressure off, I agree. One other thing about being established there is that you'll earn a spot in Google search too, which can only help.

[@ohiovic1236]

We really miss you .. are you Ok ?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

I appreciate your message! I am doing well, and always hope to come back to KZbin but so far I just don’t have much to say these days and don’t want to bore anyone 😂 I’m still very active on Facebook and Instagram if anyone is ever interested in what’s happening- I appreciate your comment! ☺️

[@ohiovic1236]

@@EllenBrennemanStudio Thank you for your beautiful comment. I am very happy that you are well. I still wish to see even a short new video of you on KZbin. I wish you all health, happiness and success. You will always be in our hearts. ❤❤❤

[@Imhotep397]

Ellen, how’s it going??? Are you still alive? When’s a new inspiring video coming?

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

😂 yep, I'm still alive! And tbh, I haven't posted because I've had zero inspiration these last few months. I figured it would be best to wait until I do rather than to film a video with little value.

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

It sounds like Etsy is a waste of time. I've stopped buying from Etsy and buy from my favorite Etsy sellers directly.

[@EllenBrennemanStudio]

Etsy is definitely not what it used to be :(

[@YinYang-n2o]

We don't own already our crafts/works... that's the misunfortunate in todays world whatever we create when subscribtion based stuffs got normal. Told by a Lawyer; ,,only thing you can do to get some recognition by only selling for free and doing works for free if won't make Portrait business... for people directly. Time is not valuable already.

[@vegasastras9194]

etsy betsy