The search for my storefront | Pros and Cons of Etsy

The nice thing about a storefront is that it can sell your stuff when you're not able to be in front of someone talking up your wares.  When you can't go sell in person, how else are you supposed to make a living off of your hard work?  Or make room on your shelves for new works?!

So I've been toying with the idea of switching away from Etsy and using a store that can be themed to look like my website... Or even better look seamless.  I've been playing with Storenvy, and I think I like what I've seen so far.  It will take me some time to figure out what I think, but I might make the transition.

I've been with Etsy for quite a few years between Muddy Pup Pottery and KBratcher.  Here are the pros and cons of my experience with Etsy:

Pros:

• Social atmosphere. Etsy has a great social atmosphere where you can do an easy search and find anything you want.  People can link to each other's shops, find quite a bit of creative inspiration, and stumble across things you love.
• Easy to build.  If you don't have web experience, have no fear.  It's super easy to upload your pictures, write a description, name your price, and you're good to go!
• Emails.  On a daily basis I get a themed email from Etsy with products from around the site.  I love seeing what other people are up to.  I don't often get a chance to poke around, and this is a nice way to see what people are making without having to leave the comfort of my inbox.
• Following.  Etsy already has a great following and large fan base.  Most people have heard about it, and if they haven't, its easy to get hooked on.
• Consumer friendly.  If someone finds your shop, it's super easy to make a purchase.  They are very clear about shipping being separate for each purchase with each vendor, friendly with credit card transactions, and easy for PayPal users.  

Cons:

• Lack of customization.  Sure, they've added a page where you can inform your buyers about who you are and what you do, but there is so little room to make your shop look the way you'd like.  
• Saturation.  The market on Etsy is so saturated that it's tough to stand out.  If you have something that is really unique, you might make it through.  But if you do something that is easy for the general consumer to pick up and learn, you might be S-O-L.  
• Targeted.  Etsy is very targeted towards women.  If your shop is geared towards guys, you most likely will be making the most sales around Christmas.
• Expiration.  If you have a listing that goes up and doesn't sell, you need to pay attention.  After a bit the items expire and you have to go in and renew for a fee. 
• Cost.  If you don't have a chance to do much advertising and don't gross as many sales as you'd hope, you've spent $0.20 to list.  If it expires, you need to pay that to re-list.  If you do get a sale, they take 3.5% of the sale price.  If you pay into the advertising, that is another fee altogether.  $5 in a week will get you about 4,300 impressions.  I'll tell you, I see a lot more action on my shop if I just list a few new things, and that only costs me 20 cents.   

We'll see what happens.  I'll keep poking around and keep you in the loop on whether I switch over or not!  

Until then, keep on keepin on!