Etsy vs. Artfire - the debate continues...

Saturday, June 4, 2011

First let me say, it's good to be back.  I've been away for a while and am back now and in full swing!  I've started this new blog as the old blog doesn't really fit anymore, although I'd love to have my followers come on over.  I plan to be keeping up with Handmade news, tips, interviews with artisans..and much more.

So, the question remains... Is it worth it to list on Artfire as well as Etsy?  Or is it better to list only on Artfire.  I pulled up a bunch of Etsy forums on the subject and I can honestly say, the responses are almost 50/50.  Some say Artfire is a waste of time and after the effort they put in, they have gotten no sales.  Others say it's been fantastic and they are selling strong on Artfire.  So, I'd like to know what you think?  Is it worth it to list on Artfire?  What is the key to success on Artfire?  Is the need to maket and network the same???  Please weigh in and tell me your thoughts on this.

6 comments:

Kira Says:
June 4, 2011 at 8:36 PM

I'm interested to see what people have to say about this subject. I'm planning on re-opening my shop on Artfire sometime soon.

Sheryl Hastings Says:
June 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

I will be following this post. I was wondering the same thing because I'm very new to both.

MsBittyKnacks Says:
June 5, 2011 at 10:16 AM

The opinions I've seen are 50/50 also. I guess if you have the time more exposure is always a plus, specially on this online market!

Unknown Says:
June 5, 2011 at 2:25 PM

I'm not sure whether Artfire would work for me, being it the UK, it's something I'll have to look at seriously, but I do know I'm not selling anything on Etsy at the moment.

Relishedartistry Says:
June 6, 2011 at 10:26 PM

Well, I think Etsy is more commonly recognized in the US as *the* site for handmade goods. It draws a huge number of viewers, with a wide demographic.

Artfire is much less well known--mostly in maker's circles of those with a high degree of interest.

I was told that Etsy casts a wide net to get visitors, but Artfire casts it only at a specific clientele. So you may get more views on Etsy, but the people who are visiting your Artfire are a more concentrated and narrowed demographic. So you take your chances--is your stuff appealing to the average Joe Schmoe, or does it take a bit of a refined palette to appreciate it?

Etsy is a step away from turning into the Wal-Mart of crafting. Artfire is much much smaller scale--akin to a chain of craft stores to carry on the analogy. Sales might be higher on Artfire for those that are interested in a more narrow, concentrated field of choices, but if you want a huge variety from a varied level of skill, Etsy is it.

soulstone321.etsy.com Says:
June 7, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Thanks for the comments all. I guess more exposure is better tha. Less, but here is something else I'm interested to know. Does a free art fire account get as much attention as a pro account? Do you think it makes a difference?

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