AT on Etsy: It's a Full-Time Job for Many

Re-Nest readers are no strangers to Etsy. We feature eco-friendly, handmade goods from the online marketplace regularly on our site, and encourage readers to buy local and sustainably produced items—which is precisely what Etsy offers. And you know, we tried opening an Etsy shop once. It's a lot of work.

As we were last-minute Christmas shopping yesterday, we realized that behind each creative Etsy storefront is a very strong-willed person (or a group of folks with steely determination) who's willing to keep up with orders, communicate with customers, package items, and ship them. And that's all after they've spent hours crafting their wares.

In fact, for some folks, it's a full-time job (and for others, it's a full-time job on top of a full-time job). Check out this New York Times piece about exactly what it takes to be an Etsy seller. It's an interesting read that gives one an appreciation for what goes in to each hand-stitched iPod case or hand-printed organic scarf.

Selling handmade art takes a lot of work: so if you're giving handmade this year (and we hope you are), be sure to thank the person who made your gift!

(Image: I Love My Bicycle by Etsy seller sweetnaturedesigns, featured at Re-Nest.)

You're definitely right it IS hard work! I'm a full time Etsy Seller with a jewelry shop- 'Sudlow'. I spend each afternoon creating the days orders & love what I do. Nothing more rewarding than working for yourself & having customers that love what you create

posted by Sudlow Jewelry on December 18th 2009 at 3:29pm
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I "heart" your shop sudlow! What a small world...

posted by thebev on December 18th 2009 at 5:01pm
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No good idea to offer a link (to the New York Times piece) where you have to register first to be able to read it!

posted by MollyHeyer on December 20th 2009 at 7:00am
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I also have a shop on etsy in addition to my day job. It is so much work, but oh so worth it.

bheuer.etsy.com :)

posted by bheuer on December 20th 2009 at 3:53pm
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I concur! I've been an Etsy shopper for a couple of years now and decided to open my own store about 6 moths ago. I never dreamed it would be so difficult. It's true what they say... the devil's in the details. Everything takes more time than I anticipated. Taking photos, listing products, making the products, packaging the products, etc. It gave me a new level of respect for all of the other shop owners out there!

posted by mrsjonessoapbox on December 21st 2009 at 12:30pm
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