apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I don't want someone coming into my home and being able to easily determine which big-box-homestore/catalog everything came from...
...I also don't want to pay crazy retail prices for something that a) will be on sale next month, b) isn't particularly special, c) isn't Made in America, or d) All of the above.

I'm curious too, since I am a seller on etsy. I do shop there but we started our own jewelry line because we could never find what we were looking for so we decided to make it ourselves. I think there is a huge value in getting something that is uniquely yours and I think that is what drives the DIY movement. You are supporting someone who is putting their heart and soul into a creative endevour and not just giving money to a corporation. You are fueling someone's creativity!!
-Michelle of Ampersand Designs
www.ampersanddesigns.etsy.com

I have a store there too (although it is currently empty and has to be for a little while longer) and I have to say that the whole network has changed how I buy thing. It is so nice having a quick conversation with the maker of something I am going to buy. Many sellers will take requests and follow your ideas, many take pride in their product AND its packaging. I have no problem paying extra for something special from ETSY

I shop on etsy to find original artwork, for exactly the reasons stated previously....to avoid cookie cutter looks. If I can't make it myself, I'd rather have something else original.

Also, as an independent graphic designer, I think it's great to support other artist and talented people. You grow an appreciation for that when working for yourself.

I like buying art (especially prints) and jewelry from Etsy, since I know whatever I get will be unique and interesting (and can even uniquely customized to my preferences or needs). I also prefer to support independent artisans over big companies or fancy designers. Customer service and prices tend to be much better too.

However, the site really needs an overhaul. It's easy to browse (and fun) but really difficult to find specific things sometimes.

Simply put, I like knowing where my things come from, just like my food.

That's not to say I don't purchase things elsewhere (and at various big name stores), but when I want something unique or am looking for something specific, I'm more likely to purchase it from a smaller shop of locally made goods or Etsy. You have the advantage of talking with the artists as well, and possibly getting something custom that is exactly what you need. Much better than "making do" with cheap mass-produced goods and much more satisfying.

It alleviates some of my consumer-guilt. At least I know where my goods were made and that the proceeds are going to support the individual that made them.

Plus, its just better quality, better design, more variety...

www.puddleduckhandmade.etsy.com

I shop on etsy because there are so many unique options that you can't find at a local giant corporation, the money goes directly to the creator/artist, and I sell on etsy so I like supporting fellow etsians. I make ear*dings and try to buy as many beads as possible on etsy as I can. By doing so, I get beads from all over the world!

www.carrielee.etsy.com
www.nonprofitarian.com

I shop on etsy because I am more likely to find something unique and interesting. I love being able to support someone who is artistic and creative.

I also love the fact that I know where and from whom my items are coming from and all of the sellers are extremely helpful in making the shopping experience the best one possible. You don't get that kind of customer service in most places any more.

I agree with rachelp, it alleviates the consumer-guilt. I rather but from an individual than from a company, whenever possible.

... and there are some great finds!

I shop Etsy for so many reasons, many of them already mentioned. It feels good to buy something that you know was made with love and is unique. It is also a great place to go if you have a gift to buy, and you're not sure exactly what you are looking for. My fave is picking items by color! Soooo fun.

I have been been shopping on Etsy for a few years, and it is so gratifying to see it grow. An Etsy item was just pictured in Better Homes and Gardens. It has also been nice to build a relationship with people I have bought from more then once.

Right now, it feels like the one place on the internet where shopping is actually fun, and you don't feel guilty afterwards.

I started shopping at etsy first to find hand made supplies to make my own jewelry. I was able to find unique items that I couldn't find at larger stores online or locally. I had a lot of good experiences purchasing items and decided to start buying more on there. The customer service is great (usually), you can speak directly with the artisan, delivery is timely, your purchases are unique, and you are supporting people directly, not some huge corporation. Its a win win situation for the buyer and seller.

My experiences with Etsy have been excellent. Not only are the handmade items unique, but the pride in the workmanship is impressive. I like that I'm supporting an individual crafter or artist, instead of giving $$ to a large store that have their merchandise made overseas. I do shop at the major stores, but I find that the prices are generally lower at Etsy and made much better. Many times, when I get my item, the crafter includes little personal touches such as handwritten 'thank you' notes and an additional gifts. You don't find that kind of service anymore.

I can't remember the last time I bought a piece of jewellery from somewhere other than Etsy.

The range is many, many times bigger than you'd be able to find in any conventional store and there's always the cachet of having something unique.

I have one necklace in particular that gets complimented every time I wear it. It's made from sterling silver casts of Barrel of Monkeys. In many years of not being able to walk past a jewellery shop without taking a look inside, I've never seen anything like it.

I shop at etsy, because I prefer giving my cash to someone who needs it and deserves it. I also like to be able to talk to the people who are making the things I buy, to ask questions about materials and the process they use.

My wedding ring came off of etsy, and I don't think I could have found a better one. I know the stone was mined in California by a friend of the jeweler and I know where the silver came from. I got to pick the stone and the setting, and it only cost $80. I save, and independent artists win too.

I shop at etsy because of the unique items. I have plenty of Ikea furniture, home furnishings from Pottery Barn, etc. But I'm tired of buying unless the purchase is beautiful or useful in a way that is special and unique and that i don't have otherwise.

it's the unique that will get my money for nonessential items.

My love of etsy is many-fold. Like many others, I adore the unique items. I grew up with artist parents who gave up on making a living from their art because there just wasn't a way to make it readily accessible to people outside our relatively small town.
I really enjoy vintage clothes, but I have a hard time pawing through masses of clothing on racks. If I can see the form of a piece on a model, by itself, unsurrounded by zillions of conflicting patterns, I'm much more likely to buy.
Etsy also gives me a variety of recycling ideas for the things I have that still have life in them, but I'm tired of in their current format.

Etsy is fantastic. I am not about the Wired author's claim that Etsians will be using 3-D milling machines to make things. And, who would want that anyway? 3-D milling is incredibly wasteful. Not green at all.

Longlive the handmade movement! Here's the mission of my local craft collective, the San Luis Obispo Craftinista: "We believe in art, love, harmony and creating an economy where artists share their inspiration through gorgeous creations and feed their families in the meantime. We believe art is the final frontier of freedom, and can be used as a tool to support a more balanced market place where corporations don't always win by pushing the same old crap made in the shadow of human suffering. We say, "Put your money where your mouth is y'all and bring the power to the people!"

Most of us sell our work on Etsy and it has been a great opportunity to try making a living off of our creations. Take the handmade pledge!

http://slocraftinista.blogspot.com
www.jennyirene.etsy.com

If I walk into Macy's and buy a $140 pair of jeans I can figure that the person who sewed those jeans took home maybe $2. I don't think that is healthy for our economy. I bought a $140 pair of jeans on Etsy recently. I've *never* paid that kind of money for pants. I shop at garage sales most of the time.

I shop on Etsy because I can find really cute stuff that wasn't made in a sweatshop.

Moving from ebay to etsy increased my business by 400%. It was the best decision I ever made. I'm fortunate that I've been able to make a living on etsy. The etsy culture is also superior to ebay. It's like a community of like-minded friends rather than an anonymous marketplace. I've actually made some really good friends through selling on etsy.

http://www.etsyfulltime.etsy.com

As an artist on Etsy, omordah.etsy.com, I can only say that it may or may not save the economy, but it is saving my artistic soul! When big box stores pushed all the little guys out of business, most artisans went underground, (lol). But now there is this groundswell and the site has made it possible in the tech age for individual artists to once again gain some ground.
Thank you to all who support us at Etsy!! I've met (virtually :) some of the truly nicest, caring, and appreciative people through them, it really is a community.
oMordah

I shop and sell on Etsy. I love browsing through all the unique shops. And when I buy something, I'm happy that my money is going to an individual who worked hard to produce the item (someone like me), and not a huge corporation that only cares about the money. It feels more homey, like doing business with the 'mom and pop shop' in our little village.

www.cinderellalollipop.etsy.com

I have to personally agree with the above said... Etsy is a fabulous site for finding the one thing you need to complete a room in your house or the perfect necklace, or find the perfect gift. As much as I thrive on purchasing the perfect piece from Barney's I appreciate even more the individuality of having something no one else has. I appreciate the work and artistry the people who sell on Etsy put into their products. In the end it is the little people who will give you exactly what you want and a product they will stand by. They do not have an agenda other than finding their inner creativity and creating the perfect piece of art.

Etsy is a wonderful creation for so many reasons. I shop Etsy, and also sell my jewelry and other handmade gifts there as well. It's a large company but gives you the feeling of a close knit community. They are wonderful educators for the fellow crafters, & when you shop Etsy, it's like getting the best selection from of every craft show, and cool little shop in the entire world.

People really do enjoy the one-of-a-kind aspect (also listed as OOAK on Esty products), because it's human nature to want what you can't have. And who doesn't love a little admiration once in a while from someone who says "ooh I like your t-shirt, where did you get that?" :)

The best part is that you know that you are helping out an actual individual by making a purchase from THEIR shop, not some big corporate giant who probably under pays their employees anyway. It truely is a wonderful thing!

Kelli of Sage & Grace Designs
http://sageandgracedesigns.etsy.com

It's simple - today consumers have the means to sale handmade goods via the internet - Etsy.

And the plus side-

*you are helping support an individual
*you get something unique - one of a kind
*handmade - quality
*helping the enviroment if you shop green designers
*great customer service
*a real person

I guess I could go on and on...I love Etsy and other handmade shops online. The designers on Etsy create from the heart not the wallet.

MargauxDesigns

I like to know that what I am spending 100% goes to the individual creating and making and marketing the product. Also the one on one service, the benefit of going global on your own, getting to reach out and see what people all over can bring together and do, the varied styles and everything. It's too wonderful for words. I buy as well as sell there, my purchases have been bath and body, supplies, and trades as well. I sell a variety of items, but more than that, I recycle as much as possible. The green movement is alive and well.

http://craftychris.etsy.com
http://familyembers.etsy.com

I love being able to work from home. I teach art at local art centers and private lessons. For years I've been selling my art but always lugging things to and from different stores or galleries is very tiresome and hard on your work. Being able to get up in the morning, check my store and then go right to work saves so much time. Now I am able to produce more work and I find it's much more creative because I have actual time to devote to a full session of creativity without the interruptions of travel. I've also made so many friends with customers who now follow my work, and I get to interact with artists from around the world whom I never would have had the opportunity to connect with before. The exponential coverage you get from being an artist with a link to the whole world is just truly amazing. I'm now at 47 years old a fully self supporting artist. No waitress jobs in my future- I HOPE!!! I love etsy. They have made this venue for woman like me and it has really opened the world to us. I have three stores on there and one on Artfire. I also maintain three blogs. It's been only positive in my life. Here's a link to my store: http://www.pinkflamingo61.etsy http://www.pinksupply.etsy http://www.pinksewingroom.etsy and finally http://www.pinkflamingo61.artfire.com

Mary Vogel Lozinak
Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer 2188

I am a seller and buyer on Etsy, and I am motivated by several factors, including:
*knowing exactly who is making what I buy, and where;
*supporting artists and craftspeople directly, without middlemen;
*I find that hand made craftsmanship is often far superior to what I can buy in the big shops (for instance, I own beautifully made, bespoke handbags, jewelry, art, etc that I've purchased from Etsy that are of far better quality than what I would buy in big stores, and more unique);
*As a seller, I love to connect personally with the people buying my photography.
http://futurowoman.etsy.com
fine art photographic prints

I sell and buy on Etsy. I have developed a great respect for handmade items and the people who make them. I know how much it means to me when someone buys something I created, and I love doing that for other people when I can. I see things at Target that are cute and different, then I see things on etsy that completely blow it out of the water.
I am so glad to have found Etsy :) It's a wonderful community.

http://toxicguineapigs.etsy.com
http://www.oreillyink.com/
Colorful Prints and Lovely Originals

I buy and sell on etsy

www.dragonhouseofyuen.etsy.com

because I firmly believe in supporting individuals who are trying to make it in this impersonal world by their own hard work.

I can't remember the last time I walked into a department store and made a purchase - it is well over a year ago! and I can buy everything I need from worldwide sellers on etsy - who give me friendly, polite, happy personal service.

And in my shop I treat all my customers like gold - because they are - and I make as perfect (imperfectly handmade) and beautiful a product as I can and provide the absolute best customer service.

I value every customer to my tiny shop - and I cherish every handmade goodie that I have bought from etsy sellers.

Shopping handmade is the only way to go - and etsy has made it possible to link up so many buyers and sellers and created a warm inviting community. And oh! - Friends!! :)

thank you,
Annette Tait
www.dragonhouseofyuen.etsy.com

I think handmade is thriving because it enables buyers to actually have a personal line of communication with WHO they are buying from...and not a faceless entity.

I also think the value of what is purchased is then more valid for the buyer...and the reward, more personal & directly affecting the seller, maker, creator!

I have 2 vintage shops, as well as a shop for my original textured art.

Vintage? It brings a quality & nostalgic charm of timelessness into a person's life...and chances are these vintage goods are STILL better made than what you can buy now!

As far as my art...compared to selling in a local gallery where you often never meet your client....not only does the client get a chance to actually "get to know" the artist...it gives the artist a chance to hear back from the client.....and the best rewards come there.

I think this is what we are missing in today's world...personal service & communication.

When I was younger, and got my first place, I would visit a local hardware store for help, pieces & parts. Fix a toilet? I discovered I could do it....but only because there was a little old man there who took the time to tell me HOW TO DO IT, and he didn't gouge me on the parts.

A few years back I went to .... let's say one of those big home improvement stores, with the initial of HD...and I simply asked an older gentleman who worked there if they had a certain type of sanding material, used often in small applications. (I have become a do-it-yourselfer for a long time now!)

He said to me, "Ma'am...we are NOT a hardware store, we are a SEASONAL DISCOUNTER." AND I QUOTE.

I could not help myself, as even the gentleman behind me, simply waiting to have a key duplicated was taken aback.

I said, "Well then, the next time I need a flippin' hammer, I'm not coming here".

Let's just say that wasn't my first experience...don't buy a houseful of carpeting there either......but it brought back memories of a little old man who ran a mom & pop shop who cared more to say "You can do it!" than to tell me I didn't stand a chance.

Etsy is amazing, and I praise the philosophy and even personal service being a seller. As big as the site is growing, you still have a voice that is heard.

When is the last time you REALLY believed that your vote mattered? Or that someone listened to you in a community of so many?

It still IS at Etsy, and that is WHY so many not only sell, but buy on Etsy as well.

And yet, with each thing you buy, you will INSTANTLY be able to tell if you are getting the service you crave.....or if you are a number.

When you find someone that treats you like #1 each time, you will know that there is even more value in what you decided to buy!

I love Etsy. No more to be said!

Donna

http://www.TheInvitation.etsy.com
http://www.WhereDidYouGetThat.etsy.com
http://www.DecoDeli.etsy.com