Hi All!

Based on postings from a few other threads, I thought that perhaps I would start one about listing websites for which we jewelry artisans can sell our wares.  We all about Etsy and how overcrowded it is with jewelry.  I thought I would start with a list of websites for which I am familiar and, perhaps, some of you can add to this list.  Perhaps, we can also discuss where we have had the best luck in sales?  The way I see it, we are all in this together.

My list of artisan websites is below.  And, yes, I am on several of these.  It's like real estate - location, location, location.  And, from my point of view - exposure, exposure, exposure! :)

www.etsy.com
www.absolutearts.com
www.artfire.com
www.boundlessgallery.com
www.1000markets.com
www.yessy.com
www.rubylane.com

My best sales has come from Etsy.com.  I have also had a few sales from Yessy and Boundlessgallery.  I have been on all three of these websites for under one year.

I have been showing my jewelry on absolutearts.com for several years, using the free listing.  I have not had any sales.  I have received a few inquiries, but that is it.  I upgraded several months ago.  Nothing has come from it still.

We all know that different types of people are attracted to different websites due to the type of art and price range.  It's just like the location or type of store.  So, my comments may just be due to my work not being of interest to the customers frequenting these websites.  And, it can simply be the state of the economy (I keep telling myself this over and over!).

Regardless, I hope that these websites and future postings to this thread will assist many of you!

Pat

Below is a list of additional websites for selling jewelry and other handcrafts.

www.artistryarts.com (thanks Gemkitty!)
www.winkelf.com
www.zibbet.com
www.silkfair.com
www.dawanda.com
www.madeitmyself.com
www.shophandmade.com

Also, for listing all of your shops, for free, you may wish to register at www.byhand.me.

There is another website for advertising your wares - www.foundhandmade.com.

If any of you have any feedback about any of these websites, your input would be great!

Pat

Pat,

 I am new to Esty.  Canyou give me some helpfull tips on selling my jewelry there?  I have tried the showcases, but I still have no sales.

Thanks,

Laurie

Laurie;

I wish I had an answer for you.  Unfortunately, I don't.  I haven't had a sale since January.  I've been on other forums and have heard the same remark from many other artisans.  Some seem to be doing well.  It may be that they have established clientele.

I have heard that many artisans re-post their items each week so they are seen near the front pages.  I've tried this and it hasn't worked for me.  I wish I knew the secret.

I have listed my websites on free craft/indie websites.  These may have brought in a little traffic, but I don't know for sure.  I do know that we have a poor economy and many people, even those with money, are not spending.  I'm sure it isn't you.  It's just the state of things.  Hang in there.  As I read in a recent blog, "We are at rock bottom.  The only direction left to go is up."

I started this thread for all of us to share and help each other.  Recently, I discovered two more websites to promote artisan websites (free).  These are:

www.plumdrop.com

www.eelixir.com

Good luck and best wishes to you!

-- Pat

Thanks Pat,

 I think I will try some of these free sites.

Happy Beading!!

Laurie

hi pat,

just wondering on the websites that u've mentioned.  how's the outcome so far?

thanks.

i like shophandmade myself... you can select not to give them a % of your sales which is nice because you can't get around the % that paypal takes ... and they "protect rainforests" with every sale you make

I am up at ecrater.com. Its a free site, and not limited to artisans, but I've just started out and I've had four sales from there already. :)

 (I'm http://apartmentfourteen.ecrater.com )