Can anyone give me an idea of what they make on Etsy and crafting ?

[Former_Member]

You don't have to tell me the exact figure, just tell me if you break even, have a little spending money from it, or does it pay a little more like the car payment and rent.

Also, please include how much time you spend promoting and working on your business/hobby.

The reason I ask is I'm contemplating taking a job and working with a company that helps people with disabilities find work (and I say that with a sigh because I dread it-unless it pays really well).

But I really would like it to work out full time with crafting. My health care provider only reccamends me working an outside job part time-and that's like why bother.

And they( that organization that helps you find work) are so particular like I mentioned that I had a back problem that pops up every six months to a year and I had no idea they would hold that against me. But they sounded like they might be able to help me get a job where I could cut hair and use my beauty license.

[Former_Member]

Some people make very little and others will be able to use their business earnings to support a family.

It all depends on your business plan and how much you want to put into your business.

[Former_Member]

I agree on what crochetgal said and would like to add, that it also depends on what you sell and on the quality of your stuff.
My shop is my hobby but i do make money and what's left is used to pay for stuff here on etsy that i like to treat myself with

[CardsbyJeweleighaB]

I spend 3-4 hours/ day at least. Initially I used my profit to buy things for myself, but now use it towards 'family' things like paying for my son's birthday party, etc. I have three young boys and make a conscious choice to spend my days with them and my evenings, when they're in bed, on Etsy and craft show related items.
I'm glad to have some profit to put towards my family, but my husband's job supports us.

[Former_Member]

I feel guilty for letting the state pay All my expenses and I want to do something,
Even if I make just a little bit. And who knows I might do really good at this some day.
That organizion also wants me to stay with the job they send me to so they won't get a bad rep. , but my life is somewhat unpredictable concerning my health and occationaly I might need a month or two off. I also am considering moving closer to my children-just a very uncertain life right now.

[Former_Member]

Thank y'all for ur replies I feel hopeful right now.

[Pennyjanedesigns]

Quite a tricky one as it seems a lot of people have other income streams too such as other websites, items in shops or do craft fairs too. I think I might be right in saying that we have to put a lot of time into each of these areas - and often putting a lot of cash straight back into the business. Not trying to put you off , just trying to be honest and helpful :)

[PrairiePrimitives]

It definitely depends on how much time and effort you're able to put into making and selling. I am currently looking for a day job and I would be thrilled to have even a part time job!

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

It depends upon what you sell and how much time you put into it. I notice that you sell crochet items. Unless I'm mistaken, it's not likely that you could make anything close to a living wage selling those items (it takes too much time to make each item). Of course it all depends upon what you charge...but you can't sell at exclusive/high prices until you have an established business and a following.

I sell hand painted, personalized ornaments. At this point in time, I make quite a nice part-time yearly salary. I'm too busy 3/4 of the year and then am extremely busy (more than 8 hrs/day) during the holiday season. I've been in business for years, have sold my items in numerous boutiques, craft shows, and on ebay/etsy. I also have a very large selection of items (compared to many on easy), which is helpful. I'm just trying to show that it takes years to really develop into a successful sustainable business.

If you need a reliable salary, take an outside job and build up a craft business in your spare time. Good luck.

[Former_Member]

Hi Kelly,

I've made sales on almost everything listed in my store, some of the items I've reduced by $10-$20-like my afghan and hooded scarves. If I go much lower on those items I'm not paying myself or I might as well sale on ebay. My best seller so far are the hooded scarves (most of which I've sold in person). Other items that aren't selling: coasters and pin cushions. Don't know what to do with the pin cushions. I get alot of likes on those two items but no sales. I think I might as well give them away. Any thing in particular that people think over priced?

I think the biggest problem I've had so far is finding the time and/or setting time away from house chores to get motivated enough too actualy advertise or promote. I guess you could call it the home work or "dirty work" (or the work I like the least).

I guess what I'm looking for here is hearing from people who *do* everything needed and seeing the fruits of their labors.

[Former_Member]

I think a problem you have is that people keep telling you your photos and titles need work and you don't change a thing. And what's wrong with a part-time job? I'm looking for one right now - I need time for my own business but I still want some sort of regular income to provide me with financial stability. A part-time job is the perfect solution for me.

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

I work 5-8 hours a day and every other weekend. Our business is the sole source of income and Etsy is close to 50% and increasing. The other 50% incomes from shows.

[Former_Member]

I think a part-time job would be great. It's hard to put a figure on what we do because each one of us is completely unique in what we sell and how we run our business.

There are many that do this full time and make enough to justify the time BUT these sellers are not just selling on etsy - they are also doing craft shows, traveling fairs, etc. Physically, something like that might not be possible, let alone the expense of traveling and the long hours.

When I was doing this full-time, I found myself working 12-14 hour days which I just cannot do any more. This summer I came back to Etsy after taking a year off but now I'm back in school again so my Etsy time is really limited. This also means that I'm not expecting much sales since I don't have any time to really put into it like I need to in order to be successful.

This spring I am going to graduate and will be finding a job. Etsy has never been something that I can count on to "quit my day job". But that is me. Others, including some of my friends, are successful because they really take this seriously AND put the long hours in to make it work.

So it really is up to what works for you. If you can find a job that you can handle, I say go for it.

And I understand about the physical limitations. I've been dealing with a health issue this past year and now under strict limitations from my physical therapist. It's taken some time but I'm finally able to slow down and be okay with not doing everything I want to do - instead I'm focusing on what I need to do while letting myself rest when needed.

Just take care of yourself. If the job helps you get some needed cash, you can always Etsy on the weekends and scale back a bit. Everyone has to do what worlds for themselves. Good luck :)

[PaperBoundLove]

I've been doing this for about 8 months now and still learning.
I'm a university student (honour year), so I can't work outside. But the shop gives me more than enough for everyday spending and occasional treats.
Mind you thou, I don't have to pay rents.
And monthly earning has been going up every month, so I'm even hopeful that may be after graduation, I could turn this shop into a full-time job. (:

I hardly spend time promoting, because I hate doing that (honest! hehe). I use Instagram thou. Being full-time student means I can only work hard on weekends and night time. So probably at most 3 hours on weekdays.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

I really think if you work hard, you'll get there. (:

xx

[maydaylabels]

We do it full time (plus we have one and now almost 2 part time employees) and Etsy is our sole source of income.

It is a ton of work, and we're kind of figuring out the business aspects of it as we go along (painfully, sometimes), but so far it is going okay.

I think crochetgal is probably a lot better example/advice than we are, though, because she is in the same category. I know that knits/crochet are really hard to make profitable because they're so labor intensive, so if you're looking to make it work for real, I'd try to find a mentor like her to show you the way.

[Former_Member]

You have very lovely items in your shop. Maybe you should venture out some and try another craft to go along with your items already listed? Bring different clientele to your business. I've been focusing on baby items, but have recently started working on some decoupage crafts and lavender sachets to my shop in the hopes of bringing more traffic.

As for sales, my shop is just a hobby and I have only recently started actively selling. I have made enough to do some Christmas shopping, and purchasing items I find on Etsy that I like. It's just a little extra spending money for me. I have a full-time job so for me I can't spend a lot of time doing what I love. But it is very rewarding for me when someone actually purchases an item.

Good luck! And I hope it all works out for you.

[Former_Member]

Hello all. Thank you for all your replies. Yea, I know my pictures need some work. A lot of stuff I need to do -Thanks for reminding me.

I guess my biggest obstacle that's keeping me from getting a part time job is being disabled and my husband needing surgery (possible leg amputation). We both get a check disability right now so there is no dire need to get a job; although it might have been good to develope my skills even further and gets some practice in a real salon.

But now my husband needs me because if he has to have an amputation
I'll be taking care of him and I won't be able to work outside the home.
It may be more of a possibility to make crafting work and gradually ease into it than try and land a job away from home.

It was encouraging to hear from all ya'll and thank you for all
Your input- nice to hear how it is working out for everyone. I think it would be great to even make a smallish profit-i would feel better knowing I'm contributing even a little to my own survival rather than giving it all to the government.