Heartsy- Is it worth it?

[Former_Member]

I recently submitted some of my items to Heartsy, and quickly got enough votes for a feature. I received a very nice email from someone from heartsy saying that they loved my shop, and would really like to feature it. I'm having some second thoughts though.... I mean, I know it's great exposure, but is it REALLY worth it when you're selling your items at such a deep discount? I don't want to end up having a bunch of sales, but actually losing money.

Can anyone explain this to me? I'd love any feedback!

[SunshineCottage]

Your prices are already low, can you make money if you offer greater discounts? Also, attracting bargain hunters will, in my opinion, cheapen what looks to be a great product selection. It's like putting your hard work in the dollar bin - is that really where you want to see all of your effort go? You might get a lot of exposure, but in my experience (and I have 25 years of selling both wholesale and retail), most of those bargain hunters won't come back to buy at full price, they'll just move on to the next bargain. One final thought - if you can make money at lower prices, consider wholesaling to local shops - always have a minimum order, so that it's worth your time. By the way, your products look lovely.

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't think so, but I'm not interested in selling like that. I want someone to WANT my stuff. I did the sell to boost sales routine when I started here, but I need to be able to make money from my sales. Otherwise, what's the point? I agree with sunshine - people looking for a bargain will more than likely not be back as regulars.

[Former_Member]

I am in the same position - but I've gone one step further. My shop *should* be featured in the next week or so. When I got "in" I had second thoughts too. But, for me, there are some items I'd really like to move out of my shop, and I've read other discussions around etsy where sellers have said buyers went OVER their gift certificate amount. If you limit the number of certificates to say, 20, or 30, it may not be too bad as long as you're ready to replenish your inventory.

As my husband put it - "what do you have to lose?" - some profit, yes, but you will gain some massive exposure. I've ALSO read that sellers have gotten other sales from people that day from non-heartsy buyers.

As I view it, this whole experience is an adventure and a journey, and I would regret NOT giving it a shot.

[Former_Member]

I haven't gotten accepted yet but the way I look at it is if you can take the leap into the unknown and accept a small loss in profits your business will grow tremendously. Just think about how many people that will see your products because someone bought them at a discount. Not to mention all of the word of mouth advertising you will get.

[Former_Member]

I submitted my work, I should check if I got accepted or not!!! I dunno about it either. Im kinda back and forth, as I will most likely totally loose my butt with such discounts

[Former_Member]

I don't know how one can offer such deep discounts on handmade products. I don't think I can afford to sell on Heartsy.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone for your input! If I decide to go ahead with it, I'll report back here to let you know if it's worth it! =)

[Former_Member]

I have lowered this item down way under due to needing money to repair my Kiln. I can’t melt metal, do glass, or clay work to put on with out fixing it lol. I have seen rings 1/4th the size go for 125-200 so I figured at the least someone would want it melt it and do that, or enjoy the piece as it was made….still no takers though with silver raising on the market.

<script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(14041057, 'shop','thumbnail',1,1).renderIframe();</script>

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71433443/sterling-silver-ring-925-steampunk?ref=em

[Former_Member]

I have a submission on there too, I think it is worth it for me. Even if I am selling at such a low price, it is a limited number of vouchers and I would really like the traffic and hopefully sales. I just look at is advertising cost. There are so many places you can advertise with no guarantee of a sale whereas this advertising cost at least is a sale and not just another expense.
http://heartsy.me/deals/1953/like

[viveradesign]

I'm in the process of getting voted too. Not sure if this will bring constant traffic afterwards... I'm not even sure that I will get in this time since my products are usually only used by graphic designer, scrapbookers, and the like. :P

http://heartsy.me/deals/1929/like

[Former_Member]

mountaincreekgift, please don't undersell yourself! You've got a beautiful store and lovely products that many people desire here on Etsy, so my opinion is that you'll get sales regardless of Heartsy.

[Former_Member]

Maybe you could up the prices slightly before it starts, that is the advice I was given in another forum

Really it depends how long you have been on here selling and how much traffic you normally get and are you selling fine on your own?
In my case, I just want to sell out all my handbags and focus my shop on my fine art.
People kept saying to split them into two shops, but I dont have enough time or energy to put into two shops and catalogs of items, so for me if heartsy gets me back what I put into fabrics I would be happy.
Plus, lots of people say that customers who get the discount buy more than their voucher is worth and become repeat customers, you also get to limit the number they give right? It may be worth it if your items aren't listed at cost and you need the traffic and feedback.