I quit . . .

[Former_Member]

. . . trying to figure out what the world wants, and have started to make what I want. And, guess what? - those end up being my best sellers. Anybody else just making what they like, instead of trying to please everybody? Is it working for you? Do some of you make what you think a certain kind of customer will like instead? - does that work for you?

I just find it interesting that once I stopped worrying about whether something I'd like will cost too much to make (and then cost too much for a customer) or whether it would take too long to make to be cost effective, etc etc etc, and just started making exactly what I want, and then just price it based on what it costs in materials and time - I've been more successful. <--wow, holy run-on sentence.

I think I'm just going to keep going this route. And, then if things don't sell, I'll at least have a WHOLE LOT OF bags that I really love ;)

[Former_Member]

I completely agree!!!! I stopped trying to cut myself down to make things more affordable and started paying myself fairly and making bigger, more expensive things, and my shop sales have started going up!

[Former_Member]

Amanda, that's great!

[Former_Member]

Yes, I honestly make what I want to make (cards), but I add certain things that my buyers want, such as themed cards or custom cards. That way I'm still doing what I love, and my customers are happy! :)

[TheRogueBaby]

I struggle with this. The items I love and get most excited to list rarely seem to sell. And my mediocre basic stuff I'm not thrilled about sells like hot cakes. It's frustrating from an artistic standpoint.

[Former_Member]

Make what you love and there's bound to be someone else out there that loves it, too.

And sometimes I sell stuff (in my purse and jewelry shops especially) that I don't particularly love, but it gets rave reviews from whoever buys it. I'm really starting to find my groove in my jewelry shop, and that's a relief. It took a while, but I'm there, now.

*erin's got her groove back* :P

[ShopMissElla]

Totally agree and good for you! I didn't put my dresses on for ages since I thought I was probably the only person who wanted cats on their dress but I've had tons of interest and have since learnt I just need to make more sizes. At least its got the ball rolling and I know it's not just me that likes to dress like a 5 year old from the 50s!

You can't second guess what people will like but if you like it then someone else must do!

[Former_Member]

This has become the story of my life. My shop started because I wanted to make what I wanted to make and not the trendy things I used to make (in my old shop).

I do however consider adding item types that are requested often but I have this complex where it has to match my shop. I've turned down a few trendy requests here and there.

[Former_Member]

I like your thinking :)

I make and sell only what my family likes and needs. If a customer says they don't like xxxx about the product they ordered, I just tell them I make what my family likes. But I also offer custom products so if a customer wants something special, they are welcome to ask!

[Former_Member]

It's so great to hear that this kind of thinking is working for so many of us. It makes me feel like I might be on the right track.

[Former_Member]

I make what I want to make and it just so happens that other people like it too!

[HeyMichelle]

Great thread!

[Former_Member]

I concur. Items I just made because I liked them were what ended up selling.

[Former_Member]

same here :) I started by making the stuff that seemed popular on Etsy - cowls, fingerless gloves ... no sales, and I struggled with making them.

At one bright moment I realized: what am I doing? all I make for myself and family are hats ... that's all I really enjoy making. So I made the same kind of hats we wear ourselves and voila, found other people who liked them too!

[PureIntentions]

I hear if you make it from your heart, then it will sell. I've been blessed to make some good products and been selling here and there. Now if I could just make a living off of it! But true, go with what you love to do and things will follow.

[Former_Member]

I agree. I make things I like and that I wear. Maybe cause they don't sell, no one likes my tastes. Hah.

[susanstreasures]

I make a variety of items because I would get bored making just one item. Might making visiting my shop take longer.

[Former_Member]

Pamela, good for you!! That's what handmade is all about; making something that you care about and sharing it with the world! At the end of the day, I think it's more important to love what you do (though paying the bills is nice!).

I'm making what I love. I think they're beautiful and I have so much fun turning all my idea into real things! I'm new on Etsy so I can't say much about how well this works. But even if no one buys anything from me, I can look back in 10 years and feel good about having spent the time and trying my best. Although, I'd like to look back in 10 years and know that I'm able to live off what my two hands can make.

[ColorMyWorldCrochet]

I have been focusing more and more on hats because I really LOVE making them. Since I made the decision to make them my primary focus, I have had so many ideas! It seems to be working because that is all I have pretty much sold for the past 2 months except for a couple of items.

[CindersJewelryDesign]

I only make what I have a passion for. I know a lot of people who have sold out to commercial markets, but I just could never bring myself to do it.
If I was going to do that, I may as well become a reseller and throw my creativity and integrity out the window.
I've always prided myself on standing out and having an individual style. Some things are worth more than money.
I could save so much money if I didn't use cruelty free materials, made sure my gemstones were authentic and spent so much time perfecting each item.
If I just focussed on copying and reproducing the latest trends, I'm sure I'd make a bundle.
That would defeat the purpose of my business though... and being me :-)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

That is the perfect way to go!

I don't care for trends. I am not a trend follower. I make NEW trends!
THAT is what sets you apart on Etsy! Not doing what everybody else does...

[AllieBlankets]

I understand! I keep up with the trends, but I don't make it unless I want to or it fits me as well. I have found my best sellers are actually designs my customers have asked for in the past that then became made to order items! I always think they will be too personal but then they become the most popular ones. I don't mind at all!

[Former_Member]

I REALLY wish people liked the things I LOVE. But they don't seem to... 99.9% of my sales have been hats that were requested, I didn't enjoy making, and I didn't like them. But other people love them! I don't get it..

[Former_Member]

Whether I sell or not, my designs express my creativity and what I personally would want in a piece of jewelry. If no one like it so be it. I would not be able to create for someone else nor follow trends that I do not like. It would stifle my creativity, which is what my jewelry is all about.

[MagicMoonPottery]

Absolutely, YES! I make what brings me joy.

In fact, I recently had an experience of what can happen when I make a piece (pottery) without the love ;)

At the request of my mother's friend, I made 2 casseroles. I hated every minute of it. I put 8 hours into those casseroles. Talk about bad energy! And guess what? When we bisque-fired them, they both EXPLODED. I am NOT kidding. Pictures are on my Facebook page to prove it LOL!
So my new mantra...I will ONLY make what I LOVE ♥♥