Is it possible to generate enough money to....

[#1]

I need about $2400 in a year or two, just wonder if I give it all I've got on Etsy if it would be time well spent....or should I just forget it and just go get a job? I need to make enough money for a very special reason: fight for my children. I need to be making enough money in a couple of years to make payments on court costs that could cost over $10,000.

Rhonda

[Former_Member]

I bet you could, but it'll take time.

since you need money for a specific reason and by a specific date, i'd recommend a job in addition to your shop.
The extra money you'll earn on Etsy will be icing on the cake.

Good luck.

[Former_Member]

I read somewhere the average people earn on Etsy is $700 a year. I've certainly been losing more than that in my time on here! It doesn't sound like you are in a position to be losing money doing this right now. It does sound like you have some great skills (cleaning), and some good connections. You can always continue to create in your free time, and perhaps this will bring in a bit of extra money for you.

[Former_Member]

Rhonda, I just want to give you a big hug and tell you to keep fighting and to never give up on your kids ...

Despite of my personal experience with Etsy, I too would suggest you to get a job. A court will look MUCH more positively at a steady job with a regular paycheck than a mysterious internet venture! Besides, having a job does not prevent you from slowly building up your shop in free time.

YES, it is possible to earn a living on Etsy, but NO, I do not suggest trying to start a business at such an emotionally difficult time for you. I've gone through a bad custody battle myself, and it's really draining and does not leave you in any shape to be a business woman. An Etsy business is just like any small business startup, one needs to invest tons of time and energy researching and developing the right product, marketing strategy, etc. How can one do that when you need to focus on such a personal and difficult legal case?

Regarding lawyers, have you checked options to get a pro bono (free) lawyer, a lawyer from some women's rights organization, or a legal aid lawyer? With your level of income, you should check all these options first. Hope things work out!

You said "X is trying to keep me out of their lives as much as possible". I don't know your situation, of course, but usually in custody matters courts do NOT like the custodial parent preventing the kids from seeing the other parent. Unless there are some other issues involved, not just malice from the ex's part.

[AdamRabbit]

I think you should get a job with a steady paycheck, use Etsy as extra money. I wouldn't want to put that kind of gamble on Etsy, even though it can be very lucrative for some.

[ashleynchl]

Go out and find a job. Etsy is way too unpredictable.

[Former_Member]

Hi Rhonda

I agree with most of the replies you got. It is best to get an outside job first so you have a steady paycheck for your court fees. You have a lot at stake and your Etsy income may not cover that cost.

I would not suggest on depending on your Etsy income. It takes some time to grow a business. There's always a learning curve in the mastery of a craft as a craftsperson and also as a businessman.