Stock for ETSY vs. stock for elsewhere

[Former_Member]

Hi all! I am very new to both Etsy and having a business. I sort of jumped full in and am taking it as it comes. That said, I don't have alot of "stock" yet. So far what I have is all listed on Etsy. (maybe 40 items or so) I am debating trying to do a show or booth as the holidays approach but am not sure how to do so. The idea of spending time just creating gobs of items for a show but not posting on Etsy seems silly, but having to delist an item cuz it sells elsewhere could be a waste of money....
What does everyone else do?

[Former_Member]

We get faced with this too. You have two things you could do...
1. Build up your stock for the show, but only list one design and not the lot.
This option allows you to list new designs/products and see how popular they will be, then what you don't sell at your show you list on Etsy.

2. If you want to build your presents on Etsy, list your items and then deactivate what sales at your show. You will have to closely watch your sales on Etsy everyday of the show. This option allows you to only loose what you sold and not de-listing everything and then have to re-list if it hasn't sold. If you have an iphone, you can watch and de list right from your phone. They have etsy apps.

This is what we came up with, if you come up with a better approach, pass it on!

[Former_Member]

Thanks! With only 40 items made (and all listed) the idea of having to remake all new items for a show is daunting..... but really wanted to get a shop up and running. I don't expect to sell all my listings at a show (trying to be more realistic) so delisting at 20cent a hit wouldn't be horrid I think.
Thinking I might try to get some items made and set aside.... and maybe grow my shop to about 60 items at the same time... I still have new designs i need to finishing creating and get posted too....
Thanks for the feedback. Starting new is a lot of work but made easier by helpful folks!