Support to support

[Former_Member]

When you have ideas for products you want to create, and need material for those ideas, do you buy them somewhere locally, somewhere outside your country or here at Etsy?

I have an idea I really really want to do and need new material to make it. I've found just what I need here at Etsy and I have $100 worth of material in my cart that I wish I could buy, it's so perfect, but I just don't have the money. I have this vision and I love what I'm seeing in my vision, it makes me somewhat sad that I can't go through with it due to not having enough money, but that's just life.

Do you use part of your Etsy-income to support others at Etsy? I know I would, if I had an income at Etsy ;) As soon as I get some sales I will buy the materials I need to develop my shop further, can't wait until I succeed in getting my first sell of the year :D :D :D

[RelovedAttic]

Yes...I love buying supplies, and personal items from other Etsy sellers! I have been so pleased with all my purchases, but seem to end up spending more than I bring in! :)

[Former_Member]

I usually buy most of my supplies (for my other shop CUTIFULbaby) here on Etsy: fabrics, pacifier clips, woven labels with my very own branding! I love supporting the Etsy community & it always great to get the chance to chat with the people you buy from! Love the whole process!

On top of that, for fabrics, the choices are endless...I can search for exactly what I'm looking for while chillin' in my couch! Doesn't get much better than this! ;)

Wish you lots of sales in 2013 so you can buy the material you are dreamin' of! ;)

[Former_Member]

Yes, that could potentially be a problem ;) I've had saved money for this before and I've worked full time, but from now on I will need to support myself with Etsy as half of my income which means I have to think carefully about where I spend my money, this is something I believe I need to take my business further so I hope I'll be able to save up the money rather quickly :D

It is so great buying supplies and feeling that one can support others who do what they love :D

[Former_Member]

Vanessa, I know, it's awesome!! Etsy´s got everything I could possibly ever need!

[PAPERFLORISTS]

I try to support Etsy where I can.

[PICFiberArts]

I buy from etsy sellers first. If I can't find it I will look else where but most of the time I find it here!

[Former_Member]

It's so great to hear that you guys give back to others at Etsy, isn't that the best?

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I try to shop locally first before going online. I have a few reasons for that:

1. Time - I usually need the item ASAP
2. No shipping fees
3. My local store(s) accept coupons, not all Etsy sellers have them
4. The biggest reason is that the scrapbook store owner in town has worked her tail off to keep her business afloat through a weak economy. She's been here 6 years, which is phenomenal considering most close their doors after only a few years. I support her and appreciate her awesome customer service - from special ordering items for me to explaining how to use things, to knowing exactly what I want when I describe it to her in laymen's terms (*grin* "I need a doohicky to apply to this gizmotch")

I support my local economy first when it comes to supplies. When it comes to personal stuff, I'm all about shopping on Etsy. :)

[Former_Member]

Linda,

Beautiful products! I added you to my circle.

Good luck,

Annabelle

[ChantelandMe]

I shop a lot on etsy, but I do try to shop my local small shops too. We have two small quilt shops that I feel lucky to have still open right now. I probably shop etsy 60% and local 40%.

[Former_Member]

I'm a mix. I buy lots of my supplies here on Etsy. I also buy supplies from local shops and other online sites. I do always feel extra good when I buy my supplies here - I love to be able to help a fellow etsy shop out. And I've always been pleased with my purchases here!

[Former_Member]

I always try to buy from etsy, but I do take price into consideration and some things are cheaper other places! I do shop at a fabulous local supply store, too!

[RainnRoseArt]

I buy my supplies from etsy. Its easier for me because I don't live near an art supply store and I like supporting small businesses on etsy. When i shop personally I try to support local businesses. I buy tea at my favorite tea shop in south Portland and I buy books at the book store in the same area. I buy coffee in Bert's coffee house rather than going a crossed the street to Starbucks( Plus, Bert's coffee is cheaper than Starbucks)

when i have a new project in mind ( Like right now, I have all kinds of items made, Im just waiting for the last few mins supplies) I bought all my supplies off etsy, two already came. Just waiting for the last ones so I can finish my projects and add them to etsy. I love shopping on etsy, the shop owners are always very friendly and very helpful and always happy when you are a repeat shopper.

I know at first hand how it is to have lack of funds. When I am low on supplies - I do trades. ( That is how I got most of the supplies im waiting on) You can get the supplies you need AND someone gets some of your work, which may open the door to someone wanting to know about your work, which means word of mouth gets around and then you could get sales. It can be a slow at first but trading is a lot fun. When trading isn't available, I will use some of the money I get back from a sale to buy supplies I may need. I try to buy as many as I can with the limited funds that I have.

I hope that you get tons of sales in 2013 and I hope that you are able to make your idea a reality!

Good Luck,

Devon

[Plektra]

The main material I need for my work is yarn. I have to see it and touch it myself before I buy it so I always go to the shops and buy it myself. I will order it online only if I have bought it before and know what to expect. I need to make sure it's soft and good quality.

Hope you get lots of sales and buy stuff soon! Best of luck!

[Former_Member]

I buy from a mix of places. Beads I get from local boutiques; tribal embellishments I get from other online small businesses (non-Etsy) that specialize in that. Fabric, buttons, trims, vintage jewelry, and brass stampings from Etsy. Then there's the basic findings, thread, and all the other boring necessities that I get from B&M craft store chains.

I hate when I have this fabulous idea and can't find what I'm looking for, but it's worse when I *can* find it all yet can't afford it for awhile. I also have a ton of non-business related stuff in my Etsy cart - I treat myself to 1 item from it every once in awhile, though I feel strangely guilty for doing so. :)