What makes you different?

[#1]

There's been alot of posts about not being seen or getting views but no sales.....
There's ALOT of competition on etsy within every category. With that said, I think we each need to offer something a little different. So.....

What do you think makes your shop/items different?

[Former_Member]

Colorful tropical designs, and of course OOAK!

[Former_Member]

I like to think it's because I don't use patterns, so all my designs are originals by me... Also, crochet tends to be an older craft, so I like to think I bring a younger interpretation to my work...

Meh. Thanks for starting this thread -- it's very valuable to think about what differentiates us. By identifying that, we can build our brand around that and hopefully draw in more buyers.

[Former_Member]

My bags are handmade by artisans in a little village in Colombia where I've lived the last 6 months. I've seen the entire process of how they turn a plant (called fique, in the pineapple family) into a beautiful handbag or wristlet or hair clips. These people don't have the english language skills or the internet to promote themselves abroad which is why I set up Made in Mogotes.

My jewelry is made by me, but it all incorporates guadua - which is a plant that grows near the village. It's similar to bamboo. So we do everything from cutting the pieces of guadua to carving, shaping, sanding and decoupaging them. I haven't seen any quite like it. I choose images that I love to decoupage on the surface, many of them inspired by travel.

I'm hoping that it is unique and can promote the talent of this little corner of the world where no other foreigners have stepped foot in the last 6 months to other countries around the world.

[Former_Member]

This is a great discussion, by the way. Thanks for starting it!

[TheContemporaryPrint]

I make contemporary fine art prints that are modern and unique at a very competitive price... :0)

{Back to my Shop}
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElviaPerrin

[CatherinePicone]

It takes at least a day to make every item I sell. Every piece is unique--whether I'm charging $7.00 or $27.00. I dye many of my fabrics by hand, and I repurpose as much as possible. I really and truly try to make each piece a smile-giver--whether it's a tropical mermaid or a primitive doll.

[Former_Member]

all of the embroidery I make is one of a kind and it is based on my own illustrations, some based on vintage photography, some based on photographs I have taken and some based on original illustrations I draw directly into the fabric

[Former_Member]

I don't use a sewing machine to stitch items , all by hand. Some of my items are made from re purposed items or made from materials that would not normally be used. I think I offer a variety of styles :)

[Former_Member]

My shop looks a little different from others in that I'm photographing in my kitchen...for good or bad...it's what I have at the moment for my backdrop. I don't have pictures with white or gray backgrounds, but I decided I would just go with it and be as positive as I could about working with what I have. Plus, I DO like my kitchen. lol!

No models are available to me right now, so a dress form is a blessing. I'm hoping between the avatar of me...I'm smiling (and that means "come on in") and the homey amosphere of my shop...Etsy customers will pop in, take a look, and buy something!

[AtelierMondaen]

I know that my products are not necessarily unique as far as the technique goes, however, I believe that I provide better workmanship than most others doing what I do (my German heritage, what can I say...). Also, I believe my efforts of coming up with unique designs set me apart. And the willingness to do custom work to any extent desired.
What do you think? Do I judge myself correctly?

[Former_Member]

My shop is also all made-to-order. I am always learning and utilizing new techniques, combining elements and trying to stay one step ahead in creating something fun and modern yet still sentimental and meaningful. That was a mouthful! :o)

[Former_Member]

hmm. There are tons of toys, and crochet toys for that matter. I think because my designs are completely my own. I think because I periodically add to the available items- add more variety - In 2011 I think I've come up with at least 9 new critters I didn't previously offer. I've added mini items too in addition to my regular items which offers a whole other price-point - and the mini's have proven popular.
I've also worked on my photos- I think that sets mine and other shops apart when people are looking at stuffed bunnies and such - they click on the ones that are unique and photographed well. I can always improve there, but I've come along way from where I was 2 years ago. ;)
So....for any seller, I think you must keep in mind that just like a physical store, the "display" will always need updated and changed- for us that might mean new descriptions, better photos, more variety, and generally working on your shop regularly and not letting it sit there. ;) It's not easy, it takes some work - good luck all!!!

[JoArtyJo]

I know my style of art is not UNIQUE but it is pretty unusual.... This seems to work both ways as it is not something that appeals to the masses, but I hope that once my niche market find me, they will love me :-D

[Former_Member]

Like Scraptrapped, I also am not afraid of color! I make embroidered felt jewelry incorporating beads. All cutting and stitching is done by hand. And it is very important to me to upcycle materials for my jewelry and for my packaging! Also, my freeform beadweavings are unlike those by any others. I approach all of my jewelry as works of art.

[Former_Member]

This thread has been great food for thought! I am enjoying going through the posters' shops!

[LivingGlassArt]

Great thread!

All of my works are original in design, I really enjoy scribbling and doodling to come up with new ideas.

[WizardAtWork]

99% of my Halloween stuff is made for adults. While a ghost in tennis shoes and a smiling Frankenstein's monster is cute for a six year old, I prefer to actually be creeped out on Halloween and design cards and items for adults who do too.

[ForeverWindingWool]

I would say it is the fact that I dye the wool, spin it, and then knit it up into items and then put it into my shop for sale. Most shops only dye the wool or sell it as handspun. I enjoy using my yarn whether it is handspun or commercial hand dyed yarn. It also shows what my yarn looks like worked up!

[Former_Member]

Every item in my shop is a one of a kind piece of skateboard history.

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74879743/cute-plush-monster-toy-pearl-made-with

What's so special about Papercut Monsters? Haha, well, wou'd be hard pressed to find plush toys quite like mine. I design the fabric myself using paper collage to give them a rich visual texture. The printing process is eco friendly and the linen-cotton canvas is durable and only gets softer with use, unlike fleece which pills or looses its fluffiness.

I created my monsters to appeal to a broad range of people. most have funny little nipples and butts with out being crude or vulgar. Kids think they are hilarious. They are great toys for kids but also make superb accents to home decor. I friend of mine keeps hers on the sofa as a cute little cushion.

They are packed with personality and always seem to get people talking. They really are cuddly works of art that can be enjoyed as such but they can also take a beating from even the most rambunctious children.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80925521/stuffed-blue-monster-plush-gustav

[LaurasLastDitch]

I am, at heart, a very practical person.

While most vintage Etsy shops focus on the decorative, I focus on practical vintage kitchenwares, with very few items that are just "dust collectors."

Plus, I have a really funny, eye-catching banner.

www.LaurasLastDitch.Etsy.com

[LittleShopofElleSee]

My drawings are quite simple, and I haven't seen any photography like mine. I think my work is quite vibrant and saturated. Most of the photography I see has a dreamy quality to it.

[Former_Member]

Even though I work with fused glass, I focus a lot on the "pot melt" style of glass work. I also have a line of "Frazzle" jewelry and night lights which are whimsical and hopefully a bit unique.

[Former_Member]

I focus on using high quality semiprecious gemstones of AAA or AAAA quality. I think my shop is one of only a handful that revolves it's entire line around this quality.

[Former_Member]

I don't edit my photography. I'm probably one of very few on Etsy that can say that.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79261040/morning-dew-photograph-tree-branch-fine