Would you buy from me if I lived in Bulgaria?

[philosophias]

In the fall I will be studying away for a semester in Bulgaria, then hopefully spending the next semester in India. I originally planned to put my shop on vacation mode for those 9 months. But lately I've been thinking there is a possibility I can keep it open. I will want to downsize, definitely, but Etsy has become such a big part of my life that it will be hard to give up. So my question for you guys is this: If you found one of my items and really wanted to buy it, would my being in another country deter you from making a purchase? Does anyone have any experience selling to a mostly U.S. market overseas? Is it worth it?

[Former_Member]

I would! Your bracelets are wonderful. That would be a hard move, though. I wish you the best!

That's awesome that you're getting to go to those places! I have been to India and its beautiful. :)

[Former_Member]

I don't have experience selling overseas so I can't help you, but buying overseas doesn't deter me- it's the shipping that does. If shipping costs more than the item, I tend to move on. Unless the total price is still a steal or I HAVE to have it lol. I would look into how much shipping one of your items from Bulgaria to the US will cost, and make your decision based more on that. I don't think living there will stop you from selling, in fact it may bring you a whole new consumer market!

[Former_Member]

I don't see why it would - there are many successful European sellers on Etsy, and your items are lovely AND smallish, so the shipping costs shouldn't be too high even if you're shipping from Bulgaria to the US!

[Former_Member]

I say go for it! You never know the potential buyers you could be missing out on if you didn't keep your shop open!

[PashaBodrum]

I am in Turkey. 80% of my customers are in the US. the rest from all over the world but never one from Turkey. No problem.

[Former_Member]

I don't really look at where your from just as long as you post to Australia :)

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Whe WOULDN'T you want to keep your shop open? Your craft is small, highly portable and not overly messy or hugely time consuming. It seems the PERFECT craft to continue sell from different locations. I think that the new people you meet will be interested and impressed.

When you go, you might consider updating your about page...include a few local pictures and a few words about your studying and your trip. Your customers will love it. Also, you might see something while you are in a new location that inspires something for your craft - again, something to highlight.

Enjoy!

[Former_Member]

I would definitely buy from overseas AS LONG as shipping wasn't too expensive. I think its fun to find items from all over the world! That's the best thing about Etsy. You can do your shop from anywhere :)

[Former_Member]

I think you can try to keep that open for a few months and see how it goes. I think you will do well though. Would you mind sharing your tips on how to be so successful? I'm trying but it's still a bit slow for me. Many thanks and best wishes to you!

[sherischart]

Thanks for your post Emma as well as sharing your upcoming adventure. How exciting!
I have always wanted to purchase and know those who have --yet I have the same (above) hesitations.
Just shipped a small box to Canada and really felt for the customer paying more in shipping than the product. Yet, "they" say they are accustomed to it.
Best to you Emma!

[iLikeiLikeDesigns]

Hi there!

I don't think it would change my mind at all - I've bought from a seller in China and did not have an issue, really.
Especially if a customer saw that you were well-respected before your travels, I think most buyers might think it was pretty cool that you were keeping it open.
As long as you are upfront about where you are sending from!

I know for me, personally, unless I knew that whatever I was doing wouldn't allow for Etsy-time, I wouldn't be able to give it up ;)

Have fun and safe travels!

[Former_Member]

Yes, I would! To me, it's not where the items come from, it's how its made.
The only thing that might deter me is the shipping price though.

I would recommend trying it out for a few months and seeing how it goes :)

xoxo,
Nat

[StuckOnSilver]

I have bought from all over the world--go for it and have a wonderful time!!

[philosophias]

The only thing keeping me from staying open would be the risk of taking my supplies (which are indeed small but things add up when your whole life has to fit in a suitcase) if I wasn't successful and also possibly missing out on adventures to craft! But crafting is such a big part of my life that I don't want to give it up completely. Downsize, definitely - I don't want to be spending as much time there as I do here so I would be able to travel and enjoy Bulgaria.

Anyway thank you all so much for your input! I love the Etsy community and your willingness to help! I will definitely post a link to my travel blog on Etsy so everyone can follow my travels. I think I will try to stay open and see how it goes. Thank you for your help everyone! Much appreciated.