Etsy or Artfire

Greetings!

I know a number of SMS members sell items on either Etsy or Artfire (or both). What do you prefer? I've actually sold a few things on Etsy but not yet on Artfire.   I like that Artfire doesn't charge a fee but it looks like Etsy is the site that is more widely known. Just wondering if anyone has a preference of one over the other or thinks both are just fine.

Thanks for your time, Beth

This is the first I've heard about Artfire...I'll have to check it out.  Etsy is very well known, but I feel like what it takes to get yourself noticed on Etsy when there are SO many fantastic artists and crafters out there on Etsy is a lot.  I really have struggled with that on Etsy...but then I probably would on Artfire too as I am just generally not a great promoter of myself or my work.  I will look at Artfire though...

Hi Elizabeth. I'm not a good promoter of myself either!  I primarily use the sites to show my work for when I go to local craft fairs.  They want photos or links to a website and having a 'store' on-line always looks good.  I'm thinking of hiring a friend of mine (very outgoing person) to go to shows with me or for me to help me sell. I prefer the behind the scenes stuff to the selling part...but - check artfire out.  There is also Big Cartel (I think?). You need an EIN number to use it. I have a tax number but really haven't bothered looking at that site.

I've only heard of Etsy too. I'm going to check out artfire & see.

Personally - I think there is more traffic on Etsy, but like you said standing out is a challenge.

Thanks for telling me about artfire.  I'd never heard of it either.  I'm looking at it now.  Why not do both?

Angela
www.groceryshrink.typepad.com

I sell on both.  I've only made two sales on Artfire (and one was a custom order) since I signed up a couple months ago.  I've made more sales on etsy but I've been there longer.  I think the reason is because Artfire is relatively new so not a lot of people know about it right now.  I jumped in because they were having a sign-up special ($7/month for life) and thought "Why not?".  I'll probably stay there till the end of the year to see if my sales pick up.  Sometimes it does take awhile.