Etsy or eBay?

[Roxie Roulette {★}]

Today I finally went into production for my little home business 'Hannalulu Hair Accessories' and I did a little research into where I should sell them. eBay was obvious and as my dad has been selling vintage items on there for years I know a little about it; however I know it's not the place to sell hair accessories and the like. Then there is Etsy, which is much better for the field I want to sell in, but the listing and sales fee seems quite high.

So, my question is which is better: Etsy or eBay? Which do you prefer as pitcher or punter?

Or do I just go it alone and have my site even though this is only a business to get a little more change in the bank account?

[Meg A Tron]

I shop on Etsy for hair accessories that are hand made.. I only go on ebay for bicycle parts, car parts and shoes..

[Roxie Roulette {★}]

Ahh awesome, thanks! My gut feeling was always with Etsy for this

Meg A Tron said:

I shop on Etsy for hair accessories that are hand made.. I only go on ebay for bicycle parts, car parts and shoes..

[Plum Pea Dahl {★}]

For handmade hair flowers, you should definitely use etsy. I think you will reach more of the demographic you're trying to reach. I don't know if the fees are higher on etsy, but it might be worth it if you reach more customers. Once you get set up, don't forget to advertise here on PL!

[Harlean Carpenter {★}]

My biggest concern with Etsy is their lack of protection for their vendors, meaning if someone blatantly copies an item that you have made and are selling, they won't do anything about it. And their listing fees are a bit high, but in exchange you do get exposure that you wouldn't get otherwise.

I sell on eBay and they are almost running listing fee specials, so I'm able to keep my costs down. I also sell through my website, which doesn't cost me anything that I'm not already paying, but again, I don't get the exposure I would get going through my Etsy shop (yes, I have one, I just haven't used it in ages) and I have to get word out on my own.

It really comes down to how much time you have to, and how aggressively you can, promote yourself. If you're willing to do the advertising yourself, via PL, craigslist, etc., your own site will be cheaper in the long run. Hope that helps!

[GiGi Von Vroom]

My experience with eBay is very love/hate. I've had more negative experiences with eBay then positive ones. But in a desperate situation (Shoot, I need this and can't find it anywhere. I know, let me try eBay as a final resort!). I still use their services from time to time. But I really like Etsy because it seems too be more handmade friendly. I can deal more one on one with the seller through e-mail.

[Red Hot Kitten's Boutique]

As someone who sells handmade jewelry/hair accessories for years, my ebay fees were always double what I am paying now on Etsy. I also found a different breed of clientele--not dissing on my ebay customers but I've had a lot of negative experiences, especially in the last year. I've had people try to cheat me out of paying for things, abusive/rude ebayers, non-payers, etc-it's really been a nightmare. I work really hard to make really nice things and keep my costs low to the consumer. I do list things from time to time on ebay but honestly if I couldn't ever again it would be no loss to me. I love Etsy..have had an amazing experience with etsy and would never switch---unless it was to build my own website. I've also tried ArtFire and Zibbet but would still go back to Etsy any day! I've wanted to set up my own website but my items are definitely more suited to Etsy (my opinion) because they are mostly one of a kind pieces. So if you can do it..wonderful...I would create your own. Etsy is really a great community...I've had a lot success..the customers are in general awesome to work with and they respect handmade items.

[Roxie Roulette {★}]

Thank you everyone so much! I think Etsy (I just noticed I spelled it wrong in the title DONG! Quick adjustment though aha) is a clear winner and so I will set up a shop there this weekend hopefully. I think overall for what I'm selling it's going to work out at about 40 cents per item to list and sell once all the fees are taken into consideration and Etsy just seems like the scene to be!

[Tessa LeTaunt {★}]

I used to use Etsy, and I do agree that it is MUCH better than eBay. The only thing that I didn't like about either one of those sites, though, is the fact that you have to pay money just to post an item up for sale. Etsy even charges you for every tiny little adjustment you make on your post after it's been listed.
I found a website called SenseOfFashion.com, and it's completely free to list items for sale. I think they make take a small percentage out of the amount of money you make when you make a sale, but hey, at least it's after you know it's worth it to even have things on that site to begin with.
I'm gradually beginning to set up shop on there, so I'll let you know how it goes.

[Lolita Black]

I love esty! Personally I don't want to have to bid for things (even though i think you could sell straight on ebay, I don't use it) I'd rather grab them up right on the spot.

[Roxie Roulette {★}]

Yeah they have the 'Buy It Now' option but it's so complicated most just got for bids

Lolita Black said:

I love esty! Personally I don't want to have to bid for things (even though i think you could sell straight on ebay, I don't use it) I'd rather grab them up right on the spot.

[Roxie Roulette {★}]

Wow! I will definitely have to check out that site and maybe get a shop there as well if it takes off

Tessa LeTaunt said:

I used to use Etsy, and I do agree that it is MUCH better than eBay. The only thing that I didn't like about either one of those sites, though, is the fact that you have to pay money just to post an item up for sale. Etsy even charges you for every tiny little adjustment you make on your post after it's been listed.
I found a website called SenseOfFashion.com, and it's completely free to list items for sale. I think they make take a small percentage out of the amount of money you make when you make a sale, but hey, at least it's after you know it's worth it to even have things on that site to begin with.
I'm gradually beginning to set up shop on there, so I'll let you know how it goes.

[urforbiddenlovex, a new face]

I love etsy. It is kinda pricy but if ur business starts going well you shouldn't have a prodlem