Thursday, December 9, 2010

Just Some Thinking Outloud

Hey guys and gals. I hope your day is on the right track and that you're staying toasty warm. I'm checking in for just a second to let you in on one of the thoughts that keeps popping into this little old head of mine.

Lately I've been wanting to start an Etsy shop with some of my vintage thrifted items.

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I buy a lot and understand that sadly, I just cannot keep it all.

This weekend I went to a new thrift shop in St. Louis to pick up a craigslist find and was so inspired. I would love to open up a brick and mortar shop but that just may never be in the cards.

But, Etsy? It may just be a possibility. So my question to any one who cares to answer...do you think it's a good idea?

Or is it totally silly? I can take it.

As always, I love to hear your thoughts. You guys are my friends after all and I value your opinions.

xoxo

42 comments:

Amanda @ Heart Tree Home said...

Do it! People like us need something to keep us busy 24/7 and fuel our thrifting obsessions! :-p

NotAppealing said...

Ooh, an Etsy shop sounds like a great idea!

MIchelle said...

I think it depends why you are doing it. If you're doing it to get rich...may not be the best idea. If you're doing it so you can continue a passion without filling your house up like one of those hoarders on A&E...I say go for it!!

ashley said...

Depends on what you sell. I was looking at vintage lamps on etsy but the shipping costs killed that idea. I've been looking in local thrift stores and haven't found the one yet but i will eventually. I'm not going to pay double due to shipping costs, I'll just wait until I find one locally.

Andreika said...

Do it!!! I think it will be great for those who don't really have much luck themselves in thrift shops or craigslist. Eddie Ross has a Etsy shop where he also sells thrift store & flea market finds. I just love this idea. Go for it!!

sangii77 said...

Are you kidding? Do it now...With your eye, its a great idea.

Lisa @ Lisa Moves said...

Etsy has the advantage of no overhead costs like a brick and mortar store. The disadvantage is that everything you sell will have to be shipped, which could prohibitively impact the cost of your items.

Anne said...

I would certainly browse and consider buying! I'm always jealous of the great thrift store finds I see - they take good stores, time investment, and a good eye - which you clearly have and I don't, though I still want the stuff... I think a lot of people feel this way :)

Natalie said...

I think it is a great idea! You find such fabulous stuff!

Meredith @ Welcome to Heardmont said...

I think it's a great idea! Have you researched what shipping costs would be for small vs large items? Would you consider selling furniture on Etsy, or just stick with "smaller than a breadbox" stuff?

I think you would have a lot of fun doing something like that, and your blog would be a great place to promote your shop!

Let us know what you decide - I'll be one of the first to stop by and check it out. :)

Rebecca said...

do it!

Natalie said...

Etsy is a great place to sell small items, and is a heck of a lot cheaper than eBay. I sell Vintage clothing at my shop Cheap and Chic Vintage, and it is easy. However, I don't know how it would be to have bigger pieces, like furniture, when you have to factor in freight shipping, etc. My suggestion is to keep it to things that are small enough to pack yourself. Good luck!

Emily V. said...

I think its a great idea! You have such great taste for things like that. I would definiteley shop! I say go for it! No harm in trying.

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

You should definitely do it!! = )

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

I'm of the opinion that you can never lose by putting yourself out there, and you have great taste so of course it would be a hit! I hope you go for it. :)

Sarah said...

do it do it do it!!!!! i'm de-lurking to come out and say that etsy is wonderful and vintage sellers who have strong shops can do VERY well on etsy.

i have been etsying for only 7 months and i am hooked. i LOVE it. if you need any tips or bounce ideas off of, let me know. sarah.e.hennessey AT gmail DOT com

and also here's my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sometimesiswirl

again, DO IT i say!! :)

Meghan said...

I buy a lot of vintage items on etsy, and would be the first in line to vome visit your shop!

Kirsten Krason said...

Of course it's a great idea! Do it! You'll never know if you don't try :)

Amy said...

Sounds like fun. You'll just want to make sure the time investment is worth it to you!

On another note, care to share some of your favorite St. Louis thrift stores? I'm always looking for new ones!

Bri said...

I think Etsy would be a great start - better share the link! You find such beautiful treasures :)

Anna said...

You know I firmly believe that you should follow your dreams and passion. Clearly this is your dream and passion. You are awesome at what you do, Joi! I say try it, if it doesn't work out, no big deal...but I can't imagine people not lining up to buy things from you!

We need to firm up a date for our lunch/shopping trip! Love ya girlie!

Sharstin said...

go for it girly! you always find the best things!! it would be a hit for sure:)

Karen said...

I say give it a shot...nothing ventured nothing gained.My mother used to tell me that all the time and she was right!!!

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Joi, is this something you could do on your own blog? Like have a "for sale" section right on Nuestra Vida Dulce. Just a thought.
Happy Holidays! Laura

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

I've been contemplating the same thing and if you have the time I say go for it why not!

highfashion4less said...

I think it would be a great idea. Often you end up buying stuff, whether it's thrifted, from ikea, home goods, etc, that you end up not using. Why not give your readers a chance to purchase items that are personally handpicked by you!

I have a fashion blog and recently have explored the option of opening a store with my gently worn items. You could even do it as an extension of your site with the google checkout store!

Let me know if you have any other questions:)

xoxo
~Sara
P.S. your living room video totally inspired me. i went immediately and bought your couch pillows...minus the one you made:)

Anonymous said...

Great idea! Nothing to lose really. I will definetly check it out!

Amnah said...

Yes, do it!!

Etsy has given so many people so many opportunities. Why shouldn't you be able to get in on that too?

You have great taste and I'm sure your shop will be a success. I would definitely stop by and swipe up anything that interests me.

I hope to open one also in the near future. Yay, for Etsy!

Basteffen said...

yes please! would love to scoop up any of your great finds.

Lindsay @ Hello Hue said...

Girlfriend, you can do anything you put your heart into. I think it would be a great success. I do agree with others that shipping costs might be a hassle, BUT I think that if you have really unique items, people will probably be willing to pay whatever you charge. If you'd probably want to have a variety of sizes (ie. candlesticks and tables).

When I was about to open my shop, I was so discouraged about figuring out shipping my canvas paintings. But after a little research, I realized it wasn't as tricky as I was thinking.

Go for it! :) I'd love to have you as an Etsy sister!

leah @maritalbless said...

You'll never know unless you try. 2 years ago, I honestly thought Tony and I were making a stupid decision purchasing a camera for $500 . . .

Chelsea said...

GREAT idea Joi! I think you will find it so gratifying. And you're right... you have such an eye for finding the beautiful things. Why not help others fill their homes with the lovely pieces as well, make a little money & have the constant gratification of knowing that your antiquing is all for a good cause. Rock on sister!

Kristen said...

Go for it!! You have a great eye and im sure you would be able to find lots of treasures for your shop..

Mary Catherine said...

Go for it! That would be wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I would buy your finds. I think you would do well. Go for it!

Anonymous said...

Give it a shot. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Love your blog!

Monique

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

I don't think there's any reason not to try it. And girl, everything you touch turns to gold. You have a gift and I think you should go for an online shop.

Catherine said...

Do it! It couldn't hurt to give it a try and see if you enjoy it. Just make sure you offer international shipping! ;)

Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com said...

Hi there,
I see you do a lot of perusing Craigslist. What are your thoughts on buying sofas and stuff from CL? Now that there have been recent articles talking about "bedbugs" and things, I'm wary to even search CL. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

Thanks!
Ashley :)

Anonymous said...

I say go for it! I have a shop opened but haven't listed anything yet. From what I have heard the turnover is pretty slow. But hey, you have an item sitting in your house for a month and nothing happens or you have an item listed in Etsy for a month then...it sells! Do it, do it, do it! And of course, give us the link!

Megandvd@Beauty in the Attempt said...

Honestly...you DRIP with style. I think you could easily make yourself an etsy shoppe. But...what about selling from your blog and keep even more of the sales? Just a thought. You could try one and then merge to the other that best suits you. If you DO do it....I would love to give you FREE ad space on my blog. Food for thought...and yes it would be FREE for you..no strings -- anything I can do to help. :)


Cheers~
e

Anonymous said...

Just a quick follow up. A fellow blogger, Apron Thrift Girl, is a reseller on Etsy and she writes *great* posts about reselling on Etsy. You might want to give her posts a read thru, I know they have really helped me get started on Etsy.

http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/apron_thrift_girl/

Check out the posts under the categories section titled "Reselling"

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