Etsy Banner Selling?
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Original Post
I posted this on my blog yesterday but got the suggestion to try here... and think it's a great one!
For those folks out there who sell pre-made Etsy banners where you have a design for a banner and avatar set and then you put their name on it... a few ?s. It's something I've thought of doing, but I'd love to have an idea of what works, what people have liked, etc. before I consider diving in:
1) Do you sell the same set multiple times, or to one seller only?
2) Have they sold well for you? Or is it just a sideline in your shop? It would likely be a sideline in mine, but that's neither here nor there.
3) What do you charge? Different prices for different designs? Same across the board?
4) What kinds of designs have been most successful for you (ie cute vs. gothic vs. retro, etc.)?
Thanks to any and all who reply! Whether I decide to do it or not, I'm completely curious to hear folks' thoughts about this one. I've done custom banner & button sets in the past, but this seems a lot less time consuming while still giving folks access to nice, unique designs.
wildedesigns.blogspot.com/ (in case anyone for some reason prefers replying at the blog to here)
Posted at 9:04am Jul 15, 2009 EDT
Responses
Does anyone have any thoughts to share? It would be much appreciated!
Posted at 12:33pm Jul 15, 2009 EDT
I have been selling banners/avatars/digital items for nearly a year now and I find that I sell mostly custom banner sets. I like to always try and offer a wide variety of styles and price points too. Classic, simple designs that include pictures from the shop seems to be the most popular.
Posted at 12:37pm Jul 15, 2009 EDT
That definitely helps - thank you so much, GetFunked!
Posted at 12:57pm Jul 15, 2009 EDT
I'm about to start selling Etsy banners myself, so this should be an interesting thread. I do Photoshop as a hobby and have done for about 5 years now, so I figured I should make some bucks off it. :D
What I would suggest is having a look at some listings people have done, find out what they don't offer and fill that gap, and try to give a mid-way price point. You don't want to be too cheap to undersell yourself but you don't need to charge professional level prices either. At least that's the way I figure it. Mine will probably be about $20 for the pre-made ones using my own photos, $25 for the custom (using other people's images).
Posted at 1:05pm Jul 15, 2009 EDT
That's in line with what I'm thinking, Sparrow. I actually am a professional graphic designer, but I don't feel the need to charge as much for a pre-made thing here as I would a custom thing in day-to-day work :) I've been looking at some listings, but I figured some folks might have experience with sales and customers that they might be able to talk out here or on the blog that might not be readily obvious from the listings themselves.
So... anybody? lol
Posted at 9:27am Jul 16, 2009 EDT
My personal philosophy is to design what makes you happy. My shop is pretty cutesy quirky and that's what I enjoy doing. I like working with bright happy colors. My style doesn't suit everyone, and that's okay, but for those who do like it, I think the outcome is a very good one. I think the most important thing is to have your own style, something that you become known for and sets you apart from the rest of the pack. If you look at the more successful Graphic Designers on Etsy you'll realize that each of their shops has this 1 outstanding IT factor. :)
WinchesterLambourne designs these completely brilliant, high quality, gorgeous Image banners and such.
www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5981730
McPrincessMaree is well known for her adorable little custom character designs and her sweet custom designs.
www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5718370
These are just a couple of shops that jump out at me, there are TONS of very very talented people on Etsy that have that certain thing that makes them do so well. Do a search for banners and you'll know what I mean. :)
Etsy is the place of custom and customization and while I do sell a lot of custom items I also offer premade packages. I sell these limited number of times and I've found that they do really nicely.
I would suggest opening a separate shop for your graphics, in my opinion it just looks more professional and a little more cohesive. Pricing can be an issue on etsy, just do a forum search and you'll discover tons of threads devoted on how to price your graphic services. Anyway, good luck with your shop. Have a great Friday! :)
Posted at 6:38pm Jul 17, 2009 EDT
Pixel, thanks so much. Your mention/compliment made my evening. :D
Posted at 6:17pm Jul 18, 2009 EDT