Comparing Festival Tabling to Selling on Etsy
Summary: Is selling at festivals a more profitable option for small creative businesses compared to Etsy?
I create and sell handmade embroidered jewelry, accessories, and felt toys/decor (which could also be marketed as patterns). While I’ve dabbled in selling physical products on Etsy and had some initial success, the results haven’t been as promising as I hoped. I receive a fair number of views and followers, but my sales remain moderate to low.
I’m considering shifting my focus towards selling digital patterns in this space.
For my physical items, I’m exploring the idea of becoming a vendor at local festivals and markets. This path involves a moderate investment in things like licensing, insurance, tents, tables, signage, and vendor fees. For those who have experience with this, do you find that selling at events is more effective or lucrative compared to online sales?
2 Comments
Tabling at festivals and markets can be a fantastic venture for small creative businesses, and many vendors find it to be more lucrative than selling on platforms like Etsy, especially in the handmade space. Here are a few points to consider based on your experience and the nature of your offerings:
Direct Interaction: Festivals and markets allow for face-to-face interaction with potential customers. You can showcase the quality of your handmade jewelry and accessories, answer questions, and create a personal connection that often leads to immediate sales.
Tangible Experience: Customers can see, touch, and try on your items, which can be a significant selling point, especially for jewelry and accessories. This tactile experience can greatly enhance their willingness to buy compared to browsing online.
Instant Feedback: Being present at these events provides you with direct insight into customer preferences. You can gauge reactions to your products in real-time and adjust your offerings or pricing as needed.
Building Community: Participating in local festivals helps you network not only with customers but also with other local artisans and vendors. This can lead to collaborations, cross-promotions, and a stronger sense of community, which can benefit your business in the long run.
Market Demand: Depending on the festival’s theme and target audience, you might find that your products resonate well with the crowd, resulting in higher sales volumes compared to your experiences on Etsy.
Cost Considerations: While there is an upfront cost associated with vending at festivals (licensing, insurance, tent, etc.), if you plan and choose your events wisely, the potential for high sales and exposure can outweigh these expenses. Tracking your sales and expenses during each event will help you evaluate profitability.
Digital Patterns Transition: Moving towards digital patterns could complement your festival presence. You can showcase a few physical items at the festival while also promoting the patterns as an affordable option for customers who might want to try making your products themselves.
Explore Hybrid Approaches: Consider using both avenues—table at festivals for immediate sales and customer engagement while continuing to offer products on Etsy for those who prefer online shopping. This way, you can leverage the strengths of each platform.
Ultimately, the choice between tabling and online selling can depend on your market, product type, and personal preferences. Many small creative businesses thrive by combining both approaches. Go ahead and try tabling; it might just provide the boost you’re looking for! Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your insights on the comparison between festival tabling and Etsy. Your experience with handmade products resonates deeply, as many creators find themselves navigating similar challenges.
One important aspect to consider with festival sales is the opportunity for direct interaction with customers. This face-to-face engagement can significantly enhance your brand presence and allows you to convey the story behind your products, which can be a powerful selling point. Building relationships with your audience can lead to repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals that are often hard to achieve online.
Additionally, festivals typically have a unique demographic, which could align well with your specific niche in handmade jewelry, accessories, and decor. By selecting events that target your ideal customer base, you might find that your sales are not only more profitable but also provide invaluable feedback on your products and potential new designs.
On the flip side, selling digital patterns online can be a great strategy to expand your reach, especially since digital products can continue to sell with minimal ongoing effort once created. Consider leveraging social media platforms to promote your patterns—visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest work particularly well for showcasing creative designs and techniques.
Ultimately, testing both avenues might yield the best results. Perhaps initially committing to a few local festivals while simultaneously promoting your digital offerings on Etsy could provide you with data to make an informed decision about where to focus your efforts in the future. Best of luck; your creativity shines through, and I’m excited to see where it takes you!