(Part 2) Best products from r/Etsy

I used to have a nikon, but I didn't like them that well. I've had 2 canons after that. I've loved them both. This is the new version of the camera I have.

I think you'd be fine with pretty much anything- make sure it has a good macro setting.

Take a piece of your jewelry with you to the store and take pictures with the different cameras you're looking at and see which one you like best.

Good luck!

If you have a simple canopy I say make sure you buy leg weights. For wind resistance some people use water jugs or sandbags in a pinch (they look really tacky) I use http://www.amazon.com/Quik-Shade-Accessory-Weight-plates/dp/B000YPQPSW They work great! 30$

For the rain you MUST have walls. The day of my show I saw so many other artist's work get ruined. I use http://www.amazon.com/Wenzel-10-27x10-27-Canopy-Wall/dp/B00MP40Q44 (Price is just for 1 wall) It's pretty universal but make sure it can fit your canopy. Also make sure you get one that is "water repellent" they also help with the wind and make sure you have privacy overnight.

I also suggest going to home depot and getting clear tarp in front of your booth so people can come in and rain can stay out. Also get lots of clips and duct tape as that solves everything. Hope that helps.

Honestly, I get most of my packaging from Amazon and eBay now. All the sellers have pretty much the same supplies for the same price, so it's just a matter of finding a seller you like. It's all generic packaging, though, rather than customised, but PostPack do customised packaging, so they can probably do what you want. I looked at doing that myself, but customised packaging costs a lot more than the generic uncustomised packaging, and so it just didn't seem worth paying so much more for something 99% of customers are just going to throw in the bin.

For labels, again, Amazon is good. Up until recently, I was buying labels and handwriting addresses on them, but I just invested in a label printer (this one), and already much prefer it. I got it on special offer around £30, but it's still a worthwhile investment at the current price.

Can't help for raw materials for making cosmetics, as I make completely different products (plushies), but... my experience is that supplies from British sellers will always be more expensive than US sellers. The US has the advantage of economy of scale, both for manufacturing products and importing them, which the UK doesn't have. All the fabric I use costs double when I buy from a UK seller compared to a US one, simply because all the British suppliers aren't making the fabric themselves, they're buying it from abroad. Their costs are higher than a US seller, and so what they charge me is higher.

But those sellers import in bulk, so they get discounts that I can't, so I don't actually save any money if I buy from the US. I end up paying a fortune in shipping, and also import VAT, which applies on any package worth more than £15 coming from outside the EU (and post-Brexit, it'll prolly be on EU packages too. Sigh. I get a lot of fabric from Germany.) So when you're looking at buying from the US, make sure you factor import VAT into your costs - it's 20% on anything over £15, plus a handling charge (£8 if it's handled by Royal Mail, substantially more if it's shipped by UPS or FedEx). If I remember correctly, there's an extra customs duty on packages worth over £135, too, so if you're considering a big order from the US, you'll need to pay that too.

Just as an example, the primary fabric I use costs me about £15 a metre. If I buy it from the US, it's just $7 a yard... but after paying shipping, it actually comes out closer to $26 (~£20 after currency conversions). If I buy multiple yards at $7, the shipping cost goes up a little, but then I'm over the £15 threshold for import VAT, and I get an extra 20% on the price and a handling charge. So in the end... it's just cheaper to buy it at £15 a metre from the British supplier. These days I only buy fabric from the US if the British suppliers don't stock it.

As to the lack of reviews of British suppliers, that is sometimes an issue, but with our consumer contracts regulations for purchases made online, you're actually better protected than a lot of American consumers are. If you buy something online from a British supplier, you have legal rights concerning getting refunds or replacements in the event what you buy is lost or damaged in transit, not as described by the seller, and so on. Amazon and eBay will already have your back, and when you buy from other sites, use PayPal or your credit card, as they too have buyer protection policies. Buying from online retailers is very safe in the UK, as even if the absolute worst happens (you buy something, don't receive it, and the seller is uncooperative), the law is on your side and whichever company processed the payment will make sure you get a refund.

I do the farmer's market every summer so I needed a really well made canopy and settled on the E-Z Up brand canopy as others have mentioned. It is similar to this one except that I bought it from Sam's Club and it has the options of sides (which I do use depending on the weather!) that you can velcro on quickly. I love it. It goes up easily and is pretty high quality. I'm going on year two with it and so far so good! The only thing I will complain about is the bag. You have to be very careful with taking it out/putting it back in. I went through two bags so far, but luckily the company has been really good about replacing them for me. Wonderful customer service. I also suggest something stronger than the typical weights you buy with canopies. I just use sand bags now. But that's with any canopy. Watch out for the windy days!

Welcome to the party! You can find the Etsy Seller Handbook here: Handbook!

As far as boxes go... I would get USPS Priority Mail (use version 2) FREE boxes for the smaller size clicky but you have to send them priority (always purchase shipping online, it's easy via etsy).

The larger versions could go in something like this: clicky. I've had good luck with Pratt and you could find a size for the smaller woodworking too, I just prefer free boxes if I'm going to be shipping them priority anyways. This allows you to send them through other shipping providers at your leisure.

You may be right - but there are alternatives. EcoEnclose is where I get most of my shipping supplies. While they do cost a little bit more, I just do the best I can - meaning, the worst offender being plastic, I replace the plastic items with eco alternatives.

• I ship in paper envelopes instead of poly mailers.
  
  
  
• I use a 100% recycled shipping tape (Earth Huggers brand) which you can get on Amazon and its about the same price as virgin plastic.
  
• Right now I am looking for alternatives to the small plastic baggies I cannot avoid using sometimes for beads and small items - EcoEnclose only makes larger sizes but I just found this site from which I will order compostable small baggies! That's amazing!
  
• as for bubble wrap: yes, you can really beat padding things with air for ultra-sensitive items, but there is a greener way to do it. When shipping a breakable and fragile item, I will directly wrap it in a layer or two (depending on size of bubbles) of repurposed bubble wrap. There is also this compostable bubble wrap but I don't use enough to need more than what I already get via packaging. EcoEnclose also makes this corrugated bubble wrap out of recycled paper and it has great reviews but I haven't tried it out yet myself.
  
  I just wish that everyone was more aware of the amount of waste that is produced. We are all so disconnected from the process of production - what it takes to exploit and extract the materials that go into things that we so blithely throw away - and disposal. It is just so easy to consume and discard, and if you live anywhere in the "first world" you don't have to deal with the real consequences like people in developing countries do - we have all seen the pictures. Even if you don't care about those people in developing countries...or all the marine animals whose GI tracts are blocked by broken pieces of plastic that they've mistaken for food...even if it doesn't cross your mind to wince at the overpackaing of pretty much all products that we buy and consume....you should care about your self: our drinking water is contaminated with plastic fibers and compounds...if you eat seafood, your fish are carrying dangerous levels of plastic compounds...and for the big picture, plastic is a petroleum product, the extraction of which is a major contributor to climate change which, as the US Department of Defense has recognized, is a threat multiplier.
  
  Again, apologies for the long form, but this is just one of those issues that has wide-ranging global consequences and yet is just naively ignored. Man that makes me feel "woke". But seriously...please please please just consider your own use and waste production and do what you can to minimize it. Do the work beyond the "convenience" of plastic and you will be a better person living in a better world for it.

I found Essential Depot on Amazon, free shipping with Prime makes it seem more reasonable. Silly question, but with Palm Oil I was told it had to be warmed up in the original container... How can you tell if the container can benuked in a microwave? It doesn't say microwave safe on the Amazon site. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EDBEZM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3V9M1NOX9PQ89&coliid=I1XGC0BKGY2U8V)

I noticed the molds around between $50-100, is that normal? Seems rather extravagant to me.

The local chemical factory is a great idea! I have no idea if there is one near me, but still.. Major kudos on creativity.

I would suggest never taking photos in full sunlight. It can really change how the color is perceived.

I paint in oils and acrylic, and because I’m cheap I photograph my own work. There’s a technique in photographing indoors, but I prefer to take photos outside on a cloudy day out of direct light. This lessens the chance of having hot spots, and I’ll still probably have to color correct in photoshop as even in that light the sun can photograph the work as too warm or too cool depending on the time of year.

I’m not sure if you’re photographing 2d or 3d work, but the rules are different for each. You could jury-rigg a light diffuser. You can get a couple of these (you may be able to find something like this cheaper at a local hardware store or Walmart), put in a daylight bulb, look for one that’s not warm or cool. You want the light to be in the middle of the spectrum, some hardware stores have lightbulb samples. Then to diffuse the light put white paper or cloth between the bulb and your object. Make sure if your bulb gets hot that it’s not close enough to burn your diffuser. I suggest vellum, or plain white paper, or a very thin white sheet. You are just looking to make the shadow less harsh, and you want two lights because you want the light on either side of your object. For the background use something neutral. If your work is three dimensional you’ll want to curve the background. This video has instructions https://youtu.be/Vz-3hKfgs5I

It’s up to you to represent your work accurately to the buyer. If you keep getting this complaint I would suggest you change how you photograph your work, and not blame the customer for not reading your disclaimer. Besides you could be losing sales because potential customers won’t buy because they can’t be sure of what they’re getting.

Good luck.

I put it within a cardboard box surrounded by packing foam or tissue paper, then put the box in a black poly mailer sleeve (and put the shipping label on the poly mailer.) The boxes I use are sometimes not large enough for a shipping label, hence the sleeve.

EDIT:
I use cardboard boxes like this and I use these poly mailers. I like the boxes because they are sturdier and have a more quality look/feel, and the poly mailers are unique looking and extremely economical in terms of price. They are thinner than a lot of other poly mailers but since I pack everything in boxes that isn't an issue for me.

I also print out my invoice and put it inside of a decorative #10 envelope with my logo printed on it, and my invoice always has a hand-written note on it. I put that in the poly mailer next to the box. So when my customer opens the mailer, he or she can either open up the invoice and see my note or open up the box to get to the (wrapped) goodies. I also make sure to put a little free gift with a thank you sticker in each order, usually tucked on top of the wrapped up item within the box.

Between shipping, packing, and invoice materials it comes out to about $1.25 an order (I buy in bulk so that helps)...all costs passed along to my customers in the handling and shipping fees.

https://www.amazon.com/Serta-Motion-Health-Wellness-Mid-Back/dp/B00EUU5GFK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504632197&sr=8-2&keywords=serta+back+in+motion

This is what I got. It is a chair within a chair so when you lean forward the secondary support leans with you supporting your lower back and it gently pushes you into a good posture for your back.
It is a little pricey but I have some pretty bad spine issues and this helps me a lot and offers support when you lean forward. It comes with an extra option for the half seat that supports when you lean forward, one thick padded firm support that you can slide off if it is too big. The seat cushion also tilts when you lean a little to force your spine somewhat upright.

The other back in motion chairs are a little cheaper but IMO not as comfy or supportive.

They look good, but yeah, they seem a little dark.

Are you only using a single light source? It seems that way. Try getting a desk top lamp or 2 to surround it in more light. Use natural white light bulbs or LED lamps as well.

I bought one of these ages ago and still use it to this day. Love it.

https://www.amazon.com/Emart-Photography-Studio-Lighting-Shooting/dp/B01MZWSBOP/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1518196751&sr=8-9&keywords=small+home+photo+studio

They also make cheaper ones designed to be used with a smart phone if that's how you are taking your pictures.

I agree, sometimes it takes a while to establish your presence as not just a seller but an artist (of sorts). My suggestion to you would be to do more research into online marketing, there are a few great books out there (like this one); read up the seller how-to on Etsy (and/or Folksy) too.

Another good idea would be to find someone on Etsy/Folksy who sells similar stuff to what your mom makes. What does their page look like? How have their pictures been taken? Do they show character? I'm not saying that you should simply copy these people, just that you should look at the market for those kinds of things and see what works out and what doesn't.

Hope this helps!

Oh wow, it would be much cheaper just to buy a small scanner. This scanner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LN0NUGC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is quite cheap compared to more high end ones but I personally can't tell the difference between the scan and looking at my art in person. Neither could an art professor who specializes in prints. In some cases contrast/brightness may need to be adjusted, but the same is true of photos. Here's a scanned small acrylic painting I did about the size of yours: https://imgur.com/a/9nwALU3 Of course the image on the screen is much larger than the actual painting so shrinking something like that is better.

I think those vintage odor on clothing may indeed cause possible issue for some buyers. Perhaps, depending your profitability, would it be worth it to invest in some type of at home dry cleaning machine. Sounds really exciting, good luck!

As a buyer, I would except the same thing as on Amazon, where marking as a gift means they omit the price from the packing slip.

As a seller of non-bulky items, I offer free kraft paper gift wrapping on all of my items & it delights gift-givers (and a giant-ass roll of kraft paper is only $20 )

Honestly if you ship enough orders, it's going to happen at some point. I wouldn't spend more money on heavier-duty boxes, personally. 1 out of 20 is not bad at all for a fragile item, and that one was likely just a fluke.

I ship mugs in standard cardboard boxes (not smash-proof ones like you use), wrapped securely in a few layers bubble wrap. One key is to use a slightly larger box than you need (I like these 7"x6"x6" boxes), because if it's packed tightly in a box only slightly larger than the mug, it's actually more likely to break. I like to have a little room around the bubble wrapped mug to stuff some kraft paper.

I will say that I bought this light box and it was excellent value. I was going to build my own but after considering the trips to different stores for supplies and the time and effort that it would take, the $35 just made sense. I am lucky in that my husband already had a couple photography lights but really any bright lights should work! I sell vintage and antique items of varying sizes and materials and so far so good!

I have an Epson wf-7610 that I use to print my 11' X 17" posters, thank you cards and then some.

On high quality settings, the ink does go fast but it is fantastic. Office max charges $1.50 (just raised price to match Staples I was told) to print on their cardstock. Not sure what the weight is but it's good quality and not a bad alternative. Depending on your budget and how many you sell, you may want to stick to this.

What size do you print? This one goes up to 13" X 9", has a scanner etc.

The printer was 179.99 on Amazon and BB price matched it. I would suggest buying refillable cartridges which may save you in the long run depending how often you print.

Now it's down to 149.99 which in my opinion is a steal! Here is a [link](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXLGETI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JXLGETI&linkCode=as2&tag=thepeekmuse-20&linkId=V4B7TRVT7EWTGXAK
) for it

My phone has a really awesome camera (Carl Zeiss on the Nokia Lumia 950). I bought a light box and did a little test shot. It's a smaller box than I imagined (I don't have large items anyway), but it works really well. $16 on Amazon.

I use this Brother Laser Printer (wifi enabled) and use half sheet adhesive labels. I thought the dedicated label printers were too expensive and this allows me to print packing slips as well.

$89 and the toner lasts FOREVER

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL-L2340DW-Printing-Wireless-Networking/dp/B00LZS5EEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417802121&sr=8-1&keywords=brother+laser+printer

& These $20 for 200 labels
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-5044/Laser-Labels/Laser-Labels-White-8-1-2-x-5-1-2?FromMyFavoriteItems=Y

The labels are the standard half-sheet size labels generated by Etsy shipping and Paypal multi-order shipping.