A long time ago, back when I was a few weeks into my Wholesale Journey, I started a thread on Etsy that became quite popular. People loved how easy I made wholesaling sound and even Etsy highlighted it in their “Success Newsletter”.
Then not long ago, this really awful seller decided to start trouble within the thread and alleged a lot of things. A few were true:
- I had a few other Etsy accounts that I never ‘deactivated’. I had no idea that was against the rules but I happily closed them down (one was when I use to sell handmade cards, the other when I sold scrapbooking supplies).
- I went against the rules and promoted a contest in the Business Topics section. At the time I really thought that since the giveaway included all prizes to improve an Etsy shop (banners, accounting spreadsheets etc) it would be relevant but I knew better and shouldn’t have done it.
- I had my shop in vacation mode but directed it to another site (my blog). Apparently that’s also against the rules but because Etsy doesn’t allow you to deactivate your seller account (and just keep a buyer account/profile) I had to stay on vacation otherwise I might get a sale (ha!).
The many other things she said were a cross between ridiculous and outrageous. One thing that completely pissed me off was when she said she never believed I actually got my work into stores and thought I just said this so I could get blog followers. Maybe this troll needs a timeline check:
End of April 2009 – Started selling handmade jewelry on Etsy
June 2009 – Started canvassing for wholesale accounts and got 5 orders in 3 weeks
End of June 2009 – Wrote the Wholesale Thread in question
September 2009 – Took a break from Etsy so I could try my hand at just wholesaling
November 2009 – Started my first blog (the former Etsy Business Blog)
January 2010 – Stopped wholesaling officially
So that would have been a seriously diabolical plan right!? HAHA
The FUNNY part is that she actually broke the very rules she supposedly was trying to uphold. Now I promised not to look at that thread again because it’s easy to feel discouraged by negative comments. But yesterday for some strange reason I decided to stop in and saw more nasty things (including new ones from that awful lady).
But one comment was a mix between snarky and nice. So I wanted to take some time to address the straight shooter’s questions and also give you more insight into why I changed my business model.
acageybee says:
So I’m guessing it’s more profitable to be a consultant & sell line sheets, e-books etc. on wholesaling than to actually make & sell jewelry?
Not more profitable if you factor in my time. With wholesaling, it was sending off my line sheet, waiting to hear from people, getting an order, filling it and getting paid. With consulting and products based around teaching, there is LOT more involved. For one, most of my work week revolves around stuff I don’t get paid for like:
- The Handmade ACTION Newsletter which is delivered to over 1100 subscribers. I have to prepare an action tip twice a week with a corresponding blog post taking the tips deeper.
- I write for a handful of blogs/websites where I help other artists get exposure or showcase handmade fashion finds. This is both strategic and personal. I get exposure but I also help people which feels damn good. Today my friend Grace got a boat load of exposure thanks to an article I pitched t0 Etsy so it’s things like this that really excite me.
- Networking. There is a LOT of networking which I actually thoroughly enjoy.
That being said, I did see an opportunity to give others the tools they needed to get their stuff into stores. I always say “Wholesale isn’t for everyone” because it wasn’t for me. There was a lot of factors, for one, I realized that I didn’t want to make jewelry forever. It was sad actually because I was so SURE you know. I am 24 so I think that my age and background allows me to try new things. One thing has ALWAYS been the same and that’s that I want to stay involved with the handmade community because that’s my passion. Another big issue with wholesaling that I hated had to do with my products. I will be detailing this in another LONG winded post.
Not hating at all! It’s still super helpful information & you obviously have to do what’s best for you & your family, but I’d love to hear a current perspective.
Did you get a lot of wholesale accounts & then realize that making so many pieces as an assembly line wasn’t very fulfilling? I’ve heard other people say that they used to do wholesale & eventually decided it wasn’t for them for exactly that reason.
That was definitely part of it! I outline a few things to consider before wholesaling here but my take is:
- JUST wholesaling isn’t a great plan unless you want to eventually hire workers to create most of your line for you. Looking back, I could have done this because it would have given me more time to stay on top of ordering supplies and landing more accounts. I also was juggling this while staying home full time with my toddler so that added chaos.
- The pieces I created weren’t time consuming. I could fill a 300 piece order in under 2 hours but it was definitely tedious. If you truly LOVE creating for a living, you will probably be okay with the ‘assembly line’ process at first, but again you may have to start thinking about outsourcing part of that later. I realized jewelry making was more of a hobby.
- I like varied types of work. I have found great success in all my latest endeavors but the exciting thing was being able to keep my workload different every day. This helps me enjoy what I do because I get bored easily. I don’t think it’s a flaw but some would see it as “flaky”. Thankfully being flaky has allowed much fulfillment in my life and I am excited about all the new things that will come my way in time.
Do you still sell jewelry? The business blog & consulting must take up a lot of time. Is that the direction you plan to go full time?
I can see how emailing a PDF would be a better business model. Takes time to write up the initial info, but then you can sell it over & over again. And no post office trips!
Thanks for all the info & best of luck in whatever path you choose!
The post office was indeed the least favorite part of my day! I took my last wholesale order in December 2009 but actually got two emails from retailers interested in picking up my line for this Spring. I just don’t have the urge to do it anymore and yes everything involved with the blog, newsletter and consulting is time consuming.
As for my PDF reports, they are custom to each seller so I cannot sell them again and again (wouldn’t that be lovely!). They require individual research because some days I’m working with a jewelry company in Canada and another day it’s a card company in Dallas. I will be launching new products over time to allow more passive income but I really enjoy researching different markets because it helps me keep up to date on the retail market. A healthy challenge!
Thanks for allowing me to write this post, it’s been a long time coming 
Bead pics courtesy of (Dimora) on Flick’r
I'm Justine Smith, a Toronto Social Media Consultant, Problogger & Sales Strategist. I can help you dominate your creative business and build the success you've always dreamed of. To learn more, click 
It’s a shame that some people are so filled with hate at others’ success that they have to bash that person into the ground. I would like to see you wholesale again in the future simply because I feel that if you stay current with it, you can give accurate, timely advice. The advice of 2007 in America won’t hold true for post-housing crisis 2010.
Well I have really loved all your posts, and I must say knowing you made mistakes and struggled, is great. More important you learned for your mistakes and have been brave enough to share. I believe that we all need to work together, and most importantly champion each other. We should not be in competition, we need to work together to raise awareness of the handmade, cause it is long hours and hard work. So Justine, thanks, I’m still struggling but I’m moving forward.
Onward!
I am glad to have found this conversation. I am going to try wholesaling rather then a lot of craft shows this year. I really enjoy the fairs but have child care issues. All of the advice is greatly appreciated.
thanks, it is so good to hear from people who have been there and done that….only 24 and done so much, well done, enjoy whatever life has in store for you, it sounds like you do and that is what makes people like me read your articles.
.-= Robyn Colledge´s last blog ..Tooth fairy/mouse pillows =-.
I have been on etsy for around the same time frame as you and always watched the forum post you started for your wholesale success. I am so sorry that it has taken such a negative turn, but am so happy to see the high road you took and the new avenue you have pursued. I am also 24, and think it is perfectly fine to do different things. Congrats on being successful in wholesale and I wish you all the best in your new endeavor. Also, I read your article today in the storque. So sweet!
.-= Ashlee Deetz´s last blog ..Mini Mum Earrings – Wasabi =-.
Ugh! This just confirms for me my decision to sell from my website. There’s so much stuff involved in selling on Etsy that gives me NO JOY! I’m glad you’ve figured out a new path to take that is fulfilling!
.-= Candy from Candied Fabrics´s last blog ..A few updates on recent posts =-.
I just listened to your Winter Biz call from last week, and I am really excited about selling our products wholesale! I appreciate your time and energy because it’s exactly what I needed to get motivated. Chin up; you are doing a wonderful thing for handmade business owners.
First, I have to say that it seems like the person who attacked you needs to get a life – or a business of her own to keep her busy. If I had that kind of time to stick my nose in another person’s business, I’d prefer to spend that time on my own business. That kind of persistent attack can only come from envy and a lack of initiative to achieve one’s own success. Actually, I suspect that she is like me in that she can’t afford the kind of money that is charged for the kind of consulting you provide and that leads to resentment on her part, instead of congratulations (Congratulations Justine!!!).
No doubt someone like that is very frustrated and lashes out, instead of looking for more positive answers to her own issues or instead of congratulating you for finding a fulfilling way to earn a living. On the one hand, I think I understand her, but I’m sorry that she doesn’t realize that it’s far more constructive to recognize that this is the American Way of Life – to find a way to capitalize, survive and share – all at the same time. May she someday find the secret to controlling the Kneejerk Reaction and substituting rational justification. It can be very gratifying and does NOT produce bile.
SECOND POINT (sorry I’m so LONGWINDED) – your age has little to do with anything. I’m more than twice your age and I don’t accept that I’m too old to try something new. As for background — what does that have to do with anything? You are who/what you decide to be. I welcome change – if it looks good after some research (seriously).I’ve changed directions many times in the past 10 years. My only regret is that I take too long to move on to the next thing…and I’m still living in poverty…(but this could be blamed on disability, if I wanted to hide behind an excuse).
If someone would not mind – I would appreciate a definition of “line sheets”. I can’t figure it out, even after looking at listings for this. What gives? My learning curve is kinda high…
oops – I goofed on my email for my huge response – my email is actually at gmail. sorry about that – I’m kind of ditzy, I confess…
Well done, Justine. You know I’m prouda ya for taking the high road. ;D
Put the blinders on to the naysayers and just keep doing what you’re doing – enjoying yourself, sharing your knowledge & experience AND helping many other people nurture their craft.
Bravo, homegirl.
Heather
.-= Heather Allard´s last blog ..The One Page Business Plan For Women =-.
This person sounds like she is very “Jealous” their is nothing wrong with getting paid for what you love to do.Im very happy that your here to work with all of us small business owners,not very many people willing to go the extra mile like you are.Thank you!Your business is very Unique and different,I have been looking for help on my Line Pitch as well as help on getting a Professional line sheet for a good while now,Glad I found you.Tell them to “Keep on Hating and You keep on Motivating.
Well, if I were going to throw tomatoes, they would have to be Pomodori (The Italian Style). I for one am glad that you switched gears and thought outside the box to create business models and tutorials for artists like me and mine who are lost sometimes, when it comes to all things internet, etc…
The best point made in your ‘confessional’: You could have hired people to manufacture your goods, however, that was not perhaps in the best interest of you personal needs.
If there is a lesson for us to learn from this ‘imbroglio’ (mess), it is to have a paradigm shift and not assume that we know someone’s motives.
Continued success for a happy healthy marriage and child and a prosperous life in whichever way you choose to achieve it.
.-= grace wieber´s last blog ..Vintage Earrings EMMONS Costume Jewelry Aurora Borealis Rhinestone ‘Mad Men’ =-.
I’d rather throw roses than tomatos at you Justine!
I agree with Heather; sometimes you have to “put blinders on” and keep on truckin’.
Nothing your doing is illegal or harmful to others, so I don’t see it as a bad thing.
I feel like the only way we can grow as a person is to take that nasty criticism and spin it in a positive way. Ultimately, you have to follow your passion, and not let others dictate what you should and should not do with YOUR time and YOUR energy.
Best of luck to you, in EVERYTHING you do
Justine,
This post is wonderful! I appreciate your transparency. I also like that you are not afraid of letting your followers know its OK to be in the process of something. I think people have a wrong notion in the handmade world that if you’re wholesaling, you’ve “arrived.” But, in reality, if you’re a creative type and in much of life overall, accomplishing one goal doesn’t mean you’ve “arrived.” Rather, it means you checked off a goal. And, the farther you go, the farther you’ll want to go. So, keep trying things until your heart is fulfilled!
Chrystal
.-= Chrystal Lynn´s last blog ..custom hairpieces for baby – featherette and english rose =-.
Justine,
There will always be snarky people out there that will try to spread their negativity and don’t seem to see how much good they could do if they focused their efforts to that end instead on just complaining.
Bless you for what you do!
Audrey aka AudreyGardenLady
.-= Audrey´s last blog ..Sassy Copper Hoops =-.
Justine, I think it’s great that you can be so honest in explaining the reality of how things work and change. Really, now that I know you’re 24, and juggling all this stuff AND raising a young kid, I am REALLY impressed. I’m 47, and I definitely believe in honestly evaluating things on a regular basis, learning from your experiences and making adjustments to your life and goals as you go along. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished already!
.-= Biondo Brenda´s last blog ..Botanical Photograph 12.3 X 18.2 Limited Edition =-.
It’s sad that we have to run into people like this. This is exactly why I started avoiding the forums after a while. Too many negative people with nothing else to do… some how they are trying to run a business but yet find the time to criticize people and bash them…. I don’t know about them but I sure have too much on my plate trying to keep up than to deal with stupid drama!
Sorry you had to go through that!
.-= Kara Boone´s last blog ..Pomegranate Crochet Purse =-.
Justine,
You have proven yourself to be an adaptable, resourceful, creative and highly intelligent person who has got it more together than many twice your age. I applaude your enthusiasm for whatever interest you in the moment, but even more for your willingness to take the time and effort sharing your experiences with others.
I wish you much success in whatever path you take.
Anne
I started out doing art festivals and loved it. Because I’m disabled, I always had to depend on others to setup and take down the tent for me. That became pretty tiresome after a year or two so I tried wholesale. I did quite well but over time I suffered from boredom too. I came up with new designs, but couldn’t afford the professional photography I thought my work deserved (this was way before the sophisticated techniques in digital photography and before most shops had an internet presence)in order to promote it to my buyers. I also didn’t like making 50% of the retail price for my products.
Fortunately, I got hitched to a partner who loves doing art festivals and she helps me with the setup and take down, now it’s a family affair
I am sorry to say that in the past few years I’ve seen so – called “marketing on ETSY or ___” (fill in the blank) blogs pop up everywhere. Selling tips to newbies on ETSY and _____ has become it’s own industry. Providing ad space, selling advice, shop critiques, item reviews etc…are well and good and many bloggers do this very well (yourself included) but ETSY seller beware. There are scams out there. These scammers will charge you for a PDF full of tips you can find for free on ETSY forums and the ETSY blog, if you just take the time to do some research. It’s so easy to think that buying another PDF will instantly bring you traffic and sales. That’s just not how it works, you have to work it!
Thank you for all that you do for our handmade community
peace,
River
.-= River Wolfe´s last blog ..Rocket Man =-.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! A good friend of mine used to always tell me, “Things that make us feel uncomfortable are often growing experiences.” Although the confrontations appeared unpleasant, it seemed to have helped you grow, and by you sharing your experiences it has helped all of us grow.
Thank you so much!
~Tina
I first heard of you through the thread you started on Etsy and I have been so inspired ever since! I designed a line sheet, developed a few products that are re-creatable (versus one of a kind) and have been shopping around for wholesale orders.
I love reading this blog and the articles you write for Meylah.com. You are informed and supportive of others in the handmade marketplace!
Sometimes the Etsy forums can get a bit, umm, bitchy. It’s a shame that some people feel the need to bring someone else down.
Thanks for all you do!
Gosh, some people can just be awful. Justine, I wish you much success and whatever path that you take to explore your passions–that is your choice. Keep up the good work girl!
-Amina
http://www.swakdesigns.etsy.com
I must say that I have just been plain amazed and impressed by your energy, social skills and focused, yet broad thinking! Your blogs have been incredibly helpful to me, and one of these days, when I have a bit more time (full time mom, part time ‘other’ job) I will take your heaps of advice and run with it!! Best of luck. You convey great, enthusiastic energy via the cyber-waves! ~Kristen …just my humble take on it all….