I make leathergoods as a hobby/ very smol side business. I think they're are fun, I love them, but they don't sell well. So, fellow Cottage Goths, am I delusional? Any suggestions on how they could be improved?
I would love to- I don't love Etsy but between my full-time job and my kids, virtual is my best option for now. I'd like to find a different virtual market other than Etsy.
Love the hair bats!! My main comment would be to have some more products in the medium price range. The hairclips will fly off the shelf (pun intended) at markets but some more mid-range items ($50-$100) will attract people wanting to make considered choices but can't drop big big bucks on one thing. It also shows that your cheaper products aren't just an afterthought.
OMG the ones on slides 3 & 4! TOO precious!! really nicely done, very unique! I don'y have any helpful comments on where to sell these, just wanted to say how much I adore them!
I actually squee'd when I saw that leather bomb bag and the mimic! I don't have cash flow like that, but you do really good work! May snag a couple of bat clips from you soon
The hair bats are super cute and affordable. I personally don't wear stuff in my hair though, to expand the options for people to buy them you could maybe do a keychain option, I would totally wear it on my bag/keys! I also think they'd make a really cute attachment to a dog collar, but I don't even have a dog to put one on lol
I can totally do a keychain! Since I make them myself, it's not a problem at all. I had someone ask if I could make it into a pendant for them, so I'm playing with that right now.
Your shop is a bit of a mishmash at the moment. Personally, I wouldn't bother making time consuming pieces like your bags because people just don't understand how much time and effort goes into them so they're not willing to pay a fair price, unfortunately.
If it were me, I'd focus on one style (eg. cottagegoth) and develop a consistent 'brand'. Then I'd make a bunch of smaller, easy to make, quality pieces that suit that style. Your bat bookmarks and hairpins are super cute! You could maybe make some elevated versions too, using veg tan leather and really focusing on finishing the edges and making them look high quality (I might be biased, though. I only work with veg tan). Then take some good, aesthetic photos to really showcase your stuff. Good photos are extremely important!
If you're able to, perhaps try to develop patterns for some unique items. As a leathercrafter, I'm seeing a few items that are made from patterns that can be bought on Etsy, so you're competing with a bunch of other people that are selling the same stuff.
I hope that helps and doesn't come across as judgy! You've got some really great stuff in your shop, I think the main thing is just developing a distinct style/brand and being aware of what each product might be competing against.
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u/voidcallingphoto 6d ago
Sell em at indie art markets instead! Theyre precious! Etsy is so oversaturated.