Etsy vs. Ebay?

[Hopefulmama]

DH and I are trying to rapidly reduce our debt. I have a TON of vintage fabric that I would like to sell. I have sold on Ebay before and have 100% positive feedback as a seller. I have bought on Etsy and have about 6 positive feebacks as a buyer. I have never sold on Etsy. From those of you with experience, which is better to sell on as far as fees, ease of selling, etc. Would I have to set up an entire "shop" on Etsy and is that really time consuming? Another thought as far as Etsy goes, when I set up my account, I chose a generic user name to use as a buyer. If I decide to sell on there, should I keep my same name with my few positive feedbacks, or start an account from scratch with a new user name that represents more of what I will be selling? Uughh. I don't know where to start with this. Any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

etsy certainly has better fees...but it can take some time to build up a clientelle...you have to buy showcases and stuff...

ebay is more expensive, but you don't have to worry about your listing slipping down the list, it actually moves up...

personally, I'd try craigslist first, it's local & free. If it doesn't sell after a few weeks, maybe put some on etsy, some on ebay, and see which one does better. I wouldn't change your etsy user name, they really discourage that...I waited a whole year to start etsy, b/c I wanted to think of a good name!

[EdnaMarie]

I like ebay seller and buyer protection, personally. It depends how much these are worth. I don't know if Etsy has that.

[cappuccinosmom]

I just started on Etsy, so I can't tell you about success.

But the shop was not at all difficult to set up. Standard clicking through pages filling in forms, but it's very straightforward. The individual pages for items are the same.

[surrogate]

i hate all things ebay/paypal. So IMO you are better to go etsy

What are the rates like for etsy? My sister makes stuff, and i have been telling her to set up a "store"

[MissMommyNiceNice]

It's less than a dollar to list an item - 35 cents, I think. It's free to set up your storefront. Showcases cost as little as $7. At easter I did very well and made about $200.

[Hopefulmama]

Thank you for all of the input everyone! I appreciate it. I have been staying up late reading info. on Etsy's website. I think I may just give it a try. It's not as though there are huge start up fees or anything so why not give it a whirl.

[minimunklemama]

etsy all the way,low cost and great return

[HipGal]

I would go with etsy for sure. You can charge more there. There is a big market for vintage AND a big market for craft supplies. Sounds perfect for you! Setting up a store is pretty quick and easy. If someone really wants what you are selling, they will buy it even without feedback. I think Paypal itself has some protection built in.

I would start a new store with a cute vintagy name. Take really good pictures and price your fabric well (not too cheap or people will doubt the quality, kwim?). Join a vintage etsy group or fabric group (if there is one). Spend some time on the forums reading and posting.

Best of luck!