One of the things I’m really enjoying about Etsy is interacting with a whole new range of customers.  It has been, for the most part, a really fun experience. Figuring out terms, minimum orders, pricing structure etc., has definitely been a challenge, but worth it.  I like what Kathleen over at Jeremy & Kathleen has said in the past  (paraphrasing here) that even though the paycheck is not what it might be in the corporate design world, the happiness quotient is substantially larger.  Here’s her exact quote that takes it a little farther:

Just because I stopped measuring my success with my bottom line doesn’t mean that I will work for free or cheap.

I agree with this statement.  I worked hard in school to pursue my design education.  I love what I do enough to do it even if I didn’t get paid, but it’s not fair to suggest that I work for less than what my time is worth.  Sometimes I get frustrated by requests I get on Etsy, for one or two invitations or cards.  I mean, c’mon!

Cost can be a sensitive topic. But working to be priced competitively and fairly is also part of my challenge right now. How much is my time and brain power worth? My hours are short these days and filled to the brim. Hence, I set my minimum orders up to be more than others, apparently, as I get the occasional email that they think my prices are too much. My reply to that is, “Ok.  Thanks for stopping by.”   ::sigh::  I know you can’t be all things to all people. But sometimes it sure would be nice!

I don’t know where I’m going with this little ramble of mine today.  Just throwing some thoughts out there.  I do love what I do, and as I’ve said in the past, I’ve been thrilled w/ the Etsy response. But still, like most things, there are ups and downs.

Advice, thoughts, comments?  P.S. – I see the numbers of my stats rise up every day, but it’s time for some of you guys to come out of hiding and speak UP!  I wanna hear from YOU!  Yes, YOU, ANONYMOUS VISITOR #296!