Be careful of scammers on Facebook and Instagram. If anyone wants to pay you a way you don’t offer (online check is a common one) don’t accept it. Sometimes scammers will do this to access your personal accounts and/or pay you more with a fake check. Also if anyone messages you with a generic message, bad, spelling, or asking for anything you don’t sell be skeptical. I know it sounds harsh but also ask questions and ensure the person isn’t a scammer. Just want to put this out there bc it is SO frequent. Good luck out there!
Thank you for being honest and encouraging with the time it takes to start up. This is so very helpful, as many others have said. The hardest part for me right now is having time to needle felt as much as i want to to be able to sell items. Juggling a part time job and babysitting my granddaughter. But I'll keep working at it and be patient. I was secretly hoping it could be an overnight success so i could quit the job, thanks for the reality check! You manage to be realistic and encouraging at the same time.
Thanks for your progression of how to sell. I am at the point of doing quite a few craft fairs and enjoy them. I did try Etsy a few years ago, but found it a bit stressful, but I might consider trying it again. But I am now 80 years old and hope to be selling more than now, but don’t have so much time to wait as a younger person. Thanks for your advice!
No problem and glad you liked it, Etsy does take ages to get going so a craft fair gives quicker rewards but is hard work for the day and in the preparation, lovely to hear you are enjoying your needle felting and thanks for watching xx
You do a wonderful job sharing your business experiences. I am a needle felter from Canada and have been working at my little business for a year now. I watch your channel quite often and have learned a lot from you. Thanks so much for sharing.
Super insightful! Thank you for your ideas and for sharing your experience. I tried etsy and, at the time, the costs were a big deal to me - it was just too early. I ended up closing it, then selling on platforms for second hand items in my country, saw people were actually interested, made a Facebook page, and now I'm booked with commissions until January, and enjoy this as a part-time job... Took me 2,5 years before the Facebook page turned likes into customers. It's long process, but worth it!
It's great to hear how other people have carved out their journey and Etsy definitely isn't for everyone and I totally understand that, lovely to know that Facebook worked well, thanks so much for watching and commenting xx
Thank you Philippa, it seems you have read my mind. I have been asking ‘ what do I do next’. This video is so helpful and encouraging. I have sold a number of my items where I work but I’m thinking maybe I will look at starting at craft fairs. I’m a bit scared and reluctant of social media but you have given me food for thought. I’m sure all of us who follow you are so thankful for you help and honesty. Bless you xxx💐
Glad you liked it and it's great to try these things and see which way of selling suits you. Crafts fairs are great to sell a number of items in one go so easier than Etsy but it's still a long day, best of luck with whatever you decide and thanks for watching xx
Thanks for such a clear and informative video. I have started doing craft fairs and have sold quite well but more importantly have started to know what people are looking to buy and pay! I found your explanations of selling platforms really useful - I have an Etsy shop and it’s been very slow to say the least but you give me hope 🙂
Glad you liked it, craft fairs can be very good, hard work but great to get that feedback. Etsy can definitely take ages to get going but I am very pleased with it now although I do have my own website too incase anything happens. Thanks for watching xx
Thanks ! This was great. I’ve run my Pilates business for 20 years. And have always been a crafter. I started felting 3 years ago and just posting on my fb page , then I 😢took some into the Pilates studio and they all sold out. Word of mouth has been the best advertisement. I also started making dogs for my friends who lost theirs. They post and then again someone else sees it and contacts me. I also donate 1 felt a season to a local Art box. They advertise for free. I do have my designs displayed only on Instagram and people just message me for orders. Right now I’m so busy with Xmas orders. It’s been so fun and so surprising that anyone is interested in what I started to just reduce stress. I appreciate you insight into other payment streams.
It's great to hear other peoples paths too as word of mouth is just the best. Commissions work very well because when I did horses, it was people posting them that led to more orders, thanks so much and love to hear about successful needle felting business's xx
Thank you for this, I have learned so much from your channel. You have helped in a big way with felting, setting up a stall and now with this. Looking forward to your next video x
Thanks for the info! I've been considering Etsy for years, but I'm not quite ready yet. However, it's always nice to see videos like this. For us across the pond, would you prefer us to use your Etsy store when purchasing? Keep up the great work!
Well, yes really as it works out the tax for you, I haven't put anything on my website for posting abroad yet as I can't work out the shipping! I'll get there one day, thanks for watching xx
Thank you so much Philippa for all your help and wisdom it is priceless. I really find it difficult to price my items so have taken on board all that you have said . You are my inspiration! ❤
Thank you Pippa for your honesty, you are an inspiration - just 9 months ago I bought my first needle felting kit from you and I love it more with each make! Who knows what’s next! 😜🥰
Such good points - you have helped me so much, it's just amazing. Etsy has really picked up this week - 4 days, one order per day, so that's been great. I'm enjoying the workshops and the home parties most, I find that these people want to go out of their house a bit and make something fun to bring home, usually with a friend. Coming up with new items and ideas is such a great challenge too.
Ciao, ti guardo sempre dall'Italia. Ho iniziato da circa due anni il feltro ad ago e ho già modellato diverse cose guardando i tuoi video. Ammiro molto la tua sincerità , semplicità e simpatia. Dovrò cominciare a vendere xke ormai ho una stanza piena😊. Mi è servito molto, anche se da noi in Italia non è molto conosciuto. Magari una scusa in più per farlo ..grazie ciao
Wow, thank you so much, I hope you can understand me, needle felting is spreading, little by little and people are quite amazed at how it is done, I wish you lots of success, take care xx
Hi Philippa, We live in Australia, and my son who is 9 years old, loves needle felting. He can do lady beetles, flowers and bees & leaves. I was wondering if you have tried Ebay? Would you recommend selling on there? And is that magazine subscription available in Aus? My son would like to start selling once he learns more things to make. He watches you all the time!! And loves your UA-cam! Thank you! ❤😊
Hi, sounds like your son is doing well, that's so good. I have never tried ebay as it's not really for handmade items in my opinion but I believe people do sell needle felts on there so if you like it then just give it a go. The International Feltmakers Association have a website so maybe it says on there whether they cover Australia, I should imagine they do as they are International. Say well done to your son and I'm really pleased he is enjoying needle felting, many thanks xx
There are lots of tricks to boosting Etsy, posting new listings, getting sales from family and friends, SEO (not my strong point) and finding what Etsy want to promote from your shop but eventually it should get there. If it doesn't then at least there are other ways to makes good sales, thanks for watching xx
Hi Philippa, do you have a stall at the Pen in Skipton this weekend? I've never been before and so looking forward to tomorrow. I'd love to see your work. 😊
This video was very helpful for us! We are going to be selling our needle felts at a kids business fair in the spring and we are really excited about it! We have been selling our felts since last year at some small events but this is our first bigger event. So if u have any tips for beginners that would be really helpful! Love your channel sooo much u have really inspired us!❤
Glad it was helpful and best of luck with your fair, don't have big expectations and do check out my two craft fair videos which are full of all my planning tips. Enjoy the day and practice your set up, thanks for watching xx
Phiillipa, im thinking of starting an etsy shop but i dont know weather ro make in bulk lot of the same items im listing. For example make 10 cows and 10 horses etc. So that there is one to package and send out each time they are bought (which kinda sucks the fun and inspiration out of the making) or does one make the items as they are bought so your only making whats been paid for already? Which could be a problem if it takes me longer to make for whatever reason. What would you say is the best businsss model for that? Its only me making them and i work part time and have elderly parents and animals to look after 😅 so cant give as much time as id like right now. But would certainly if my creations were selling. Great video by the way. Love all your videos and creations. 😊
Thank you! So, I would personally have items ready made to post out, I only ever have one of the item but if you had a few more then that's great. Doing orders to make can be very pressurising, well I find it so as my time is restricted for creating. I just felt and item and list it. Making lots of one item too is also quite crushing for creativity so do whatever keeps your fresh and happy with it, best of luck and thanks for watching ❣️ x
Thanks ! This was great. I’ve run my Pilates business for 20 years. And have always been a crafter. I started felting 3 years ago and just posting on my fb page , then I 😢took some into the Pilates studio and they all sold out. Word of mouth has been the best advertisement. I also started making dogs for my friends who lost theirs. They post and then again someone else sees it and contacts me. I also donate 1 felt a season to a local Art box. They advertise for free. I do have my designs displayed only on Instagram and people just message me for orders. Right now I’m so busy with Xmas orders. It’s been so fun and so surprising that anyone is interested in what I started to just reduce stress. I appreciate you insight into other payment streams.
Be careful of scammers on Facebook and Instagram. If anyone wants to pay you a way you don’t offer (online check is a common one) don’t accept it. Sometimes scammers will do this to access your personal accounts and/or pay you more with a fake check. Also if anyone messages you with a generic message, bad, spelling, or asking for anything you don’t sell be skeptical. I know it sounds harsh but also ask questions and ensure the person isn’t a scammer. Just want to put this out there bc it is SO frequent. Good luck out there!
Very good points, it seems so prevalent, thanks for adding it here xx
Thanks for being so transparent about your business, I love your videos and am glad you are doing well!
Thank you so much! That's very kind of you xx
Brilliant advice Pippa, you are forever a source of encouragement x
Thank you so much xx
I wish I’d seen these years ago. Great tips. Thank you for taking the time.
Thanks for watching ❣️ xx
Thank you for being honest and encouraging with the time it takes to start up. This is so very helpful, as many others have said. The hardest part for me right now is having time to needle felt as much as i want to to be able to sell items. Juggling a part time job and babysitting my granddaughter. But I'll keep working at it and be patient. I was secretly hoping it could be an overnight success so i could quit the job, thanks for the reality check! You manage to be realistic and encouraging at the same time.
Thank you, yes, it just is good to start it slowly and build it up but it's definitely possible. I can never felt fast enough either 😄xx
Thanks for your progression of how to sell. I am at the point of doing quite a few craft fairs and enjoy them. I did try Etsy a few years ago, but found it a bit stressful, but I might consider trying it again. But I am now 80 years old and hope to be selling more than now, but don’t have so much time to wait as a younger person. Thanks for your advice!
No problem and glad you liked it, Etsy does take ages to get going so a craft fair gives quicker rewards but is hard work for the day and in the preparation, lovely to hear you are enjoying your needle felting and thanks for watching xx
You do a wonderful job sharing your business experiences. I am a needle felter from Canada and have been working at my little business for a year now. I watch your channel quite often and have learned a lot from you. Thanks so much for sharing.
Really glad it helps and thank you so much for watching ❣️
I’ve been a member of the international felt makers association for a couple of years, great to be a member of this ❤️
I have just renewed, definitely a good association xx
Super insightful! Thank you for your ideas and for sharing your experience. I tried etsy and, at the time, the costs were a big deal to me - it was just too early. I ended up closing it, then selling on platforms for second hand items in my country, saw people were actually interested, made a Facebook page, and now I'm booked with commissions until January, and enjoy this as a part-time job... Took me 2,5 years before the Facebook page turned likes into customers. It's long process, but worth it!
It's great to hear how other people have carved out their journey and Etsy definitely isn't for everyone and I totally understand that, lovely to know that Facebook worked well, thanks so much for watching and commenting xx
Thank you for all of this. You brought up a lot of things to think about! Very down to earth information!
Excellent, always good to know it's useful, thanks for watching xx
Thank you for this video, just what I needed x
That's great, thanks for watching xx
Thank you Philippa, it seems you have read my mind. I have been asking ‘ what do I do next’. This video is so helpful and encouraging. I have sold a number of my items where I work but I’m thinking maybe I will look at starting at craft fairs. I’m a bit scared and reluctant of social media but you have given me food for thought. I’m sure all of us who follow you are so thankful for you help and honesty. Bless you xxx💐
Glad you liked it and it's great to try these things and see which way of selling suits you. Crafts fairs are great to sell a number of items in one go so easier than Etsy but it's still a long day, best of luck with whatever you decide and thanks for watching xx
Great video Pippa and loving how you show progression. So pleased you’re making it work and still growing strong. Hugs 🥰
Thanks so much Pat, thought it was good to get all these ways of selling down in one video, catch up soon xx
Thanks for such a clear and informative video. I have started doing craft fairs and have sold quite well but more importantly have started to know what people are looking to buy and pay! I found your explanations of selling platforms really useful - I have an Etsy shop and it’s been very slow to say the least but you give me hope 🙂
Glad you liked it, craft fairs can be very good, hard work but great to get that feedback. Etsy can definitely take ages to get going but I am very pleased with it now although I do have my own website too incase anything happens. Thanks for watching xx
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much. You are a breath of fresh air!
You are so welcome! Thank you xx
Thanks ! This was great. I’ve run my Pilates business for 20 years. And have always been a crafter. I started felting 3 years ago and just posting on my fb page , then I 😢took some into the Pilates studio and they all sold out. Word of mouth has been the best advertisement. I also started making dogs for my friends who lost theirs. They post and then again someone else sees it and contacts me. I also donate 1 felt a season to a local Art box. They advertise for free. I do have my designs displayed only on Instagram and people just message me for orders. Right now I’m so busy with Xmas orders. It’s been so fun and so surprising that anyone is interested in what I started to just reduce stress. I appreciate you insight into other payment streams.
It's great to hear other peoples paths too as word of mouth is just the best. Commissions work very well because when I did horses, it was people posting them that led to more orders, thanks so much and love to hear about successful needle felting business's xx
Great video Pippa. I keep thinking about trying Etsy. Perhaps I'll take the plunge next year
No hurry but it's just another way to sell to add to your list. I don't put lots on there but the kits do well xx
A lot of great information
Glad you liked it xx
Just have to comment on your hair colour, it's lovely😊
Thank you so much 🙂 It's a bit lilac for the first few days but I like it xx
Thanks for your honesty and transparency. Really informative and inspiring.
I appreciate that! Thanks xx
Thank you for this, I have learned so much from your channel. You have helped in a big way with felting, setting up a stall and now with this. Looking forward to your next video x
Thank you so much for watching and glad you liked it xx
Thanks for the info! I've been considering Etsy for years, but I'm not quite ready yet. However, it's always nice to see videos like this.
For us across the pond, would you prefer us to use your Etsy store when purchasing?
Keep up the great work!
Well, yes really as it works out the tax for you, I haven't put anything on my website for posting abroad yet as I can't work out the shipping! I'll get there one day, thanks for watching xx
Thank you so much Philippa for all your help and wisdom it is priceless. I really find it difficult to price my items so have taken on board all that you have said .
You are my inspiration! ❤
You are so welcome and remember you have to be happy with your price, no one else xx
Thank you Pippa for your honesty, you are an inspiration - just 9 months ago I bought my first needle felting kit from you and I love it more with each make! Who knows what’s next! 😜🥰
Exactly, you never know where it will take you, thanks so much for watching and being here xx
Thank you Philippa so helpful I've learnt so much from you .x
Happy to help!
Such good points - you have helped me so much, it's just amazing. Etsy has really picked up this week - 4 days, one order per day, so that's been great. I'm enjoying the workshops and the home parties most, I find that these people want to go out of their house a bit and make something fun to bring home, usually with a friend. Coming up with new items and ideas is such a great challenge too.
You are doing so well, it's constant gradual work but eventually it starts to pay off, love the next new video, cutest little pig xx
@@feltsbyphilippa thank you so much - you are always so positive and such an inspiration ❤️
Ciao, ti guardo sempre dall'Italia. Ho iniziato da circa due anni il feltro ad ago e ho già modellato diverse cose guardando i tuoi video. Ammiro molto la tua sincerità , semplicità e simpatia. Dovrò cominciare a vendere xke ormai ho una stanza piena😊.
Mi è servito molto, anche se da noi in Italia non è molto conosciuto. Magari una scusa in più per farlo ..grazie ciao
Wow, thank you so much, I hope you can understand me, needle felting is spreading, little by little and people are quite amazed at how it is done, I wish you lots of success, take care xx
Thanks, l undestand 🖐
Thanks Phillipa, very inspiring ❤
You are so welcome!
Hi Philippa,
We live in Australia, and my son who is 9 years old, loves needle felting. He can do lady beetles, flowers and bees & leaves. I was wondering if you have tried Ebay? Would you recommend selling on there? And is that magazine subscription available in Aus? My son would like to start selling once he learns more things to make. He watches you all the time!! And loves your UA-cam! Thank you! ❤😊
Hi, sounds like your son is doing well, that's so good. I have never tried ebay as it's not really for handmade items in my opinion but I believe people do sell needle felts on there so if you like it then just give it a go. The International Feltmakers Association have a website so maybe it says on there whether they cover Australia, I should imagine they do as they are International. Say well done to your son and I'm really pleased he is enjoying needle felting, many thanks xx
Fabulous video. Really good advice, I was about to abandon Etsy but may give it more time. Thank you.
There are lots of tricks to boosting Etsy, posting new listings, getting sales from family and friends, SEO (not my strong point) and finding what Etsy want to promote from your shop but eventually it should get there. If it doesn't then at least there are other ways to makes good sales, thanks for watching xx
Hi Philippa, do you have a stall at the Pen in Skipton this weekend? I've never been before and so looking forward to tomorrow. I'd love to see your work. 😊
Hi, no I don't, I only do about three craft fairs a year but I might go as a visitor tomorrow so I will be walking round, looking forward to it xx
It was lovely to meet you today. 😊
It was so great that you found me! Had a fab day, lovely to meet you too xx
This video was very helpful for us! We are going to be selling our needle felts at a kids business fair in the spring and we are really excited about it! We have been selling our felts since last year at some small events but this is our first bigger event. So if u have any tips for beginners that would be really helpful! Love your channel sooo much u have really inspired us!❤
Glad it was helpful and best of luck with your fair, don't have big expectations and do check out my two craft fair videos which are full of all my planning tips. Enjoy the day and practice your set up, thanks for watching xx
Phiillipa, im thinking of starting an etsy shop but i dont know weather ro make in bulk lot of the same items im listing. For example make 10 cows and 10 horses etc. So that there is one to package and send out each time they are bought (which kinda sucks the fun and inspiration out of the making) or does one make the items as they are bought so your only making whats been paid for already? Which could be a problem if it takes me longer to make for whatever reason. What would you say is the best businsss model for that? Its only me making them and i work part time and have elderly parents and animals to look after 😅 so cant give as much time as id like right now. But would certainly if my creations were selling. Great video by the way. Love all your videos and creations. 😊
Thank you! So, I would personally have items ready made to post out, I only ever have one of the item but if you had a few more then that's great. Doing orders to make can be very pressurising, well I find it so as my time is restricted for creating. I just felt and item and list it. Making lots of one item too is also quite crushing for creativity so do whatever keeps your fresh and happy with it, best of luck and thanks for watching ❣️ x
Thanks ! This was great. I’ve run my Pilates business for 20 years. And have always been a crafter. I started felting 3 years ago and just posting on my fb page , then I 😢took some into the Pilates studio and they all sold out. Word of mouth has been the best advertisement. I also started making dogs for my friends who lost theirs. They post and then again someone else sees it and contacts me. I also donate 1 felt a season to a local Art box. They advertise for free. I do have my designs displayed only on Instagram and people just message me for orders. Right now I’m so busy with Xmas orders. It’s been so fun and so surprising that anyone is interested in what I started to just reduce stress. I appreciate you insight into other payment streams.