Etsy

[starrylizard]

So what's the go with Etsy?
Is it a safe buying environment or buyer beware?

I've found some stuff I'd love to get (they have Captain America cushion covers), but I've just never shopped there before and I'm not sure what to expect. Any experienced Etsy customers who can give me advice, your comments would be most welcome.

xxx

Comments

[ljmckay.livejournal.com]

I haven't used it a lot, but I bought my roommate some stuff for her birthday and it was a delightful experience. I'd say it's about the same "safety" level as Amazon Marketplace and eBay--maybe moreso since it's stuff people have actually made, so there's a bit more personal investment? I did a quick scan of their FAQs and it looks like there are reporting procedures but I'm not sure about outright buyer protection.

Anyway, I'd say go for it. :)

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Cool thanks! :D

[raisintorte.livejournal.com]

I've probably bought 10-15 things from etsy and I've never had a negative experience. I have gotten some amazing customized items and the sellers have been great. Shipping always happened timely. I don't know how they act if there is an issue, but I've never had one!

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Cool thanks! I think I may just buy a few things and see how it goes. I really want the cushion cases. :D

[gorengal.livejournal.com]

I've used Etsy just a handful of times. All transactions were fine, except two that stand out: One, I was vaguely acquainted with the seller through LJ. I mentioned an issue with the chain she supplied with the pendant she made, and she took it upon herself to send me TWO replacements. Yay!

Second issue: Another seller gave me terrible customer service. *shrug* It happens.

On the plus side, I've sent convos to two sellers asking if they could guarantee shipping before the stated date due to special occasions, and both sellers went out of their way to get me the merchandise ASAP.

Etsy management is not very responsive to criticism, so if you have to take problems higher up the chain, don't expect much.

BTW, I've found that Etsy sellers are reluctant to give feedback for some reason. Several sellers have not given me feedback, even way after our transactions are complete. Weird.

All of that said, there are some very talented and honest sellers who can provide fandom crafts you can't find anywhere else. I wouldn't hesitate to order from an Etsy seller again.

I think I've seen the cushion covers you mentioned, but I'd love to see a link to the actual item. :D

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Thanks, sounds promising.

This is the one I like linky (http://etsy.me/17eDUKh). But there are several other amazing cushion covers too. Some in velvet etc. (I just searched for "Captain America, cushion" I think.) I just like the simplicity of these, plus they look washable. :)

[gorengal.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's beautiful! The cushions I remember seeing were round, I think, and not nearly as nice. I see it ships from China...most likely it's factory-made, but still...$17 for a linen pillow case?? I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

(You can pretty much bet that most stuff that ships from China is from a factory, not handmade...but I don't think that's always a negative.)

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Yeah I figured that it's likely factory made, but I am in love with half the cushion cases in the shop tbh. I may order one and if all goes well, grab a few more. :D

I'm also absolutely tempted by some of the phone covers I've found on Etsy, because they don't have many for Samsung phones here in stores. There's some great Avengers ones and fandom cartoons and stuff. I assume they'd all be factory made too. :)

Edit: Oh and This (http://etsy.me/17eKTTu). It'd look great framed somewhere on my very bare walls. :D

[gorengal.livejournal.com]

I love it! I really, really like minimalist-style posters for fandom things, and I also love typography. Perfect combo! :D