Etsy.com Review

Etsy.com was introduced to me by a stylist and good friend, Taryn Bickley. (Check out her site: http://www.tarynbickley.com/) As an independent stylist herself, Taryn is all about supporting up and comers. So am I. Etsy is the perfect spot to find beautiful creations by undiscovered talent.

So I tell my fashion-minded friend Taryn that I'm in the market for the perfect summer tote. As any true girlfriend and style diva should, she emailed me a list of several selections she thought would fit my style and personality. Many of her tote recommendations were products on Etsy. I ended up buying one by the seller, piecesofkandee: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5096290&order=§ion_id=&page=1

The Purchasing Process at Etsy

Etsy.com allows you to place your order via PayPal or credit card. Upon purchasing, you are connected to the actual designer(s) selling their product! How cool it that?! Most new talents are always willing to make little adjustments in the product for you before shipping. Remember, these are "handmade" and sometimes "made to order" items so you can ask for a minor adjustments like sizing and fabric. If you happen to be ordering a gift... many sellers will gift wrap and add thoughtful extras like a handmade card.

When I ordered, I immediately received an email from the tote maker, Heidi. She confirmed my purchase and thanked me for the business. She also let me know when I should expect to receive the shipment.

My new, handmade tote arrives...

Heidi mailed my new, adorable tote (see photos) ON TIME and even included a cute free gift. She threw in handmade hair tie... a girly, girl must-have. She also included a personalized thank you card and her own business card. What a nice touch!

What else does Etsy.com have to offer?

Shop Local - You can search Etsy sellers by city to find who's selling what in your area. Cut down on shipping time and support your neighbors with the shop local capability.

Sell your own stuff- Etsy sells an eclectic mix of products from earrings, art, books and candles to toys, furniture and housewares. Sellers can add individual products to the site or set up a shop account if they have a retail location.

Request Custom Items - Shoppers can post requests for specific ideas and potential sellers can bid on the project!

The Storque -Read Etsy's BLOG for current events, reviews and news.

Overall, the site is very well done and easy to navigate. I've never had a problem searching for products. Categories are listed in a relatively intuitive way. Seriously, I realize I sound like I work for Etsy right now... but I just love the site and encourage you to give them a shot.

Why I'm totally pleased with my tote purchase...

I wish I had a $1 for every time I received a compliment on my tote. On the bus, on the train, in the grocery store... you name it, ladies notice it and ask where I bought it. Several times, I've told someone I got it off of Etsy and they're like, "OMG, I heard about that site!" I have my stylist friend, piecesofkandee and Etsy to thank for my oh so popular, shoulder bling.