by M. L. Kiser

Created on: January 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 23, 2012

Having made beaded jewelry since I was around twelve years old, I've sold in consignment shops, craft shops and at craft shows, as well as on eBay. After years of this, I must admit that eBay is the easiest and safest way to sell. Plus there is the added opportunity of reaching so many bidders and buyers through the Internet.

I live in a state where nothing much sells if it doesn't have something to do with race horses or football. So for me, the Internet and eBay, have been a blessing.

With consignment and other shops, I have had many pieces stolen. It's so easy for someone to walk out with a pair of earrings or a bracelet. With eBay, you can sometimes track down your non-paying bidders and contact them by phone or snail mail. Or you can leave bad feedback for them or block any non-paying bidders. You don't have to send a buyer the jewelry if they don't send you the money.. With a shop, there is no way to know who stole your crafts or jewelry.

You can auction off your work on eBay or open a store. You can sell at a fixed price or allow the potential buyers to make an offer for your work.

I've found eBay to be pretty secure and efficient after 7 years of selling. I don't recall ever selling as much at a show or in a shop. I like that fact that I have access to many countries where there are potential bidders.

Of course, there's no guarantee your pieces will sell; eBay is full of handmade jewelry, but I have had some to start with a moderate bid and sell high. Others I have had up there for seemingly, ages and still haven't sold, so, I still do sell some in consignment shops, as well as, on my own website. Overall, I think eBay and other on line auctions are great, but I don't eliminate, by any means, the opportunities that stores and shops provide. However you decide to sell, keep your options open so that you can find what works best for you.

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