Etsy Limit

By Jen

I adore shopping on Etsy.  I love that my purchases support a person instead of going to a large corporation.  We have gotten some absolutely adorable things on Etsy that aren’t available anywhere else.  See also: my daughter in her must have “Lilo” dress for a movie that came out in 2002 and without any commercially available costumes. 

(Image credit: Me. Dress credit: Mommaloha)

Often times, you can find lovely deals on Etsy and spend less than you would at a big box store.  But other times, things on Etsy are more expensive.  They aren’t made in bulk and are handmade and usually great quality.  (We’ve only had one bad Etsy experience, even though I know they are out there.  And mine involved someone taking my money and never sending my item. She ended up getting shut down because she apparently did it to a lot of people.)  So here is my question.  What is your “Etsy limit?” Will you only buy things that are cheaper than you can get them in regular stores or on Amazon?  Do you only buy things on Etsy that you can’t find other places? Are you willing to spend a little more? 

I’m usually willing to spend a little more on something on Etsy that I can get elsewhere, but not too much more.  It depends on the item, of course, and often I buy things on Etsy that I can’t buy from a Target or a Walmart anyway. 

Comments

[Jennie]

I don't buy clothes on Etsy. My lands, they're just too expensive. I've also curbed my jewelry spending because, unfortunately, the cost hasn't matched the quality for a lot of my purchases over the years. Things I will buy (and pay a pretty penny for): baby gifts, paper goods, holiday items, and things I can't find anywhere else (a Shark Week gift for Mike for his upcoming birthday, for example).

[Elsha]

I usually go to Etsy when I'm looking for something specific that I can't find elsewhere. I've had all good experiences, but haven't bought anything there for a while.

[auntie]

I've bought a couple vintage items off of Etsy because (obviously) you can't find them anywhere else, and my experience has been awesome. The thrift shop selection in my area is terrible so Etsy is a good place to find some cool stuff. I also really like shopping there for specific or personal items, like city/state art. But like you said, I have my limits on how much I'll spend...it has to really be the RIGHT thing, and shipping costs are definitely a factor.