Roughly two weeks ago I an article, or rather a Primer on selling. to Wayne Racinowski (wrainowski) for submission into the library. He is transfering what I have written and putting it into a PDF file.
I did not cover about Web based sales to the extent of Craft Show/fair environment. HOWEVER I will expound on my understand and experience in the area of internet marketing.
Etsy, Yes does put forth a fertile zone of selling. BUT how many pens as we make are on that site? as I write this I, searched on Etsy, for Pen in Woodworking sub category Office... over 9,250 listings... on eBay, listed over 4,000 hand made pens under the category, of Collectables - Pen and Writing instruments. Now stating that, same search only in Business and Industrial. of Turned pens less than 40 pens and the prices are in all honestly low balling cost.
So the primary reality is that you as a potential Vendor at Art & Craft Fairs, Local Festivals, County fairs, etc. Is really the first step On the simple side an intitial investment in tables, chairs, Display stands, money box, a smart phone or tablet, not to forget some method of hauling your product whether it is a tub or boxes... I will say that is cheaper than wasting time on Etsy or ebay or the multitude of website similar to either.
Now understand please that starting out you have to build a clientele. You will not be able to do that from any pre designed or your own web site. Fact is that who knows you really. Outside of your neighborhood, workplace, City? So jumping in feet first into the world wide web with thousand of others. you will be a minnow in ocean.
I am not trying to dissuade you from starting up. I am hopefully showing that small steps forward is wiser than falling on your face because your laces are tied.