Zazzle, Etsy, personal shop...my mind is spinning.

[runningfree]

Have some questions about shops and am curious to hear the experiences of other artists....

I have a zazzle shop and so far, I'm happy with it but I'd also like to maximize my seller's presence on the internet in preparation for the holidays.

I'm also considering starting an Etsy shop but I'm not sure. Anyone have experience, good or bad, with it?

I have NO business sense whatsoever so setting up my own personal shop through my website sounds like a bear but I want to sell my art, I can't NOT do something! :P Any tips in this department is IMMENSELY appreciated!

One more question: paypal. I've heard some jaw-dropping horror stories about paypal so I REALLY hesitate to use it but I can't seem to find another convenient checkout method. Any suggestions? Has anyone used, and been happy with, paypal?

Thank you SO MUCH in advance! *flings massive amounts of cyber cookies*

[Zindy]

Paypal
I've used Paypal since I started selling my artwork 6-7 years ago and I haven't had any major issues with them. I know a lot of people have bad experiences with them but for me its always worked great. As you mentioned yourself it's hard to find an alternative plus a lot of people use it or are familiar with it.

Zazzle
Zazzle is great. I've had my Zazzle shop for years now and I am very happy with it. It's a good way of offer a variety of products without to your customers. It takes time to upload your products and maintain it but I feel it's well worth it. I took a couple of days off a year ago and added a bunch of my drawings and it did pay off in the end.
Not all artwork is suitable for all products. I choose which products I want to offer in there instead of just adding a drawing to everything as you will find some products just don't sell with particular artwork. Take your time adding it all carefully and I am sure you will find it successful eventually but remember to be patient, it may take time before you start selling.

Etsy
Etsy is great, I regret not starting to use my shop sooner. I only started adding many of my products this year and it has been quite a success. I would definitely recommend it.

Maybe try and use the above shops before deciding to open up your own shop, it's a lot of work to have your own shop and it might not be as successful when you first start out.

[runningfree]

Oooohmuhgosh THANK YOU SO MUCH. You've just saved me from loads of frustration!

I might have to try an Etsy store. They look like a lot of fun ^_^

[Zindy]

You are welcome. Hope it will be a success for you.