Many parents craft, whether it’s knitting, making signs, creating jewelry or even just upcycling something old. Ever flirted with selling your wares on Etsy? Now, Schoolcraft College in Livonia is offering free courses on just that.
“You have to have a craft,” says Jodie Beckley, director of Schoolcraft’s small business development center. “But if you do, this is a great opportunity.”
After all, Etsy, the popular e-commerce site chiefly for handmade items, has 1.5 million active sellers and 22.6 million buyers, Schoolcraft notes.
Its hands-on five-class series teaches people ages 18-plus how to successfully set up an Etsy shop, build and market that shop, master great product photos and more. The teacher is Liz Hall, a Livonia crafter whose Etsy store, theurbanupcyclers, began in 2013 and stocks over 100 products.
“We heard about it from a convention in California,” adds Beckley of the program, which first ran here in the fall and returns in February and April. “It’s good for people who want to start a small business.”
Attendees must also have an idea for a product line, no prior Etsy sales and basic computer know-how. You’ll learn how to set up shop – and since the program is run in partnership with Etsy, students list their first 20 items for free.
“The classes are free” too, Beckley says. “How great is that?”
Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship Program
- When: New series start on Feb. 9 and in April (TBD)
- Who: Limit 20 participants
- Where: Schoolcraft College, Livonia
- Phone: 734-462-4438
