We hatched this idea of a Kickstarter + Groupon + Etsy model last week, threw up a super simple landing page that day, then launched a more detailed landing page last night. What do you think of the idea as a whole? The landing page itself?<p>Since the Etsy / crafting world is so large and diverse, we're really trying to focus on the sharing of our site to get the word out. We are doing some minimal google ads and will be doing various tests to see what brings in the best traffic and converts the best.<p>Interestingly enough, good old fashioned twitter searching with hand authored tweets has had a super successful conversion rate. Well above 50%.<p>Anyways, there it is in all it's glory. We are very much interested in ideas for bringing in traffic, and increasing conversions.<p>Thanks!
4 pages with various e-mail forms does not a good "Show HN" make :/<p>edit to not be too snarky: I expected an actually working site, not a web 2.0-style "we're in beta, enter your e-mail address to be included in our private beta!" page
Getting paid up front is key for dealing with micro-businesses, so that's good. But I have a hard time believing that "crafty" and "high volume" mesh on any level.<p>Crafty businesses are homespun, bespoke businesses that rely on charm and a personal touch. Group buying single-handedly destroys that. Crafters are also very protective of their personal brands and would be very averse to doing anything that might lead to angry/disappointed customers.<p>So, I don't see this taking off. Have you talked to any crafters about this? Can you allay these types of concerns? And what types of handmade products lend themselves to being made in short timelines and high volumes?
I'm interested, but...not really enough information on the site right now for a detailed critique. Is this going to be like the bastard love-child of Etsy and Groupon? How's it going to work?
Here's a problem I foresee: These groupon style sites do their business because these vendors make money due to the volume. Whether its return customers, or small margins adding together, or whatever, the whole reason vendors get involved is volume. So one question: will indy craftsfolk be able to handle the volume? If they get 1000 orders for their handmade leather wallet, seems like people will start to get pissed after month 2 of waiting.
Is this similar to those social clothing sites where everyone votes on a item that they would be willing to buy and is made available once it gets enough interest?
A lot of the charm with crafts is being hand made and individual. Even if a craft maker can make and sell 1,000 popsicle stick men, there is still the illusion that each is unique and painstakingly made. When you present up front that "we're going to make a bunch of popsicle stick men", it kind of kills that, even if the same amount is being produced.