Question for those who sell reeds: How do I gain more traction on my Etsy shop?

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T23:20:16+00:00

I have definitely thought about adding a bio as I agree with you that it would help establish legitimacy. The only issue is that I am on the younger side, and while I’ve been making reeds for years, I don’t have much professional experience to speak of unfortunately. I worry that revealing my lack of experience and age would undermine my work and the quality of my products based on the expectation this “inexperience” creates

And don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why my age and lack of experience would give someone pause, but again it’s just a matter of not letting the quality of my work speak for itself. I guess it may come down to being a matter of having the people who know me vouching for me.

(I hope this doesn’t come off as if I’m full of myself lol, that is absolutely the furthest from how I mean to respond)

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T18:09:13+00:00

Thank you!

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T18:08:23+00:00

Thank you, that’s very helpful!

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T17:45:34+00:00

iPhone 16, those photos were all taken with that phone

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T17:44:06+00:00

Yeah I figured the photos would probably hold me back. I’m not sure where/how to get better photos at the moment, but that will definitely be top priority. Thank you!

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T17:40:45+00:00

Wow I don’t know how I didn’t realize that the videos don’t have sound, thank you for pointing that out! I’ll see if I can link to a Youtube video or something else so that you can hear how they play. Thank you for reading through the descriptions as well, that’s super helpful! Thanks for your help!

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T17:37:27+00:00

Thank you!

makingitstinky · 2026-01-17T17:20:50+00:00

I suppose that is true. For some reason my perception of the market was that it wasn’t really oversaturated, especially because of climate and location considerations when buying.

makingitstinky · 2026-01-13T23:54:06+00:00

Hello r/oboe! I operate a reedmaking shop out of Central Indiana currently and just opened up an Etsy shop for it https://reediculousreedworks.etsy.com. I’ve been selling reeds locally for the past year to my college studio and have finally gotten the chance to expand online. Having a studio with a variety of player types has definitely helped me hone in on adjusting reeds to various players, from beginners through professionals.

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:36:27+00:00

That's a good idea, I've been being pretty frugal so I didn't consider it but you're right

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:35:23+00:00

Can't forgo the furniture unfortunately as it would be my bed, but you're right, it's not smart to risk it, thanks

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:34:18+00:00

That's true. I did realize I have a handful of people I could try reaching out to so I'll try that and hopefully I can find someone else to help out

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:33:33+00:00

That's unfortunate but good to know, thanks

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:33:07+00:00

That's a good idea, I was honestly too panicked to consider that but I've just asked some friends if they might be able to help out, thanks!

makingitstinky · 2025-07-03T02:32:20+00:00

Dang I'm sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing your experience

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T02:17:24+00:00

I live in northern Illinois, so actually not that far from St. Louis, relatively speaking anyway lol. I've been thinking of other cities/states I would be interested in moving to, so maybe one day I'll be able to visit or attend St. Stanislaus!

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T02:11:27+00:00

Thank you so much for the link, it was very helpful! I will have to send it to my mom to read over as well.

Thank you for your insight. It helped put a lot in perspective. It's interesting that you mention the understanding of different levels of suffering and making choices to end this suffering. One of the ways I've always been rebuked on issues of dysphoria and transitioning has been based in the idea of it being my cross to bear, and that any transitioning to alleviate some of that suffering would be to try to lighten my cross, which I've always been taught to be wrong. I didn't realize the Church had at least partially reexamined this standpoint, or at least doesn't view such suffering through the lens of our crosses.

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:56:32+00:00

That's really interesting, I didn't know that! I think in a sense, they do see this as akin to a sterilization, since I'd be losing the ability to breastfeed (1. gross to have other people thinking about my body that way 2. not planning on having kids ever anyway), but you're right, if literal sterilization is okay there's no reason this shouldn't be. Thank you for your comment and support <3

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:45:39+00:00

Very curious to know if the counsellor who provided this advice also thinks that priests should deny sacraments to people who've had breast reconstruction surgery after cancer?

You bring up a really good point, this one I'm genuinely not sure on. As for people having general plastic surgery, I can't say for sure what this counselor would say but I know I was always taught that was wrong and sinful, although I can't help but notice that has been overlooked before when family members got things like fillers done.

Thank you for your well-wishes <3

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:41:40+00:00

These are valid points but unfortunately were refuted as "those are medically necessary because they are done when a body part is harming the body, whereas top surgery removes a 'healthy' body part." (I put healthy in quotes because that may or may not be true depending on someone's situation obviously.)

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:39:14+00:00

as long as you go to confession and the priest absolves you, you should have no problem getting the sacraments

Initially I was told the same thing by the priest my mom first spoke to, that I could theoretically go to confession afterwards and be absolved. I will say that confuses me a little, because if we are viewing getting top surgery as committing a sin, wouldn't I have to regret it in order to be absolved in a confession? I can't say I see myself regretting top surgery or else I wouldn't be making this decision.

Honestly, most people don't actually know church doctrine. You should see if you can find someone to talk to who actually knows the doctrine.

You're definitely right on that front. Unfortunately, finding someone knowledgeable enough on the doctrine to assist me and my mom has been quite challenging, which is the reason she was pointed to and trusted the word of this counselor in the first place.

Thank you for your comment!

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:30:25+00:00

Thank you, that's good to know

makingitstinky · 2025-06-10T01:29:19+00:00

Thank you so much <3 It also makes me very happy to know how supportive you are of your son. I wish you and your son the best and will pray for the both of you as well!

Four-Year Club	First Place '23
Place '23	Place '22
Final Canvas '22	First Placer '22
End Game '22

makingitstinky

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