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Etsy helps sellers produce more by connecting them with manufacturing
In recent months, Etsy announced a few new initiatives to make selling goods on its site a bit eaiser. Following crowdfunding and same-day delivery efforts, the online retail hub plans to take on manufacturing next. With a beta phase that'll begin in late 2015, Etsy will connect sellers with manufacturers in printing, apparel/textile, machining/fabrication, and jewelry and metalwork to handle the making of goods and increasing production capacity. Those areas are just the beginning, though, as the company plans to add more "industries" in the future. During the test period, Etsy Manufacturing will link sellers and manufacturers for free, but when the service goes live, it'll take a cut (no pricing yet) for its role as matchmaker. What's more, the trial will only be available to manufacturing outfits in the US and Canada, but plans are for the program to expand internationally later. Etsy can also reject any partnership if it violates the company's ethical expectations that keep an eye out for child labor, involuntary labor, inhumane working conditions, discrimination and sustainability. [Image credit: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
These felt iPhone carrying cases will melt the heart of any gamer
By and large, iPhone cases fall into two categories: utilitarian or super weird. These felt iPhone accessories by Etsy merchant Rabbitrampage fall into neither; they're just downright adorable. Made to resemble a variety of current and retro game consoles, these carrying cases -- meaning you have to remove the phone from the sheath to use it -- could be the ultimate last-minute holiday gift for the gamer on your shopping list. Do your best to keep from squealing with delight. PlayStation PlayStation 3 Nintendo Famicom Nintendo Entertainment System [Image credits: Rabbitrampage]
Etsy app now lets iPad users shop for trendy trinkets
If you're an iPad owner and have fallen down the craft-filled rabbit hole that is Etsy, you'll be happy to hear that the popular shopping site has launched a tablet-friendly universal version of its iOS app. More than merely a scaled-up version of the iPhone experience, the iPad app lets you browse handmade and vintage items using a magazine-like layout. Etsy notes that the app no longer includes seller functionality, so those who run shops on the site will need to rely on Safari for accessing those features from here on out. Also, although the ability to buy and redeem gift cards has been added to the app for iPhone users, it's still in the works for iPad. Still, for shoppers the refined layout, editorial content and ease of access to things like friends' favorite items should be a boon.
