#i've had one redbull and plan to have at least one more today

[tooxmanyxships]

141 Prompt

Celebrity Romance

Brocedes

Angst with a happy ending pls.

Nico as a hollywood actor. Lewis can be f1 driver or a singer.

I have a feeling this is gonna be turned into a multi chaptered fic (if people are interested in it) so like, take this as a first chapter/snippet.

"Who is it again that's coming to the track today?" Lewis asks, sounding completely uninterested, to an annoyed looking Toto.

"Nico Rosberg," He repeats himself, rolling his eyes as Lewis blinks at him. "Come on, Lewis. You know who he is."

"I think I've vaguely heard about his scandals."

"Stop it." Toto turns more stern. "You will not ruin this for our team. I won't allow it."

Lewis didn't get all the fuss.

Suddenly this 'big' actor guy wants to show himself off on an f1 race track, and for what?

He kind of got why Toto got so excited though. Normally the celebrities wanted to check out the Redbull facility, but this one had explicitly asked for the Mercedes one.

It was something Toto could rub into Christian's face. So yeah, he got that part.

The thing he didn't get was why he had to play a part in this whole cherade and Valtteri easily got out of this mess.

"Why do you need me for this? You can lead him around the factory perfectly fine." Toto was the team principal after all.

"Because I want you to do it. That's why."

No. That wasn't the answer he wanted. Now it was clear there was something more behind this.

"Toto..."

"This is not negotiable, Lewis." Toto's words were final. "You will not let me down."

Lewis groans.

This whole thing was gonna be the death of him.

~~~~~~*********~~~~~~~~~

It was a big mess. Or at least that's what Lewis thought when Nico Rosberg's camera team started setting things up in the factory.

Cords were running over the floor everywhere and cameras were being set up in the most ridiculous places.

This day was gonna be torture.

And of course.... No surprise..... The man of the hour was late.

And not just 5 minutes, not even 10. The man was 2 hours late.

2 freaking hours.

Lewis' whole day plan was destroyed. Even Toto didn't seem too happy, judging by the way he kept looking at his watch.

Susie was doing all the talking to the crew. The damage control.

Lewis was just sitting on the stairs, scrolling through his phone.

At last.... At last Nico came into the factory, not even looking bothered at all by the fact that he was incredibly late to an event he himself had planned.

Or well, the pretty blonde secretary next to him probably had.

They looked so cliché. The hot shot actor with the pretty blonde secretary. They probably fucked too.

Lewis glanced up at them, looking how the blonde female was fussing over the hot shot's clothes and his hair while the actor talked to Toto.

Oh yeah.... They definitely fucked.

Lewis snorted at his own thoughts, looking back down at his phone, not even noticing that a few minutes later, 4 people were standing in front of him.

One of them cleared their throat and Lewis slowly looked up, seeing the team principal, his wife Susie, the secretary and the hot shot standing in front of him.

Toto's raised eyebrow prompted Lewis to get up from his seat.

"This is Lewis. He'll be your guide through the factory."

"Oh," Nico startled a little as he shook Lewis' outstretched hand. "I thought you were going to be my guide."

Lewis' eyes snapped towards Toto. They narrowed when he saw the guilty look on his boss' face.

"I have.... Other things to take care of, unfortunately."

Lewis scowled at Toto before turning back to Nico, realizing that he hadn't let go of his hand yet. He shook it a second time, just for spite.

"Don't worry, mister Rosberg. I'm a better guide than Toto."

It was Toto's turn to scowl this time, but there was also a little bit of surprise in his eyes.

Susie and Nico's secretary, Lewis still didn't know her name, both chuckled. Even Nico looked a tiny bit amused.

Lewis took it as a one-upping Toto.

Toto quickly regained his composure though.

"Good to see you that confident. I'll leave you to it then." He added a wink as he held his arm out for Susan they both walked away.

Lewis was fucked. He had no idea where to even start this 'grand tour'. Meanwhile Nico, and his assistant, were looking at him expectantly.

Oh he was gonna get Toto back for this.

"Okay, so, uh..." He cleared his throat. "Where would you like to start? Or do you just want to see the cars."

Nico and his assistant shared a look. Nico seemed to just look amused, but his assistant looked slightly annoyed already.

So yeah, it was pretty clear he hasn't been paying attention and doesn't have a clue on what Nico Rosberg is actually here for.

Nico turned towards him, "The next movie I'll be in will be a movie with f1 racing cars. I - - - -well, Vivi, actually...." He gestured towards the blonde assistant. "thought it would be a good idea to get some...insight before actually acting in the movie."

Lewis blinked. With all those cameras around it looked like they were doing a movie already. Not to mention that the actor looked like he didn't even want to be there at all.

This was really going great so far.

Not.

"Okay. How about I show you the cars then."

Nico shared another look with his assistant, then looked back at Lewis and shrugged.

"Sure. Whatever you want."

Whatever he wanted was to just disappear.

But he couldn't do that now, could he?

So, not knowing what else to do, Lewis started leading them towards the showroom with all the cars Mercedes ever raced with.

Of course he gave a bit of information to each one, and even though it seemed like he was listening, Nico looked like he wasn't really there. Or at least it looked like his head was somewhere else.

Lewis saw in the corner of his eyes that his assistant nudged him a few times, so that he would say something, because the cameras were rolling, but whatever he said or asked when he was nudged, Lewis could tell something was going on.

Finally the tour in the showroom was done, which meant the most important part was done apparently, and Nico got a break while the blonde assistant went to talk to the camera crew and Lewis got thanked for the tour and the explanations. Maybe he wasn't needed anymore then.

Lewis saw Nico sneak away outside. He didn't know why, but something inside him told him to follow him, so he did.

Outside the doors, Lewis looked left and right, until he saw Nico go round the corner of the factory and followed him.

When he got there, Nico was leaning against the wall, his lips curled around a cigarette that he was just lighting up.

"Did no one ever tell you those things could kill you?"

Nico raised his eyebrow, taking a drag from said cigarette, blowing out the smoke in Lewis' direction on purpose.

"Did no one ever tell you those cars could kill you?"

Lewis raised his eyebrow this time, making a show of waving his hand at the smoke, then leaned against the wall beside the actor.

"Sorry if I'm going too far, but.... It seems like you don't really want to be here."

"That's because I don't."

He called it.

"So.... Why are you here then?"

"Vivi.... Vivian made me. Said it would be good for me."

"Good for you?"

"Get some inspiration. For the movie?"

Right. The movie.

"And are you? Inspired I mean."

Nico grimaced, taking another drag, exhaling slowly.

"I'm gonna quit the movie. Someone else can have my role."

Lewis gawked at him, "Was I really that bad of a guide?"

Nico had the audacity to chuckle.

"I wouldn't know. I barely heard anything you said to be honest."

"Rude, man."

"Not your fault. I'm sure you were great. I just..... Didn't really want to listen."

Lewis was quiet. Worrying his bottom lip between his teeth.

Something was slowly dawning on him.

"Who did you lose?" Nico turned surprised eyes towards him. "You said that those cars could kill, so.... Who was it?"

Nico looked kind of impressed by how perceptive Lewis was, then just stared off into the distance.

"A friend. Died way too young."

"What's his name? Maybe I knew him."

"Jules. Jules Bianchi."

Lewis still remembered. That damn truck on the track.....

"I knew him," Lewis' voice was soft. "He was a really nice guy."

"Yeah. He was." Nico took one last drag of his cigarette, then stomped out the stump on the ground. "I should get back inside. Before Vivi starts thinking I've been abducted by aliens. Or just, you know... Did a runner."

Lewis chuckled, "Maybe you should just do whatever you want to do, instead of doing what people expect from you. " He startled both of them with his reply, biting his bottom lip. "Hey. If you need more guidance....."

"Oh if you'd be so kind," Nico snarked, snorting when Lewis made a mock bow.

He just had to suffer through this one more guidance.

Then he'd never have to see this insufferable actor again.

He followed him inside, where the media circus immediately started up again.

Lewis lead the rest of the tour, sometimes glancing over at Nico, who now at least tried to be more attentive this time.

When they came back to the front doors, Nico's outstretched hand was the first thing he saw.

"Thanks, Lewis. It's been....an interesting tour."

Was that a wink from the actor?

"Glad to be of service," Lewis answered, his lips curling up into a little smile when he felt the squeeze in his fingers as they shook hands. "Good luck. With whatever you decide to do."

Something sparkled in Nico's eyes. "Thanks. Maybe I'll see you again sometime."

Lewis seriously doubts that.

"Maybe." He finally felt Nico let go of his hand. He wasn't really aware of it, until he felt his hand being empty and let it drop to his side.

He watched how the crew packed up their things, how Nico and his assistant were arguing about something.

He still didn't get why it all had to be filmed, but he was a bit out of his debt here anyway.

He finally saw the crew leave, Vivian behind them, while Nico seemed to hesitate inside the doorway.

He looked behind him, searching for, and finding; Lewis' eyes.

They're just - - - staring at each other, until....

"How did it go?"

Lewis jumped a little when he heard Toto's voice behind him. He glared over his shoulder.

"Fine, I guess." Toto raised his eyebrow and Lewis shrugged. "Not sure if he gained anything from this, but, we'll see."

Toto just nodded solemnly. Lewis knew Toto would already be glad with any kind of profit they got from this.

Lewis turned his head back to the front door, but the actor was already gone.

#brocedes #f1 rpf #f1 fanfic #my writing #lewis hamilton x nico rosberg #lewis hamilton #nico rosberg

[the-purity-pen]

After feeling like crap all day yesterday I’ve decided to take a note from @maybege‘s book and going to lay out the things i plan to work on today (one of which i’ve already done for now!

write some ptc with @creativekat

finish a frank drabble for @autumnleaves1991-blog

work on part 2 of “all my life”

start actually writing part 3 of FTRFTH

write up a prompt list for myself

#my to do list #for today #leeann talks #let's see if i can actually get all this done today #i've had one redbull and plan to have at least one more today

[punkscowardschampions]

Jac & Amelia

Jac: How was your first day? Amelia: 🥱😴 Amelia: What about you? Jac: Oh dear, it was a lot more observing rather than doing I suppose, but I kind of expected that, if you want to get experience somewhere that isn't willing to just let anyone come in and do a shift so Jac: You'll never guess who was on my placement too though Amelia: Connor following you there wouldn't surprise me Amelia: he can't take a hint Jac: Thankfully not Jac: Swerving him during school is basically an extra-curricular Jac: I suppose it isn't all that surprising when you think about it, but I still was taken aback by the turn of events Amelia: thrill me Amelia: who is it? Jac: Savannah Moore Amelia: oh god, that sucks Amelia: if you don't wanna change placements, we'll make her Amelia: it'll be okay Jac: That's the surprising thing Jac: she was like, a different person Amelia: like really fake, you mean? Jac: No, like, a normal person Jac: maybe because she was away from her friends, her audience, or I don't know Jac: but she was just getting on with her work too, being chill about the whole thing Amelia: 🤔 suspicious Jac: Well, you can't say anything Jac: but why would you Jac: she's having like, a really hard time at home right now, she was a bit upset at one point Jac: it just broke the ice, and it makes a lot of things make sense Amelia: did it or did she throw you off with a convincing 😥💔 story? Jac: She was having a breakdown in the toilets basically Jac: I don't think she wanted anyone to see that, least of all me Jac: we knew her dad was like A LOT anyway, it tracks Amelia: it's Savannah, she wants everyone to see everything, especially you Jac: Come on, what would she even get out of tricking me with a sobstory Jac: bar work experience not being a total drama, which surely she'd love more, by that logic? Amelia: your attention Jac: 🤔🤔 I just don't see it this time Jac: I can't explain how sincere it was, what she said Jac: it definitely wasn't made up, at any rate Amelia: if you believe her, I believe you Jac: Like, I'm not saying we were wrong Jac: but too harsh, maybe Jac: we don't need to waste any energy on being her enemy or whatever Jac: not that we were ever THAT childish but, she really isn't that bad Amelia: I can be a bit harsh Jac: You're a softie, really Jac: but I'm not going to spill all your secrets to her Amelia: it's not a secret that I missed you today Jac: Was it seriously that boring? 😞 Jac: Who are you with again, anyone not awful? Amelia: yeah Amelia: my 🧠 has turned to mush Amelia: they put with with Valentina Hernández, I've had detention with her before Jac: You poor thing Jac: we'll have to do something fun when this is over, if you're going to hate it so much Jac: and I'll keep to a minimum how much I'm enjoying getting some industry experience 🤐 Jac: Oh yeah, she's cute Jac: I don't have many classes with her, but I know who you mean Amelia: she said I look like her ex, do you think that means she hates me or I'm her eye candy of choice for the next week? Amelia: can't we do something fun tonight!? Jac: How weird Jac: sounds like a really bad pickup-line a 40-year-old man would use Jac: Guess you'll see what she meant Jac: That's not going to make your early start tomorrow any easier, is it Amelia: I'm already planning to sleep through my alarm Amelia: and Is is up for it Jac: I'm totally wiped Jac: and trying to save you from yourself 😉 Jac: Is can make her own poor choices Amelia: vodka redbulls were invented to change wiped to wired Amelia: you know she'll get drunk and throw herself at some boy, that's what you'll be saving me from Amelia: dark corners are no fun when I'm being left in them on my own Jac: so I can be hungover tomorrow Jac: if she is tricking me, I'm going to need ALL my wits about me Jac: maybe Val will come and keep you company Amelia: and if she's as nice as you say, she can pick up the slack Amelia: please come Jac: Are we talking about a house party or a club or what, you've not even told me 😅 Jac: also, you know I don't want to drop anything, I need to ace this Amelia: it's a club you'll love Amelia: so you won't have to drink loads to have fun anyway Jac: If Is or any of her conquests have picked it I SO doubt that 😏 Amelia: I picked it in case you needed cheering up but it works for a pat on the back too Jac: Okay, I'll see what the parents say Amelia: if they look like they're leaning towards no, it could've been me having a breakdown in the toilets Jac: I'll tell them you'll be heartbroken Amelia: the truth works too Jac: they're not that understanding so I wouldn't hold your breath Jac: I'll corner one of them when they get in though Amelia: more understanding than mine, not to be Savannah-ish about it Jac: I assume you will be sneaking out, as per Jac: or staying over one of ours to catch up with your work Amelia: 😏 Jac: 🙄 how you ever get away with it when your mother knows everything about everyone is beyond me Jac: if you applied yourself, you could be seriously impressive Amelia: could be? Amelia: you just said I am Amelia: she knows everything about me that I want her to know Jac: duh Jac: gotta give you something to aim for though Amelia: oooh a challenge Jac: I know how you feel about them Amelia: unless it's going to be something about applying myself this week Jac: am I a teacher? Amelia: you've taught me loads like why would I waste my energy buckling down with Valentina 📠 when I could spend it doing something that isn't 🥱😴 with you Jac: You have a point Jac: or, I do? 😂 Jac: and I can come out for a while, but I need to be home to get at least 5 hours sleep minimum Amelia: can I stay or does Jude still need 15 hours minimum? Jac: if you keep the noise down and promise to talk less than her Amelia: I'll be so 🤫🤐 Jac: another person at mine in the AM makes no odds Jac: but I will be leaving extra early, FYI Amelia: why? Jac: Mainly because I want to get there on time Jac: but also because Savannah said she'd bring breakfast, as I listened to her when she was upset today so Amelia: bribery is her style 🤑 Jac: I guess so Jac: but it'd be rude of me not to accept any coffee or pastries she wants to throw my way Amelia: what if they're toxic Jac: You're giving her too much credit now Jac: she isn't going to have the time to poison them AND not be late Amelia: she's probably baking them right now, what else are her and her invisible mum going to do to bond? Jac: You're the one that takes home ec 🍳 Amelia: yeah and if you wanted me to kill her, all you had to do was ask Jac: Feel free to note my silence any time you like 😏 Jac: What are you wearing, how smart/casual is this place? Amelia: [pictures of potential outfits on the bed so she can see the vibe] Amelia: which one will you break your vow of silence for? Jac: You know I love that colour [hi khaki moment] Amelia: 😉 Amelia: if you want to know what Is is wearing, the group chat is full of her maybes Jac: I am purposely ignoring that notification 🙄😑 Jac: like yeah, I'm probably going to wear my black tank dress again but the difference is, I'm not pretending it's getting any crazier Amelia: it got her to shut up about all the 'hotties' at the sports centre that she got to 'service' today Amelia: 😣 Jac: Ew Jac: she's so graphic sometimes Jac: it's a good thing she has her reputation tbh if those are her lines Amelia: this is before a drink too Amelia: I need you, I wasn't even laying it on thick Jac: God, she is a lot Jac: hopefully one of them asks her out, she's at least less gross when she's in a relationship Amelia: 🤞 Jac: I do need to plan my outfits for the rest of work experience though Amelia: god, I can imagine what Savannah looked like today Jac: Right? Jac: She was so on point Amelia: for a stepford wife Amelia: it's unsettling Amelia: her mum probably stays invisible because she takes the clothes off her back Jac: Come on, she looks good Amelia: so would I in head to toe chanel Jac: Exactly Jac: so I need to keep up so I don't look like a scrub Amelia: you don't have to try as hard as her, that's the difference Amelia: you actually look good Amelia: not just expensive Jac: You're biased but I love you for it Amelia: you could ask anyone in our year and they'd tell you the same thing Amelia: even her boyfriend would probably want to agree with me Jac: I doubt his eyes ever leave her, they're totally inseparable aren't they Amelia: it sounds like you'll be getting all the gossip Amelia: you'll be able to tell me everything by Friday Jac: not that that has any real use now Amelia: maybe or maybe not Jac: ?? Amelia: we've got loads of school left, you can't say never Amelia: today could've been a weird fluke Jac: Nah, it was a total ceasefire if nothing else Jac: it's not like a feud Jac: Oh my God, what is that skirt she just posted Amelia: okay Amelia: 😳 on her behalf Jac: should I tell her to wear it? Amelia: yeah 😂 Jac: 😏 Amelia: what are you wearing though? Jac: my lbd 😂 Jac: I don't know if it's classic or predictable but if nothing else, I can say this was short notice Amelia: if I couldn't predict you I'd be worried Jac: but you love a challenge 🤔 Amelia: but I love the way things are Jac: see, so soft and soppy Jac: nothing has changed yet Jac: still think transition year is pointless 🤷 Amelia: your 🧠 didn't turn to mush Jac: it might Jac: I just wanna pick all our new classes and get started Jac: but it is cool we get to do stuff like this, I suppose Amelia: you just want to find out if Savannah will be in every single class again Jac: 🙄 Amelia: [like I'm gonna say she was joking then but now the posts have appeared so it's like oh you actually do and she leaves her on read which I cannot overstate how much that would NEVER happen because she always answers immediately no matter what] Jac: Hello? Jac: are you picking me up? Amelia: are you ready? Jac: you aren't talking to Isabelle Jac: of course I am Amelia: nothing she's saying needs a reply Jac: 'Fashionably' late is her vibe Amelia: yeah I know, Is hasn't changed since I met her Jac: Like that's a good thing? Amelia: I wouldn't go as far as to call her perfect or anything Amelia: but at least I get her Jac: Funny, Meels Amelia: like totally weird, that kind of funny Jac: You are being weird Amelia: that isn't even a worthy deflection Jac: What do you wanna say? Jac: It's just a post Amelia: I've never heard you describe anything as perfect, what are you saying? Jac: Did you see her post? Amelia: yeah, it's obvious why you're tired Amelia: I was exhausted reading it Jac: Well I couldn't just say nothing in return, could I Amelia: I never caption anything, it's easy Jac: you're a girl of few words Amelia: why does she think she knows you on such a 'deep level' now? Amelia: you said she was the one who overshared Jac: You know her friends Jac: Paige G and Becca Jac: I doubt they do 'deep' Jac: it's just in comparison Amelia: I know you, there's things you aren't telling me Jac: like what, I told her all my secrets Jac: if you know me then you know there's no way that's true Amelia: then you're keeping hers Jac: No I'm not, I told you, it's her home life Jac: and I'm sure she doesn't want everyone to know so I shouldn't but I did Amelia: okay Jac: You don't like her, you don't have to Jac: but don't be off with me Amelia: neither did you yesterday Amelia: but now you're going to [whatever that market location was] together Jac: She needed cheering up Jac: and I was going to go anyway, my last bouquet was dead Jac: it's not a big deal Amelia: it was so chill you weren't going to say anything before she outted you with a post Amelia: obviously Jac: I didn't say anything 'cos I didn't think you'd be bothered Jac: it's not your thing Amelia: right, why would it be news that you've changed your entire POV on Savannah Moore Jac: Well I told you about that Jac: scroll up Amelia: it's one thing putting up with someone during work experience, which is what you said Amelia: do you see me taking Valentina out when we're allowed to leave? No, because it'd be totally weird Jac: Why would that be weird? Amelia: we're not friends, I barely know her Jac: you're free to get to know her Jac: you may as well Jac: like I said, it's totally childish having some kind of grudge against her Amelia: it's too late to invite them both Jac: so you want to? Amelia: no, but you think I'm being childish Jac: I think it would be childish for me to decline this peace offering Jac: if it makes life easier, it'd be stupid not to Amelia: I don't see how it'll make anything easier if she's going to be that extra Amelia: Is is already a lot Jac: I can deal with them both Amelia: okay Jac: You don't need to be jealous Amelia: of her? oh please Jac: right Amelia: she's not the only one who has had a bad day, that's all Jac: what's wrong? Amelia: I got in trouble, they might not even have me back tomorrow Jac: What did you do? Amelia: nothing! It wasn't my fault Jac: Alright, what happened then Amelia: I didn't think it would crash the whole system, I was just trying to get done quicker Jac: Oh God Meels Amelia: it would've been impressive if it had worked Jac: they can't get rid of you for a mistake Jac: just be really, really sorry, yeah Amelia: I am sorry, it was really 😳 Jac: I bet Jac: you won't do it again Jac: did she tell you to Amelia: who would tell me to do that Jac: You said she was your detention buddy Amelia: no I didn't, I said I've seen her there before Amelia: everyone gets detention except you and Savannah Jac: Hardly Jac: well, you could say it was her idea Amelia: you've been having a go at me for being childish Jac: you'll be in so much shit if they refuse to have you back Amelia: I'll go work with my dad or something, it'll be even more boring but it's only a week anyway Jac: it'll still reflect really badly on you Jac: it's not childish, it's practical Amelia: it was an accident, I won't be the only one who's done something stupid Jac: Yeah, but you said they were arsey about it so Jac: just saying Amelia: maybe I was a bit defensive Amelia: don't worry about it Jac: Hmm Amelia: I'll smooth it over Jac: Good luck then Amelia: trust me Jac: You always end up alright Amelia: you're my lucky charm Amelia: I just ask myself wwjd Jac: You're such a loser 😏 Amelia: you're so cruel to me 💔 Jac: You love it Amelia: I love you Jac: I love you too Amelia: are you coming out or am I coming in? Jac: You'll just get waylaid by dogs and siblings Jac: be right out Amelia: the hair isn't an accessory I should wear to the club Jac: I've not done anything with mine, don't judge Amelia: it always looks perfect whatever you do or don't do Jac: 😘 Amelia: if you're going to use that word, at least throw it in the right direction Jac: oh yeah, that's a caption I wanna write 😂 Amelia: I'll write it for you, if anything's worth breaking the rules for Jac: You want to compete with Savannah's word count? Amelia: I don't want to, but I will if I have to Jac: I'm not that desperate for validation, you're okay Amelia: Isabelle meanwhile Amelia: has NOT shut up Jac: It's a wonder anyone is getting past her on reception Amelia: 😂 Jac: maybe she should ask if she can work the door when she finally shows Jac: [you go out now though gal, don't need to be messing about] Amelia: [go forth and be messy gays at this club instead] Jac: [no wonder, the tension henny] Amelia: [all the useless lesbian awards to amelia for not making a move tonight] Jac: [blink and you miss it babe] Amelia: [literally does not think she's running out of time, soz gal] Jac: [oh it's sad[ Amelia: [it is, we've been doing this dance for years ladies, obvs we think we'll just keep doing it until uni forces us to stop and do something else and at that point that's years away still] Jac: [when you think you got another three years to have gay angst and drama, nay nay] Amelia: [mhmm] Jac: [well, a different kind of angst and drama will be happening but nobody is loving that Amelia: [except me haha]

[okaywowcool]

I'm getting together my designs and what not to make clothing and lingerie. I had been planning in opening shop on Etsy, but I've read alot negative changes. Is there another platform I could use?

if you have a significant following, i would just launch your own website and then work on expanding your following and driving more people to it. unless you have a very specific niche (which, it’s hard to tell from this ask–clothing and lingerie are both extremely competitive, even if you’re serving an underrepresented market) you’re going to have trouble standing out in organic search results period, and trying to wrestle with etsy’s SEO is kind of tough–i recommend doing research on this before launching if you can.

people make fun of folks on etsy and ebay with titles like “pink crop top tshirt cropped tee pastel cute summer (etc…)” but the reason folks do that is they’re trying desperately to get their shit noticed in a sea of folks who have the following or $ to pay for better advertising anyway who are spending it on etsys’ promoted listings, or who are just getting featured by etsy randomly and raking in views, which then pushes them further to the top. 

if you don’t have a following, you should definitely be working towards getting one. it’s a lot easier to build a brand if you’re being active on social media and trying to get people excited about what you’re doing. but if you’re small, and just starting out, etsy isn’t a terrible choice.

i know back in the day storenvy was also a good option for folks, but i have no idea how active they are now. the whole 10% on each marketplace sale PLUS what you have to pay in fees to stripe or paypal (and what you’ll eventually have to pay in taxes as an entrepreneur) seemed like a steep cut for me since my whole thing is keeping my prices as affordable as possible for the customer, and i left the platform shortly after that. 

if you have an audience you can drive to it, tictail is free and a good starter store option that has a really nice clean interface and the ability to add apps and stuff to make certain things easier on you that are (or were, when i was on it) as cheap as like $1 a month, which is kind of a big deal. the only downside is that their marketplace isn’t extremely active, so you’ll have to work to push people to it rather than them just finding it organically most of the time. 

shopify is also just like, my favorite and my go-to, it’s what i use today. there’s a reason big brands like colourpop, kylie cosmetics, thinx, penguin books, redbull, tesla, and skinnydip all use shopify–it works and it’s pretty much infinitely customizable, on top of being incredibly professional looking. but you’re also going to have to be driving 100% of your traffic, as shopify has no marketplace. 

i recently sat down and did some math with my own sales calculating the percentage of sales that was actually being taken from each platform, which ends up varying wildly month to month based on a lot of different factors, but once you get into around $1000+ a month in sales you start saving money by using shopify. etsy has some hidden fees that really stack up when you’re actively moving products and having to renew listings constantly. you can account for those things in your item price of course, but when you’re in a competitive market where a $5 bump makes a significant difference to a customer you can start really losing out on sales. 

so…it really depends on a lot of different factors for whether launching on etsy is a good choice or not, financially. i can tell you in terms of risk, any marketplace (including etsy) is a lot less of a time commitment and initial investment than shopify is. you can launch like a 10 item collection for $2.50 and then don’t have to pay anything else unless you have to renew a listing or the item is sold. all you’d need before hand is good pictures and to set up the listings which might take you like a week for taking photos and writing your listings but then you’re pretty much good to go. with shopify, you’re going to initially have to spend at least $29, and then setting up your shop isn’t difficult, but since you have so much more freedom and things you can do it’s a bigger time commitment. there are way more choices to be made, though you could still get something barebones up i’m sure, if for some reason you wanted that. 

there’s a lot more i could say on the subject, but a lot of the decision making that you’ll need to do is going to be specific to the size of your business and your eventual goals with it. there’s also no harm with trying out these services and being on multiple platforms–i’ve always done that and it’s served me well in the past in helping me find what works best for me. 

#asks! #anon #okaywowtext #shop advice #advice #Anonymous #long post