My little Etsy shop is not so little anymore. I started the shop in late 2011, but didn't get serious with it until about 5 years ago. I'm not going to lie. It did not take off as quickly as I'd initially hoped. Really, it didn't. I had these grand dreams of the sales rolling in. And they didn't the first few months. But every sale was a victory. And to be honest, I still do a little happy dance every time I hear that *chi-ching*. I have learned quite a bit along the way and wanted to share a bit for anyone considering opening an Etsy shop.
For the sake of time, let's assume you've already narrowed down your niche' product or theme of your shop.
Disclaimer: I still have not read the Etsy Seller Handbook. Who does? Who has time for that? You go into it thinking, I've created an Ebay listing before, how hard would it be to create an Etsy one? Ha ha, right.
1.) Photos are sooooo important. Seriously, I'm not sure how I ever got my first sale with THIS photo....
Here is the same item (that has sold several times) but with a better photo.
2.) Renewing a listing often WILL NOT get you more sales / exposure. What it will get you is increased Etsy fees. The key to exposure if a good title, good description, good key words. Focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Also, networking is HUGE. Participate in giveaways that target your client audience and make meaningful and engaging posts on social media.
3.) This is probably true for any crafter / artist, even off Etsy... Do not overstock on supplies. Seriously, you will eat up any profit by investing too much in supplies. Find out what sells and stock up from there. I understand it's a necessity to come up with fresh new items, but I try to clean out and organize my crafting area at least once a month to determine what my "actual" supply needs really are. And I'll admit, my supplies are a bit out of hand at the moment. Maybe it's time for a supply destash?
4.) Pricing is important. I don't know how many times I am on Etsy thinking either, "Wow, are they on crack... $30 for a wipes case?" or "How do they make a profit at $5 for a wipes case." Know how much your supplies cost you, calculate your Etsy and payment processing / Paypal fees, and your time as an artist. Price competitively, but price for profit as well!
I am so proud of where my little shop is today. In 5 years, this little shop has had nearly 8700 individual sales on Etsy. I am no expert by any means, but must be doing something right. I welcome any questions you may have about selling on Etsy. Of course, I also welcome hearing any additional suggestions ya'all might have too!
Happy Thursday!!
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