In the last couple weeks in the forums and in the Virtual Labs, I discovered that one of Etsy’s famous soap makers, DennisAnderson, had very recently quit his day job to sell full time on Etsy! I was very excited to hear this news and proceeded to ask him tons of questions and wish him the best of luck when I thought, “this would make a great article for those thinking about taking the plunge themselves or for those that already have and want to compare notes!”
Dennis graciously accepted my proposal for an interview to find out exactly what allowed him to take the plunge from working a full time day job to becoming a full time Etsy seller. Keep reading to learn how he is taking the plunge.
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
The first day I started selling on Etsy was on May 13, 2007. I had signed up about a month earlier and was getting a feel for the site. My girlfriend opened a jewelry shop a few months before I did. I worked for a lawn care company fertilizing lawns in over 100 degree temperatures, so I would have to say that after last summer, quitting my day job was a goal I wanted to meet.
How long were you selling on Etsy and working your day job before deciding you were ready to switch over to Etsy full time?
I quit my day-job on April 7, 2008 so it was a little under 11 months selling here on Etsy. I did want to wait another month or two to quit, but circumstances came up which I did not agree with, so I decided to take the plunge.
What made you decide to quit your day job?
Well, it’s been a dream of mine for the last 6 months. I worried about financial stability and think I hesitated longer then I should have. When I decided to leave my day-job, it was a spur of the moment decision that scared me to death but it has been a blessing. I’m learning new things about business everyday and love my new found freedom.
How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
Last October my sales were not too great. Then November and December hit and I got swamped (with the holiday rush). I loved it! Since then sales have been constant, so I just had to do it.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
Yes I did. First, you have to make an inventory list and a costs list (for your business materials). A costs list is basically how much money in supplies and personal labor. Figure out how much it costs you per item (to make). I figure that after the costs I needed to take x amount of dollars a week to pay the bills and rent for the month and at least 100 dollars a week for supplies (although lately I’m spending a lot more) the rest gets put into an emergency account in case I need to order something in bulk or if I just need some rainy day money.
What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
I definitely want to grow; doesn’t everyone want that for their business? I want to be able to compare last year’s financial statements to this year’s and see an improvement, and I want to see that every year. I haven’t yet decided on what kind of percentage of improvement but most likely it will be between 10 and 25 percent depending on the month.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
I use other sites to promote my Etsy shop. You was surprised at how inexpensive it can be to put up a banner on their sites. Also, word of mouth is HUGE. I am a member of the CCCOE (California Crafters Club of Etsy) and there have been so many wonderful people who have tried my products and refer customers who want a wholesale account with me. I also effectively use the Promotions section in the Etsy forums. Many sales have generated from there. Hasn’t everyone seen my “I want a sale” threads every day?
How’s it going so far, are you getting by?
So far in 3 weeks it’s been going great. I have met all of my quotas financially and have had more time to produce more and new items. I am getting by, but at some points of the week after I make an order or have to spend money, I get uptight a little but it’s all good!
What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about quitting her/his day-job to sell full time on Etsy?
If you have constant sales and you are making enough after expenses to live free and independent, I’d say do it. The only person looking over you is yourself. You will be like “there is no way I can afford that,” but I will tell you, the three weeks after I left work, I only used 1 tank of gas, so I saved between 60 – 75 dollars that way. I’m kinda happy I don’t have to look at 4+ dollars a gallon gas prices every week anymore.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m so happy that I found this site. It has changed my life. There is a kid’s song from a show my daughter watches, I believe the show is “Yo-Gaba-Gaba” and they have this song and it’s stuck to my head permanently. It’s basically a song that tells you to keep trying and too not give up, because you will make it right. If you keep plugging away, have great pictures with natural light, an avatar that shows off one of your popular items you sell, there is no reason why someone wouldn’t be interested in purchasing from you. Sometimes it takes a while to get noticed. I am a seller, but also a buyer on Etsy…. I bought all of the gifts I gave away this last holiday season and any special occasions from Etsy…except for a video game.
Thank you so much Dennis for sharing your story with us! You are an inspiration to many and we wish you the best of luck making it full time selling on Etsy! Did you recently quit your day job or are you thinking about it to sell full time on Etsy? We’d love to hear your story and how it’s working out for you. Please send me an email to mary@etsy.com and let’s chat!
119 comments
Sign in to add your owntanisalexis says:
congrats dennis! and SUPER tee shirt. i've got one too, hmmm, i wonder how many etsians own the same shirt? ;) lol! best wishes. hope i'm there soon too. :)
4 years ago
JMCdesigns says:
Wonderful Just wonderful!!!!
4 years ago
rachelmira says:
wonderful interview! informative, inspirational and fabulous photographs!
4 years ago
Tresijas says:
Dennis and his right hand woah-man, Brandy, are an inspiration!! On top of being talented they are two of the nicest people around :)
4 years ago
Noxenlux says:
Wonderful article and congrats on doing something you love full time. :) I'm almost to that point, but not on my own terms.. laid off instead of quitting.
4 years ago
prettycheap says:
Dennis 'being in the right place at the right time' has a ring to it. But the product lives up to the karma. As I feedbacked, the numbers speak for themselves at 3000+ sales (and an interview on about.com to boot).
4 years ago
danamiller says:
GASP! I love Dennis! He makes me smell like sugar! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!
4 years ago
BagsTagsnMore says:
Dennis is da bomb!
4 years ago
RedsKitten says:
Congrats! And very inspiring :)
4 years ago
ladylavona says:
This was super inspiring! I took all my soap listings down because I wasn't selling...I'm very impatient! It sells like hotcakes in a local Boutique here in Chicago, called Willow. I thought maybe it was because of the sensory experience in person...my scents always sell the soap! But I'm going to give it another try here on Etsy! Thank you for posting this...I'm going to make soap all weekend!
4 years ago
Odannysgirl says:
Yay Dennis! Congrats, I hope the success continues to grow for you.
4 years ago
theivorymagnolia says:
Congratulations Dennis!
4 years ago
ohmay says:
woooohooo Dennis. Way to go. I want to grow up to be like Dennis....LOL
4 years ago
VersatilElements says:
Wow... Great and inspiring story... I can't wait to get my Etsy site up and running! Congrats to Dennis!
4 years ago
cozycottagecreations says:
Wow! Very cool! Good for you, Dennis. You deserve all the best coming to you. Thanks for the inspirational article. I'm a fan!
4 years ago
Midnightcreations says:
Congrats to you, keep up the GREAT work!
4 years ago
VersatilElements says:
I hope Etsy shoppers are interested in EDGEY, OUT OF THE BOX, JEWELRY CREATIONS, TOO! No fragrance just jewelry to wet your appetite! Thanks for the encouraging story!
4 years ago
itselemental says:
A Guinness in one hand, hand-made soap in the other, workin' for yourself, and a face that looks like Nicholas Cage...how lucky can a guy be?? Congrats on your continued success!
4 years ago
livefunky says:
Congratulations, Dennis! Always so cool to see the face behind the name (or avatar!). You've not only been an inspiration to other sellers in your success, you've been a kind and generous fellow "Etsian" in the forums, too. Best of luck to you!
4 years ago
jascamille says:
Very much an inspiration. Great interview!
4 years ago
ChristinaPerdue says:
Congrats, Dennis!
4 years ago
SpaTherapy says:
Congrats Dennis! I'm working on Spa Therapy full time for 7 months already and it's been an amazing experience!!
4 years ago
visionquest says:
woo hoo, D-man!! you ARE The Man!! we're so lucky to have you hanging around CCCOE.. we all smell sooo nice now!!
4 years ago
KarmaRox says:
oh, dennis, dahlink. you make the hussies so proud.
4 years ago
OrigamiCentral says:
This is great to hear, another Etsian who made it! Great Job Dennis and Good Luck with your new found freedom. =) One day, I hope to accomplish what you have with your shop.
4 years ago
SteppingStones says:
Way to go Dennis!! Good for you!
4 years ago
ashhilton says:
Woohoo! It's freakin' scary to rely on other people buying stuff to survive, but not having a commute really does make it all worth it. I do tend to work longer hours than if a I had another job, but oh well, I still love it after 5 years.
4 years ago
custompaperdesigns says:
Great story... wish we all could survive on only Etsy, I guess we all have a goal. Congrats Dennis... reminds me I have to get a bar of soap from him that I have been eyeing up lately!
4 years ago
AlliesAdornments says:
Thanks for sharing more about Dennis with us. He makes wonderful soaps. If you want to treat yourself & those you love to something special, his items make wonderful gifts!
4 years ago
anandi says:
congratulations, and what a great interview! I love hearing about the people behind successful shops :)
4 years ago
phydeaux says:
Dennis, what an inspirational article for all Etsians. Congratulations!
4 years ago
calumeydesigns says:
I had tried selling my beads full time last year. While I was somewhat consistent and got sales, I was also getting lonely torching away by myself in the basement. I went back to my old job two days a week just to have some company. Because things get crazy sometimes, I now have to put in an extra day or two. I've become so complacent because of this extra money that I've totally neglected my Etsy shop. THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERVIEW! It has inspired me more than you know to get back on track and make my shop more of a priority again.
4 years ago
KDemARTe says:
Congrats to you! Inspirational indeed. Thanks!
4 years ago
blackbird72 says:
yay to our cabana boy!
4 years ago
RedBessBonney says:
Yay for Dennis!
4 years ago
KarmaRox says:
Don't look now, but there's a D.Anderson fan club in Etc. *titter!*
4 years ago
TroveDesigns says:
Thanks for giving an insight into what quitting your day job entails. Really enjoyed sitting in on the Critiques session with Dennis & HeyMichelle yesterday - felt I learnt quite a lot. Cheers!!
4 years ago
lorenzstudio says:
I just got my dennisanderson soap in the mail today and can't wait to use it. I'm already a repeat customer!
4 years ago
WoodcraftsandCandles says:
Congratulations Dennis on living your dream. I'm proud to say I've been a Dennis fan since before he started selling soap! You deserve this success my friend - I'm thrilled for you! kathy
4 years ago
surly says:
Yay Dennis!!!! I knew your soap smelled great but who knew you were such a babe! ;) Keep up the great work! Gonna go drink... I mean use my beer soap.....
4 years ago
TotusMel says:
don't stop, don't give up!
4 years ago
redpanda says:
Congrats on being able to quit! Although working for yourself is working ALL the time. Make sure to set some break time aside. :D
4 years ago
TheShabbyPinkCottage says:
Inspiring interview. I quit my job and started my first dream business 6 years ago. WWW.periwinklepainters.com Interior Painting..Loved It! Now I'm ready to start my 2nd dream buisness on etsy. Lovin it! Thanks. Kate
4 years ago
AmandaKLockrowJewels says:
Great interview Dennis! I love my soap and body whip from his shop!
4 years ago
NinaReneeDesigns says:
Awesome!
4 years ago
BrazanDesign says:
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Quite an inspiration. We can live the dream :)
4 years ago
yoboseiyo says:
yay for dennis! i LOVE his shower gel. it's awesome. *claps for dennis*
4 years ago
fringe says:
i wish you great success in this exciting endeavor, dennis! i know you will succeed. thank you for sharing so much information with us. you are an inspiration. yay dennis!
4 years ago
tabidesigns says:
thats a mixed species shirt, is it not? a true etsian!
4 years ago
SouthernPleasures says:
Way to Go Dennis! Best wishes.
4 years ago
babeta says:
Great article. I'm a full time artist new on etsy and own a brick/mortar. I appreciated the picture taking info, "use natural light". I'm trying to take better photos. Thanks, Pam http://blogcabinfever.typepad.com
4 years ago
tortillagirl says:
Yay for Dennis! Thanks for sharing through this inspiring article.
4 years ago
liviastreasures says:
congratulations for taking the plunge! i wish you metric tons of luck!
4 years ago
aromafields says:
Great article! Inspiring! Congratulations, Dennis. I hope it all works out well for you. Keep up the GREAT sales! (And what a perk to finally see a photo of you!)
4 years ago
oddsnblobs says:
wow! what an inspiration!
4 years ago
birdsofafeather says:
hey dennis ~ thanks for sharing! you obviously care about quality and your customer, your passion shines through. best of luck, and continued success!
4 years ago
LazyTcrochet says:
Hey I can finally say I met Dennis Anderson! Great article..thanks for sharing.
4 years ago
twolefthands says:
The face behind the soap! Great article Dennis, congratulations on doing what you love!
4 years ago
bluesue says:
Hey Dennis - way to go! You're an inspiration to the rest of us. I don't know if you've considered it, but offering classes might be another avenue....just a thought. Jeri @ Bluesue Jewelry
4 years ago
2ReVert says:
Wow, great article! And congrats on reaching dreams Dennis. I would love to see more 'quit day job' articles, LOVE THIS!
4 years ago
jenniferaboston says:
This is the coolest story! Dennis, thanks for letting us peek into your life. It is definitely a dream of mine to be able to work from home and Im so happy you were able to achieve that for yourself! Your shirt ROCKS!!! I couldnt agree more! ♥ Best of luck to you!!
4 years ago
TrashedClothing says:
yay dennis! my boyfriend and i have some of his soap and it's wonderful. he's always such a sweetheart too. best of luck to you and your lady. you deserve it! xo
4 years ago
SnappyBibs says:
Congrats Dennis!!!
4 years ago
satinpetalsoap says:
WOW! This is fantastic! Congrats to you :o) YAY! Woohooo!
4 years ago
pouch says:
this is an inspiring article :) congrats on quitting your day job, I hope it all works out for you! *goes off to check out your store*
4 years ago
shellmitchell says:
Congrats Dennis! Your hard work will bring you much deserves success:)
4 years ago
chimeracrochet says:
I didn't realize someone so fetching had made my soap.
4 years ago
selflesh says:
Inspiring indeed! Thanks guys. ;)
4 years ago
simplyscents says:
I'm so happy for you Dennis I wish I could quite my job and be successful.Thats my Boy!! Dad :)
4 years ago
Brooklynbee says:
Another satisfied Dennis customer here! Great products. Great customer service. I am sure he will have much continued success.
4 years ago
shellieartist says:
I love all my DA soaps...I think I am due up for an orders soon! ha ha I am so happy for you Dennis- Best wishes for the future- and yes I love your "I want a sale threads"...I take you up on your discount :)
4 years ago
raghousenternational says:
Such a great article! I truly believe it was his destiny to quit his job and sell on etsy full time. It's so funny that he quit his job on the 7th of April and I started a new job on the 7th of April, yet after falling ill, they fired me anyway and I was only there for one week! I am so happy that they made the decision for me, because I was going to stay, while on my sick bed I battled with the decision. Now I am back on etsy full time because the job was taking away so much of my time anyway. So glad that he took the plunge. More of us need to when it is the right time! Thanks Storque for such and inspiring article
4 years ago
LittleAdorables says:
WOW! True INSPIRATION! Congratulations on your Success! I have checked out your shop~ Very Cool Stuff! Hope to one day achieve this much success here at ETSY, but for now that song will be stuck on my head - especially since we just finished watching Yo GABBA-GABBA! :) "... keep trying, keep trying... don't give up..." BEST WISHES to you, your WIFE, & family. ~ Erika ;o)
4 years ago
LittleAdorables says:
Hey raghousenternational, Good luck to you too! S.M./L.A. Neighbor! :)
4 years ago
katelynjane says:
Wow!! Great work! I'm always so happy to see sellers moving into the big times and quitting their day jobs! Congrats!!
4 years ago
CombustionGlassworks says:
I am a crazy referrer to his shop, guilty as charged! its hard not to when you find a product that ROCKS!
4 years ago
reneesfashions says:
Not at all how I pictured Dennis... :-} Great story !
4 years ago
BeeDazzlesGifts says:
Yayyy Dennis!! I'm a full-time Etsian as well, and love every minute of it!! You have a fabulous product and great marketing skills, no doubt you'll be up in the top 5 soon!! Congrats and best wishes. ~ Bee :)
4 years ago
eladesign says:
I was just speaking about the issue of having etsy as a part time hobby, which is also great, but reading about it becoming the no. 1 income source is even greater, and I'm so happy to have read this article! Best of luck and keep enjoying every moment Ela
4 years ago
silentlanguages says:
Wow! What an inspiring story...It's my goal to make creating my full-time job...some day soon! ::fingers crossed::
4 years ago
InfiniteCosmosGirl says:
awesome interview! I've been looking at his shop for a while and will definitely be ordering soon. And my daughter love yo gabba gabba too! I also love that show..."keep trying, keep trying, don't give up, never give up....." heehee!
4 years ago
flurrsprite says:
hooray for dennis! :) i just purchased some of his soap (finally!!) and now to hear he's managed to quit his day job is awesome!
4 years ago
DanaSaylorDesigns says:
I think it's fantastic that Dennis has met with such success for all his hard work. One issue no one seems to have raised, though is- how does he pay for health insurance? Unfortunately this is the biggest issue for my husband & I, and I'm sure many other Etsians are wondering how they could make the dream happen, and still be covered in case of illness or injury. Hey, Storque- how about a followup article? Thanks!
4 years ago
sillylittlesheep says:
Wonderful! I can imagine myself quitting my daily job (although I am only a student yet) but one of mybracelet takes three hours to be made... So I dont think i would make many bracelets and earn money :D maybe if I started to make something else. Good uck to dennis and everyone who is trying to quit their job!!!
4 years ago
TheLittleStitcher says:
A superb story! Well done!
4 years ago
cwysart says:
This is a great story. Thank you for posting it...
4 years ago
simplyuniqueboutique says:
Wow! Great article. I sure can relate to Dennis' story as I also just lost my job of 12 years and have decided to start a family business on Etsy. I know it is not easy but after being an accountant for so many years I have decided to follow my childhood dream to create handmade goods that I learned while living in Colombia, South America. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and will keep checking your website from time to time. Can't wait to purchase some vegan soap. Good luck. Dianne P.S. My sister lives in Portland and I am sure she will be interested in your products.
4 years ago
DancingMooney says:
You two are such an inspiration to me, and I wish you all the success and joys that the world can bring!!! ♥
4 years ago
ArtMind says:
At last I get to read the article! Great stuff this is - best of luck to you, Dennis! You're doing great! :)
4 years ago
flytie says:
love it. very inspirational.
4 years ago
cloud9designstudio says:
congrats dennis! that's wonderful! may you have continued success!!! :)
3 years ago
kschaffter says:
how inspiring :)
3 years ago
tweetysnest says:
Congratulations, great article! I'm inspired!
3 years ago
Adornyourself says:
I'll raise my bottl of stout and say Salut, good luck and future prosperity.
3 years ago
gingerlime says:
Awesome story! Thanks for the inspiration and advice :-) Yo gaba gaba rocks!!!
3 years ago
dizzi says:
Thanks Dennis, I will you as a roll model if you don't mind.
3 years ago
clearlakecreations says:
What a wonderful article. It goes to show that hard work and enjoying what you do pays off. Never give up the love for what you do or it becomes a job. Thank you for the inspiration!
3 years ago
CrowleyManor says:
Congratulations Dennis! Way to go, from a fellow soapmaker :0), a great reminder to me to keep plugging away as well.
3 years ago
AlienBacon says:
great inspiration
3 years ago
afox11111 says:
Congrats Dennis, inspiring for us all. Keep up the great work
3 years ago
dolamakes says:
Congrats Dennis! it's always been great to do business with you and we can't get enough of your Lemongrass and Apricot soap. More purchases to follow! don & lola
3 years ago
earthexpressions says:
Great interview, congrats!
3 years ago
BeadaliciousBda says:
Dennis, it's great to read your story! Congrats on your success and thanks again for my custom wedding soap! You did a wonderful job!
3 years ago
lovegabe says:
Good Luck, I am already a repeat cutomer.
3 years ago
Sudstress says:
You're an inspiration, living the new American Dream. Congratulations and I wish you much success in the future!
3 years ago
SoapyBlessings says:
An inspiring story! One that I would love to repeat very shortly :D Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
hipclothing says:
Wow! What an inspiration. It was interesting reading the follow-up to this story: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/quit-your-day-job-follow-up-with-dennisanderson-2584/
3 years ago
AndreaWagnerDesigns says:
His story is an inspiration for me..Congratulation to Dennis and his family!
3 years ago
OpusMuse says:
Congratulations on making the leap! Very inspiring life story. I've just been in your shop after reading your article & you'll be hearing from me soon...all the way from Singapore! Cheers!
3 years ago
Candies64 says:
Way to go Dennis! If all your soaps smell as good as "pure romance" you'll be your own boss for a long long time!!!!
3 years ago
jolijoli says:
Congrats Dennis! Very inspiring :)
3 years ago
grandmasoapandstuff says:
congrats, wish I was there!
3 years ago
cheesecakedeath says:
his soap is awesome! nice mixedspecies shirt there by the way
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
Congratulations on making it into Quite Your Day Job. Your Vegans are really good and I love the Scent of Rose solid perfume!!
3 years ago
roukie says:
Congratulations!!!, i am a fan of all your soaps, they are truely amazing! I am totaly happy with all ordered products, keep it up! From a happy customer Jo-ann
2 years ago
dresstressballs says:
soaps look great.
1 year ago
FerryCreekVintage says:
I love reading this article. You are such an inspiration. Keep up the good work. Isabelle
1 year ago
ClosetGothic says:
Very cool and inspiring reading!
1 year ago
ClosetGothic says:
And now a Top Seller!!!!!!
1 year ago