Search results (title) for: "success story"

Etsy Success Stories: Ahpeele

Mon, 19 May 2008 17:45:00 -0000

You've seen those big sellers on Etsy who seem to be making sales left and right. You have to wonder how they've made it to where they are: can they actually be FOR REAL? What's their recipe for success? And just how do they do it?

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features AdAm and Hiromi of Ahpeele. The history behind these two is a love story. AdAm and Hiromi met by chance and had a whirlwind romance and marriage traveling between New York, Tokyo, and North Carolina! They presently work and reside in North Carolina, and have been a selling team on Etsy for almost two years and are quickly approaching 3,100 total sales! Keep reading to find out what makes this successful pair tick.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
A friend first told us about Etsy. We checked it out and realized it was perfect for what we were already doing, so we opened a shop in a couple days.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Our partnership is the #1 key, and it helps big time. Of course, other things help too, like — a lot of effort in making nice things people will love, always pushing to make something better, and being nice in general.

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
Besides telling people we meet on the street and putting the Etsy address on business cards, we haven't really done much promotion. That’s why we really like Etsy: we spend our time making new designs and the world is already there looking.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
As a wife and husband team we’ve found it’s important to define our jobs. Hiromi is in charge of the shipping section (she’s the organized half of the partnership). She does most of the order processing at night. First labeling envelopes, then locating the shirts, wrapping shirts, packing, and printing postage. The next day she takes everything to the post office, where they know her by name. We give Christmas and birthday presents to all of the workers there. We ship stuff everyday so people get items as quickly as possible. AdAm answers all the customer questions, makes designs, and is in charge of printing. We work at least a few hours, seven days a week.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
There are a lot of repeat people, which makes us really happy. Shipping quality stuff quickly definitely makes people want to buy again. It’s tough sometimes to be fast when you’re making, selling, and shipping. A nice package and personal touches, like a note or knick knack, usually makes up for any delays. Being friendly and patient while answering convos is important, too.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
We’re both very self-motivated to do what we like. We motivate each other to do the things we don't like. We’d be making designs even if we were rich. It’s never hard to sit down to make something new.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job to
We’re pretty much full -time Etsy, but we also do custom printing. That’s AdAm’s big other job.

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
We started our own business after moving back to North Carolina from Tokyo. Neither of us had real full-time jobs. AdAm worked in construction for a friend's company. Then when that slowed down, we had to do something, so making our company quickly became our full-time jobs. AdAm had silkscreen and design experience so we built our business around that. We found Etsy about a year after we started Ahpeele. Etsy has definitely helped us take our business in a more artistic direction.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
Hiromi — Featured seller section.
AdAm — Handpicked items.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Hiromi — I like to browse the main showcase.
AdAm — I use the conversations.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
We’re always looking for new inspirations and styles, so look for us to be even more creative in a year.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
You should love making what you’re selling. If you love making but aren’t selling, just look around see what other people are doing. A little research can be very valuable.

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Ahpeele's work and top picks on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: photoglassworks

Mon, 12 May 2008 19:20:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Tracy of photoglassworks. Tracy lives and works in North Carolina and has been selling on Etsy for two and a half years, and she has just recently climbed above the 3,800 sales mark. Tracy developed her style of incorporating photos (rather than using solder) into glass work after finding out she was pregnant was searching for safer methods of working. Keep reading to find out how this mother and entrepreneur has become so successful.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I was first introduced to Etsy in 2005 by a friend, hotpinkzebra. I had been doing arts/craft shows for several years and I was looking for a place to sell between shows. I joined in the beginning months of Etsy when there were no listing or transaction fees until December, so I literally had nothing to lose. I made my first sale the day after I joined.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
I would say having a quality product to start with is the most important. I’ve also never made anything that I wouldn’t wear myself, so staying true to my style and not worrying so much about what the trend is has helped me maintain a kind of common theme to my shop. I love packaging and really enjoy knowing that my customers are going to get something pretty and fun to open. Definitely, listing often is big. I look at it as advertising: listing is like buying an advertising spot on Etsy because you're getting exposure and you need that to sell. (Especially in the jewelry category, because it's so competitive, and it's not long before you're buried under pages of listings.) So if you think about it that way, you can get an ad spot on Etsy for the bargain price of 20 cents!

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
I rely pretty heavily on word of mouth. I wish I enjoyed writing more because I think blogging is a great marketing tool. I also collaborate with several very talented artists who I’ve been so fortunate to work with, and it’s turned out to be a great way to promote each others' work. Other than that, I try to keep a healthy balance between family, Etsy, friends, a personal life and taking care of myself, which means I try to fit in a good amount of sleep and some exercise. That’s about all I can fit into my day right now.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
I couldn’t do it without my Dymo label printer. My system is very basic and pretty foolproof. Every morning I have my coffee and copy and paste all my addresses and print my shipping labels. After I print each one, I write on the back what they ordered and fill the order with either my in-stock inventory or I make it to order. That’s it...pretty high tech, right? The label writer is around $100 and you can get labels and the printer from Labelcity.com. (A roll of labels is only $15.00 for 300.) Also, the Dymo uses heat to print, so there’s no ink to replace.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I have a lot of repeat buyers, but would say a majority are new. I think the best way to get buyers to come back is to give them a product that’s maybe better than what they expected, as well as a great buying experience which includes shipping fast, good communication, nice packaging, etc. I’ve had so many people tell me that they needed to get another necklace because they decided to keep the first one for themselves.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Most days it comes pretty naturally. I love to get up, spend a couple hours with my boys before I get them off to school and start my work day. I’ve had my “off” days where I have to push myself to get all my work done, but those are the days I have to remind myself to be grateful. I love what I do, and I’m so fortunate to be doing what I love everyday; if I keep that perspective, it’s a lot easier to stay motivated. I get to set my own work schedule, be creative all day while singing along to my favorite music. To quote one my friends, I have a "pretty sweet gig," and I have to agree!

One thing that I sometimes battle with is feeling isolated because I’m working from home all the time, every day. That’s when I need to grab my laptop and do some work from a coffee shop.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
My life has changed pretty drastically since 2006. I had people in my life that were not supportive of me making and selling my jewelry full time, because in their eyes it wasn’t a “real job.” It’s been great proving that I can make a living at this, and now I’m surrounded by supportive and encouraging people who believe in me and are proud of me. I also have entrepreneurial parents who have had their own successful business for almost 30 years, I’ve learned so much from them. So, yes! I Etsy full time and also travel around a little and do some arts and crafts shows. I’m also part of IndieNC.com, which is a co-op of emerging artists and designers from North Carolina.

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I was faced with the decision to go back to a 9-5 office job after my youngest started kindergarten. Etsy was the reason I didn’t have to do that.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
My favorite feature is Time Machine 2: I’ve found some great artists through that feature. I also like Shop Local, as I’ve had several local event planners find me through Shop Local to see if I wanted to participate in their shows and handmade markets. I enjoy reading the Storque to stay up to date with what’s going on with the community and the site. I love to read about all the great press Etsy’s getting. It was so exciting to see Rob Kalin on Martha Stewart! It’s so great to see Etsy come this far and I’m proud to have been a part of it. Oh, and Alchemy...I missed it!

What features do you use most on Etsy?
I use re-list the most.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
I would like to make time to work with more artists. I would also like to take more of my own photos and use more of my work in my jewelry. I just took a metal class so I’ll be adding some sterling, hand-forged necklaces and earrings soon, so that’s exciting!

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
If you look back on my sales and the first things that I sold on Etsy, you’ll see that I didn’t start out selling jewelry. PhotoGlassworks was a name I chose to sell custom photographs using a framing technique I came up with. It turned out that doing the custom work took a lot of time and was difficult to ship, so I tried another medium. I started working with clay and images to make some fun pendants.

I had a great response to those, but it wasn’t long before a bunch of other Etsy shops started popping up selling very similar pendants. It’s really important that what I make be unique and original, so I started playing around with my initial idea with the glass and wire, but on a smaller scale, to make jewelry. So, my Etsy shop has evolved since 2005 and kind of morphed into what it is now. My point is, don’t give up and don’t get discouraged: setbacks could lead to opportunities. Not every great idea has been discovered already, so keep experimenting. If your heart is really in it and you're working hard, people will notice eventually.

Anything else you want to add?
Three of my good friends are now on Etsy with their own shops selling jewelry. Hey Tiffany, Susie and Kirstan!

Thank you Etsy!

xo
Tracy

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Tracy's work and top picks on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: puffluna

Mon, 05 May 2008 19:45:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Julie of puffluna. Julie lives and works in Ohio and has been selling on Etsy for about two and a half years, in which she has already made an incredible 2,700 sales! Julie is a stay-at-home mom and has been designing and making jewelry since 2005; Etsy has allowed her to take her business to the next level and work full time from home. Keep reading to find out her key to success.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
Thankfully, I heard about Etsy from someone that I used to work with (thank you, Chris!). I had started creating jewelry here and there in 2005 and he knew it. He was on the other side of the cubicle wall so he frequently saw the ladies oooing and ahhing over my jewelry and asking for some. He always popped his head up. I used to tell him I would forget that he had a body since I only saw his head. Anyway, one day he popped his head up and asked me if I had heard of Etsy. I hadn't heard of Etsy, but that was all that I could think about from that moment to the moment I put my daughter to sleep that night. I logged on, my jaw dropped and I saw a new future for myself and my family. The trick was making it work...

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
I'll have to number my thoughts on this. Number 1 being the most important.

1) List as often as you can. You can list or renew, but I think 5 a day minimum will get you noticed.
2) Good tags. Without appropriate tags, your items will be lost within minutes.
3) Variety. I have a wide variety and price range available in my store.
4) Photos. In the sea of listings, when you have your shot at the first 5 pages, your photo is all ya got. Make it stand out and say "click me!"

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
I really haven't promoted much. Last month, I decided to increase my advertising budget and start listing more on Etsy. I look at this as a type of advertising. Oh, and I also send a monthly email to my customers that are on my mailing list, and I blog. I also offer internet shows. This is similar to a home jewelry show, except it's virtual. If a customer is interested in a virtual internet show, they can supply me with their friend's email addresses and anything that they buy on a set date will benefit the hostess. I've done a handful and they work out great.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop?
The holidays were a little rough (but all good!). I learned a lot this year and will hopefully put those lessons into practice the next holiday season. I am doing this full time. This gives me all of the hours when my daughter is in school. I create, email, list, mail and order all day, every day. It's my job. I look at it that way and it's worked.

What systems have you created to manage the orders
My methods are pretty primitive. I like things simple. I use notebooks and email...and that's about it.

Order received - Send thank you email and move the Etsy transaction email into the 'thank you sent' folder.
Ready to mail day -
- Go to my 'thank you sent' folder and write down the name and item of everyone that will be mailed that day.
- Handwrite the address on the mailer.
- Get piece of jewelry and take a look at it for quality assurance.
- I wrap the piece in tissue paper, put it in a jewelry box, write a thank you note on the back of my business card, put the box in the envelope.
- Cross name off of list and repeat the above steps until done.
- Back at the computer, I move the email from the 'thank you sent' folder to the 'shipped' folder.
- Mark item shipped on Etsy (at this point, I'm usually running around like a maniac because it's almost time to pick up my daughter from school)
- Yeah!!! I'm at the post office and the item is on it's way to my customer.

Phew!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
Definitely repeat. This gives me confidence as well as motivation. I do get new customers, but it's my repeat customers that motivate me to keep creating new and unique items. I have many, many, many moods, so I will create all black one day and all pink the next...contemporary to vintage. I think it keeps my store interesting and they never know what they'll get. Not to mention that they are amazing women (and some men) who like to support handmade, Etsy, and stay-at-home moms. I am blessed that they've found me. I truly feel that way.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
I pray for motivation, inspiration and creativity a lot, but I am a very motivated person naturally. I am not happy just sitting still. I'm always doing something. If I stop, I fall asleep! :) Having to pay the bills is also a good motivator. I don't want to find another job and even consider day care for my daughter ever again. Create, create, create!

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I didn't quit my day job exclusively for Etsy. I was working for a friend who owns her own business. The business that we thought would grow didn't, so I couldn't work for her any longer. That's when I decided to really put forth an effort with Etsy to make it work.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
I love the Storque. That's another place that I get my motivation from. I can feel the energy and excitement in the writing and photos.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
List and renew.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
That it still exists, first of all. After that, I'd like to sell more every month than I did the year before.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
I know this has been said over and over, and I've said it above, but you have to get out there and be seen. I would highly recommend listing often and even purchasing some showcase spots to get your hearts started. Once someone hearts you, odds are they will check into your store on a regular basis. Keep it exciting, be unique and LOVE what you do.

The most important thing that I've learned is not to freak out if sales are down or slow. I used to beat myself up and cause unwanted and unhealthy stress! What am I doing wrong? What should I change? Not that those aren't good questions to ask yourself from time to time, but be nice to yourself. Odds are if you are loving what you do someone else will to. They do have to find you, though. ;)

Anything else you want to add?
Thank you Etsy! I love you!

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Julie's work and top picks on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: greenbelts

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:46:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories features Shannon of greenbelts. Shannon is best known for her creative skill and talent in upcycling leather belts into new and fabulous dog and cat collars, as well as cuffs and other accessories. She lives and works in Seattle, has been selling on Etsy for almost two years and is quickly approaching 450 sales: now that's a lot of recycling! Find the woman behind the greenbelts curtain in the interview below:

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
Avery, from EmpireEmpire, was my neighbor at one time (he has since moved). He saw some of my dog collars at a neighborhood party and suggested that I open a shop on Etsy. As soon as I visited the site for the first time I knew it was for me. I did a little research and opened a shop soon after that. I received my first sale five days after I opened. Yea!

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Hummm, I wish I knew! I can tell you what I TRY to do. I list and renew often (3 to 6 times a day), I try my best to create unique items, I look up my competition every now and again to make sure that my items are still fresh, new and different, I contact my buyers as soon as I receive an order to thank them and let them know when I will ship the item, I attempt to visit the forums and Storque often to see who's out there and what's happening on Etsy, I visit Alchemy every day to see if I can bid on any requests, and I'm in the process of joining a couple of Teams right now.

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
Word-of-mouth! So far.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders ?
My system is about as simple and archaic as it gets. When an order comes in, I send the buyer a confirmation e-mail right away, I put the item in a box, I print out the receipt and mark the day the package needs to go out. Then on the day that the packages need to go, I get up early, package everything up to go, print out my postage labels, and put them in a bag to go to the post office. I try my best to walk to the post office to deliver my packages so as soon as I receive an order I plan my days that I'll be hoofing it to the PO. I live just inside the industrial area of Seattle so the walk is pretty interesting — miles of planes, trains and automobiles galore!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I would estimate that about half of my business is from repeat buyers. My items aren't for everyone, but for those who do like them, they REALLY seem to like them. I feel the same way about certain Etsy sellers, too. I have many that I'm crazy about right now and can't seem to get enough of their products. I love 'em!

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
My motivation deflates a bit when I'm in a sales slump, but as soon as I get an order I perk right up and it seems to get the juices flowing again. I'm one of those kind of people that thrives on praise and positive reinforcement, unfortunately. My ultimate goal with this business is to create something that I love and that other people will love too. I'm a people pleaser when it comes down to it and I'm ok with that. ;)

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
Right now, I'm a full time stay-at-home mom to my four year old son, Henry. I stopped working as a corporate graphic designer to start a family. Now I have two part-time jobs, freelance graphic design and Greenbelts creator, along with my full-time job as a mama. I used to say that I worked during naps, nights, and weekends, but now that Henry stopped taking naps I squeeze in ANY time that I have to get my other jobs done.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
I love the new "->LAST" button when editing a listing. I'm also obsessed with the Treasury right now. I check it all the time. My heart beats a little faster when I see that glorious little gold star next to a list. Mmmmm. And to see one of my items on the front page, well, it's pure heaven! ;)

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Renew, Add New Item, Forums, Treasury and Convo.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
I hope to still have a 100% satisfaction rating. I would like to double my sales per day average, I'd like to work smarter and faster and I would love to be a Featured Seller on the front page of Etsy.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
1) Check things out. An important thing I learned as a designer is to do a little research. See what others are doing, what are fads, what is successful, what your niche could be, where there is a need, etc. If you would like to "create" as a business, I believe that this background information can help you be successful. With that information you can go creatively wild and find an audience of your own to market your products to.
2) Learn the basics of Photoshop (or another photo editing program). Your product photos will make or break you. Play around with lighting situations, creative cropping, backgrounds, etc. Don't be afraid to try different things — you can always change them. I'm still figuring out my images and change them out all the time when I'm not happy with how many views an item is getting.

What are you thoughts on the environment? Do you have any eco-friendly tips for sellers, or other ways that you try to make your business eco-friendly?
There are so many great green Etsy sellers out there today. I am SO impressed with what people are coming up with to reuse and recycle. I believe being green is not a fad, it's a necessity. I find inspiration from others who are eco-friendly and strive to do my part. My whole business plan revolves around reducing, reusing and reclaiming.

Anything else you want to add?
I stuttered for a time there in the beginning of my business, because I knew what it took to design, develop and upkeep an e-commerce site on your own. I was overwhelmed with the prospect of doing it for myself. Then, along came Etsy — my knight in shining armor. Setting up shop was a dream, upkeeping it — a no-brainer and processing orders is simple. Thanks to Etsy, I can cut up my belts, sift through my buttons, hammer away and, basically, do what I LOVE to do. I can't thank you enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories and check out the Earth Tones series for more eco-friendly stories. See some of Shannon's work and her top picks in the gallery below.

Success Stories: EarthArt

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:33:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories features Laura Sue of EarthArt. Laura Sue lives and works in Tennessee and is best known on Etsy for her success in selling original artworks depicting earthy tones and her signature birds on a wire. She has been selling on Etsy for just under 2 years and is quickly approaching 650 sales in original works. She prides herself on being a full time artist and selling primarily through Etsy: keep reading to find out how she does it.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I first heard about Etsy from a fellow artist at an art show in Nashville. Her description of Etsy prompted me to explore the site and as soon as I did, it was love at first sight! ( I wish that was an intentional pun.) I joined immediately, but took a few weeks to study Etsy and all the nuances of this large pool of talented crafters and artists before I opened my own shop.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
The support of my incredible husband, first and foremost. He's a luthier here on Etsy as well, by the handle of armorguitars – shameless plug. Establishing a style that was recognized — a sense of continuity. Finding that micro niche is difficult because most artists have so many ideas that we tend to want to create a little bit of everything. But if you find something that identifies with many people, it may be that it deserves your attention. I also feel that a high level of communication with your buyers is critical — I acknowledge purchase, send confirmation that art has been shipped and try my best to follow up with a thank you. I also renew and list new works as much as possible to keep visibility.

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
I promote through my customers' positive experiences. I don’t blog and I don’t advertise anywhere else — I truly feel these are both valid advertising tools, but I stay busy with my customers and their referrals. I give my buyers the best I can give — quality of art and non-failing customer service — and I include business cards. This has been very successful for me in return collectors and friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. of my buyers.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Being organized is very difficult for me, but without it, I know I would let someone down at some point. My process is as simple as possible: I utilize a folder system for each category — custom work, sales pending such as e-checks, and sales completed and ready to ship. As soon as I have shipped an order, the sales sheet is moved into a monthly main folder that is only for completed and shipped orders. I also include customer requests made along the way and the date shipped with delivery confirmation for each order stapled together for easy tracking if the mail is running slow for someone.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers...what do you do to gain repeat buyers?
About half and half, and I am so thankful! I treat a buyer like I would like to be treated. I handle a small order in the same way I do a large order. It all comes from the same place.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Staying motivated is fortunately not a problem for me: I view motivation as a continuous goal. When I first began selling on Etsy, if I didn't have a sale in a while it would motivate me to fine tune. When I had begun to hit a steady sales level, I was motivated to establish my reputation. Now that I am at this stage, I am motivated to offer new designs for my customers.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
I am so happy to say Etsy is my full time job now! I still work with a few designers and custom work unrelated to Etsy but the majority of my time is devoted to Etsy and I am on cloud nine about it!

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
Etsy enabled me to concentrate on one online source of sales (just Etsy – yah!) and not worry about galleries and art shows like I did before. I was able to ease my stress of unsecured sales and devote my energy towards Etsy which has proved to be very dependable.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
Conversations – I don't know if that's considered a feature, but without it I don't feel the connection between buyer and seller would be as personal. I do love the LAST feature on listing page, that's a helpful new feature.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Aside from conversations, I utilize renew often.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
I would like to broaden my array of original works to include sculptures that I have been experimenting with and more metal-based art works.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Oh man, this is where my instincts are to hug anyone with a creative spirit when they are feeling discouraged...but to truly help, I would say don't whine. Be proactive instead of reactive emotionally. If you have the goal set as selling your craft full time, treat it as a business. Nobody starts at the top, we all earn our stripes — take a step back and pay attention to what the public reacts to and you will find a happy medium in creating what you love and what will be a source of income.

Anything else you want to add?
I am honored to be a part of Etsy. I believe that Etsy is providing the world with more than accessibility to beautiful hand crafted items; I believe Etsy serves up a slice of hope and promise for those who work with their hands and hearts in a manufactured world.

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Laura Sue's work and some of her top picks in the gallery below.

Etsy Success Stories: pdxbeanies

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:26:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Nili of pdxbeanies. Nili lives and works in Portland, OR and has been selling on Etsy for just over a year and a half. In that time, she has made over 3,100 sales while taking on the challenge and full time job of motherhood to boot! When Nili started selling her crochet items on Etsy for some extra cash here and there, she never dreamed the business would turn into a full time job with the success that it is today. Keep reading to find out how she does it.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I heard about Etsy through a friend who directed me to one of her friend's shops (the fabulous meanbean). From there I just started poking around and finding out how everything worked. I toyed around with the idea of opening a shop for a few months before I actually did. Not expecting too much, I opened my shop on October 7th, 2006 and within 10 minutes I had made my first sale! I was floored and greatly encouraged to keep on listing my work.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
There are certainly a lot of things that are involved in becoming a “successful” seller here on Etsy, and I probably couldn't narrow it down to one key thing... But to name a few: working hard to develop a great product, having eye-catching photos, listing often and providing fantastic customer service (even to the most difficult customer! Remember, the most difficult customers will probably be the most vocal about their experience to others. If it's a good one they will certainly point others your direction).

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
Listing frequently has certainly been an easy and effective way for me to promote. Also, opening a Flickr account has brought in a lot of business. I have to admit that I don't spend a lot of time trying to promote my shop. Instead, I use the majority of my time developing a great product that will promote itself. I have lots of people find me just by word of mouth. Also, I've been fortunate enough to be featured in Parents magazine, Interweave Crochet Magazine and in several popular blogs. If you work hard to develop a fantastic product other people will want to talk about it for you.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Sometimes I have no idea how I'm able to handle so many sales! I'll look back on the past week of orders and I can't believe I got them all shipped out. But somehow it always gets done.

Here is a day in the life of a Pdxbeanies order: I have a chime on my email (oh, what a happy sound!), so I usually know right when an order comes in. I read it immediately and address any questions or comments in the “message to the seller” section. Then the transaction email will sit in my inbox, usually until the next morning when I print out packing slips for the previous day's orders. After printing the packing slip I move the transaction email to its appropriate folder, “to be shipped” or “waiting for payment." That way I know that all the orders have been processed when my inbox is empty. I then use the packing slips as a reference to collect or make-to-order all the products that were purchased. Once all the orders are assembled I log on to Paypal and use the handy-dandy “Multi-Order Shipping” tool and print out my shipping labels. Then I slap the label on the package and take a trip to the closest mailbox! After the order is shipped out I move the transaction email from the “to be shipped” folder to the “filled orders” folder in my email. I also go into my sold items on Etsy and check the “shipped” box next to the order. Doing these last two things is part of my “no order to be left behind” act to help ensure that I don't miss anything.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I get lots of both new and repeat buyers. It is very rewarding to know that someone liked your product so much that they came back to buy more. To gain repeat buyers I try to give fantastic customer service and to make sure that everything I send out is made and packaged well.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Staying motivated does come somewhat naturally to me, I think. I really love what I make and I love the idea of selling what I've made. I have fond childhood memories of setting up bake sales or lemonade stands in my family's driveway and selling to all the neighborhood kids. Now Etsy is my virtual lemonade stand! I do find, however, that I stay the most motivated when sales are coming in consistently. If I'm having a slow day I'll find myself sitting at the computer all day waiting for the email to chime when I should be working on filling yesterday's orders. It's in those times that I have to remind myself that I'm doing what I've always wanted to do and that people are counting on me to get their orders out. That always gives me the motivation to keep going.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
I am a stay-at-home mom and “Etsy” every spare second...I think that counts as at least 2 full-time jobs. :)

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
Being able to stay home to raise my children has always been very important to me. My husband and I decided that we would make the necessary sacrifices to allow me to quit my job after I got pregnant. After our daughter was born I started thinking about ways that I could make a little money from home to supplement my husband's income. I had been crocheting since I was a kid and thought that this might be a skill I could use to make a few dollars here and there. At that time I had no idea how large the business would become. Now, the Portland Beanie Company provides a full second income for our household and I am still able to be a full-time mommy. The best of both worlds. Thank you, Etsy!

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
The new batch shipping editor has rocked my world! I had been dreaming of that exact thing for so long and now that it is finally here I can hardly believe it!

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Probably the “renew” or “re-list” feature. I also love checking out the front page. I don't have time to browse the Treasury as much as I'd like so I really enjoy seeing the beautiful picks on the front page several times a day.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
Well, I hope to still have my sanity... although that may be long gone by now. :o) Other than that, I'd like to still have 100% positive feedback, to have developed my photography skills a bit more (which includes getting a better camera), and to continue to love what I do.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Selling on Etsy takes a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication. It is not for the faint of heart! Be willing to go without sleep. Don't get discouraged easily. Be flexible.

What are you thoughts on the environment? Do you have any eco-friendly tips for sellers, or other ways that you try to make your business eco-friendly?
Being a good steward of this earth is very important to me and I am excited to be part of this "handmade" movement, since Etsy is so committed to doing its part to to reduce the global footprint as much as possible. The first thing that I do to make my business more eco-friendly is that I only use cotton yarn for my products. Acrylic yarn is cheaper, but it is man-made and is not the best choice for the enviroment. Also, all my yarn is produced either in the USA or in Canada which cuts down on the pollution made by trucks or planes transporting the yarn long distances. At some point in the future I would love to start making products using organic cotton yarn as well. I am still searching for the "perfect" yarn for this. The other thing I try to be aware if is the amount of packing materials I use. After my business was up and running I started looking at how much packing material was really necessary for my beanies to arrive at their destinations in good condition. I found that I was able to cut back quite a bit. That also helped with my packing supplies and postage budget.

Anything else you want to add?
Thank you to all the Etsy sellers, buyers and admin who make this such a wonderful place to work and play. It is truly a joy being here and I plan on being in it for the long haul!

Please enjoy this recipe for my World Famous Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: (okay, maybe not “world famous” but they're really yummy!)

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 large apple, cored and diced

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat margarine and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and mix well. Add oats and apples and mix well. Drop dough in LARGE spoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool and enjoy! Makes about 2 dozen large cookies.

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Nili's work and her top picks in the gallery below.

Etsy Success Stories: littleputbooks

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:22:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Ryan of littleputbooks. Ryan lives in Portland, OR and in little under 2 years of selling on Etsy, she is quickly approaching 8,000 sales! It all started for Ryan with her passion for paper and the making of her accordian books back in 2001 (this predates Etsy's existence)! Back in September, Ryan authored an article for the Storque outlining how she was able to quit her day job and continues to outline how it can be done in the article below.

How did you hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I heard about it through a retail shop I was selling to in Portland. The owner told me she found a lot of her merchandise on Etsy. I signed up and started listing items that day, without really looking at the site. It took me a month to click the “see who hearts this shop link” and I found it just in time; Etsy was very slow at first and I was about to quit but then I saw that 13 people had me in their favorites and I got all excited and stayed.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
I put in a lot of time here. I list frequently throughout the day, when I don’t have new items to list I renew them. I enjoy the forums and spend time there when I can. I also work a lot on my photography, good pictures go very far online. Aside from that I think my price point has helped a lot with the volume of sales and I have really good customer service ethics; word of mouth about my work has been kind to me :)

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
Listing and renewing brings in the most daily business, being seen on Etsy is key, most of my customers find me here. When things are slow, I’ve been known to talk about my work on CraigsList and I’ve invested in blog advertisements. I also write my own blog Littleput.typepad.com which may or may not be a great marketing tool but I love doing it.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Shipping is still kind of chaotic, especially when people need changes and such, but I have a system that seems to work. First, I try really hard not to sell things I need to make; having the items in hand when it is time to mail them is pretty important. Second, I always ship twice a week, this ensures I get enough studio time but still keep my orders moving out quickly. When it is time to mail, I print out the receipts for each order. If I am somewhat organized that week, I tag my conversations so I can keep track of special requests; then I write down any notes on the receipts while I am printing them. I no longer use Paypal shipping; it is too slow. I use a paid shipping service called Endicia which is 10 times faster and prints cute little labels with a photo of my work on them. I mark each item as shipped as I print the label and send my customers an email letting them know their package is on its way. I also make sure to get everything packed up before the mailman arrives so I don’t have to go to the post office; on the days that I miss him I pout a lot. During the busy seasons I hire help too. (Hi Becky, Hi Lea!) They take over shipping for me so I can keep up with making stuff, convos, emails and general shop stuff.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers...what do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I’d say a good percentage of my buyers come back, easily more than half. I have really stellar customer service policies; I do what I can to make sure people shopping with me are glad they did. I also send out a cute package, I have little stars and a handwritten thank you note that go out with every order. I think a lot of online shoppers are not used to the personal touch, they respond really well to thoughtful packaging.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
I am pretty driven to do well. I like the feel of making a sale (don’t we all?).
I also really enjoy creating. I love having new lines and new prints and new ideas, the fact that I get to play creative all day is great motivation in itself, it is pretty hard to not want my job.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
I “Etsy”, “Wholesale” and “Mom” full time. My wholesale business has picked up a lot of steam since joining here, it is a real benefit to have such wide spread exposure. I’d say I make pretty good use of my time, though sometimes it is hard to balance work with my family life, one is always interrupting the other.

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I was a struggling crafter when I joined Etsy. Selling here allowed me to move out of the rainy Portland Craft circuit and into a more full time job; now I can sell things 24 hours a day instead of just on the weekends. Etsy has taken my “almost a job” craft gig and turned it into a real business, which is weird, but good, but still, weird.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
Pounce. Pounce. Pounce. Pounce. Pounce. It’s so fun to shop through Pounce!

What features do you use most on Etsy?
I spend a lot of time in the forums and try to catch an occasional treasury, they are so much fun to make. Of course the list/relist/renew features are ones that make my shop go :).

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
Wow, goals for my shop… I am working on a new line of pendants with lots of shiny metal in them. It would be really fun to have those be perfected and selling well by this time next year.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged?
Etsy success doesn’t happen overnight. If you truly love what you are doing your enthusiasm will be contagious, and other people will love it too. As long as you feel giddy every time you set down to make stuff, keep at it, at the very least you will be using your time doing something that makes you happy.

Anything else you want to add?
Hi Mom :)

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Ryan's top picks on Etsy in the gallery below, as well as a couple examples of her work:

Etsy Success Stories: Moop

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:37:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Wendy of Moop. Wendy has been designing, making, and selling her bags on Etsy for just over a year and has made close to 1,000 sales: that's a lot of work, if you ask me! Keep reading to find out just how Wendy does it:

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
Last February, Jamie, my sister-in-law, came for a visit. She saw I was making all sorts of sewn things and told me that I needed to set up a shop on Etsy. As soon as she left, I looked into it, took her advice and immediately set up my shop. The past year I’ve been trying to return the favor and she’s now finally set up her shop — pghtravelagency.etsy.com.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Fundamentally, the most important thing is a well designed and well made product. The process of making each bag individually by hand myself has allowed me to engage in a continual process of development. It's exciting for me to look at some of the first bags I made and see where I am now. I’ve received some great emails from people telling me how they’ve followed Moop from its inception, watched all of the variations of the bags, the improvement in craft, the progression of photos and our story through the Moop blog. I love that many of my customers have taken the same interest in Moop that I have.

It is very important to have clear and accurate descriptions (give as much information as possible in each listing) and VERY good photos! Correspondence with the customer is very important — I want to bring my customers into the process. Consider all of the things that go into making your products when you are pricing and remember that what you are doing is unique and has value.

For example, when I am pricing my products it is necessary for me to consider all of the countless hours spent sourcing material and supplies, answering emails, doing the bookkeeping, designing new products, advertising and marketing, cleaning the studio, packaging the orders, maintaining and buying tools and equipment, paying the rent and utilities of the studio, etc... On top of this, as a small designer/producer, you aren’t able to buy materials in quantities large enough to get the wholesale prices that the large manufacturer gets and production is centered around your own individual labor, not that of an unfairly treated labor force. It is important to educate consumers to what this process really involves — shopping on Etsy is about celebrating handmade and supporting those who have taken the time to hone their skills and invest in themselves. There’s an authenticity that you find in many shops on Etsy. Be original, love what you do and take good photographs!!!

What are the best and most effective ways you have promoted your shop?
I think there are two ways to promote your shop. The first more obvious way is to place advertisements. I have run successful ads for my shop on a few of my favorite blogs. I find this to be an appropriate and fitting way to spread the word about Moop. The ads give a bit of revenue to those who write the blogs and make it possible for them to be able to devote more time to what they do. This is a great way use the internet to build and support communities who share similar interests in independent design, independent business and handmade.

The second and less obvious way is to place as much focus as possible on the quality of the products you are making and selling and on their online representation. These things coupled together will be noticed. Customers will tell their friends, buy gifts for family, make postings on their blogs, etc... Viral marketing can be the best marketing. I also write a blog about my own daily goings on and have used it as a way to chronicle the building of Moop into what it is now. This has been an effective way to bring people into my process.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
The managing of orders takes a huge amount of time and organization. With every order received, the customer and sales information is entered into Quickbooks. From there I generate reports that let me know the number and type of bags that I need to make. I generally begin my week with one of these reports and plan accordingly. I find it very helpful to organize the workload into categories. For example, I usually spend a lot of Monday cutting fabric for the bags that need to be sewn during the week. Tuesday through Thursday have become very solid sewing days. A lot of my packaging and shipping (I’ve been using Endicia to do this) happens on Friday. Weekends are used for various things, such as working on new designs, corresponding with my customers, researching fabric and hardware suppliers, tying up loose ends and finishing things that I couldn’t complete during the week, etc... I’ve found that it is very important to plan to allocate time for the unexpected — there are many variables that are beyond your control and things will always come up. On top of all of that, it's important to find some time for yourself, which is necessary to avoid burn out!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
The majority are new buyers. But, there are several people out there who own every style of bag I have made. I love to think of little Moop collections all over the world. Selling a bag to a repeat buyer is one of the most gratifying experiences because it means that their previous experience was positive enough for them to want to purchase again!

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Motivation is easy when you know what you want to be doing and what you do not want to be doing. I get to work on my own terms, doing something I love, putting to use everything I’ve learned over the years. Every job I’ve had has come back in some useful way since I started Moop. I hated working in an office, but I do a lot of office work now. It’s a completely different feeling when it’s directly related to your own livelihood. I work all the time, and I’ve never loved it more. That’s not to say I don’t have motivation issues upon occasion (I’m not a robot). If I’m having a hard time getting started it’s usually a sign of not taking enough time for myself. One of the great things about working for myself is having the flexibility to take an extra half hour with my cup of coffee in the morning, if I need to.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
Yes, I run Moop full time (times 5)! I started Moop on Etsy and over the course of the year my business has grown substantially. Etsy has provided an amazing place for me to figure out what Moop is and will be. I was able to quit my job last October and it was the best feeling in the world! I have never worked harder on anything. It really is a 7 day a week operation.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
The bulk shipping adjustment button. I recently switched all of my international shipping rates to provide better, more reliable shipping and I did it all in just a few clicks. I was pleasantly surprised to see that feature had been added.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
The green “add to cart” button. I have a problem visiting Vegan Honey’s shop...those fauxstess twinkies are a seriously good indulgence.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
I’m working towards expanding my market and want to offer a wider range of bags and materials. I also hope to get to the point where I can begin to offer wholesale. I regularly receive requests and would love to be able to add that in. But, there are only so many bags I can sew....so for now, direct sale only.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
It takes time and patience to build up a customer base. Do what you do and do it better than anyone else. Don’t spend too much time focusing on what other shops are doing, your time is better spent improving what you already make. There is room for improvement in everything! Post items often, take good photographs and have clear descriptions. If you want to have a successful Etsy shop, then put your energy into making your Etsy shop. Nothing does itself.

Anything else you want to add?
P.S. There will be plenty of time for sleeping when you’re old.
P.P.S. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in making Moop what it has become!

Read our previous Etsy Success Stories. See some of Moop's top picks on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: AllysonHill

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:59:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Allyson of AllysonHill. Allyson is a 29 year old mother form upstate New York working on a degree in woodworking and furniture design from the School for American Crafts. She proclaims to love her son much more than her sewing machine (to which he apparently drops his jaw at the thought of that much love). She is famous on Etsy for her signature car litter bags (I use my own every single day) and in little over two years of selling on Etsy has made more than 2,700 sales! She runs a tight ship and was very generous to share her story of success with us.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I first heard about Etsy through the Indie Collective back in 2006. At the time I was selling on eBay and was exhausted from a combination of high fees and the bargain-hunting outlook. I was searching the internet in hopes of figuring out whether I could ever make a living off my handmades. I was searching for other people, success stories, anything to give me some direction and hope. When I found Etsy, I figured I'd give it a try. The fees were so low, what did I have to lose?

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Before opening up a shop, I did spend hours on Etsy doing some market research. I wanted to see if there were other people selling the same products that I was planning to sell. If so, what price were they selling them for and were they selling any at all? To my excitement, I found that I would be introducing some new products to Etsy. Some other important factors were listing frequently and occasionally creating items that I could list in other categories to attract different people. When I first started on Etsy, my photos were HORRIBLE but I still made sales! I do believe that improving my photos has helped increase my sales. I also think it's good to keep shipping prices as low as possible. I think it's better to mark up the product a smidge than the shipping.

How do you promote your shop?
I promote my shop by listing frequently, listing in other categories when possible, and by blogging. I wouldn't say that I purposely promote my shop to my fellow bloggers or blog readers. I actually get really shy about mentioning new additions to my shop. My goal through blogging is to share my life, to find inspiration, to encourage others and to feel connected to other artsy-crafty people. Blogging does end up promoting my shop because it helps people find me through internet searches. Whether they are searching for me or for something I've blogged about, it's a way to allow people to stumble upon me.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
As soon as I get sold transaction e-mail I flag it for follow-up, both the Etsy and the Paypal e-mails. That way I'm sure nobody is ever missed. Then I fill the info onto my clipboard. I love using a clipboard. Not only do I feel smart and important, but I can travel from computer to sewing table to packaging table with all my important information. On the very left I put a check-mark to indicate that I've contacted the customer and gave my thanks. If the customer paid with an e-check I also write EC next to the checkmark. That way I can quickly find the transaction details when the EC clears. Then I fill in what was ordered. If their Paypal name is different from their Etsy name I indicate it in the next box. Then I put their Etsy name and then their Etsy username. Next I check whether they needed a gift tag or baggies on a roll (for the litter bags). The most important box is where I indicate whether or not their Paypal address is the same as their Etsy address. If their address is the same, but the name just needs to be changed, I write CNY (Change Name but Yes the address is correct). After that, I write in how many ounces/lbs the package weighs. Then I'm set to go to the computer and use Paypal's Multi-order Shipping. I have all the information needed right on my clipboard, no going back and forth from e-mail to e-mail. I also recently made the best purchase ever, adhesive shipping labels which work perfectly for Paypal labels (eBay keywords — shipping labels paypal). One main bonus to shipping through Paypal is that customers get an automated e-mail with a delivery confirmation number. This gives a sense of security to both the customer and myself. Well worth it!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I would say most orders are from new buyers, though I do get a lot of repeat buyers. To gain repeat buyers, I communicate with the buyer as soon as I can to say thank you and to tell them when their package will ship. I also make sure they know that they can contact me if there are any problems with their orders. I try to ship things out as quickly as I can. I've recently been trying to take Saturdays off from the post office, but I'm so eager to get packages out that it's very, very hard for me to make my customers wait until Monday. I'm working on feeling ok about this. : ) I also make sure to add in a tiny thank you treat with each package. Something besides a business card or a coupon. Other than that, I just hope that they will be happy with their purchase.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
I stay motivated by setting goals for my business. I love the process of improvement and I'm always thinking about how I can operate more efficiently and grow. It can be hard to get motivated sometimes though, especially working from home. I always make sure to shower, get dressed and put shoes on before I start working each day. Ideally I like to get a little exercise before the shower, too.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too? If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I Etsy Full Time! That's the other way I stay motivated. I'm very determined to keep my dream going. Before Etsy, I was working from home as a medical transcriptionist. I quickly got certified for that job when I became a single mother. I did Etsy on the side until I started selling enough that I knew I had to make the leap and go full-time. I explained my plan to my boss and she said if it didn't work out that I was welcome back. Thankfully, that wasn't necessary.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
My current favorite Etsy feature is the "Last" button that has been recently added while in edit mode.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
I use the "Relist" feature the most, if that's even considered a feature?

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
I'd love to still have 100% positive feedback, but that might be hard to accomplish! Other than that, I just hope to be going strong with sales.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Advice to a new seller would be not to expect overnight success. I remember at one point feeling frustrated with lack of sales until it struck me that I was being impatient and expecting everything to work out right away. If sales aren't coming for you, it's time to reevaluate your products. Try your products in different colors or fabric choices before giving up on it. Make your photos interesting. If that still doesn't work, then start adding some new items to your shop. Find a hole. Figure out what's missing on Etsy and make it. Make sure you are listing frequently. If you have a wide variety of items in your shop, I recommend giving your shop an organized look by keeping photos consistent. If you have a lot of pages, keeping photos consistent will make it less exhausting for customers to browse your store. People don't always want to use categories. So you want your customer to be able to easily identify what they're looking at. If they have a particular product they're interested in, you want them to be able to quickly skim your images to find more of the same product but in different colors/fabrics. For example, keeping all wallets photographed at the same angle will allow them to quickly scan for more wallets, etc. Or, it will allow them to quickly dismiss wallets because that's not what they're looking for.

If this is your dream, then keep working at it and don't give up!

See some of Allyson's top picks on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: AliciaBock

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:15:00 -0000

This week's installment of our Etsy Success Stories series features Alicia of AliciaBock. Alicia is a photographer living between Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan who has made an astounding 1,800 sales in little under 2 1/2 years selling on Etsy! She is a completely self taught photographer who is often times inspired by her children and her surroundings. Keep reading to dive into the magical world that is AliciaBock.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I discovered Etsy over two years ago while up late reading some "work at home mom" forum. Someone brought up Etsy as a new site to sell handmade, so I clicked right over to check things out. I was immediately drawn to the clean, crisp design of the site. There were already some artists here that I really admired. Plus, I opened my shop for about $5. That's just about the best deal I ever heard of. And, probably one of the best business decisions I've made.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Great quality, word of mouth, and flexibility have been the most help to me. I am always happy to work with my customers to get them what they want, like different sizes for photographs, or adding a special note for orders that are gifts.
My packaging will not win me any awards for beauty, but I do feel it is so important to use recycled packaging, and would feel guilty if I didn't. Plus, it keeps my shipping prices low. I also stay true to myself with my body of work, meaning that I only sell photographs of places and things that I really love. They are all a reflection of me.

How do you promote your shop?
I try to update my blog several times a week, as well as sharing all of my new images on Flickr. I have also been really lucky to have been supported by wonderful sites like Decor8, and Oh Joy. And, in publications like People Magazine. A few times a year I advertise online, and participate in events like the PoppyTalk Handmade Market.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Handling my orders hasn't been a problem, but handling my kids while I try to ship them can be a challenge as they are so eager to help. I use the Paypal MultiOrder shipping tool, and print labels after each photograph is packaged. I have a nice mail carrier who is used to taking my packages when she brings my mail, so this cuts down on time spent in line at the post office.

My orders with matting I usually do once or twice a week because I don't like the kids around while I am matting, so I make a little assembly line while my husband takes them out for pizza. When I am out taking photographs it is a whole family affair, and we plan vacations or weekend camping trips around places I want to photograph.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
Most are new, but I do have quite a few repeat buyers, especially during the holidays. I think having photographs that work well as sets, or collections is my best asset, as well as using only the highest quality paper and ink. You can feel that it is a well-made product that will last a lifetime.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
I have so many more ideas than I have time right now, and thousands of photographs I have taken but never looked at yet. The world around me really inspires me, and when I am with my kids I get to see everything new again through their eyes. Also, I know I have customers who are looking to see what is fresh in my shop. I want them to stop by and be excited by new images.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
I am a photographer full time, so between maintaining my Etsy shop and other websites, and galleries I sell in, it is a full time job. Occasionally, I will take on a portrait session too, just to push myself out of my comfort zone. But, selling my photographs as fine art is really my first love, and I am always happiest when it is keeping me busy.

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I quit my job years ago when my first child was born, but Etsy has been a big factor in allowing me to stay at home with my kids, and for that I am extremely grateful.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
I love the ever-changing front page. I discover most of my new favorite items that way. I also like the Shop Local feature because running a business on your own can be lonely, but I am always encouraged to see what lovely items can be found right around me from people working at home, just like me.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
I like to drop in on the Forums a few times a day, and always read the new Storque articles.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
I am very hopeful for the next year, and have plans for lots of new photographs, and a book of my work.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged?
I do get a lot of emails and comments regarding this question. Most people say "it looks like you are doing so well here, what's your secret?" I think a positive attitude goes a long way. If this is your dream don't give up. Yes, I am thrilled with my sales on Etsy, but they didn't just magically appear. This is my fourth year selling my work. It seems common for new shops (especially in the forums) to compare themselves to other new shops, but it really isn't fair to yourself. You don't know their backgrounds, maybe they have been selling elsewhere for years, and have a built in client base from previous experiences. We don't all come into this at equal places, but we can all do our best to make sure we are successful.

My best and really all encompassing advice is work hard. I work harder at this than I have ever worked on any job where I worked for someone else, and I think most people who are self-employed will tell you the same. And, though it may be slow to start, you will see your efforts pay off. Make a business plan, read books about running a business. Treat your Etsy shop just as you would a brick and mortar shop. Know who your target market is, so that you can effectively advertise.
And, when you have done all of those things that a business is supposed to do...do them again, and again, and again, and never stop. It seems like a lot, but really this has been the most fun I have ever had.

Anything else you want to add?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I think Etsy is filling a void that existed for artists for a long time.

See the previous posts in this Etsy Success Stories series. Check out some of AliciaBock's favorites on Etsy in the related items below:

Etsy Success Stories: Soap

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:52:00 -0000

This week's installment features the success of Hiromi, the one woman wonder behind Soap. Hiromi has been selling her soaps on Etsy for just under two and a half years and has made well over 2,700 sales in that brief time. She dwells in San Francisco and has a rich personal history in the creative field; since she was young, Hiromi has always had a passion for making. Her soap business was born due to a desire to create products for those with sensitive skin (like hers!), and the rest is history! Keep reading to find out just how she does it:

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I heard from another artist about Etsy shortly after it launched. A few months later I had a little more time, took a look around, fell in love with the sellers and features and signed up.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
Other than my engaging personality? ;) Probably a combination of factors. First, my customers! Also, I'd like to think my confidence in and enthusiasm for my creations is infectious. I try to make quality products that reflect my tastes and focus on their positive aspects without resorting to hyperbole when marketing (unless I use a winky to denote I'm just joking). I try to provide as much detail as possible via photographs and descriptions, because a possible customer can't touch, see or smell my items in person. Give people a good idea of what they should expect. Having a consistent record of happy customers probably further instills confidence in me as a professional seller. Ultimately I try to keep my customers happy with my products and my service so they come back or refer others. I also list frequently and am active in the Etsy community.

How do you promote your shop? Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I get orders from both new and repeat customers. I'd like to think customers return to my shop because they like my products and get a sense I am obsessive about providing consistently nice products and customer service. At various times, I've paid for advertising on Etsy, beauty sites, blogs, and participated in goody boxes. I've joined a few groups like Ning, We Love Etsy and the Green and Clean Guild (EGCG) and participate in an occasional show. While I wait for Etsy's launch of a Scent-O-Matic-Magic-Button for the site, I continue to hand out lots of business cards and send samples with orders and rely a lot on referrals from happy customers and Etsy.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Something I carried over from real life: I write a list of tasks I need to do and try to establish a routine for more mundane tasks as much as possible. For Etsy orders, I set up my email to route orders automatically to their own files, I try to print daily orders and labels at one sitting and put them in a huge box so I don't accidentally lose them, affix shipping labels to the envelopes/boxes at one sitting, check address labels against Etsy order addresses, make one daily run to the post office, leave feedback in batches, etc. I use the USPS notification system to receive an automated email when any label is scanned. During the holiday season, it helped that I was conditioned at some point to work long stretches with little sleep. Caffeine, sugar and lots of breaks also help.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
My Etsy customers! I have *met* some of the nicest people here. How can I not be motivated when one of my customers bakes and sends me cookies? Or when someone tells me showering is the best part of the day? Or when someone tells me her child loves to take a bath now? It also helps that I love what I do and tend to be obsessive about everything I enjoy. Besides, I'm a workaholic by nature. I'm enthused as long as I'm entertained and I'm capable of almost endless self-entertainment, so it all works out. I'm more likely to completely work myself to exhaustion than losing motivation.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature? What features do you use most on Etsy?
As a seller, my fave features are the "shipped" check-box on my sold page and the shopping cart that was rolled out in v2. I also like the relist function, especially with the new "last" button, the shipping profiles and the "sold page." My fave feature for buying is the scrolling Time Machine 2 showing newly-listed items. I also like Favorites. I used to view and create Treasury lists more often — some of the curators make the Treasury lists look like works of art. I've bought a few things from those lists.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?
My business is at the stage where I have to consider more seriously moving it into larger space and maybe delegating some mundane aspects such as ordering and receiving supplies, shipping and administration so I can free up more time to create. I plan to grow my wholesale business even more this year. I also plan to introduce some new product lines, formulations and scent blends I've been working on for a while. Super YAY! And watch for a revamp in packaging. Otherwise, I try to take it day by day, remain flexible and do occasional mental yoga.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Do not get discouraged easily! It's not an easy balance, but I think honest, objective self-evaluation, developing your own unique "voice" (style and products), hard work and maintaining your integrity are keys. Quick tips? As clichéd as it sounds, a business usually doesn't pop out of the Etsy ground, fully-grown, overnight, so don't beat yourself up if you don't sell right away, especially if you're in a huge category like jewelry. Take ownership, deal/correct and learn from mistakes, but don't dwell. Move on and try not to repeat. Everyone makes mistakes, the difference is how they are handled. Gain exposure by listing as often as you can afford, participating in contests, donating pieces for giveaways, go to in-person shows to the extent you can. Work on improving photographs and descriptions (think about what makes you want to buy something when you see it in a catalog). Participate in the Etsy community on the Forum threads (Saturday Night Specials, Teams, etc), in groups like WeLoveEtsy.com and Ning.

Anything else you want to add?
Buy Soap. I've heard it can be a chick/guy attractant. Soap loves being in the shower with you! Thanks for featuring me – sorry for the length!

See all posts in our Etsy Success Stories Series. Check out some of Hiromi's favorites on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: oneluckybaby

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:39:00 -0000

This week's installment features the success of Erin, the baker behind oneluckybaby. Erin has been selling for over 2 years on Etsy and is nearing sale number 1000 any day now! She began the company in Florida back in 2004 with just her sewing machine and trendy fabrics just after her baby was born. Keep reading to find out the story behind her success:

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I found Etsy searching the web for a place to sell my things. It was just a few months after Etsy got started and it was perfect! So I set up shop and within the first day, I sold something. I’ve been insanely addicted ever since.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
New fabrics and new pieces are extremely important, but finding my own photo style and presentation really helped. Also, customer service is key! I try my darndest to keep my fabulous customers happy, happy, happy! I strive for high quality and quick shipping.

I have been really lucky. Customers find me through word of mouth. But I have a big mouth and love talking about Etsy to friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. My amazing postman knows about Etsy. OneLuckyBaby was also mentioned in Southern Living Magazine, Apartment Therapy and some fantastic blogs. Sweet!

How do you promote your shop?
I don’t really do a lot of promoting on Etsy (besides frequent listing, new items and all that good stuff), but I am part of Etsy Kids!

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop?
I try to stay organized. It’s an uphill battle, really. Over the holidays I traded fabric for ironing and pinning help from my friend at choppinbroccoli.etsy.com.

What systems have you created to manage the orders?
I usually create to order, but most of my fabrics are already cut, pre-washed and ready to be assembled. If I feel like I’m getting ahead of my orders, I use the time to create a bit of inventory or make something new. All my mailing and packing supplies are somewhat in order and I try to use an assembly line to wrap, create notes, package and ship.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
I’d say about a quarter of sales are from repeat customers. I think customer service is really, really important. There are so many talented crafters and artists out there, that it’s difficult to stand out. So I just do what I would like: thoughtful packaging (everyone loves opening up presents!), quick shipping, and ALWAYS handwriting a note!

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Coffee. Seriously, I love creating things. I love finding amazing fabric. I am inspired by other crafters and artists. And, it makes me happy to have something that it just me.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
Etsy is huge part of my life! I spend many hours a week on it. But my full time job is a stay at home mom to two fabulous kids. I am also part of a local co-op called Cottage Industry.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
I LOVE hearts! Hearting a shop, hearting an item, having someone heart my shop, hearting a shop and then hearting their hearts. It’s like a huge maze. Love really makes the Etsy world go round.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
Relist. Relist. Relist. It's easier to relist something and change the photos out too, if it's similar. It saves time typing in all the tags.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
Expand my online products. Really do something cool with all my vintage fabric.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged?
Do what moves you and stick with it. Reach out to the Etsy community for advice and help. Etsy is like free therapy. Really! Also, promote yourself outside of Etsy too. And, above all, be happy creating.

Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
I relist as soon as I sell an item. When uploading new items, I try and hold out for certain times. It seems that there’s more traffic on Thursday nights and Sundays. It’s my own mathematical equation. Untested, of course.

Anything else you want to add?
Could I please work for Etsy? I love it.

See all our posts in the Etsy Success Stories series. Check out some of OneLuckyBaby's very favorite items on Etsy in the gallery below:

Etsy Success Stories: FatDaddyBakeShop

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:12:00 -0000

This week's installment features the success of Nicole, the baker behind FatDaddyBakeShop!

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
I first heard about Etsy from a good friend of mine who has a store on Etsy, TracyJoy. Etsy provided a great place for me to "test the market" without spending a small fortune. I had no idea if my cupcakes would actually appeal to people outside my friends and family. (good thing she tested us out, right?)

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?

I believe my success on Etsy is due to the incredible customers and other Etsy storeowners. The Etsy community really gets the word out and supports one another. I also suggest posting as much and as often as you possibly can. Keeping your products in front of your audience is key. Most importantly though, is that I truly love what I do, and I refuse to compromise when it comes to the ingredients I use and the customer service I provide. I treat each customer as if they were my only customer, I try to make everyone happy in any way that I can.

How do you promote your shop?
I really haven't done any promo work, other than trying to make my Etsy store fun and engaging. Most of my business comes from word of mouth and repeat customers. There have also been several people that were kind enough to add Fat Daddy Bake Shop to their blogs. This has really generated a lot of interest in Fat Daddy.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Scaling the business is an ongoing process. Every time I think I've got it down pat, we get another growth spurt, and have to change pieces of the process. I know that as long as we continue to grow we'll need to continually review how we manage the order process. Bottom line, I couldn't do it without the support of my friends, my family and especially the original Fat Daddy, my husband!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?
Both! Etsy is like any other business, provide a great product and top notch customer service and your customers will come back.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
This is a great question. Sometimes it gets tough to stay motivated. The holiday rush put a strain on everything we do, but you work through it and the sense of accomplishment is worth every bit of the occasional strain. What comes naturally is that I absolutely LOVE to bake, and sharing that passion with my customers, well it's just a great feeling.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
All Etsy, all the time :-)

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
I was a stay at home mom and although I bake away from home now, I am able to make my own hours, which is a blessing and a curse at the same time. With the incredible amount of business we're doing I spend an average of 12-16 hours a day baking, plus 2-3 hours online answering convos and maintaining my shop. It’s a large load to handle but I love every minute! I’ve been known to get up at 3am to start baking so I can make sure I’m home in time for dinner. It still blows my mind that less than seven months ago I started selling on Etsy as just a way to make some extra money and now have stumbled upon an amazing idea and business that has just exploded!

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
If I had to pick just one feature it would be the the convos. They let me get to know my customers before, during and after the sale. It gives me a chance to interact with each of my customers, unlike a standard Internet storefront. I've made have great customers and made even greater friends on Etsy.

What features do you use most on Etsy?
The relist button..oh how I love that feature!!!

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
One day at a time. Each month is a new surprise.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged? Do you have a quick tip or trick that you have learned over time you would be willing to share?
Interact with the Etsy Community. This really is a great group of people that shop here or have stores with Etsy. Everyone is so supportive.

Anything else you want to add?
It's a reoccurring theme throughout this whole article: friends, family, customers and community. Without any one of these, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to have had this conversation.

Check out some of Nicole's favorites on Etsy in the Gallery below: