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 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: