The Etsy dream
Ah Etsy – the promised land for dreamers, artists, crafters and creators. The platform where dreams can materialise into tangible success. Talented knitters, painters, bakers, wood workers, designers, stay-at-home mums, fresh graduates: the Etsy dream is a universal pursuit. Wouldn’t we all want to make a living out of our passion? Discover the pathway with these essential tips for selling on Etsy.
As you can imagine, the reality is not as simple as setting up shop and expecting the sales to roll in effortlessly. Besides, making a living from anything requires more than just talent; it demands strategy, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. Nevertheless, Etsy, in my opinion, does stands out as an excellent platform for those venturing into the world of handmade creations. It provides a space where creativity is celebrated, and individuality is embraced.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend products and services I love.
Tips for selling on Etsy – my own experience
I have been part of the Etsy landscape for eight years. I’ve encountered the highs, lows, and the invaluable lessons that come with the territory.
I got started on my Etsy journey with a shop selling hand-crafted intricate book miniatures. It was a passion born out of my love for all things tiny and the therapeutic joy of crafting. Through this first shop, I gained invaluable insights into time management, pricing strategies, efficient shipping, and the importance of a well-organised workspace.
Expanding into printables
Just over a year into the Etsy game I started a second shop, this time designing printable invitation templates. I adore cute graphics and happy occasions and creating printable decor and invitation suites brings me immense joy.
My second shop provided a crash course in navigating a reeeeeally saturated market, the art of generating passive income, and the significance of continuous education and investment in skill enhancement.
I found my happy place in Domestika, a really inexpensive platform offering creative courses across many disciplines. During the lockdowns era, I put myself to work and picked up a few new skills for approximately £10 per full course. The circumstance was ideal: an introvert, always looking to learn something new, pre babies.
A few of my recommended courses on Domestika:
- Product Photography for Jewelry and Small Objects
- Adobe Photoshop for Illustration
- Invitation Design for Events
These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of the Etsy platform. They have also offered valuable insights into both the handmade and digital realms, providing a well-rounded perspective. Ready to delve into the world of Etsy? Uncover essential tips for successful selling on this dynamic platform.”
For the past eight years, my Etsy shops have been more than just a creative outlet – they’ve been a source of income that has gradually grown from wine and Toblerone money to covering my mortgage payments.
As a media art director, I never intended for Etsy to become a full-time job, but it has certainly shaped both my approach to business and my artistic endeavours. Through these experiences, I’ve gathered eight tips for selling on Etsy that I believe can illuminate the path a little for others starting their own Etsy shops.
Eight tips for selling on Etsy gathered in eight years on the platform
Lesson no. 1: Think twice about selling one-of-a-kind products
When I opened my Etsy shop, I was super excited by the idea of creating the cutest fairy garden terrariums (among other products). Each piece was a labour of love – staining, sanding, cutting, painting, and gluing until it became a unique creation.
Those terrariums were diverse in size, housed in different reclaimed containers, flaunting an array of colours, styles, and prices. They were my babies, and eventually each one found a new home. However, despite the joy in creating these one-of-a-kind wonders, my shop’s performance was stalled.
Etsy’s algorithm, as I discovered, favours listings with a sales history. So, I shifted gears and I came up a more streamlined crafting system. My creations were still unique, as they were still handmade. However, they all followed more or less the same “recipe” and they were published under the same listing. This transition allowed that one listing to attract multiple sales, building a legacy within my shop. This helped me to build a more reliable Etsy presence.
Lesson no. 2: Enable custom orders – and embrace them
While repetitive listings play a crucial role, opening your shop to custom orders can be a secret way to market research. Your customers are drawn to your creations for a specific charm, and they often bring unique ideas that can elevate your product line.
For instance: a customer falls in love with your handmade jewellery but wishes for a personalised pendant, featuring her pet’s silhouette. You grab that great idea and not only create a cherished piece for her, but a brand new listing to add to your best sellers.
Custom orders go beyond meeting individual preferences; they demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to go the extra mile – qualities that Etsy shoppers really appreciate. On top of that, these custom requests can spark ideas to enhance your existing products, making sure your shop stays fresh and dynamic.
Lesson no. 3: Packaging is a marketing tool
Among my biggest tips for selling on Etsy, I have found that careful presentation has a tremendous impact. Taking the time to wrap up your products nicely might seem like a small thing, but let me tell you, it can make a big difference. When you put effort into how your items are presented, not only do they stay safe on their way to your customers, but it also adds a special touch.
Being eco-friendly in your packaging choices is like the cherry on top. I use cardboard pip boxes, recycled packing paper, and paper parcel tape so the whole thing can go straight into the paper recycling.
To my own surprise I’ve had customers reach out with sweet messages, saying they loved how their package was put together. And you know what? This extra care doesn’t just make customers happy; it actually brings them back for more, and they might even leave you a shiny review. So, don’t underestimate the power of good packaging – it’s like a little gift before they even open what’s inside!
Lesson no. 4: Make your life easier with a thermal printer
Now let’s talk about shipping. Perfecting this can make your life a whole lot easier. This is something that I totally disregarded when I started out, and it’s because I never actually believed it would be time consuming. Yeah, like I’ll be getting so many orders that I won’t have time to write an address on an envelope, I thought.
A combination of sales actually being quite consistent and being needed every free minute of my time changed my mind. (I also don’t mind not buying toner ever again.) Investing in a thermal printer paired with Etsy labels has been a game-changer.
A tool of the trade
This is the one I use, actually given to me as a present from my husband who got tired of seeing me faff endlessly with postage labels.
Because, what is the alternative really? You navigate to the carrier’s website to purchase postage labels. Then you download the PDF files, praying your regular printer cooperates. After that you print your label on an A4 page, wasting three quarters of it. Or you grab four labels at the same time and arrange them on Photoshop to take a whole A4 page? Then export it? I am actually yawning. Or, you could be that person queuing at the post office, watching the clock tick away as you wait to buy actual stamps.
Seriously, who has time for that when you can hit a few buttons on Etsy, print labels with your thermal printer in seconds, and toss everything in the postbox on your way to the shops? Not to mention should you use a tracked method your buyer can be updated on the shipping progress straight through Etsy, without having to message you. Time is money friends, and this combo of thermal printing and Etsy labels is what your shop needs.
Lesson no. 5: Adapt to trends
Etsy, like any marketplace, experiences shifts in consumer preferences. There’s of course a seasonality and repeated trends to what people are looking for based on the weather, holidays, special days and festivals. But apart from that, there are also new trends emerging all the time. Staying relevant in a changing market is not about completely overhauling your brand; instead, it’s about subtle adaptations to keep your offerings aligned with what customers are seeking.
What does adapting look like?
An example could be to create a themed collection based on a current trend. For instance, if you make jewellery and notice a surge in popularity for celestial motifs, design a collection inspired by stars, moons, and galaxies. This allows you to tap into the trend without abandoning your core craftsmanship.
But perhaps the biggest and most obvious example from recent years would be all the brand new listings that popped up on Etsy in 2020, in the thick of Covid times: handmade masks, wash your hands printable signs, drive-through baby shower invitations, wedding postponement notices. All those sellers adapted to the ever changing market and made the most of a time that was hard for everyone.
Remember, adaptability doesn’t mean abandoning your unique style; rather, it’s about taking into account current tastes and see if you can add relevant elements to your creations. By staying attuned to trends, you position your Etsy shop as a dynamic and forward-thinking destination for customers.
Lesson no. 6: Make your space work for you
When you sell on Etsy it means you get to work in your PJs if you want. Only you know if that’s a good idea or not. Some people work from home in a fluffy dressing gown, mum bun and slippers. Others favour actual clothes like jeans, and full makeup. Others could be butt naked for all we know (hopefully not the ones selling food).
Your attire aside, creating an inspiring workspace at home makes a world of difference. Control the distractions and set up a spot that makes you want to dive into your craft. It could be a corner of your living room, spare room, or even a cosy nook under the stairs.
A few things to keep in mind for a functional working-from-home space:
- Invest in a comfortable chair and a spacious work surface to accommodate your projects.
- Make it uniquely yours by adding personal touches like artwork, plants, or inspiring quotes.
- If you can, position your workspace near natural light sources or have sufficient artificial work light.
- Keep your supplies organised with shelves, bins, or storage solutions that suit your workflow.
Having a dedicated spot not only boosts creativity but also helps maintain a clear boundary between work and relaxation. Which brings me to my next point. Your crafting nook might happen to be in a shared space like the kitchen or dining room. If so, make sure to shield yourself from constant work reminders. We worked in the living room for over 3 years, making it tricky to switch off. Our solution: we changed the lighting after work hours. Soft peripheral lighting and a lit candle, which we fondly named ‘the candle of free time,’ signalled the end of the workday. It was surprisingly effective, helping us decompress and separate our creative time from relaxation.
Lesson no. 7: Value your time
Value your time part 1: Embrace imperfection in branding
In the Etsy universe, the significance of branding is often emphasised. When I started out I devoured every list of tips for selling on Etsy online. They all told me I need a strong brand identity. After eight years on Etsy I can honestly promise you spending an inordinate amount of time on this isn’t worth it.
Seeking the perfect shop name, banner, logo, colour scheme at the outset is not the most efficient use of your time. By all means, if you know what you want for your brand identity and you can create it reasonably quickly, all the better. But if you’re getting sucked into it too much, if you’re scrolling up and down looking at the same 4 shades of pink for a week, it’s time to move on!
The truth is, your unique brand voice evolves organically as you immerse yourself in the creative process and interact with customers. Rather than letting indecision paralyse your progress, dive into creating your listings and start making money.
Value your time part 2: Price your products appropriately
As your skills and business grow, don’t be afraid to reassess your pricing. Understand the value of your time, materials, and expertise. All of the above have gone up since I started selling on Etsy (before kids). Materials are more expensive, I am much more experienced in my craft, and my free time is worth infinitely more (because now I don’t have any).
The markup on my handcrafted miniatures should be considerably high to truly reflect the time I spend on them. While trying keep costs down, I have had to extend my lead times and adopt a stress-free, no-emergencies approach. This is how my little shop perseveres, fuelled by my love for crafting.
Pricing your products appropriately not only ensures a fair return on your investment but also positions your brand as one that values quality and craftsmanship.
Lesson no. 8: If your aim is a full time income, look beyond Etsy
Ironically, out of all tips for selling on Etsy, the one I found most useful is to look beyond Etsy. Etsy is a solid platform. However if your goal is a full time income you should definitely look at it as one of your potential sources of income only.
Diversifying your selling platforms minimises the risk of depending on a single source of income. It also exposes your products to a wider customer base. Sure, there will be that one amazing success story of a lady that became a millionaire by selling baby booties on Etsy. Urban legends aside, you’ll find that most people with an entrepreneurial spirit look into lots of different avenues of income. A few things you could look into:
- Explore additional online marketplaces
- Establish your own website to broaden your reach
- Start your own blog
- Approach local gift shops that could be a good fit for stocking your creations.
- Take part in craft fairs.
- Teach a workshop / host a webinar
- Create and sell a course
- Write an e-book
Tips for selling on Etsy – final thoughts
Success on Etsy, same with any other business venture, requires dedication, creativity, and adaptability to the evolving marketplace. I hope these tips for selling on Etsy inspire and guide fellow Etsy sellers on their own creative endeavours.
If you’ve enjoyed tagging along so far, come have nosy peek into my Etsy shops, MiniShacks & PaperPropStore. Whether you’re a fellow crafter, a party enthusiast, or just plain curious feel free to explore.
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P.S. 1 Are you thinking of opening an Etsy shop? What’s stopping you at the moment?
P.S. 2 Are you an Etsy seller already? Link your shop and let us know what your top tips for selling on Etsy are.