My Honest Experience On Etsy As A Seller

In 2016, I set up an Etsy shop for a client, a little digital platform to showcase their art. It was just a quick project, nothing major, especially compared to the Amazon and Walmart landscapes where I was focusing my main efforts. So, after setting it up, I let it be, moving on with life.

Rediscovering an Overlooked Opportunity

Jump ahead to 2021. On a random day, while clicking around, I stumbled upon that old Etsy shop. And there it was – a single sale. A ghostly reminder of what could have been. By then, I was heavily into design, working with a Polish company producing wallpapers, folding screens, and printable art. Production and shipping were their responsibilities; mine was the creative aspect. Seeing that lone sale sparked a thought: why not give Etsy another shot?

The First Attempt and an Unexpected Pivot

Starting back, I initially listed 3D wall murals – popular items in France, where I’d even managed to hit the number one sales spot. But Etsy wasn’t the same; sales were trickling in, not pouring. That’s when I remembered that single sale: a Peacock Love Room Divider. I quickly listed my room divider designs, and within three days, I heard the delightful “cha-ching” of a sale. That sound? Music to my ears. It was proof that this just might work.

Success, Recognition, and the Pressure That Followed

Sales surged, and so did the connection I felt with customers. I genuinely wanted them to love their purchases and put my heart into customer service. This approach resonated. And then came a high point – a feature in Glamour Magazine for my room dividers. That recognition felt like validation for all the work I had poured into this venture.

The Challenges of Scaling Up

With success, new challenges arose. The Polish production company couldn’t keep up with peak demand, leading to delays that turned into shipping headaches for me. Although customer complaints were minimal, handling them all on my own was overwhelming. Running every aspect of the business by myself became an uphill battle. Eventually, Etsy placed my shop on vacation mode, allowing me time to catch up. However, I couldn’t recover quickly enough, and the shop was ultimately closed. It was a tough lesson in limits and the importance of a support system.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the setbacks, there was a silver lining. While checking my Google ranking for “Folding Screen,” I found another Glamour Magazine feature listing my design among the “Top 11 Room Dividers You Need in Your Life.” That discovery was a reminder of my work’s impact, even in challenging times.

Creating a Unique Design Approach

My designs begin in Adobe Illustrator, where I take inspiration from online images, transform them with unique touches, and add a signature style. The Peacock Love design, for example, started as a simple image and evolved into one of my best-sellers – a blend of Japanese aesthetics with a modern twist.

SEO and Marketing: The Art of Genuine Connection

On Etsy, I prioritized natural language over keyword stuffing, building descriptions that felt like a conversation with potential buyers. Explaining my design process, followed by technical details and a generous 60-day return policy, helped build trust. Refunds were rare, but I’d often let customers keep the product if issues arose. It was less about money and more about building genuine relationships.

The Lessons and Reflections

Reflecting on my journey, my biggest mistake was doing it all myself and treating Etsy as a side project. In hindsight, approaching it as a full-fledged business could have changed the outcome. Personal challenges also played a role – a tough chapter that I won’t go into here. But I learned to keep personal struggles from impacting my work.

A New Beginning

Now, I’m back on Etsy, but with a partner to share the responsibilities. I won’t be opening another solo shop. That chapter is closed. My story continues, filled with valuable lessons and experiences, which I hope will guide others on their Etsy journeys.

Advice for Etsy Sellers

If you’re starting your own Etsy journey, here are a few tips:

• Find your niche: What truly inspires you?
• Diversify: Don’t rely solely on Etsy; build your brand.
• Build a team: Support makes the journey smoother.
• Be unique: Offer something special.