Thinking about opening an Etsy shop, but not sure if you’re ready? I’ve been there. When I started selling invitations, Etsy wasn’t in the immediate plan. I figured I knew enough people that using Facebook and word of mouth would suffice to support my new hobby.
My sister (shout out to ya, MB!) was the one who planted the idea of selling on Etsy to me. Of course, I was familiar with the platform as a buyer – but selling? I had no idea where to start. I kinda sorta threw some listings together and published my shop. Imagine my surprise when my first sale came in less than 24 hours and my first month sales surpassed $1,000.
Sure, I could have sold a few orders to family, friends, and other connections through my Facebook page, but I can’t imagine that it would have been anywhere close to what I did using Etsy. I’ll truly never know, but by listing items on Etsy you’re able to reach a much wider audience than you can on your own.
People browsing on Etsy’s website are looking and ready to buy. They’re eager to support a small business and prepared to spend their money on the platform. If you are considering taking your craft hobby to the next level, I really recommend opening at Etsy shop to gain a new network of consumers.
So, how do you know if you’re ready to open your own Etsy shop?
Friends come to you for help “crafting”
As a natural creative, one of the hardest things for me to grasp was that other people would pay money for something they could make themselves. Well, the truth is they either can’t make it themselves or don’t have the time. They’re not interested in DIY-ing and are happy to pay someone else for a ready made product.
If you’re the person your friends or family comes to when they need help with something crafty or creative, that’s a sign you’ll likely do well selling on Etsy. Whether it’s planning a party, redecorating a bedroom, or building an end table you’ll always be top of mind as a friend who is a good resource for helping in these situations.
For me, I think I was born with some creative ambitions. My mom was an interior designer, so there were always fabric swatches, paint chips, and shopping bags full of fun home decor items in her office at our house. She taught me basics of design as a child and has always put her touch on any of the (several) places I’ve lived as an adult. When I bought my first home, I found so much excitement in picking out furniture and decorating the place. My friends always complimented my style and request my opinion when furnishing their own homes.
I also spent a few years in college and post-graduation being creative. As an Early Childhood Education major and later an elementary school teacher, I always crafted up new ways to present lessons and teach students. With an unlimited supply of construction paper, die cuts, and markers I was able to continue making.
You Enjoy Creating
If you find joy in making, you won’t see fulfilling orders on Etsy as work – just fun! You’re not someone who gets frustrated trying to make something new and rarely end up with a Pinterest fail. The thought of creating a product for someone to wear, display in their home, or give as a gift really excites you!
Helping others with projects comes easily and naturally to you. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so if you’re talents include creating, the process of making products won’t be a challenge for you. You were born to do this!
You’re Ready to Turn Your Hobby into a Business
Although you love making and would probably do it for free, you know there’s more to your craft than just a hobby. You see the potential (or want to see the potential) of what could happen if you took the chance to grow and sell beyond people you know. Praise and compliments are wonderful, but cash money is even better!
Whether you’re already selling on another platform, like Facebook, or not – Etsy is such a great place to take the next step or get started! You can read more about how I turned my hobby into a business using Etsy in this post.
Have no intentions of growing a business, but looking for a creative outlet? You can still use Etsy! Limit the number of orders you get by extending turnaround times or putting your shop in vacation mode once you reach your goal or threshold.
So, is Etsy right for you? If you’re ready to open your own shop, download my free six page guide to getting started below!