Nicole in D.C.

I’ve long debated launching an Etsy store for my knitted items. I regularly get people complimenting my scarves and asking where I got them and, after thoroughly cleaning my apartment, I found 16 completed items I’d never worn.

I often wondered about the actual earning potential on Etsy. Last summer, my former roommate and I hand folded, dyed, and ironed nearly 40 silk scarves. We took gorgeous photos of them, posted them to Etsy, and didn’t even have many “views.” A month later, we attempted to sell them at a craft fair in Brooklyn. Again, to no avail.

This time, I made sure I was going to do it right. With support from my Twitter account and blog, I knew I could at least get some views and get some friends and family to pass the link along to their friends. A friend came over and helped me photograph my handknits which I promptly resized and touched up.

After four hours of grueling Etsy uploading, my store was created.

Just 12 hours later, I had my first sale and, yesterday, had my second. I currently have two or three custom requests coming in and I’m going to start networking on the discussion forums with other users. Sunday, I went out and bought a bunch of spring-time yarns to get spring knitting started so I can put the winter knits on sale and get more items in the store.

I also rushed to get “finishing products” to wash, wrap, and send my knits in: I bought a beautiful blue, geometric tissue paper that was on sale at Target, blue metallic Thank You cards, and spring-time gentle soap. One of the most important things about Etsy is that everything is about having that extra special personal touch, and I really wanted to make sure to include that when I ship items as well. Today, I mailed my first Etsy sale and I was so excited that I took pictures of it.

I love your story on getting your first Etsy sale. I really enjoyed it. I also have an Etsy store and with myhand knits and have problems getting them viewed and also sold. I sell them all the time outside that site. Any advice? I love my things and would love to sell a fewon Etsy.

Comment by spoonsandspices February 24, 2010 @ 9:45 pm

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To be honest, I really feel like I got lucky with my first sale. My second sale – and many of my custom orders – was from a friend. I’m requesting that everyone purchase on Etsy, whether I know them or not, so that I can continue to build on my sales and my positive feedback.

I’m approaching the whole thing like I’d approach any other starting business: I’m tweeting about it, I started a Facebook fan page, and I’m going to get business cards to put in craft and consignment stores (if they’ll let me). I also have a friend with a great camera that really helped me out – I think the pictures really help to sell the items.

Would you mind sharing your Etsy link with me? I’d love to see your store!

Comment by nicoleindc February 24, 2010 @ 9:58 pm

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These are great! I remember I ordered a Valentine’s present for a girlfriend off of Etsy a while back–probably one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten a girl.

Your stuff looks awesome! Consider yourself bookmarked.

Comment by Alex February 26, 2010 @ 9:53 am

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Etsy gifts are the best gifts. Super thoughtful and, even if she doesn’t like it, she knows a lot of time and effort went into it. But, if your friends are buying the merchandise, it’s very stressful because you’re worried about whether or not they’ll like it. My friend bought one of my scarves for his girlfriend (who I’ve never met) and I’m terrified she’s going to hate it knowing how much money he spent on it!

Comment by nicoleindc February 28, 2010 @ 3:09 am

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