Online Seller Experience, Small Business Success Stories
…I learned through trial and error. Growing up on a farm I learned several trades, how to weld, plumbing, fixing things. I grew up using power tools so as I grew older and tools evolved as well I have been able to build some pretty cool stuff as well using antlers.
…Fears and doubts are of course part of the process when starting such an online business. The way I see things is that there are moments in life where you just close your eyes and jump into cold water knowing deep down in your heart everything will be alright. I overcame some fears by simply writing down important questions about starting an online business and searching for answers online.
…I focus on finding and curating rustic items with a primitive touch.
I love wood items the most because they show the passing of time so beautifully. The rich texture and patina given by time is something you can’t get by just applying a coat of paint.
…I always liked to create lovely things. When I was 9 years old I have made my first handmade skirt using old mother‘s Singer sewing machine. From that time I have tried various sewing techniques including cross-stitching. I have made lots of nice handmade things for myself and my friends. From 2012 I have discovered Etsy and started to sell my handmade products there.
…There are lots more people selling cute animal stickers on Etsy now. It might impact my business a bit, but at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and whether people find the art appealing or not. I think having the option to customize orders really makes me stand out from other sellers.
… my main goal was to replace my income so I could leave my 9-5 job! I started off working nights and weekends after I got home from my job. I would just make a bunch of new items at night then wake up in the morning to take pictures (because natural light) and then I would add the listings during coffee/lunch breaks at work. It was really hard and I rarely slept but within 4 months I had replaced my income! My husband’s support was all I needed to impact my decision on going full time and he always believed in me!
…My items are sent through letter mail and that’s how I keep my postage prices down. International shipping is kind of expensive, but that’s why I charge a shipping fee. However, for in Canada orders and orders above $35, I do offer free shipping.
…I think the main thing about our success is our ambition to make customers feel happy and satisfied. Every time we make the product we imagine how the customer will wear our shoes or slippers, what will be the first impression, how long she or he will wear them. I think this is the main thing we still have many returning and new customers.
…With backgrounds in construction, painting, welding, woodworking we put all those skills into creating what we do. It took about 3 months before we were happy with our product. Once the sales started happening we knew we were on to something and that kept us moving forward.
…I am direct and honest with customers. First, I do believe that the Etsy community is different than for example the Amazon community. Surely, Etsy buyers also expect what you promise, but they know that there’s an actual person behind the product and not a big corporation. So Etsy sellers have a bit more leeway than Seller on other eCommerce platforms. But, if a person is truly dissatisfied I will do my best to make it better. And so far, I have not had any bad ratings.