How to sell on Etsy
In today’s world of e-commerce, many individuals and businesses are looking for ways to expand their reach and increase their sales. One platform that has gained significant popularity over the years is Etsy. Etsy is a marketplace that allows individuals to sell handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supplies. In this blog post, we will explore the experience of Fernando Sustatia, an e-commerce expert who has successfully integrated Etsy into his business.
Who is Fernando Sustatia?
Fernando Sustatia is an e-commerce expert who has been involved in the industry since 1998. He started selling on eBay and then transitioned to Facebook groups, where he sold hot wheels and eventually started buying and selling LEGO sets. In 2014, he started selling full-time on Amazon, specializing in retail arbitrage. He was one of the first people to do Amazon customs, and he was also part of a group of ten people invited by Amazon to brainstorm about products for Merch by Amazon.
However, Fernando’s experience with Amazon was not entirely positive, as he felt that Amazon did not respect its sellers. He eventually transitioned to selling exclusively on Etsy and Shopify. In his opinion, Etsy is an excellent marketplace for those who are new to e-commerce or those who want to make sales without extensive marketing knowledge or a deep understanding of customer satisfaction.
How does Etsy work?
Etsy is a pay-to-play marketplace, which means that sellers have to pay fees to list their items and for advertising. The fees include a 20-cent listing fee, a 5% transaction fee, and a 3% + 25-cent payment processing fee. Additionally, Etsy offers a paid advertising service that charges 12% of the sale price for every item sold through ads. (costs and fees were as of the video recording. Costs and fees may change, please check Etsy for the most accurate fee schedules.)
However, the paid advertising service is optional, and sellers can choose to turn it off. Once a seller makes ten thousand or more sales per year, Etsy automatically turns on the advertising service. Despite the fees, Fernando believes that Etsy’s advertising service is a great way to save money compared to traditional advertising methods since sellers only pay when a conversion occurs.
Fernando’s Experience with Etsy:
Fernando has been selling on Etsy for a few years now, and he has found great success with the platform. He sells mainly vintage items and handmade products, such as custom mugs and T-shirts. Fernando believes that Etsy is an excellent platform for sellers who have a passion for their products and are willing to put in the effort to create unique items that stand out.
One of the things that Fernando loves about Etsy is the ability to build a personal brand. With the ability to create custom listings and unique product descriptions, sellers can create a distinct image for their brand. Additionally, Fernando finds that the community on Etsy is supportive and helpful, which makes it easier for new sellers to get started.
Fernando’s Tips for Success on Etsy:
According to Fernando, there are a few things that sellers can do to improve their chances of success on Etsy. Here are some of his tips:
- Create unique and high-quality products:
One of the best ways to stand out on Etsy is to create unique and high-quality products. Fernando advises sellers to invest time in creating products that are not readily available elsewhere. Additionally, he encourages sellers to take high-quality photos of their products and write engaging product descriptions.
- Use Etsy’s advertising service:
While the advertising service on Etsy is optional, Fernando believes that it is an excellent way to save money on advertising costs. He advises sellers to experiment with different ad formats and targeting options to find what works best for their products.
- Build a personal brand:
Fernando emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand on Etsy. He advises sellers to create custom listings, uses unique product descriptions, and engage
Fernando went on to explain how he got started with Etsy.
Fernando: “Well, I’ve always been interested in arts and crafts, and Etsy seemed like a great platform to sell my handmade products. So, I started selling on Etsy in 2015, and it’s been a great experience so far. I’ve met some amazing people through the platform and have been able to make a decent income from my sales.”
Lisa: “That’s amazing! What kind of products do you sell on Etsy?”
Fernando: “I sell handmade pottery and ceramics. Each piece is unique and made with a lot of care and attention to detail. I also try to incorporate sustainable practices into my work by using environmentally friendly materials and minimizing waste.”
Lisa: “That’s really impressive! How has your experience been with selling on Etsy?”
Fernando: “Overall, it’s been great. The platform is very user-friendly, and there’s a lot of support available to sellers. The community aspect of Etsy is also really nice. I’ve joined several teams and groups related to my niche, and it’s been a great way to connect with other makers and learn from them.”
Lisa: “That sounds like a great way to network and learn from other sellers. Have you faced any challenges while selling on Etsy?”
Fernando: “There have been some challenges, of course. One of the biggest challenges is staying competitive with pricing. Since Etsy is such a popular platform, there’s a lot of competition out there, and it can be difficult to price your products competitively while still making a decent profit.”
Lisa: “That’s definitely a challenge. How do you address that issue?”
Fernando: “One thing I’ve done is to focus on offering high-quality, unique products that can’t be found elsewhere. I also try to differentiate myself from competitors by offering excellent customer service and fast shipping times. And, of course, I try to keep my overhead costs as low as possible to maximize my profits.”
Lisa: “Those are great strategies. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting an Etsy shop?”
Fernando: “My advice would be to start small and focus on creating high-quality products that you’re passionate about. Don’t try to do too much too soon, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. And most importantly, be patient and persistent. Building a successful Etsy shop takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.”
Lisa: “That’s great advice. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Fernando!”
Fernando: “You’re welcome. It was great talking with you!”
Fernando’s experience with Etsy has been largely positive. While there have been some challenges, he’s been able to overcome them by focusing on offering high-quality, unique products, providing excellent customer service, and keeping his overhead costs low. For anyone thinking about starting an Etsy shop, Fernando’s advice to start small, focus on creating high-quality products, and be patient and persistent is sound. With dedication and hard work, it’s possible to build a successful Etsy shop and connect with a supportive community of like-minded makers.
