My First Month on Etsy: Making $400 with 400 Sales

My First Month on Etsy: Making $400 with 400 Sales

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background Story
3. Starting an Etsy Shop
4. Initial Struggles with Etsy
5. The Numbers: Sales, Revenue, and Expenses
6. Lessons Learned
7. Growing the Etsy Shop
8. The Benefits of Etsy
9. Considerations for Starting an Etsy Shop
10. Conclusion

Starting an Etsy Shop: My Journey to Success

Hey budget fam, it's Jordan from Jordan Budgets. Today, I am finally sharing what I made on Etsy for my very first month. I'll also be spilling the tea on some of the struggles I've had with Etsy and why it hasn't always been my favorite platform. But first, let me give you a little background on my story with Etsy.

I didn't originally plan on having an Etsy shop. I created a YouTube channel to track my budget journey and join the budgeting community. As I started creating unique items for my own budgeting needs, people began asking where they could buy them. That's when the idea of starting an Etsy shop came to mind. I had no idea what I was doing initially, but I took the leap and launched my shop anyway.

Background Story

My journey with Etsy hasn't been entirely smooth. In fact, I faced some hurdles right from the start. When I first attempted to launch my shop in August, my account was unexpectedly shut down. There was no explanation provided, and I had no way to contact Etsy for immediate assistance. It took them almost a week to respond to my email and reinstate my shop. Needless to say, this setback was frustrating, and it made me skeptical about the platform.

Another major hiccup occurred in the middle of September when my ability to respond to customer comments was blocked. This posed a problem as Etsy ranks sellers based on their responsiveness. Despite reaching out to Etsy for help, it took them nearly a day to reopen my comments. While these issues were eventually resolved, they left me questioning the reliability of the platform and considering the need for a backup website.

Starting an Etsy Shop

Starting an Etsy shop was a spontaneous decision for me, driven by the interest people showed in the unique items I created. I began with just a handful of listings, including savings challenges and spending trackers. As I gained momentum, I expanded my offerings to include customized labels and different variations of my popular items. By the end of my first month on Etsy, I had 394 sales, 188 favorites, 66 reviews, and 52 listings.

The Numbers: Sales, Revenue, and Expenses

Now let's dive into the numbers. In my first full month on Etsy, I made a total of $80.34 in revenue. However, after deducting fees and taxes, my actual income was $17.78. It's important to note that this figure doesn't account for startup costs, which amounted to approximately $700, including the expenses for launching the shop and purchasing a Silhouette machine. So, financially, my first month was a bit of a wash.

When it comes to expenses, Etsy charges a 20-cent listing fee for each item, along with transaction fees and shipping label costs. While these fees are reasonable considering the convenience and exposure Etsy offers, they do eat into my overall profits. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic and thankful for the platform's growth potential.

Lessons Learned

Throughout my Etsy journey, I've learned some valuable lessons. Firstly, it's essential to recognize the limitations and occasional issues with the platform. While I appreciate the convenience of Etsy, I'm considering creating my own website as a backup plan to minimize dependence on a single platform. Additionally, staying in regular communication with Etsy's support team is crucial for resolving any problems that may arise.

Growing the Etsy Shop

Despite the challenges I've faced, I am committed to the growth and success of my Etsy shop. I continue to add new listings and expand my product offerings to meet the demands of my customers. The key is to strike a balance between providing unique items and responding to market trends. By doing so, I hope to continue growing a loyal customer base and increasing sales.

The Benefits of Etsy

Despite the occasional bumps in the road, there are significant benefits to selling on Etsy. The platform provides exposure to a large audience of potential buyers who are actively searching for unique and handmade items. Additionally, Etsy streamlines the shipping process, making it easy to fulfill orders and provide excellent customer service.

Considerations for Starting an Etsy Shop

If you're considering starting an Etsy shop, it's essential to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, know that the platform is not without its challenges and occasional issues. It's crucial to be prepared for unexpected setbacks and to maintain open communication with Etsy's support team. Additionally, consider creating a backup website as an alternative selling platform to mitigate any risks associated with relying solely on Etsy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my first month on Etsy was a rollercoaster ride filled with both successes and challenges. While I faced initial setbacks and incurred expenses, I remain optimistic about the growth potential of my shop. Through perseverance, adaptability, and a focus on customer satisfaction, I hope to continue building a successful Etsy business. So, if you're considering starting your own Etsy shop, be prepared for the highs and lows, and remember to stay dedicated to your vision.