Reviving My Etsy Shop

Reviving My Etsy Shop

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Closing the Etsy Shop in 2019
3. Reasons for Taking a Break
   • Fearful of Potential Harm
   • Self-Doubt about Toy Quality
4. Focus on Blog and YouTube Channel
5. Improving Knitting Skills
6. Changes for the Etsy Shop in 2020
   • Offering Made-to-Order Toys
   • Limited Slots Available
7. Safer Eye Option for Toys
8. Reasons for Choosing Etsy
   • Trusted Marketplace
   • Large Number of Active Buyers
   • Ease of Use
   • Etsy's Marketing Efforts
9. Conclusion

Reopening My Etsy Shop: Embracing Change and Growth

As the new year begins, I'm excited to announce that I will be reopening my Etsy shop after a year-long hiatus. In this article, I will share the reasons behind my decision to close my shop in 2019, the challenges I faced, and the changes I will be implementing for 2020. From overcoming fear and self-doubt to focusing on personal development, I've come a long way in my journey as an Etsy seller. Join me as I embrace change and growth, and embark on an exciting new chapter for my Etsy shop.

1. Closing the Etsy Shop in 2019

In 2019, I made the difficult decision to put my Etsy shop on vacation mode for the entire year. This break allowed me to take a step back and evaluate the direction I wanted to take with my handmade toy business. While I had experienced some success in 2018, I felt the need for a fresh start and a renewed focus.

2. Reasons for Taking a Break

There were two main reasons that led me to close my Etsy shop in 2019: fear and self-doubt. As a naturally fearful person, I started to become overwhelmed with worry about potential harm that could come from my handmade toys. While the likelihood of accidents was low, the fear consumed me and affected my confidence as a seller. Additionally, I began to doubt the quality of my toys and worried that they may not meet the expectations of my customers.

3. Focus on Blog and YouTube Channel

During my break from Etsy, I directed my energy towards building my blog and YouTube channel. I enrolled in courses to hone my blogging skills and enhance my presence on YouTube. These endeavors allowed me to connect with a wider audience and further develop my creative skills.

4. Improving Knitting Skills

In addition to working on my blog and YouTube channel, I dedicated time to improving my knitting skills. I set a goal to learn how to knit intricate patterns, specifically focusing on creating handmade cotton rabbits. The progress I made in my knitting journey instilled a sense of pride and fueled my passion for creating unique and beautiful toys.

5. Changes for the Etsy Shop in 2020

For the year 2020, I am implementing significant changes to my Etsy shop. The most notable change is the introduction of made-to-order toys. Customers will have the opportunity to browse through a selection of various animals and customize their toys according to their preferences. This personalized approach adds a unique touch to each toy and allows customers to have a say in its design.

However, due to the time-consuming nature of made-to-order toys, I will be limiting the number of slots available. Only 20 spots will be open for the entire year, ensuring that I can provide quality products and exceptional customer service to every individual.

6. Safer Eye Option for Toys

One aspect that makes me even more confident in selling these toys is the absence of conventional safety eyes. Safety eyes, despite their name, can pose a potential hazard if bitten off. Instead, I have chosen to use French knots as the eyes, which are securely anchored with yarn. While not completely free of choking hazards, this alternative provides a safer option for children.

7. Reasons for Choosing Etsy

Despite the availability of alternative platforms, I have chosen to continue selling on Etsy for several reasons. Firstly, Etsy is a trusted marketplace that attracts millions of buyers actively seeking handmade items. The platform's reputation and large customer base make it an ideal platform for showcasing and selling my crafts.

Additionally, Etsy's user-friendly interface and the familiarity I have gained from my previous experience make it the preferred choice for now. Learning a new platform can be daunting, and I believe in building upon what I already know to further improve my business.

Moreover, Etsy actively promotes its platform through various marketing channels, which ensures a consistent flow of potential customers. Their efforts in creating awareness and driving traffic to the site provide valuable exposure for sellers like myself.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, reopening my Etsy shop signifies a new chapter in my journey as a handmade toy seller. Overcoming fears and self-doubt, I am excited to bring my unique made-to-order toys to customers who appreciate the craftsmanship and personal touch. With Etsy as my chosen platform, I look forward to a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Thank you for supporting my business, and I invite you to visit my Etsy shop to explore the world of handcrafted toys.

Highlights

1. Reopening my Etsy shop after a year-long hiatus
2. Overcoming fear and self-doubt to pursue my passion
3. Focusing on blogging and YouTube during the break
4. Improving my knitting skills and expanding my toy-making repertoire
5. Introducing made-to-order toys for a personalized touch
6. Limiting the number of slots available to maintain quality and customer satisfaction
7. Using safer eye options for toys, prioritizing child safety
8. Choosing Etsy as a trusted marketplace with a large customer base
9. Valuing Etsy's user-friendly interface and continued marketing efforts
10. Embracing change and growth in my journey as an Etsy seller

FAQ:

Q: How can customers order customized toys? A: Customers can visit my Etsy shop and select from the available animal options. They can then specify their preferences, such as colors and accessories, in the chat box during the ordering process.

Q: How many made-to-order slots will be available? A: Only 20 slots will be open for the entire year to ensure that I can provide personalized attention to each customer and deliver high-quality products.

Q: Are the toys safe for children? A: While no toy is completely free of hazards, I have prioritized child safety by using securely anchored French knots as eyes instead of conventional safety eyes. However, adult supervision is always recommended during playtime.

Q: Are there ready-to-ship options available? A: Yes, I will continue offering ready-to-ship toys for customers who prefer immediate delivery. These toys will be available in limited quantities alongside the made-to-order options.