How bonnielecat got started
Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?
My Etsy shop is Bonnielecat. I have always loved making gifts for friends and loved ones. When I discovered Etsy, I knew it would be a great resource for me to share my love of art and crafts with the world! I first started selling prints of my artwork and then began creating custom, personalized wood signs and gift items, too. I’ve recently expanded my shop to include cards and Affirmation card decks, which have become bestsellers! I make most of my own items but have to source some of the materials or printers, which I carefully research before using.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
Currently, my favorite item in my shop is my affirmation card deck. I just recently introduced them into my shop, and they have become bestsellers on Etsy. I did a lot of research on Etsy and elsewhere before creating these decks. I have a process I use to design products and decide what might sell well. You can learn more about it in a class I teach on Skillshare here. They are very special to me because I personally started using affirmations on my own self-care journey and found them very helpful. I thought they would be a perfect way to share my art and also help others.
Getting sales on Etsy
How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?
It took me several months to make my first sale on Etsy, but once I started doing some promotions and studying the Etsy seller guide, things turned around. You really have to pay attention to how you set up your listings to get found on Etsy. I also have a blog and post a lot on Pinterest.
Managing bonnielecat
How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?
I manage my shop myself. I use some printers to help me with things that I can’t do, such as printing coffee mugs or collated card decks. I purchase all of my shipping through Etsy and handle most of my fulfillment, other than a few items that are drop-shipped by outside printers.
The future of bonnielecat
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I hope to add more self-care items to my shop, such as themed affirmation decks, cards, t-shirts, and more. I also would like to do some clip art, which may require opening a second shop.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Read the seller's guide! Be thoughtful about what you are selling, and make sure it is something that people want to buy and might find on Etsy. Provide outstanding customer service; people want a personal experience when shopping on Etsy. Learn about branding and marketing. Take great photos. Research, research, research!
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: My conversion rate varies, but is currently 2.7%
