Etsy Seller Interview with Nemunas of BoomerangsByNemo

How BoomerangsByNemo 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 passion for crafting boomerangs began over 25 years ago when my father started refining the technique of creating wooden boomerangs that return when thrown. I was inspired by his fervor for boomerangs and learned the craft at a young age. The thrill of witnessing boomerangs soar through the air and return fascinated me. After years of testing and perfecting my skills, I decided to share this sense of wonder and amazement with others by creating and selling boomerangs. In 2012, we established our family business, which has since produced over 4,000 boomerangs and counting. Our boomerangs have found homes in more than 50 different countries worldwide. As the maker of each boomerang, I take pride in crafting them, while my wife, Goda, handles the design and marketing aspects of our business. Currently, our shop offers two collections of boomerangs. The first are our personalized boomerangs, which consist of handcrafted pieces adorned with artwork by talented artists. These boomerangs can be engraved and customized to meet individual preferences. The second brand is our Woo Boomerangs, designed specifically for easy throwing and suitable for the entire family. These boomerangs are not only user-friendly but also convenient to carry on trips. They come in a variety of vibrant and colorful designs, adding an extra element of excitement to each throw.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

One of the most popular boomerangs is actually one of the oldest ones. It features beautiful colors and dot paintings, symbolizing the radiant sun, the essence of life, and the promise of new beginnings. Due to its status as one of my earliest boomerangs, I feel a profound connection to it.

I have also developed a strong affinity for my newest collection of boomerangs, the Woo Boomerangs. I recently curated this collection with smaller, more manageable boomerangs that are particularly suitable for children and beginners. These boomerangs possess visually appealing designs, captivating the eye and evoking a sense of excitement. Moreover, they are exceptionally convenient to carry on trips. It is precisely these qualities that have made them one of my personal favorites. Here is an example from the collection:

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?

My first sale was surprisingly easy; I consider myself lucky. I remember creating the web page because of my passion for IT. At that time, I decided to put a few of my crafted boomerangs on the page just for fun to see if they were working properly. To my surprise, I received a call from a major international bank that had noticed my page and thought that boomerangs could be a unique gift for their partners. They expressed their interest in meeting me to discuss a potential offer. I was amazed and thrilled by this unexpected success, which further boosted my confidence and belief in my product.

As time went on and I received more and more orders, I started to observe that customers were providing favorable feedback regarding my boomerangs—they genuinely enjoyed them and considered them to be ideal gifts. Consequently, the great reviews, positive feedback, and returning customers became the key factors contributing to my success in selling on Etsy. The positive emotional attachment people have to my boomerangs is truly remarkable.

Managing BoomerangsByNemo 

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?

My wife takes care of creating new items and writing descriptions, while I handle the shipping part. We work together to determine our marketing strategy, including when and how to invest more effort in promoting our products through advertisements, among other methods. We always collaborate and divide responsibilities accordingly.

The future of BoomerangsByNemo 

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

Our goal is to expand the reach of our Wooden Boomerang by Nemo brand, aiming for boomerangs to become the most desired gift on the Etsy platform. We genuinely believe that boomerangs are an ideal and distinctive present that embodies the concepts of returns, fresh starts, and perseverance. Adding to its appeal, you can enhance the memorability of this gift by engraving it with uplifting phrases. Undoubtedly, this type of gift is not readily available in supermarkets, which is why we firmly believe it has the potential to become one of the most captivating and desirable gifts.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

First and foremost, it is important to discover and create a product that you genuinely believe in and have a strong affection for. This product should hold a prominent place in your thoughts, driven by a compelling vision. Being passionate about it is crucial. As a result, everything else will naturally fall into place. When you have unwavering confidence in your product, you will consistently strive to promote it through various channels. You can convey its essence to customers through captivating photos, engaging videos, and catchy descriptions. By dedicating yourself fully to your product, you will transmit that positive energy to your customers. Once they receive your product, they will appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship you have put into it.