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How CakeFaceToppers 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?
Around 15 years ago, my daughter was 6 years old (she is now 21), and I went to pick up her cake, and they messed up on the order, so I had to do a last-minute fix. I decided to print her up using 3 poses and holding a 6 and tape them to sticks, then put them in 60 cupcakes. I got so many compliments that my friends started asking me to do some for their parties. I was getting so many orders that I needed a platform to sell them. About 15 years ago, I started selling on Etsy. I had a different shop at the beginning and made too many mistakes learning about infringement issues. I learned you can’t use the words tiffany blue, etc. So after getting it all figured out, I opened a new shop, and my husband came up with the slogan "where cupcakes don’t go topless".
During the busy season (graduation), my family would help out. I have both my kids helping with glittering and packaging and my husband brings everything to the post office so I can keep working. But the rest of the year, it is just me. I am pretty good about staying organised, and I built the most amazing studio to work in.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My best sellers and favourites are the face confetti:
And the glitter cupcake toppers featuring my daughter through 20 years of her life. It felt like it all came full circle.
And of course, the over-the-hill glitter toppers
During graduation season, I sell these like crazy.
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 about 2 months, but once I was able to feature it on my website, they just came rolling in. During graduation season, I average about 50–60 orders a day. I get a lot of orders from repeat customers, and I ship out super fast with free shipping over $35. I almost never miss a deadline. I look at every single piece of feedback and make sure that I keep the customer satisfied. I also pin items on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. I do admit I am not the best at marketing, but so far I haven't had to figure that part out. Haha. In person, I suck at marketing, so having my items on a web page lets my products speak for themselves.
Managing CakeFaceToppers
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?
Yes, it is only me doing everything, which is time-consuming, but I try to be organised by answering messages and organising and printing new order receipts in the morning. I print and cut the previous day's orders in the afternoons, and I do proofs at night. I go to the post office every day, sometimes twice a day if there is a customer wanting a rush. I have 3 printers and 4 cutting machines. Up until two years ago, I cut every single topper by hand. I still create all my images by using Photoshop and using my free hand to crop, add hats, etc. I finally broke down and bought a thermal shipping printer, so it does make the packing process easier.
It has taken a while to find the perfect non-toxic glitter, thick papers that can handle water, and stick options. I am a perfectionist, so I like high-quality products that will last for years. Tonnes of customers have saved a photo from each birthday, and they like to share them back with me to let me know how much it means to them that I have been a part of their celebrations for years. I have so many repeat customers, and it is always a joy to see their kids grow up and be a part of their lives. I feel like I know them all.
I also make sure I stay in contact throughout the purchase process. I immediately sent a message the same day they placed an order to let them know I received the order and they would be receiving a proof within 24 hours. Once I send the proof, I still contact them about the shipping timeframe, when I will send the order out, and if they will need to upgrade the shipping to make it in time. I offer everyone the option to upgrade for $10 if they feel they need it. I also offer a 100 percent guarantee that they will be happy. I have always used Etsy shipping since it seems to be the easiest and fastest shipping process.
The future of CakeFaceToppers
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I am always coming up with new ideas or ways to perfect my product. I try to add something new every year. I started with cupcake sticks only, but now I offer drink stir sticks, straws, confetti, coffee plugs, banners, digital files, etc.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
To be patient. It might take a few months to get started, but it will take off eventually. I love what I do, so without having fun, you won’t be able to last. Some people like to knit to relax; this is my relaxing time.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: 5-9K a month
Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: About 5-7K a month
