Etsy Seller Interview with Mary of FabulousChicVintage

How FabulousChicVintage 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 FabulousChicVintage, but the first name was MPP Designs. Originally, I sold only my handmade jewellery, most of which was made with vintage beads sourced from estate sales and manufacturer’s warehouses over the many years I collected jewellery. My one-of-a-kind jewellery was being sold at Craft Fairs, Charity events, and Art Shows. All of that involved travel, some of it nationwide.

When Etsy first started, I became interested in the site because it offered me the opportunity to sell without the requirement for so much travel. At the beginning of 2008, I joined Etsy and cut down my travel to shows to about a handful per year. I was hesitant to give up events that had always been successful for me. When women tried on my pieces, they could see and feel the quality. Plus, there is that immediate thrill of having someone tell you face-to-face that they adore your work.

The more I looked at other Etsy sites, the more I realised I had many of the same types of vintage pieces that other sellers were showing and selling. That led me to begin listing some of my vintage garments for sale, in addition to my jewellery. About the same time, some of my long-distance customers who had purchased from me at various Art fairs commented that when they looked for MPPDesigns, they would end up on some architectural firm’s website. That prompted me to change my site name to Fabulous Chic Vintage.

Favorite items

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

I started focusing more on listing vintage pieces and less on my handmade jewellery. Many of the pieces I love are from a lucky purchase I made of vintage showroom samples of Shadowline Lingerie. These range from slips, camisoles, nightgowns, pyjamas, and robes and include some gorgeous peignoir sets. Just about any of the matching nightgown and robe sets have got to be my favourite items. Buyers love them because they are in Mint Condition, have never been worn, and are wearable treasures from the past. Nearly all of those lovely garments have already been sold on my site over the years, so I am on the hunt for another lucky purchase like that one.

I consider myself very fortunate when I go to an Estate or Moving Sale and find clothing that was purchased, still has the original paper hang tags, and has never been worn. I know those items will be an easier way to introduce buyers to trying something "vintage" for themselves.

I have a strong conviction that vintage items are the best because they are so well made with quality material. Vintage style is sustainable fashion. My philosophy is to buy vintage, wear vintage, and share vintage with others. Because I wear vintage on a daily basis, whenever someone compliments my appearance, I thank them by saying "This is vintage". I know that vintage always gets better and more valuable with proper care, and I strive to share that knowledge. Unfortunately, there are far too many inferior garments made in these days of mass production and throwaway fashion.

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 sales were to customers who had been customers at some of the various events I sold at over the years. When I look back at my first Etsy photos, I wonder how anyone had the courage to buy anything from my site. My photography skills have improved over the years, thank goodness!

Many of my customers are now repeat customers who have learned that everything I sell is something I stand behind 100%. In my listing descriptions, I go into detail about all of the attributes of the piece, including precise measurements and fabric content. Quite often, I also include information about the designer or company that made the piece. Anything I can do to broaden a potential buyer’s appreciation is worth my time as I prepare the listing.

The Etsy message system is a terrific way to stay in contact with past and present buyers. I send coupons, run periodic sales, and have advertised often on Etsy. Every buyer who posts a review deserves a nice thank-you message back from me. When Etsy offered the chance to showcase listings on Pinterest, I took advantage of that feature. Although I must use plastic mannequins for most of my listings, the ones that get the most attention and seem to sell the best are those featuring live models. I wish it was easier to have models. Despite the fact that I pay them, many women are self-conscious about being models.

Once a sale has been made, I write a personal note and attach one of my cards to each receipt that goes in the buyer’s package. Each purchase is wrapped and packed with care. There are no doubt additional marketing steps I could be taking. However, my joy is in finding, listing, and selling the items to people who will love them as much as I do.

Managing  FabulousChicVintage

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 by myself. One of my sisters lives close by, and she also has an Etsy shop called GingerHeadVintage. When possible, we both use the same models, which allows us to be the most productive when taking photos and videos. The Etsy shipping tools make everyday shipments a breeze to manage. That way, I can also check the progress of all packages and send a follow-up note as needed.

The future of FabulousChicVintage

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

My goal for my Etsy shop is to pass along my love and appreciation of vintage to as many others as possible. I will continue to have my shop as long as I have the energy and enthusiasm to keep it going.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice to any new seller is in three parts. First, do what you love. I know everyone says that, but that is because it is true. If you don’t love it, soon the work that is required will become stale and boring, so you will not do your best. Second, be ready to pivot when necessary. If what you make or sell is not selling, look at how else you can promote it. Perhaps by altering your focus, you can make a slight shift in either the style, the pricing, or the usability factor. Finally, realise that there are highs and lows in any business. Don’t judge yourself by one week or one month. Look at your overall averages in light of the economic situation all around you.