Etsy Seller Interview with Mandy of FrankieandSidney

How FrankieandSidney 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?

I was introduced to Etsy by my daughter about 7 years ago. I had started a new hobby, needle felting, and very quickly had people showing an interest in my finished models. I began selling models and began to think that I could develop my own unusual felting kits and encourage other crafters to take the plunge into the craft.

Favorite items

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

Like most people, I get very excited about my latest products, so currently I’m super proud of my felted bird brooch kit. It makes six different models and is of great value.

Another listing that is always popular is my Star Gazer Hare Felted Picture Kit. Customers love the colors, and because the image is pre-printed on the fabric, it means the pattern is really easy to follow. This is one of our best sellers and makes a super gift.

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?

I made my first sale within a week! I was so shocked, and within no time at all, I can remember being super excited when I had reached 50 sales in no time at all. I boosted my publicity by sharing on social media platforms and spending time looking at keywords so that my items could be found. Of course, photography is key, and I’m improving. Try not to rush this aspect as it is the image that often drives the sale.

Managing FrankieandSidney

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 run the shop myself; I have help collating orders as I have a website and other selling platforms to manage. I use Canva to design covers and items, the Etsy app, and PhotoRoom.  I’ve recently started using the Etsy mailing service with Royal Mail; it is very convenient and ensures accurate shipping reference numbers are recorded automatically for customers.

The future of FrankieandSidney

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

I’m working my way to becoming a fully-fledged ‘Star Seller." I’m almost there, and this will certainly support developing new products and getting them in front of potential customers.

Advice for new sellers

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

I pride myself on having good customer service skills; always engage with your customers if they have queries and questions. Realize you can’t please everyone all of the time, but if you are responsive to your customers, they will have confidence in you and your shop.

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: £400-£800

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 64%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2.1%