How HayaGoldArt 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?
HayaGoldArt has been in operation since 2012 and has undergone several transformations over the years. Initially, the shop was created to showcase my artwork. The gallery displays fine art photography that captures nature, flowers, landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, and graffiti street art, among other things. I have a few special categories in the shop, including "window views," which combine my landscape and nature photography with an open window frame using Photoshop,
My best-selling products are placemats and table runners printed with my photography on vinyl fabric. After searching for years, I finally found the perfect material for my placemats and table runners. Not only is it practical, but it's also affordable. This flexible material is washable and heat-resistant, which means it's durable enough for everyday use. With my photography images printed on them, these products are not only functional but also stylish. I'm proud to offer my customers something that's both practical and visually appealing, and I'm confident that this material will meet their expectations." The foundation for all of my products is my photography, and from there, the sky's the limit in terms of what I can do with them. Occasionally, I try to create new products using my photography, sometimes in response to customer requests.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favorite items in the shop are my flower and nature photography prints. As a landscape architect, I'm passionate about bringing nature and flowers into people's homes. While there are other products in the shop that sell much better than flower and nature photography prints, I think these prints are necessary to create a sense of calmness and inspiration. Here are a few links to some of my favorite items:
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 after three weeks of opening my shop, which was quite surprising as it was a set of four canvas prints, which is the most expensive item in my shop. Currently, I rely on Etsy marketing tools, ads, and renewals every hour to attract customers to my shop. I also work hard on each listing I upload, including using relevant keywords, descriptions, and attractive images that showcase the product in the best possible light. At present, I am not yet using social media or email to market my shop.
Managing HayaGoldArt
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 shop is still a one-man show and not yet my main day job, but I hope it will be someday. All of the placemats and runners are printed in a small print shop near my home, and I have an excellent post office that I rely on to ensure that my packages reach their intended recipients. All of the photography prints on all media are printed by a POD company in the USA that takes care of all of the prints in the shop. When I receive a special or custom order for my photography prints, I print them in Israel and send them from here. I manage my shop manually, doing everything myself.
The future of HayaGoldArt
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
Currently, my Etsy shop offers a variety of products, such as framed prints, wall art, placemats, and table runners featuring my photography images printed on them in various sizes and media. However, I have a long-term goal to expand my shop by adding more product categories, such as home decor items and accessories. I also plan to incorporate more of my original photography into my products, particularly in the form of customized pieces where customers can request specific images or personalized designs. Additionally, I hope to continue to improve the quality and variety of my products while also maintaining a reasonable price point for my customers. Ultimately, I want my shop to be a one-stop destination for customers looking for unique and affordable photography-based home decor and gifts. I want to offer a range of products that not only showcase my photography skills but also meet the needs and preferences of my customers. Overall, I see my Etsy shop as a long-term investment and hope to continue growing it in the future."
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
When starting an Etsy shop, it's important to take your business seriously and treat it as a professional endeavor. Your shop is your brand, and how you present it to the world is crucial. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various tips and resources provided by Etsy to help you optimize your shop and attract more customers.
One important aspect of running a successful shop is being patient, open-minded, and receptive to feedback from your customers. As you receive orders and interact with customers, you may find that certain changes or adjustments to your products or policies are necessary to better meet their needs. By listening to your customers and being flexible, you can build strong relationships and earn repeat business.
It's also important to pay attention to the little details that can make a big difference in the customer experience, such as the packaging and presentation of your products. Consider adding small touches like a thank-you note, a free gift, or decorative wrapping to make your customers feel appreciated and valued. Above all, remember that the customer is always right, even if you disagree with them. Avoid arguments or confrontations and strive to find solutions that work for both you and the customer. By providing excellent customer service and high-quality products, you can establish a strong reputation and build a loyal following for your shop.