Etsy Seller Interview with Ingrida of IPnertuvele

How IPnertuvele 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 and brand's name is "I.P. Nertuvele. The meaning of the name can only be understood in my native Lithuanian language; when translated into English, it would sound something like this: "cozy crochet workshop". These workshops really do exist, and wonderful ideas and products are born in them; more precisely, they are crocheted interior items from ropes: baskets, carpets, table mats, handbags, and other interior items; I also created several crochet patterns for those who want to learn how to crochet on their own. All my products are crocheted with a hook. A hook and a rope are my main working tools.

I have been crocheting with a hook for 8 years; in the beginning, it was just my hobby, and I made small sales through social networks and in the local market. The Etsy shop as a niche for sales was the last to appear; it's a shame I didn't discover Etsy earlier. Now I can confidently say that Etsy has revolutionized my life, quickly turning my hobby into my only and main job. I am very happy and grateful for the Etsy platform because I can work on what I absolutely love.

Favorite items

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

The most popular and most loved products by customers are baskets. The store has a really large selection of them: baskets come in various shapes and sizes, and a large selection of colors are available. I also accept individual orders, so customers who do not find the right size of the product can always apply for an individual order via message. The popularity of baskets is probably due to their practical purpose, as it is a great solution to keep order at home and at the same time to decorate the interior with exclusive details. They are both practical and decorative items. These are the best-selling products:

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 created my Etsy shop back in 2018, but at that time everything seemed to be too complicated for me, so I just forgot about it for a few years, and it turns out that it was unnecessary. When I came back at the end of 2019, I got interested in learning and started working hard. I got my first sale after a month and a half. I have to admit, the feeling of the first sale was amazing. I still remember it to this day, and then everything slowly moved in the right direction. The biggest appreciation for me is the returning customers, which means I'm really doing something right if the customers are coming back.

I don't do anything special now. In the beginning, yes, I gave discounts on products, organized sales, ordered Etsy advertising, and tried to attract publicity in other ways, but now I don't even need that anymore; everything happens by itself.

Managing IPnertuvele

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 the store by myself; I don't have any additional employees. It was really difficult to figure everything out on my own, but planning my time and setting priorities solved this problem.
I only use one program that helps me understand in which direction I am moving, and that is the Errank analysis program.
I send the products by state mail, and if necessary, customers can also choose express delivery by courier.

The future of IPnertuvele 

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

The biggest priority for me has always been and will be the quality of the products. That's why sometimes I have to refuse individual orders if I know that the quality of the product will be lost due to incorrect dimensions. I am always honest and open with clients. My future goals are to create new quality products and continue to successfully grow sales. I have a thousand ideas, and thoughts are constantly buzzing in my head like bees in a hive. I would like to double the time of the day so that I can implement everything as soon as possible.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice to a new Etsy seller is to start today. If you are a craftsman and love your work, then you should do it now. You don't have to wait for anything because the time for it might never come, and Etsy gives you all the opportunities today. Think about what can be better.

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: Average 4,000 - 5,000 euros

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 30-40%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 0.5%