How KleineKinderstube 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 have been making hand-sewn and embroidered nursery items since 2004. In 2020, I started selling my products on Etsy because they fit well in the store‘s spectrum, where each item is personal, unique, and individually made for each customer.
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 are pillows embroidered with names; these sell very well because of their timelessness, whether for babies, children, or adults and for any occasion, they are a great gift. Moreover, I really love the school bags with names and embroidered designs on them; these are top sellers for school enrollment because the parents choose their child’s favorite embroidery design, the name, as well as a date stitched on it. The fabrics can also be combined individually. The cute music box in the form of a star embroidered with a name and a melody of choice is a popular gift for the birth of a baby and a favorite of mine. I also sell many cherry pit cushions because these are also a great little gift for the birth due to the fact that babies often have stomach aches and the heat soothes them. They are also all made completely individually. Currently, I also sell bags with names on them, which can be used as diaper bags as well as toiletry bags. All my products can be washed in the washing machine and will last the customer for many years.
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 me a few weeks to achieve the first sale. It takes time to be found, and most customers prefer buying from shops that have already sold something, so it is a bit of a difficult journey in the beginning. Currently, I do advertising on Etsy; otherwise, I have many regular customers, and some also recommend me. Sometimes I make special offers; these are seasonal, though.
Managing KleineKinderstube
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 store alone, although there are peak phases, especially in the summer, so I have to consider getting someone to help me this year because it is partly not possible to manage a large number of orders by myself. The packages are picked up directly from my door; I gladly do not have to do much for this.
The future of KleineKinderstube
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
Of course, my goal is to continue gaining more and more customers and to grow. I have the idea to design a new collection for mothers and thus increase sales. Furthermore, I hope to always offer something new to my customers by providing new fabrics and patterns. I have many new ideas for possible upcoming projects.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
It is important to have a nice and professional banner, to start with at least 30 articles, and to grow steadily. The store has to keep running; standing still is bad, so everyone has to be aware that it is important to work on orders every day and also to keep adding new articles. Customers always want something new. Professional pictures that are well-lit are very important. As well as to provide fast and good customer service because no customer wants to wait long for an answer.
