How Ottosantiques 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?
We are Otto’s Antiques, specializing in industrial, mid-century, and Bauhaus-style furniture, which we source from all across Europe. We began in 2013 and very quickly became an Etsy seller as a way to reach a wider audience, not only within Europe but the rest of the world too. We have been a proud Etsy seller for 10 years now.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
A couple of favorite items from our shop...Firstly, these mid-century bathroom and kitchen lights by Ifo are a current best seller for us on our Etsy store. Their simple, clean design and splash of color make them a must-have for any bathroom or kitchen project looking for the perfect wall lights.
Next, we have the Bauhaus design classic that is Sistrah, a sleek, eye-catching glass pendant light perfect for almost any room and setting. We currently have the largest collection available on the market; it’s no wonder they have been super popular through our Etsy Store.
Finally, we have the industrial design classic Rowac! The fully adjustable, articulated Model XII is, in our opinion, one of the most beautifully designed chairs. Rowac is always a best seller in our Etsy store.
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?
Our first sale with Etsy was super quick, and we were pleasantly surprised with how quickly it took off! Within the first 4 years of our business, it quickly became our primary selling platform, and we also had an Etsy Pattern website at this time as well. So we were and are certainly champions of the Etsy platform!
Managing Ottosantiques
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?
Myself and our admin manager, Caroline, run our Etsy store. I take care of all the photography, uploads, and listings, and Caroline then takes care of the sale and shipping sides of things. We have a large warehouse where we pack and ship worldwide using an array of couriers and shipping methods. We update our store daily and also advertise all of our listings.
The future of Ottosantiques
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
We hope to expand our Etsy store further in the future, gain more followers, increase sales internationally, and continue on the upward curve we have had over the last 10 years.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Always take clear, bright photos and accompany them with a clear and honest description of your product as well as clear shipping prices and policies. Finally, focus on having a well-stocked shop with variety and a clear brand identity.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: On average, our monthly revenue through Etsy is £5300 across over 2200 sales.
Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: Our profit margin is around 100–150%.
Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 0.4%
