Etsy Seller Interview with Cynthia of PearTreePrints

How PearTreePrints 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?

Hi!  I’m Cynthia, the owner of Pear Tree Prints. I sell original antique and vintage prints sourced from books dating back to the 1800s! My obsession with vintage images began when I came across a set of very old, sad-looking books, most of which had spines falling apart. They contained some amazing world maps (the first items I sold on Etsy), and this is when my passion for vintage art began. I was hooked! I love visiting charities and used bookshops and discovering the contents of old books. I’m in my happy place when I can salvage images from tattered books and give them new life by introducing them to those who will appreciate them as much as I do. I select prints that appeal to me and ones that I think will resonate with customers who appreciate historical and nostalgic artwork.

Favorite items

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

I offer a wide variety of print styles and artists to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of my personal favorites: Firstly, I absolutely adore the charming illustrations by Lucie Attwell. Her whimsical and endearing characters bring a sense of joy and nostalgia to any space.

Then there's the legendary artist Erté, whose elegant and glamorous art deco prints exude sophistication and timeless allure.

Gustave Doré's intricate and haunting engravings never fail to captivate me. His ability to depict dramatic scenes and emotions is truly remarkable.

Beatrix Potter's beloved illustrations transport us to a world of enchantment and childhood wonder. Her timeless characters continue to bring smiles to both young and old.

Jill Barklem's delightful nature-themed prints, featuring her iconic Brambly Hedge characters, have a cozy and nostalgic appeal. They make me feel like I'm stepping into a magical woodland adventure.

Finally, Louis Wain's whimsical cat illustrations hold a special place in my heart. His unique style and playful portrayal of feline friends never fail to bring a smile to my face.

These artists represent just a glimpse of the diverse range of print styles and artists you'll find in my shop. Each one brings something special to the collections, and they sell well because they resonate with customers who share my love for historical and nostalgic art.

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 a few weeks to get my first sale, but when I did, I was so excited! It takes time for people to find you when you’re new, so you have to be patient. My first customer left a positive review, so that encouraged me even more. I occasionally use Etsy ads to attract customers and also run 2 or 3 sales a year. As for social media promotion, I haven't had the chance to dive into it just yet because I recently retired from my full-time job and haven't had the time to focus on it. However, I'll now be able to dedicate time to promoting my shop, and I’m excited about the opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with vintage art lovers who might not have discovered my prints otherwise. Stay tuned for updates on my social media presence—I can't wait to share my collections with even more people!

Managing PearTreePrints

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 on my own. There’s a bit of work involved in getting my prints ready to sell (sourcing, trimming, scanning or photographing, writing), but I enjoy every part of the process. The prints are placed in protective clear cello bags and shipped in rigid envelopes to ensure they arrive safely.

My orders are fulfilled online with an Australia Post business account, which saves me time and money. I use their online portal to manage my account, create and pay for labels, and then lodge my parcels at a post office.

I use a number of helpful apps; the main ones are Lunapic (to adjust photo sizes); Canva (for graphic design); and uMark (for photo watermarks).

I was a complete novice when I started, having had no experience whatsoever in artwork, art styles, graphic design, or photography. I had to teach myself and learn through a lot of trial and error, but my persistence paid off. I’m grateful that my business is still going strong after 5 years on Etsy and happy that I can now focus on growing it full-time.

The future of PearTreePrints

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

Having a social media presence is my immediate goal. I would also like to grow my business to the point where it replaces my previous full-time job. I’m excited about the journey ahead.

Advice for new sellers

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

By selling what you love, being patient, and prioritizing customer care, you’ll be on the right path to building a successful presence on Etsy.