Etsy Seller Interview with Trude of SchuetzkeramikShop

How SchuetzkeramikShop 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?

Yes, how did I start?? I've always wanted to make art, even as a little girl. And that's why I started modeling and painting early on. My early works of art were seen at many exhibitions. I simply love painting figures from everyday life and modeling striking characters. But it is very difficult to make a living from art alone. As a young woman, I started a family and through this I developed colorful tableware. At craft markets, I eventually understood what customers wanted and were looking for. And finally, years later, there was internet. I like to take on every new medium as a new challenge. I tried different platforms like ebay and amazon. But the handmade portal dawanda was the perfect addition for me. Unfortunately dawanda is no longer there. But that's how I came to etsy. And now I have to say, it is my main source of income. Internet selling is different than selling in a store or at a market. You also sell completely different things. These are really different sales platforms.

Favorite items

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

Well, my favourite items are curious teapots in all shapes and olors. But I tend to sell bread pots and butter dishes. These are the absolute favourites in the shop.

Why ?? Maybe it's because of the bright colors? I don't know it. The customer once had a request, and I've been doing it ever since. You also have to do things that customers want.

And with butter dishes, it's similar, flashy, kitschy, and colorful. What customers want I'm having fun making these butter dishes, and I'm happy that they're so well received.

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 had my first sale on Etsy after 24 hours. But that was simply due to my experience selling on eBay, Amazon, and especially Dawanda. Customers have followed me on Etsy. And of course, you have to promote some items so that they get into the sales ranking. I still do that today.

Managing SchuetzkeramikShop

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 tested many tools, but none were relevant to me. That's why my husband mainly does the Etsy shop. He manages, makes sure everything is answered, and leaves on time. Stevie is my husband, so he's the go-to guy on Etsy.

The future of SchuetzkeramikShop

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

At the moment, I still have a lot of products in the shop that I only make when someone buys them. I want to be faster at shipping and almost exclusively offer products that I already have ready on the shelf. Many customers prefer fast shipping. We are currently developing this.

Advice for new sellers

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

I advise everyone that you have to be patient. Everyone can find their buyer on this big market like Etsy. You shouldn't doubt yourself or your product.

You certainly have to invest in advertising; not everyone has money left for it. But it's a great advertising strategy; you can advertise for just a dollar.

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: 3000 -5000

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 40-50 percent

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2 percent