How ViperysHandMade 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?
Hello! Our Etsy shop is ViperysHandmade, a place where raw wood is lovingly transformed into true masterpieces of functionality and style. We are a dynamic trio—Seb, Monica, and Frankie—and we craft each of our shelves with passion and precision, making each one to order from start to finish. We embarked on our Etsy journey after losing our jobs during the pandemic in 2021. A love for carpentry and rustic style led us down a new path. We began by creating wooden shelves for friends, which quickly blossomed into a business. We returned to Poland, investing all our savings into establishing a workshop and an Etsy shop.
Our shelves are crafted from solid wood, which we source from local sawmills. We pay close attention to every detail, treating each knot, grain, and inch of wood with the respect it deserves. We also strive to operate in an environmentally friendly way, transforming what others might see as waste into something beautiful and practical. Frankie joined the team once we were established in Poland, bringing his unique skills and passion for oak. As a result, our shelves are not only functional but also true works of art. We love working with wood, and we pour our hearts into every shelf we produce. We want our customers to be not just satisfied, but delighted!
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
One of our favorite items listed in our shop is our Natural Oak Live Edge Floating Wood Shelf. This piece is much more than just a shelf; it's a testament to fine craftsmanship, a symbol of timeless appeal, and an embodiment of rustic charm. Why is it our favorite? It's because of its authenticity. Unlike conventional products made of MDF or chipboard, our shelves are crafted from 100% reclaimed solid oak, making them healthier for your living environment and contributing to sustainability. The shelf showcases the authentic texture of natural wood thanks to a unique brushed finish. The feel of the grain under your fingertips creates a connection to the material, offering a sensory experience that bridges the gap between you and the beauty of nature. The versatility of this piece is also why it's a favorite. It can serve as extra kitchen storage, a rustic office shelf, or custom bookshelves in a bedroom. Its concealed brackets create a clean, minimalist look, giving the impression of a floating shelf.
As for the popularity of this item, its unique and sustainable nature plays a significant role. Each shelf is unique, embracing natural imperfections like saw marks or knot holes, and made from air-dried, reclaimed timber. This sustainable approach is well appreciated by our customers, who are increasingly concerned about the environment. As every piece is handcrafted in Poland with love and precision, our customers are assured of the quality and care we put into each item. It takes about 5–10 days for each bespoke piece to be ready, and it undergoes stringent quality checks before it reaches our customers.
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 came around two weeks after we opened our Etsy shop, right before the holiday season, and we quickly made our first 100 sales. Attracting customers to our shop is a continuous process. Since the establishment of our shop, I've been dedicating at least one hour a day to learning—tuning into podcasts, reading about Etsy's algorithms, SEO practices, and more. I gather information from various platforms, including YouTube, blogs, and Facebook groups, and then implement what I learn into our shop.
Keeping up with changes on Etsy to improve our SEO has been key to growing our sales. It's a constant process of learning and adapting. Our shop has been going through continuous transformations as we improve our descriptions, titles, and photos, which we take ourselves without outsourcing to external companies. This hands-on approach has helped us to truly represent our products and attract customers to our Etsy shop.
Managing ViperysHandMade
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?
Managing our Etsy shop is a team effort. Monica helps with packing and production, as well as handling the graphics and photography. Frankie crafts our oak shelves, while I handle the creation of our pine products, logistics, and the running of the shop. We each have our roles, which we execute with passion and precision. When an order comes in, we immediately get to work on it. Once it's packed, we send it off with a courier to ensure it arrives quickly and safely at its destination. We don't compromise on delivery, despite offering free shipping to many countries, because we believe our premium products deserve top-notch service.
As for the tools and apps we use to run our store, it's mainly the Etsy app itself. Recently, I've been using Chat GPT, which helps me choose the right words for descriptions when I'm at a loss. I've also used eRank and Alura, but my focus on independence sometimes makes me forget about these helpful tools! But all in all, our approach is hands-on and tailored to our unique business and products.
The future of ViperysHandMade
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
Our main goal for the future is to reach 10,000 sales. We are already close to 5,000 sales, and we're keen on doubling that in a shorter time. Customer satisfaction is our utmost priority, so we are committed to maintaining a high average review rating of at least 4.9, if not the perfect 5 stars. We want to be recognized for the quality of our products and the service we provide to our customers. As we move forward, we also want our brand to become synonymous with quality, reliability, and craftsmanship in wood products.
Another exciting development is that we are about to introduce a new product line of tables. We have something special in store—a unique table unlike anything seen in any other store. We are very excited about the way this table is crafted and its unique color. We believe this table will be a successful addition to our range and further enhance our reputation for quality and innovation.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Starting an Etsy shop is indeed a journey that requires continuous learning and commitment. If you're willing to educate yourself daily about your craft as well as the nuances of selling on Etsy, you're on a promising path towards success. I've noticed that people often open their shops under the assumption that their products will sell themselves, but the reality is quite different. It requires a deep understanding of the marketplace and a willingness to invest time and effort into learning the ropes.
To set yourself up for success, I'd strongly recommend committing an hour each day over the next two years to expanding your knowledge. Listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos about business and eCommerce, and most importantly, learn about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Understanding how to make your products easily discoverable on Etsy is a crucial part of your success journey. Nowadays, there are many tools available that can simplify your learning process. Alura, for instance, is a fantastic resource that can help optimize your Etsy shop. Embracing such tools can be a game-changer, so don't hesitate to take advantage of them.
And, of course, it's important to remember that persistence is key. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Sometimes, it can take a month or two, or even longer, to make your first sale. Prepare yourself for a potentially extended period of dedication with little return, but rest assured, if you keep learning and adapting, you'll eventually find the formula that works for you.
Finally, it's important to emphasize that your approach to your customers and the quality of your products should be top-notch. Your customers are the backbone of your business. If something goes wrong, for instance, if a shipment is damaged, don't waste time placing blame. Instead, be proactive, send a new product immediately, or offer a refund. When customers see that you're committed to their satisfaction, they'll appreciate it, and this goodwill can do wonders for your shop's reputation.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: Over 15 000 $ in average
Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 30%
Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2% as we expanded to more countries and we have high value products , we use to be at 3.5%
ViperysHandMade
Crafting furniture by hand with a passion for quality!
