Hey, we all have to start somewhere!
If you’re new on Etsy and agonizing over how long it takes to actually get your first sale, this short guide will shed some light on your temporary issue.
Learn all you need to know in order to overcome it, to score your first sale AND to have a shop that’s ready for greatness:
How To Get Your First Sale On Etsy
Step 1: Make Sure Your Shop Looks Impeccable
Your photographs don’t have to be taken with the latest SLR. Your backdrops don’t have to look like they were pulled straight out of a magazine. And your descriptions need not be written by a marketing guru.
But you know how they do have to be?
Clean, clear and comprehensive.
Having simple, but descriptive photographs and comprehensive product descriptions in place shows dedication, passion and interest. And yes, visitors will be more inclined to purchase if they can see all the details clearly.
For product descriptions, include: a short story about how the item came to be, exact dimensions, shipping method, care instructions, usage restrictions, color guides etc.
There are a tonne of great short courses to do online. We recommend checking out the courses on Skill Share.
Step 2: Improve Your Titles
The main reason why nobody is buying what you’re selling (yet!) is because they haven’t found it!
Time to reverse the thinking for the product titles: what would somebody have to type into the search box to see your product listed in the results? Be specific and include colors and patterns (eg: “pink polka dot dress”), occasions (eg: “best friend long distance gift”, “best auntie ever coffee mug”) or styles (eg: “minimal engagement ring”).
In time, refine your titles by keeping en eye on what works and what doesn’t.
Step 3: Keep Piling On The (Quality) Listings
Yes, it does sound counterintuitive: why make more if what you’ve already put up isn’t being bought?
Well, because the larger your inventory, the more likely you are to match your visitor’s needs and to land a sale.
Ask yourself… would you buy a pair of shoes from a shop which only sells a total 2 pairs? Or from one which sells 20 different models?
Step 4: Have Your Policies In Place
Not the most creative or exciting part of owning a shop. But such a necessary one!
Before you get your first sale on Etsy, you have to put some serious work into your policies – make it a no-brainer for a visitor to become a customer. Answer all the “what if”s they may have in mind: “When will my item ship?”, “What if my item never gets here?”, “What if it’s damaged in transit?” etc.
Keep your polices clear, friendly and fair.
Step 5: Fill In Your About Section
Yes, this is not an essential step. But…
Since you’re selling hand crafted items, it’s nice to let your potential customer know the story behind your creations, plus a little bit about your personal journey in the handmade world.
After all, your story is part of what makes your products so awesome, right? Don’t leave it out! :)
Step 6: Be Patient And Don’t Loose Hope
Yes, it’s a cliché alright. But it’s true!
As you see the weeks going by, you may be inclined to throw your hands up in the air and just give up.
Don’t.
Some shops have gone as low as 3 weeks until landing their first sale, while others have had to push for as far as 3 or 4 months to see it happen. The actual timeframe depends on many factors: the products you’re selling, the size of the market, your presentation etc.
However, if you’re following all of the guidelines above you can’t NOT be on your way to your first sale.
Excited?
You should be! Keep pushing and hustling – it’ll happen.
Good luck!
Affiliate Disclaimer
We appreciate complete transparency, we are affiliates of SkillShare. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links on this page, to allow us to continue to provide content to our readers.