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- How did you make your first sale on Etsy?
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I have helped many new Etsy sellers start their shops, and the number one question they ask me is: "When will I get my first sale?"
The truth is, there is no answer.
But I can share what works, what doesn't, and how to set yourself up for success.
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THE REALITY
The Reality of First Sales
Some sellers get their first sale in days. Others wait months.
I personally waited weeks for the first sale in my latest Etsy shop, but now, I have more than 700 sales.
The time it takes depends on many things:
What you sell
Your photos
Your prices
Your shop's look
How many other people sell similar items
Make Your Shop Look Professional
I learned that Etsy likes shops that look like real businesses.
Your shop needs:
A clear shop icon
A nice banner
Your return policy is written out
An "About" page that tells your story
Clear shop policies
Think of your shop like a real store. You wouldn't want to shop in a messy store with no signs or information.
The same goes for your Etsy shop.
Keep Adding New Products
Many new sellers ask me if they should keep adding items before getting their first sale. My answer is always yes! I tell them to add one new item every two days if they can. More items mean more chances for people to find your shop.
Pricing and Competition
Here's something important I've noticed: You need to look at other shops selling similar items.
But don't copy their prices! Set prices that make sense for your work and materials. If you price too low, customers might think your items aren't good quality.
Clear Photos
Let me share a secret about photos: Bright, clear pictures sell items faster.
I always tell new sellers to:
Take pictures in natural light
Show the item from different angles
Include size comparisons
Make sure the photos are sharp and clear
Be Patient But Smart
One of my favorite Etsy success stories is about a seller who didn't get any sales for weeks.
Instead of giving up, they:
Made their photos better
Fixed their titles and descriptions
Added more items
Improved their shop's look
Two weeks later, they got their first sale. Then another. Then five more!
What Not to Do
I see many new sellers make these mistakes:
Selling copyrighted items (like Disney characters)
Giving up too soon
Not filling out their shop information
Using blurry photos
Having only a few items for sale
ADVICE
My Personal Tips
From my years helping Etsy sellers, here are my top tips:
Pick one type of item to sell (don't try to sell everything)
Answer customer messages quickly
Write clear descriptions
Use simple words in your titles
Keep adding new items regularly
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Every successful Etsy seller started with zero sales. The ones who succeed keep working on their shops, make them look professional and don't give up.
I love seeing new sellers get their first sale. It's exciting!
But what is more important is what happens after that first sale. Keep improving your shop, adding items, and learning what your customers want.
Have a wonderful day,
Miroslav from The Design Nexus
TOOLS YOU SHOULD TRY
Even if you sell products other than mugs or t-shirts, it doesn't mean it will cost you more.
There are tools that can help you with the tasks, and most of them have free versions.
Research: Alura
Graphic Designs: Creative Fabrica
Vectorizing: Vectorizer AI
Disclaimer: Within the article, you will find affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I want to sincerely assure you that I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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