Etsy Seller Interview with Gidi of gidizivanpottery

How gidizivanpottery 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, My name is Gidi, and I have been a potter for over thirty years. I live in a small village in a rural area in Israel. I started doing ceramics at the age of 23 by accident, and over time it became my whole world. I live and breathe ceramics, and it keeps me busy 24/7. From the very beginning, I created items for daily use; I got inspiration from items I saw around me; and I learned everything from books that dealt with ceramics and pottery. Then there was no YouTube, and there was no Internet like today. I mainly use black clay and work on the wheel. My items are glazed in different colors: red, blue, yellow, and cream.

I sold my ceramic products at artisan fairs throughout Israel. In 2017, a jeweler friend convinced me to open a store on Etsy and try to sell to customers outside of my country, Israel. It was not easy at all. Although I gained experience with my customers in Israel and knew what could sell better and what colors and shapes are attractive, Still, I had to photograph the items, write descriptions, titles, and tags, and adjust everything according to the instructions on Etsy, and... everything in English. It wasn't easy, but it was done. I started uploading only items with red glaze and slowly added new colors and products according to what was sold; that's how I learned which products were in high demand and which were less so. Today, I have a wide range of products, from mugs to plates, bowls, and vases. I'm still learning and experimenting with new shapes and colors. I'm also trying to create unique items that will stand out from the crowd. I'm proud of my work, and I'm happy to share it with the world.

Favorite items

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

It's a bit hard to choose which items are my favorites... I believe that every creation is like my baby, and as a father, I love all my children. I am proud of my kettles and olive oil jugs, and also my water fountains. They have creative freedom. They don't sell as well as my big mugs or the liquid soap bottles, but I am happy when a teapot or waterfall sells. I love the challenge of creating something new and unique. I take pride in my work, and I am always looking for ways to improve it. My pieces are made with love and care, and I hope that they bring joy to whoever buys them.

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 got my first sale after two or three weeks; it was a perfect surprise. I was overjoyed when the lady purchased a large red kettle and then added a red garlic holder to the purchase. The truth is that these days I don't really do much on Etsy. I use Pinterest to link to my shop and showcase my products. To reach potential customers, I use a combination of organic and paid promotion. and mostly lets Etsy's algorithms do the work. There are many repeat customers and also many new ones. Of course, there is always something to update and change, and I do so when necessary. I have been selling on Etsy for over 5 years now, and it has been a great experience. I strive to provide the best customer service possible. To reach potential customers, I use a combination of organic and paid promotions. shop and showcase my products. I am constantly updating my shop with new items and making sure that my customers are satisfied with their purchases.

Managing gidizivanpottery 

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 my shop alone. I use a Facebook group where they deal with all kinds of problems that arise, and everyone tries to help and advise and share the experience they have gained. I have stock of everything shown on Etsy, available for shipping. I collect orders, and once a week I send them to a courier company. My packages are big and heavy, and this affects the shipping prices, unfortunately. But this is the situation, and I face it bravely. I also offer custom orders, so if someone wants something special, I can make it for them. I'm always open to suggestions, and I'm always trying to improve my shop. I'm proud of my shop, and I'm happy to be able to offer my products to the world.

The future of gidizivanpottery 

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

My goals for the future are: First, I hope to not lose the passion to create! And of course, my work will be loved by people who are foreigners and who will be willing to pay for it. On Etsy, I only uploaded about 245 items, but in fact, I have more than 700, and I would like to upload them all. It will take time, but eventually, I will. I am satisfied because I make a living from my online sales. I have another sales site here in Israel for a local audience and another international site. So far, I'm fine with it. Finally, I want to travel around the world and meet people who are interested in pottery. This way I can learn more about different cultures and get inspired.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would advise beginner sellers to work exactly according to Etsy's guidelines. take good pictures. Accurate titles. Detailed and accurate description and be prepared for any changes and updates that may be required for the list. The most important thing is to be attentive to customers and treat each one with respect and patience. This is how you win 5 stars and a positive review. And remember that sometimes it's better to lose money now but gain a satisfied customer in the long run.