Etsy Seller Interview with Vida of IePeda

How IePeda 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?

Thoughts about handicrafts as a source of income always came up when I needed to look for a job, but there was always a faster way out, and I worked for hire. But a dream was sent to the universe. and about 20 years after that first thought, with the encouragement of my husband and the help of my daughter and sons, I opened an Etsy shop. I wanted to sell men's scarves, but they were all given as gifts before they even entered the store.

I started my journey just with crochet toys because I was fascinated by natural, colorful, cute children's toys, and even though my children were already grown, I decided to make natural toys for kids. As an addition to my store listings, I added natural, wooden baby toys, garlands, and pacifier clips. When my shop became bigger and I received more orders, I decided to stick with only wooden toys because there was a possibility to express myself more.

Favorite items

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

For me personally, a very cute product is a garland with two birds; it became a bestseller for a while. It reminds me of Lithuanian national motifs that were crocheted on my grandmother's pillowcases.

Another special product is a christening gift. I'd always wanted to make something small, beautiful, and meticulous as a memento of my child's baptism.

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?

The first sale took place about a month later, and the buyer was from Italy. If you succeed in creating a bestseller, practically nothing else needs to be done—it brings customers to the store. I am happy that customers often return, sometimes after a year or more.

Managing IePeda

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?

Currently, almost all of my working time is occupied by order production; at the beginning, I used Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy advertising. At the moment, my daughter is helping me; she taught me how to take and edit photos; my husband engraves letters on wooden beads; and he is engaged in shipping and postal matters.

The future of IePeda 

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

I don't think of expanding yet; maybe in the future I will have to offer the products to wholesalers, but with handmade products, it can be difficult.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would advise new sellers to expand their assortment, create as many products as they can, and then it will become clear what customers like. Production becomes simpler but less creative as a result. Therefore, it is necessary to decide: more creativity or earnings? Also, it is necessary to pursue a set goal, learn from colleagues, communicate with customers without delay, create, not copy, and most importantly, ENJOY what you are doing!

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

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 3.9