Etsy Seller Interview with Hatice of katrekilim

How katrekilim 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!! This is Hatice from Katrekilim. I have been selling some kilims and tons of varieties of Turkish pillow covers since 2016 on Etsy. I used to make pillow covers and was quite skilled at it. People were admiring my pillow covers. I heard from a friend of mine that I could sell what I create on Etsy. I was only selling my items to walk-in customers at my shop. Then I wanted to take my online store to the next level. I tried to sell my items on Etsy, and I think I've done a really great job so far. I get my rugs from the small towns where they were made and use them to make pillow covers. If they are in good condition, I would rather sell them the way they are.

Favorite items

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

I like my hemp pillow covers the best. They are organic and natural. I personally like the feeling of it. They are so soft and healthy. The colors are mostly black and white, so they are suitable for most rooms.

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 think it took a week for me to earn my first sale because I was not very familiar with Etsy 🙂 I always create new and different pillow covers. I literally work on something new to accomplish something. I always have loyal customers because they not only like my pillow covers and customer service but also the way I impress them with my new pillow covers. I have discounts at my shop, so I think that also increases my sales.

Managing katrekilim

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 do most of the things on Etsy by myself. I don’t use any apps other than Etsy. Each of my products has a unique sku number. Once I receive the order, I try to ship it the same day or the next day. They are all ready for shipment.

The future of katrekilim

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

I would like to expand my pillow covers line more and supply my pillow covers to more people. I am currently working on new designs. I hope 2023 will be better than past years.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would recommend them to sell high-quality products, follow up with their shipments, and provide the best customer service.