Etsy Seller Interview with Sandra of NomadStitches

How NomadStitches 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?

Well, I am a knitwear designer, which means that I design cool garments that I want to wear, then I do lots and lots of math and write patterns so that other people can make my designs in their size. I design crocheted and knitted garments and accessories. Etsy was the obvious place to start when I started selling patterns since it’s very easy to set up a shop. Also, digital downloads are very easy to sell on this platform.

Favorite items

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

I love working with color and creating interesting garments that are different from the rest. My favorite patterns are those in which I use fun crochet colorwork techniques, such as my Confetti DK Pullover and my Mosaic Jumper.

 I also really like creating interesting textures, especially when I can create a knitted look with a crochet hook! Some of my most popular knit-look patterns are the Pescador Beanie and the Taroko Sweater.

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 I had my first customer about a week after I listed my first item. I was over the moon! I work with social media a lot to bring in new customers; advertising also helps, but it’s mostly word of mouth and review-driven!

Managing NomadStitches

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?

It is mostly me running the shop since I design and write the patterns. Once the downloadable files are up, it’s all pretty automated. My husband does help me a lot with photography and marketing (newsletters and the like). I only use the Etsy app, and whenever I have sold physical items like crochet kits for one of my patterns, I have done all of the shipping labels myself. I do think there are better ways, though!

The future of NomadStitches

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

I would like to continue to create beautiful content for people to shop for and maybe have a subscription program.

Advice for new sellers

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

Don’t be discouraged when you don’t sell as quickly as you expected. There is a lot of competition, and a bit of determination goes a long way. Also, good photography and well-written descriptions help tons!

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: On Etsy I make around 700 EUR (I do sell in other platforms including my own website).

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: About 90% given that I deal in digital downloads

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer:1.8% this past year.