How PickslaysWoodworking 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?
My name is Spencer Pickslay. I started my business in 2011 and went full time in the summer of 2013. My business is Pickslay’s Woodworking, and I make handmade wooden items such as guitar picks, pens, pocket knives, bowls, and cutting boards. The wood I buy comes from all over the world; rare and exotic woods, and I also source my wood locally.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My custom engraved wood guitar picks are by far my favorite because they are what has made my business sustainable. Most of my income comes from wood guitar picks, and they have been sold all over the world since 2013.
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?
My first sale took a long time, but during that time I was just learning how to make better products and find out what my customers wanted. Currently, I utilize Etsy ads to attract more customers as well as provide clear pictures, accurate descriptions, and good customer service.
Managing PickslaysWoodworking
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 work by myself. My office is in the house, and the workshop is in the backyard. I have a laser engraving machine for custom engravings and woodworking tools to make all of the items that I sell. I process all of my orders in my office, work on custom engravings, and try to ship as much as possible the next day. I use USPS pickup for my orders to save time going to the post office. I package everything in my office as soon as my customer's product is ready to go out.
The future of PickslaysWoodworking
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
My goals are to make larger furniture items like dining tables, coffee tables, bar tops, etc. I have a sawmill and would like to be able to buy more equipment to help me source all of my local lumber.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
My advice for a new Etsy seller is to take the time to improve your products and to go above and beyond for your customers. Listening to your customers' preferences and being willing to adapt your products to new trends and interests are also important.
