How Potionumber9 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, I’m Liat and my shop on Etsy is Potionumber9! I’ve been running my own business for many years, but it went through many changes.
I finally arrived at jewelry making about 10 years ago - and there was no turning back. I find such incredible joy in designing and making jewelry, how lucky I am I can actually support my family this way!
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My best selling items (by far!) are my Zodiac Constellation Necklaces and Earrings.
These are so dainty and perfectly personalized, they are practically hard to resist. They make for perfect gifts too!
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 remember the first sale I made on Etsy: It was on the first week I posted my first collection. I RAN to my desk to make the necklace and made sure it shipped out the very next day! Lol, Such excitement.
I have been on Etsy for years but I never ever stop evolving, always adding to my collection, and keeping the excitement alive. I have to admit, I am literally addicted to my business,
I simply can’t stop designing new collections and working on new designs. I think having new items consistently added brings in a huge amount of traffic.
I also make sure my titles, tags, prices and images are all the best I could produce - I never cut corners on any of these. I take my time and make sure every detail is maximized.
Managing Potionumber9
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 the business with my husband. He takes care of the shipping and I take care of the rest. I do the sourcing of materials, designing, photographing, photoshopping, pricing, listing, inventory control and of course - production and customer service!
I work 7 days a week, but anything computer related is done sitting on the sofa with a coffee and snacks (got to cut down on those) - so it doesn't feel like work if you know what I mean :)
When I am on the go - I make sure to answer any emails on my phone, never letting customers wait. This makes a HUGE difference.
When customers feel “there is someone out there”, they feel very much reassured and almost always place an order. I am naturally very detailed and organized and love working too, so it never seems to be too much.
Well… except for around the Holidays when everything goes into insane high gear and the pressure is significant. But that’s just a few weeks a year (sigh of relief).
The future of Potionumber9
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I hope to be able to maintain this level of income until I am ready to retire. I am 54 years old, but would like to keep working for many more years.
I love being busy and LOVE the creative aspect of my business, as it is immensely fulfilling.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Etsy brings the right kind of traffic. But it is your job to make sure your product shows well.
You can have a great product and it can be very well priced - but it is the pictures that will sell your items. Invest in a good camera (iPhone is great for larger items but not the best for tiny detailed stuff like jewelry).
Use daytime light - it’s the absolute best and it’s free too (even just next to a bright window - but not in direct sun).
The first thing I did when I started was to buy a camera and gosh, it was expensive and I thought I must be nuts! But that was the best decision. A true investment.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
How much is your monthly revenue?
We currently make over $60K in sales each month.
What is your average profit margin?
Our average profit margin is 65%.
What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Our current conversion rate is 2.2.
