If I could pick ONE seller on Etsy.com that I could switch place with it would be with Kathleen of Tucker Hill Designs. I simply LOVE her sugar scrubs and recently bought a whole bunch to use as Wedding Shower Favors – but wish I could use them all for myself.
So, let me introduce Kathleen, owner of the Tucker Hill Design store – a Store full of amazing body care products.
I am guessing that everyone that buys the sugar scrubs loves them (including me); is it your most sold item?
Yes, my most sold item(s) are my sugar scrub cubes (although my new bath melts are giving my sugar scrubs a run for their money). I think the sugar scrub cubes sell well because they are attractive and make unique gifts. I do have quite a few repeat customers for these cubes because of their consistency and exfoliating ability.
How was it to get started on Etsy?
It did seem like it took a long time for my products to get “noticed” on Etsy. There are a lot of shops making and selling similar products in my category. I think it took at least six months for sales to increase – last Christmas was my first Christmas on Etsy and I was quite a bit busier at that time. I think also that feedback is a huge driver – after accumulating a number of positive feedbacks I think my sales started to increase also. People have comfort in knowing that others liked certain products.
What do you do to stand out here on Etsy?
There are a few things. I extensively research and experiment with my products before offering them for sale – hopefully the quality and care comes through in the final product when used by my customers. I try to take good, clear pictures of my products and write appropriate, and sometimes entertaining, descriptions of my products. That’s all the customer has – they can’t pick up a jar of scrubs and examine it and smell it. Another thing that is very important is customer service. I try to communicate quickly and clearly to my customers or potential customers – I think this communication makes a big difference. It is important to me that my customers feel a bit special – you don’t get that treatment at most stores or by ordering online from major companies.
What got you started?
I “retired” from being a paralegal in 2009. A good friend of mine has a gift shop and wanted to offer reed diffusers to her customers. So researching and crafting reed diffusers started me off, but it wasn’t long before I moved into skin care items and then bath items (being a bath junkie doesn’t hurt LOL).
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Constant research! Now that I have this business, when I shop, that is research, too. Looking at labels, fragrances, styles, etc. My husband told me recently, your business is all you talk about. It was then that I realized that handcrafting these items is my passion.
What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I can tell you what it is now, but that may change – I love the new bubble bath bar stacks that I am making. They are unique and so cute.
Other amazing products from Kathleen’s store are her body lotions in so many different scents. And her bath melts – if I only had a big bath tub…. 🙂
Any tip you want to share to fellow Etsy sellers?
Yes – be patient if you are a new Etsian. It takes time to get noticed on Etsy simply because there are so many shops and creative artisans. I realize that some of the sellers have “day jobs” and cannot spend full time creating and selling. However, the person sitting at their computer at home doesn’t know that – all they know is that there is something they are interested in buying. Communication is key – let them know when their item is being shipped. Answer any questions they have as soon as you can. It takes time to develop a reputation and the reputation will bring you additional and repeat customers through word of mouth.
- Take clear pics of your items and tell your potential customer as much as you can about it.
- Use Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and your blog to drive people to your Etsy shop.
- Join Etsy teams and create treasuries to gain exposure.
So, so many great tips and ideas from a clearly PASSIONATE creator!! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your perspective on how it is to be an Etsy shop owner and how to expand and keep improving your line. Have a wonderful summer with some time off as well as many sales! 🙂
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Tucker Hills Design on Etsy
Candie Ink 