I quit my Etsy shop

[@arh1701]

thank you sooooo very much for sharing your honest review on ETsy, it just irritates me even seeing all these FAKE utube gurus thumbnails showing 6 figures with that shocked fake face as a click bait and NO ONE knows what their actual journey is like...they are just doing ETSY content to get views on Utube and I bet 99% are not fully transparent.. ike they start a shop and report having sales whithin two weeks and no ones knows the actual reality of that claim and whats happening behind the scene

[@sonyamantere]

It's true, and it's something that bothered me too. There's so much that goes into it and for anyone without a previous business or experience in sales, the reality can really be that your first sale will happen after many months. I had to learn everything about ads, creating products, and writing the product description. And I at least had experience in design, but it's a slow process and if you're only in it to make a quick buck it's really not the case.

[@clandestineclara9355]

Thank you for your honesty i made my first sales 6 months after i opened steady income 3 figure 13 months in and have a 5 figure income after 25 month's. It's a long process, there's alot of marketing activities there's even offline marketing behind the scene i didn't fully depend on etsy for my income i am a self employed graphic designer i just sold templates for clients that can't afford my services. Had i hung on to etsy as my only source of income i probably would quit too after 6 months of no sales. I spent way more than i earned on ads like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and TikTok influencers. There's alot that these so called 7 figures gurus is not telling you guys. Just like on most business you gotta put the work in and not list a product go to sleep and wait around. And so far, you're the only honest person that quits and be truthful about it, i hardly see any of these gurus telling how painfully difficult it is. They would just say list 500 products and you'll definitely get a good sale and 5 figure income. And that's a bunch of hooey.

[@sonyamantere]

I love to hear you kept to it and built your business

[@sonyamantere]

2/2 I wouldn't also only depend on only Etsy for income, but I do think that it needs to be physical products, unless you're pumping 5 digital products / day (one youtuber actually said they did that). She had like 8 shops though, that were all bringing in revenue, but the math still ain't mathin' because she has built them over 7 years and multiple of them had over 1000 products.

[@sonyamantere]

Here's the video, if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnTJfauobq-Gqqs

[@clandestineclara9355]

@Sonya Mantere what you said abouts point 1 and 2 is what so called etsy gurus leave out. Because there is a lot of truth when you do have more than 100 listings to get a decent amount of sales say 3 or 4 figures a month. But there's also alot of marketing involved. Sonya I had 300 listings by the 5th month and no sales. My first sale was on the 6th month 2nd sale on the 8th month fùck yeah I wanna quit. But after the 2nd sale I start to generate some consistent sale of either 3 figure daily or monthly. 2 years in then I start to make 5 figures monthly till today and I'm on my 2nd shop amd this is my 4th year. But I was investing more than I was making on marketing for almost 2 year's.

[@clandestineclara9355]

@Sonya Mantere and I didn't say all that to flex or beat my chest but I say that to tell you or anyone's that's reading this that it is painstakingly difficult. Spending money I'm not making feels horrible and depressing I don't even know how true some of these guru's are making 5 figures within the first month selling similar products to mine when I've been around longer. But just like most business there's alot of these bullshìt artists that probably don't even have a store but create a course and make money from there. But I am grateful that you are raw and honest on why you quit. Maybe that spark will reignited back in you and if it doesn't something else will.

[@hogiebb1]

You are not alone. I have been wrestling with the idea of closing my shop as I burnt myself out and no longer have the desire for it. I have been stalling because I thought if I closed it, it would be another thing I failed at.

[@sonyamantere]

I feel like it is also starting to be a burden for you and quitting the shop will actually enable you to let go of dead weight. I try to look at things as if they are just preparing me for something else, and this just being a chapter to build my character. It's has also to do with letting your old self go and starting to build something new, which is always difficult at first. At least you'll have more time on your hands to find out what you might be interested in and become better at that

[@informedsrthankful2438]

Really appreciate your authenticity. So needed now a days. I've been wrestling for months over opening on Etsy shop and your video really helped me come to a final decision. Thank you again for sharing.

[@Back_To_Basics]

I have an eRank free account and on the dashboard it says, “Did you know that you have sold more items than 76% of other shops on Etsy? Keep up the good work!” The ironic thing is, I’ve only had 76 sales since I opened my shop 11 months ago. If this is accurate data, other shops are not doing well on Etsy. This made me realise that Etsy can only be a creative side project for me and not one to quit my 9 to 5 job and pin my hopes and dreams thinking that it will ever be a multi six figure business that I can live off. On a positive note, the longer I stay on the platform, the more I learn what not to do. Just my observation from selling on Etsy so far.

[@YagirlM]

They make tons of money with their fees and charging to list. They’re a scam now.

[@DinaLu]

Omg Sonya! Your video popped up on my feed and I watched it! Glad that my video gave you encouragement to share what's on your heart ❤ I feel a similar way, like not wanting to be an Etsy channel and I'm not feeling very motivated these days to work on my shop. The way you speak is very natural and engaging - you'll go far on youtube I'm sure! Keep talking about the things you are passionate about, and the subscribers will follow 🎉

[@sonyamantere]

Dina! Love to see your comment

[@jeyhunnasibbayli_]

Thank you, Sonya, for an open discussion. see, not everyone is saying what you feel. Everyone is portraying it in such a way that everyone is rocking. I really appreciate your honesty on this matter! me and my wife prepared a couple of listings and couldn't find our country in the listings. And now with products in my hand, we don't know how to list :(

[@sonyamantere]

Is it because your country isn't listed on Etsy? I heard that there are other platforms to sell on too, maybe try those then if Etsy is not an option? Besides, Etsy might really be easy because they have the client base already, but again, it really has to be well curated with SEO and product research to generate revenue. I just felt I was at the end of my journey with Etsy, but I still think people should try it if it's something they want to do. All the best for you two and stick to it even for some time for you to really see whether it works or not.

[@jeyhunnasibbayli_]

@@sonyamantere thank you 🙏 got it! Yeah , I found some other platforms, will see what we can do! Resilience is key

[@LisaGiesler]

I so understand. It’s good to take a break and switch gears. Big hugs

[@sonyamantere]

Agree ! Step back and really ask what it is you want and whether what you're doing now fulfils your soul. 💫

[@chevlim]

When i see a genuine and honest youtuber, i subscribe 😊 such a rare gem nowadays! And i also felt a similar way when i saw Dina’s videos :)

[@sonyamantere]

Thank you

[@hungkiet7535]

I quit Esty,selling on Esty almost a year, didn't get much sales. I paid for ads more than my profit.

[@sonyamantere]

It becomes frustrating once we put in the effort and there is nothing we gain from it. But of course, not to quit too soon, or then find another way for yourself. Etsy is luckily only one stream you can make money from :)

[@hungkiet7535]

@@sonyamantere Yes, you're right, thank you.

[@msbmmc]

Thank you for this. Your video is so important for me. I've tried Etsy so many times and just couldn't do it. Now I wasn't as consistent as you, so it was even harder, but this helps me stop feeling like I'm just not trying hard enough and having these dreams that it would finally work out. As for your channel, do what you feel like. It might be hard and less people might watch, but being happy is so much more important because it'll help you keep going. And eventually you'll see that more and more people are interested. You'll get there.

[@sonyamantere]

Try to think of it as this way - rejection is redirection. What didn't work for you for whatever reason, was not meant for you. Being mindful when trying something new and setting yourself a timeframe on how long you're going to stick to it. 2 years is usually pretty good to see changes and return in investment. If it felt like too much work, it probably was, so no need to second guess your decisions, it could've never been consistent if you felt drained from the work you put in. There needs to be joy in what we do. I appreciate your message so much, thank you.

[@sonyamantere]

@@msbmmc 💖

[@jaywillingham4085]

Wow ! What a bresth of fresh air. Im now starting my 2nd year and really the only thing keeping me going is the fact that I DO LOVE creating art. Otherwise I too wouldve closed shop myself. Good luck to you, and just subbed. So i will be interested to see what things you talk about. You have a wonderful spirit, so you will do great.

[@sonyamantere]

Hey! Thanks !! ✨That's the thing, we need to do more of what resonates with us, and for me it's photography. It was clear that graphic design and what I was doing on Etsy wasn't me being my most authentic self. But I do feel I sort of cracked the code of understanding visuals (listing images, brand image) and SEO, which doing all on our own, might seem daunting. Keep on going, there's so much information online and only by trial and error can you learn to distinguish what's working for your shop. Would you mind sharing your shop ? You can send it to me to [e-mail] :)

[@daniellebohannon4476]

WELL DONE , Noting in life beats honesty , Be proud of yourself for listening to your gut instinct . I fell upon this video Just as I was finally ready to begin my Etsy Journey . I picked a name & I was off to create the page & a few listings this weekend . This is great for those in my position . Thank you . ,

[@goilo888]

You can join the half million new sellers that joined Etsy in the last quarter. Be prepared for a long, hard slog.

[@sonyamantere]

Honesty towards yourself is the most important, otherwise we're just playing a game we don't want to be a part of. Go on and start your shop, if you feel called to do so

[@goldmanguyok66292]

if more people like you would share their failure and give details it would help people much more. You did succeed in a way but you give people more realistic results. your honesty is great!

[@sonyamantere]

Thanks! I think sharing what I encountered can only give ore understanding that there is alot more to it than many of the youtubers let you believe. And I succeeded in being able to do everything without ads, learning and making a small income out of this. It just made me realize that the effort that needs to continuously be put in running Etsy was just not for me.

[@sc6115]

The thing is that if you fail at something it means that there are better plans for you and it isn't there :)

[@sonyamantere]

Exactly. Rejection is redirection. I know it was to build my resilience for something else. Intuition is strong.💖

[@sc6115]

@@sonyamantere and experience ;) the most valuable thing.

[@ChantelleVenter]

I've been driving myself nuts the past month on deciding if I should bother opening a shop. My friend also closed her shop which is eye opening to me. I'm frustrated as I am a graphic designer. I see SOOOOO Many people just buying graphics of sites and selling it as is, a specially for wall art. Then this sets the market for what is in trend. As a designer I won't be able to design and sell what I like as there probably won't be a market for it at all. All the fees are also a huge turn off. Design worl has slowed down a lot due to Ai and people doing things on Canva now and selling it. Feels like my career has basically come to and end, that's why I wanted to join the Etsy train...Now I am just not sure anymore :(

[@sonyamantere]

Hi Chantelle! What's meant for you will find you 💖 Think about it this way; no AI can create what you do, because what they 'create' is so soulless. Have you thought of creating your own shop / website and building a name for yourself on your own (you might've already done that) ? Because for example Blogpixie was a great shop on Etsy but I now see her designs are not coming up on the searches anymore, probably due to saturation. But she has her own website and IG presence so her customers will still find her and her services. So that Etsy would just be something on the side. Try to focus on your specialities; create those designs you are good at making - do not decide for your customers whether they like them or not. Your audience will eventually find you, when it is your strong visual language. Nothing unique / different is popular in the beginning because it goes against the trends. What I also like to do is to instead of thinking of how I would FAIL in what I'm going for - I ask myself what are all the ways I can SUCCEED - find those people / graphic designers that have made it, that have success and a business that is growing, feed off of their success and see it as your success. If someone else has done it, you can do it 💛

[@fatinerharib5790]

Let's put it like this: If you dont do it, you'll never know what might have been, If you do, well at least you'll know

[@sonyamantere]

@@fatinerharib5790 This is exactly how it is; try out everything, see what works, what you enjoy and what is truly for you. Etsy was great for me for a period of time

[@realricardoruiz]

Having a shop in etsy is a business. If you just opened your brick and mortar shop and not managed it daily, do you think you would succeed. Work has to be consistent and always trying to improve and innovate.

[@suzy7301]

I have had a brick and mortar, and I still have my etsy shop, plus I'm on my own website. I promise you Etsy is much more stressful than the brick and mortar ever was, and far more stressful than my own domain. My domain I have control over and there's very little risk of getting shut down and have your business taken out from under you. Sales on my domain are very consistent, whereas Etsy shuts the lights out for who knows what reason.

[@jayjayf9699]

I just got scammed in fiver , I decided to outsource my digital design and she sold me pro Canva templates but I have got it sorted now

[@sonyamantere]

Ok, wow. How did it all go down? If outsourcing anything, try to be very clear what you want so that theres no miscommunication. Glad to hear it all went good.

[@adasanti7312]

Totally get it. There are people who spend $1000 a day on ads and they just don’t leave space for anyone else.

[@sonyamantere]

I agree, success shouldn't be based on the amount of the investment you can make on ads.

[@YogaBlissDance]

YOu have it partially wrong...the work must be good when they start or folks won't buy, ads or no ads, that's not how algo works. They start get better,, ads help. But ads won't sell bad products.

[@Tish.H]

So true. I do get sales most days but I can tell when I do ads it's still not enough because the top sellers can spend the $100 day ads.

[@sonyamantere]

@@Tish.H Thats the thing. In order to do really well in Etsy you need to do ads. Which is something not everyone is aware of or ready to invest. Of course if the product is not good, ads won't be doing much.

[@Tish.H]

@@sonyamantere I think that's the part that most etsy gurus leave out. I have seen shops that have not so great quality digital stickers for example and they still have 6,000 sales with only like 75 items versus someone with 100 plus items great quality images and customer reviews, star seller, but you're still not going to do well enough to see growth if you're not doing ads. And by that time you're really just selling and breaking even.

[@TheJGGibson]

Kudos to you for sharing this. Never feel ashamed for trying to start something new and it ends up not working out. It also takes courage to say no to something that isn't working for you, financially or mentally. As Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." I wish you the best on your next venture. Perhaps it should be photography related; if this is your passion.

[@sonyamantere]

I love the quote, and truly feel the same. We need to be honest with how we feel and whether our intuition is telling us otherwise. For a long time I was determined to make Etsy work, but once I let go of the need, I understood I was holding onto it for the wrong reasons. And especially since I did see growth and sales, it was difficult to accept that there is another path for me. But everything happens for a reason and I feel I need to stay authentic to what i enjoy doing (though I do believe that not everything can be enjoyable all the time, but at least more than not).

[@anttisairanen6766]

Good luck

[@goldmanguyok66292]

if you closed the shop. can you give us a tour of the shop? showing what items succeeded ? what products, keywords you had more success ? This is something that other youtubers are afraid to share because they still sell. but if you quit, can you share more ?

[@sonyamantere]

Yes, I've thought of this definitely! I think it would bring so much more to all of you following and learning about Etsy. Now that I closed it, I cannot access the shop, but once I open it again (just to screen record the products and listings etc) I will create a video on that. It's strange I cannot still 'see the shop' - it's like its frozen at this time because I don't want to pay for any fees if I'm not actively selling the products.

[@goldmanguyok66292]

@@sonyamantere anyway, even seeing what kind of products you did, what you have on your computer. What products were successful, if you remember keywords. it is interesting. if possible, that would be great, maybe it will be good for you as well. There is actually a flood of people who try to sell on etsy now. I saw channel that grew thousands of subscribers "what shea sells" she got now 9k subscribers, in a month she got all the subscribers. she is showing success. but there are channels like "William Lee", he grew 4k subscribers also really fast, because he criticize Etsy, no success..and people like that, showing realistic stuff on Etsy. just a suggestion, i anyway subscribed to you as well

[@rigelr5345]

I also recently quit my shop, didn't sell anything... Sucks when you put so much work and effort into it, and it fails. It really does a toll on your motivation. Can I ask what your product was? I did digital art, but I think I'll try a second time with digital planners but yeah.... not feeling great about starting again

[@melinanina22]

start your own shop

[@rigelr5345]

@@melinanina22 Yeah but that requires money, energy, and time too. And I really don't wanna do that unless I'm certain the product sells well. Which is what I wanted to test out on etsy first. At least I know it doesn't sell now and it's good I didn't waste time making my own website and shit

[@lizwuli1007]

Thank you so much for this video! I have no idea how people on Etsy constantly create high-quality new products. I am selling digital products and making some money but the workload is insane 😵‍💫 Please show me an alternative 😀

[@sonyamantere]

I couldn't agree more. Like, it's doable but I can't even fathom how much work it would require. I haven't looked for alternatives though!

[@bimaf.anarki7961]

Thank you

[@TheCosmicLab-l2h]

I totally agree with you.

[@beatrixkiddo3964]

You will succeed.

[@sonyamantere]

[@nataliepepper6592]

Etsy is holding sellers money because they are having money problems

[@sonyamantere]

Oh really, didn't know about that. Seems like a good decision I left the platform then.

[@stepbromlbb]

The conflict inside of me part hit me lol going through it now with my shop

[@sonyamantere]

I think the most important is to decide what it is you want. Etsy can be a profitable platform, but it requires more than you initially see. For me it was just not enjoyable anymore and it took me 6 months to admit that. I always ask whether the shop and everything I do for it, really speaks to me on a career-level. Is is something I see myself doing, and do I feel like it fulfils me creatively.

[@jayjayf9699]

What was your niche ? You didn’t tell us ?

[@sonyamantere]

Social media branding! Templates for Instagram and e-book templates. Some did very well actually.

[@jayjayf9699]

@@sonyamantere did you think of expanding you niche ?

[@jayjayf9699]

@@sonyamantere it’s a shame you have closed , for someone like me who is just starting it’s a bit discouraging. It difficult to tell what you did on your journey I know you spoke about it in a few of your videos. I guess everyone’s journey is different, that’s what makes the world a unpredictable place.

[@sonyamantere]

@@jayjayf9699 Yea, the shop is still intact, but it's just closed for now. Don't be discouraged, this was just my journey and many outside things affect how we decide to proceed with things in life. I am going through other important things at the moment and Etsy just wasn't something I could focus on at this time. I think if I'd continue to create 1 product / week, the sales would've been consistent. I noticed it immediately when I didn't have the time and interest to create new listings anymore.

[@jayjayf9699]

@@sonyamantere can I have a look at the store ? You have my email

[@jayjayf9699]

Have you actually closed the shop and are you still making money even though you stop uploading listings , I’m taking a break for my mental health currently

[@sonyamantere]

I did close it, but it said that customers can still leave reviews for their purchases. I assume I can open it again if I feel like it. Because pausing it would've just resulted in running fees. Breaks are good for us, need to find the joy in the process of creating.

[@PanSpacja]

@@sonyamanterewhat kind of fees, the price for listing a product?

[@sonyamantere]

@@PanSpacja Yes, when you list a products theres fees, then the renewal has fees, and also when a customer purchases a products theres processing fees.

[@YogaBlissDance]

Yeh it's not right for you- talk about what you WANT and enjoy to talk about. That will grow you WAY BIGGER! That was the issue not Etsy. Some of what your are saying isn't true, I follow a guy who makes tons on Etsy and has multiple shops- SELLING DIGITAL was his first and now a mix. So your statements really show mindset- I'm not trying to be mean, but simply stating that it works for some folks, yes small percentage but there are reasons...