I Made $150k Selling Stickers. Here's What I Learned...

[@mighty_isis9294]

Dude, you dropped this video at the right time for me! I've been stuck in my planning stage for months because of fear. This video is the kick in the butt that I needed to move forward! Thank you ❣❣❣

[@TimKoa]

Wish you luck!

[@ananimous-hack111]

​@@TimKoahey Tim, could you please suggest a plotter since you are a person who is experienced... Kameo or Cricut? Or maybe you can suggest something else? What is the best?

[@TimKoa]

@@ananimous-hack111 I'd personally recommend a Cameo. It's compatible with pro software like Adobe Illustrator and is overall more versatile. I ran my shop off of 2 Cameos for a long time.

[@ananimous-hack111]

@@TimKoa thanks for the reply, what model of Cameo would you suggest?

[@mai.krafts]

Same here. Been planning for months now!!!

[@lilliangonzales8893]

I feel like an information collector…I collect all these pieces of knowledge and tools but don’t know how to execute…like having all the ingredients to bake a cake but not realizing it.

[@thequietrepose]

I have the same issue. I finally started a few things that I wanted to do for a long time, but after a while, the continuity broke when the slightest of difficulty or discontinuity happened, say like, for setting up payment options etc. So things never actualised for me ultimately. If I had only used the knowledge I gained during this process, I would have earned decent money. But I never really start! It's like having all tools in the battlefield, but none of them coming to use when in need. 😅

[@historyandhearsay]

I have this SAME issue also 🫣

[@mitripao]

Same here..have so many ideas and watched so many how to videos but don't know how to execute.

[@nayeliorozco3754]

Starting is the hardest step

[@nicolaharris461]

Time to close the app for awhile

[@MaysField]

1. Making money is a skill, and it can be learned Three steps: seek knowledge (from CEOs and people who have achieved what you wanted to achieve), practice (gotta apply knowledge to practice), reflection 2. The gold is in the whitespace. (Most of his success comes from going where everyone else isn't going). Or if you want to get into a competitive field, make your product stand out (color, design, etc) 3. Businesses is simply building and selling. Balance these two factors, don't be too focused on only one 4. Trends die hard (It's dangerous to simply chase trends and seek shortcut, like masks selling during the quarantine phase) 5. It's possible to make money, really. Achieve small milestones, start from $10, to $100, so on. Accumulate proof and confidence. Best wishes to everyone

[@Kaymitlit]

Thanks a lot I watched the video but nice to read a recap after 💖

[@kitty2527]

Correct, chasing trends is like speculating on market going up or down the very next day when the very next minute everything can go south like how Pandamic just drops the bomb on all of us.

[@estrellaverbeck]

Thanks for the summary. Appreciate it 🙏

[@happuhelon]

Thank you for summarizing ❤ hopefully we’ll get summoned back here again from time to time to keep on going!

[@Coffeeismylifeblood]

❤ what’s your gross?

[@moku1648]

For those good at sewing and design, full body anthropomorphic mascot animal costumes ("fursuits") regularly sell for between $2k and $10k depending on quality and demand is so high that decent makers have waitlists for years.

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

Now that is an idea

[@Kurbante]

Not a tutorial , but a testament to what is possible for everyone. I appreciate this. This is as organic as it gets. Awesome, continued blessings for all!

[@NITom848]

Truly over the moon for you, I came across your channel roughly a year ago when the itch to start an E-Comm business struck once again. Your success was definitely one of the factors that made me decide to go for it, our first product is set to ship on Sep 1st and we already have 250 ish sign-ups on the waiting list. So a wholehearted thank you!

[@TimKoa]

That's amazing Tom! Best of luck with the launch :D

[@thunderlips1211]

Dude your video gave me hope , im a 35 yo artist who have alot of creative and original potintals but as a person who is not so social and dunno how to deal with all these new technologies and platforms i find my self walking in circles and cant make a living out of art but at the same time i found that cant do or be anything else but an artist thats why i feel lost and alienated all the time .

[@azizo8]

Your videos are so wholesome, i love watching them. You manage to give real, valuable advice while also keeping a chill and comforting vibe

[@TimKoa]

I appreciate you! 🙏

[@LifeOdysseyMotivation]

@@TimKoa Thank u Tim. You are handsome.

[@mariewatson4001]

I’m glad I found this. I’ve been overthinking my Etsy shop for months, I’m finally launching it tomorrow, and I never thought about stickers. Your story is inspirational. Keep up the amazing work. Can’t wait for more of your content :)

[@kenzielove99]

Congrats! What’s your shop name?

[@misostori]

I usually never comment on KZbin videos, but this one left a great impression on me, so I had to drop a comment letting you know - thank you :) I love you described your journey so linearly, without exaggeration, emphasizing the importance of consistency and reflection. Hoping to hear more soon!

[@sittingduck4602]

Tim, you seem like a genuine person and as someone who's looking into a similar path as yours, I'm really happy for your success!

[@TimKoa]

Thank you!

[@tarekmahmud1904]

You talk and act so much naturally, down to earth, and legible. I love your face and that smile with a relaxing sound.

[@floyd1793]

This is the very first video I've seen of you.. You are one of the very very few creators that is actually likable! Thank you for your humility, it's compelling and feels honest.

[@Rakadeja]

Aww, thank you for sharing. I got awful advice the other night, and this showed up at the perfect time. I feel really motivated !! I've recorded everything while I've been learning how to make stickers. I knew it was worth it! While I don't expect 150,000, I do expect some passive income soon! You rock dude! Stay blessed!

[@MyArtWorld]

I just loved how you explained everything in detail! Balancing marketing strategies and creating new strong work to sell is crucial but hard if you are only one person. It can be very easy to only focus on one and forget about the other. I remember 4 years ago, I tried to make a sticker shop on Etsy, and I spent months creating different stickers and even hand-cutting over 5000 stickers since I couldn't afford a sticker-cutting machine. I also took lots of time to take professional photos of my stickers. In the end, I didn't even make one sale. It sucked because I spent so much time and effort creating my stickers. I did learn something valuable and it was that you can have the best product, however, if the marketing isn't good, then the idea will fail.

[@infamousS709]

I like how you shared your story with no fluff just genuine keep working at it and some good business lessons along the way!

[@jonphang806]

So far I think it is the most honest and concrete video I have seen in regards to advice on "starting a Buisness", good life advice!

[@itsemillukas]

this was exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your journey and what you've learned. Starting a business is exciting but it's so much work!! Knowing it took you YEARS not just months is really reassuring. This was exactly the motivation I needed to keep pushing! Thank you!!

[@tks998]

Thanks for posting this! It's great to hear your business has been so successful. My Etsy has slowed down a lot since COVID restrictions were lifted, but it was also partly because I was not trying to create new products or market my stuff. The video was great motivation and I'll be working on my art again to get my business going. Miss your videos! Hope to see more soon.

[@lettersfromastardustsoul]

One of the best videos about business I have ever watched.”If I can make 10 dollars, then I can make 100 dollars. Because it’s 10 times of what I did.” I love that! Thanks for this video!

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

I love hearing about success stories that aren't "how I created a multimillion dollar empire", I can't relate to that and it's intimidating. Stories like yours are actually inspiring because they're reasonable and seem attainable.

[@SusanBradshaw-ke2zf]

Such a great video, Tim! Much of my struggle to start a small business is realted to having ADHD. I have had it for many years, but had no idea until I was recently diagnosed at almost 56 years old. I definitely feel like I missed my chance. My family has been pushing me for years to open a small business, and I couldn't understand why it is so difficult for me. I can't stay focused on one thing. I start with something I know I am good with, and then I question what I'm doing and it takes weeks for me to think of something else to try. It's a terrible cycle. I need to do this! I have a degree in Visual Communications for goodness sake, but that was back in 1987. If I could just be that person again.

[@katharina3362]

I can relate sooo much to this comment! I have ADHD as well and I tend to hyperfixate on a specific product or niche for weeks and then I just....stop. And change my mind. It´s exhausting.

[@mai.krafts]

I don't know if I have adhd but this happens to me.. Like a lot of times!!! always thought that I'm lazy or messed up :(

[@katharina3362]

@@mai.krafts you should look into the symptoms! I always thought something is wrong with me until I found out I have ADHD 😬

[@thesouthafrican1]

Im pretty sure I have that too. I want to start a business but I start one project, stop midway, fixate on a new hobby, start that, stop halfway go back to the old one, then find another new hobby ..ect 😣

[@SerialStarter]

I hear all of this! I’m in the process of starting a YT channel (serial starter) dedicated to ADHD work issues and hobby hopping. It’s taking me all my hyper focus powers to prep for launch. 😅

[@3PairDesigns]

Thank you Tim, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Even though I don't make stickers, I did stumble onto your channel when I was researching a Cricut machine and you did a really great review that basically said that the Cricut wouldn't grow with you and your business goals. I loved that perspective and now watch your vids a lot because of it. I too am slowly re-creating a business I've done wrong twice already (in 12 years) and finally finding that doing things in "pieces" is a solid path to follow. Anyway, thank you for sharing, I truly appreciate your time and perspective!

[@angelp0tat084]

This video just changed my life😭 I can’t put it into words, but truly, thank you for this

[@dropkickinbaby88]

You have a Shiny Charizard card! I suddenly want to see the entire collection. I bought and sold cards for a while after managing Gamestop for some years. And then went into business/sales and learned a lot of similar things you're talking about here (and watched that Kobe interview at least 3 times a month). I love how transparent you're being here, you're capable of helping so many people. Keep it up!

[@nerdmommy7114]

It’s funny you started the business to support your hobby! So relatable! Love this list!

[@crownedwithcoils3363]

I remember your first few videos, and seeing where you are now is truly inspirational! I will not give up on my Etsy shop & Marketing! Thank you!

[@lowlyfirefly]

Thank you for this video! Your video production quality is admirable and this is also a big tell why you were successful in your sticker venture...

[@janaabreu]

There are so many things I love about this video. For starters, everything is very well explained and insightful which is great for anybody trying to get into digital business. Watching this kind of videos can be very overwhelming for me (too much noise and too much info) but your voice is so soothing for my brain, so now here I am binge-watching your videos while I work on my website. So, Thank you and Keep up the good work!!

[@belkiscarolinacamposcarril3292]

Thank you so much for this Tim! It made me reflect on how low my ambitions were at the beginning with my own business and how far I’ve come! I totally see myself focusing most of my time on creating products and then run out of energy to market. Thank you for the reminder!!!

[@maejorplayz1366]

Such a humble guy! Love this video man. I’m starting something too and these points will definitely help!

[@MilliSunArt]

This is beautiful. The fact that you shared these tips. Your journey is inspiring. I'm building heavy and gotta get to that selling side, so the message definitely resonated. I appreciate you.

[@foxofyourdreams]

I love love this! Your calm demeanor is so captivating that I absorb everything you said. Thank you so much for this!

[@matuomin]

THANK YOU for this video! This was so very helpful! I've read a good bunch about business over the years but been stuck. Many times I've been told I got artistry skills and I should sell my art - but I've been unable to make bigger amounts of money of it (tho it's been a dream of mine a very long time). I haven't figured out why - until now. You explained so well and shortly about your journey and now I exactly know what to do next. Aka stop planning and start doing! And I have to say: I absolutely love how down-to-earth you seem to be. I feel like many rich people/business owners out there tend to be a bit head on the clouds or focus just on materia. But you seem to be just you and it's inspiring! Again, thank you!

[@NonaBear]

I just saw this video and I have purchased labels from your shop before!!! I love turtle tags!! They work great! I use them for my child's clothes and school supplies!! You are doing amazing!! Great job!!!

[@BusinessWolf1]

This video is so good man. It's exactly how I do things I want to make work. Plan, and then make damn sure you are not avoiding steps in the plan, as you learn mindfully plus look ahead for traps and common wins you can get.

[@EjoysArtSpace29]

You are awesome. Its very rare for men to have a sticker shop and cute stuffs to say the least. Very inspiring too. Thanks and congratulations 😊🎀

[@marym2856]

You have such a kind, friendly and relaxing personality. So nice to watch this video:) Thanks

[@lisaburford9242]

Best straight to the point video I've watched on KZbin, you are an inspiration thank you for taking the time to make this video I hope you get millions of views as your advice is like gold dust ❤😊

[@TimKoa]

Appreciate it Lisa, thank you:)

[@abright1015]

I hope you know how much we appreciate your authenticity and honesty!

[@gabbyherrera7]

I'm so thankful I found your videos. I love when successful, creative people share how they succeeded and whether people ever actually decide to do it or not, I just want to thank you for being open. I wish you even more success to come your way. 😊

[@gabbyherrera7]

And it's true. Fear is a witch!!! Fear of failing has been my biggest challenge. Besides, not even knowing where to begin. Thank you again.

[@plushieboat]

I've been trying to find videos like these for so long 😭I felt really stuck not knowing how to proceed with my online store, but you helped to fill in the gaps. I do really appreciate it! Thank you 🙏

[@CreativeFollies]

Thanks for sharing! You are very thoughtful and encouraging. The key insight for me was the Building vs. Selling thing. I "build"/create a lot of stuff I'm proud of that people enjoy, but I lose interest when the rubber hits the road. I'll work on that.

[@Whyamiherel0l]

Needed that stop thinking of big goals and get Proof over time;love it

[@chassidywebdesign3672]

This video is insightful and useful. Your voice sounds calm as well - that's the cherry on top! Thanks!

[@ihavenohair1975]

Awesome video, all great advice. I appreciate how you take time to reflect on everything and take it as a lesson. Constantly adjusting as needed

[@WarrdHabib]

Honestly this is one of the best videos I’ve seen yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@mrs.quills7061]

Ah so happy to see a video from you and after months of burn out, self care and coming back, this comes at a perfect time as I’ve been trying to perfect my sticker game, my cricut though has been making things difficult.

[@Scarshadow666]

Yeah, my Silhouette Cameo 4 has been giving me some issues too (been saving up money for sticker printing companies to build up my inventory while I try to figure out what's going on with my Silhouette).

[@mai.krafts]

This is so timely!!! Could definitely relate!! I already invested in machines and all I need for this crafting business. I would excitingly posts products I try and people are contacting me to order but I have no confidence to even sell it already. Seems like I want to build it more. Thank you so much for this video! Really need to balance things

[@charofheart37]

I'm plugged soak it in! I like how you show starting with nothing but hand drawn skills and move up bit by bit. 🤗❤️👍🏽💯

[@jimmycheww]

Thank you for sharing your insights Tim. I faced the same situation as what you have shared in your video that when you initially started, you spent too much time on designing & building your products, & didn't focused on selling & marketing. I am re-evaluating my mistakes & hope to polish up my weak areas in selling & marketing. Again, thanks for your share Tim.

[@bitzbox]

Good advice and well done on reaching $150k! You'll definitely reach $1m in no time.

[@DrBanner23]

I love watching these videos. Just straight forwards and provides info with no click bait. I can’t wait to get my niche product started soon! :)

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching :D

[@tknson]

Great video! Any tips on managing taxes/business side of things?

[@momdoesstuff]

Awesome advice for life in general! I'll be adding this to my recommended playlist for my graduating seniors at school. Thanks for sharing this!

[@nexlevelsounds]

Tim I just want to say thanks man! Despite any negative comments here I think you are: ● a real person doing this, you aren't amped up on steroids on some stage where you ask us all to sign up for your course! Real shi* here & I appreciate that ● I'm a business owner rightnow I own a cleaning company & there is nothing wrong with multiple revenue streams I happen to love stickers myself! ● You shared real results & ppl like will always like you & appreciate you for being honest! ● Anyone can do this I'd have to agree Just thanks man! I'm with you!

[@kaizen_5091]

Thank you, Tim Koa, for sharing with the community your real-world experience and the wisdom that comes from that.

[@AllisonNicoleOrganics-ip4db]

Hi all & Tim! You’re videos have been very helpful. I’m getting ready to launch my Etsy shop. Accounting stuff easy, making products easy, marketing easy BUT tech- a HUGE challenge. It’s been my biggest hurdle. My 11 year old niece has taught me how to use all these techie stuff. 😂😂😂 God bless her. I cried & gotten so frustrated but it’s getting me out of my comfort zone & keeping an open mind. I guess you can teach an old dog a new trick. 🐶😖

[@mickeeva]

This was so needed for me right now. Thanks for always making such encouraging and insightful videos!

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for watching :)

[@tmatti79]

Thanks Tim for the video. Congratulations for making $150k in your business.

[@dreamer9387]

Been a great fan of your channel but since then, I must be busy of my career. Now I realized looking back of my skill since I’ve started doing some designing of my hobby likes T- shirt , cards , mugs and caps. Etc Just for my family. Watching some KZbin practical skills people on this- but no such a good start and mentoring. No equipment on the side but learning my skill on my own is rewarding. I hope someone could guide me on the right path to change my anchor from hobby to sustainable income . I’m hoping I’ll be sitting and starting my great ideas from you when you get a chance . Thanks bro from your humble beginnings it really pinch my head up to move. God bless!!

[@sophieannaviolet]

This video was a lot more practical and motivational than I thought from the title. Great for anyone wanting to start a business. Excellent job!

[@janicecjma]

Exactly what i need, thank you Tim! Congrats on your milestone!

[@EuphoricSupply]

I have notifications on and get so excited when I see you post a new video! You’re one of my favorite creators. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge:-)

[@TimKoa]

That means a lot to me Euphoric. Thank you!

[@greenwarrior0707]

Love all the lessons Tim! But lesson #5 is the most relatable to me, thanks for reminding this valuable point! Indeed to start, we need to believe it’s possible first. Faith is the starting engine 👍🏻

[@puccarts]

A common theme I keep seeing is that people had time during the pandemic because they were all on furlough so they were able to actually focus on something different.

[@Toni-PAT]

Finally someone who dont want to sell a online course and stay humble and down to earth. I wish you more success and that you can make the 1 Million Dollar with your Businnes. You deserve it

[@uppromote3791]

It's so inspiring! You can start with literally anything.

[@bedhead-studio]

Thank you so much. I just started my shop. Getting it started has been challenging.

[@domoniquep2176]

Super inspiring. I really connected with the last ten minutes and the message about how you proved it to yourself! Thanks

[@arcturus8035]

Genuine video with realistic strategies rather than some others who sugarcoat it....

[@lornamcdougall6593]

Just came across your channel and this video was excellent. Thanks for the lessons - the timing of coming across your video was perfect. Great information, great quality and love your authenticity (no hype at all).

[@lillyofthemountainss]

Thank you! I've been trying to get my sticker business up and running but I lack motivation 😅 I did however make my first sticker sheet the other day! (That was pretty big for me😂) Thank you so much for getting me excited for making stickers again 😊

[@TimKoa]

Nice! Hope you get some sales soon :D

[@totorohugs]

Just discovering your products now and I love the simplicity of your website and how it understands what your audience needs!

[@MightJustQuitWork]

Really enjoyed watching this Tim! Thanks for sharing!

[@serenaamabile4551]

You explain things so clearly and using the right words. This inspired me. Thank you.

[@DEESYPROD]

Absolutely love your videos man, you always finish off with a reassuring statement and it helps so much Never slow down.

[@sadepennbrook]

I think your next video should focus on the selling and marketing part. While all of your advice has some relevancy, I feel the bulk of the work and magic really happens on the promotion part. That’s the area that is difficult because of its natural complexity and most people don’t have any experience in.

[@Mazzahomebizgrowth]

That is awesome!🎉❤ You are so pleasant, and relaxing to listen to. Other people who teach this go too fast, and are stressful to watch.

[@amandatatendamutangadura]

Not what I wanted, but exactly what I needed. Thank you ❤

[@dylanagoblin9298]

Etsy is really good for selling sticker I have no following but I was getting quite a few orders I made about $100 and got burned out because I didn't know what kind of designs I wanted to make. I wanna start my shop up again and this video has helped a lot ! The algorithm is really good if you're making niche stickers, I was towards the top of search results which improved my sales. Considering my stickers were only a couple of dollars making $100 was surprising, I could see using these business tips to help it take off!

[@rw5500coo]

Thank you for your sharing. It’s so encouraging for I’m planning to start an eCom biz now. Love it! I got knowledge. I got encouragement. And I got confidence 😊

[@thunderlips1211]

Could you please make a video about tips for selling portraits on etsy , specially when you have a unique and original portrait drawing style and ideas !?

[@VietNguyen-zv3hy]

This was a great watch, thank you for taking time uploading this

[@glittergrandma]

Thank you for the great video. Your honesty and good ideas are really encouraging. Well done.

[@Alyvarities89]

I needed this video I have my shop up on Etsy now but I’m struggling to gain the traffic but you have given me hope. I really want my shop to work.

[@robbiecarrion]

Thank you for making this video! I feel really motivated to start. Great content

[@Enchanteralle]

I left my day job beginning of the yr and focused on my own business which is growing and stable now, but looking into having more streams of income while exploring other creative stuff. I have much to learn!

[@gentlemansenglish321]

Hey man, your videos have been really helpful. Maybe I have missed it, but I wonder if you’d make a video for those of us who don’t know illustrator and what you need to do to make cut lines and the border markers leave. All the best.

[@3mmaM3i]

This is so inspiring! Thank you for taking the time to document and consolidate all of this information! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ceriswhatnots]

i got recommended this 9 months later, i love your insights! i wanna be more serious in selling my art your video helped a lot

[@makeupbymango1]

Glad I found this video. Wanted to start on Etsy for quite a while now, but I was fighting my fears, on a daily basis. Really appreciate this. ☺️

[@ElliScar]

Thanks for sharing all this knowledge! I loved the tip - trends die hard. It’s so easy to get wrapped in what’s trending rather than just focusing on a good product

[@sle142]

You are an absolute inspiration Tim! Big love for you and what you’re sharing here, and it is incredible what you’ve achieved by bringing your idea and vision into existence ❤ and showing us what is possible when we believe in the beauty of our own dreams! Thank you for being a carrier of hope

[@TimKoa]

Thanks for the kind comment. I appreciate you! 🙏

[@penni6432]

Good points. While some "trends die hard," they also make money. If I can make $100,00 off an idea and it goes not further, it's $100,000 more that I now have that I would not have had if I had not tried (lots of had ;). I've talked about my ideas for years and now I'm taking risk. I'm 59 so it's never too late to try something new and risky. I just started a business and have three business ideas I will be promoting. My grandson when I told him I got my business name established asked if he could help with my business. Of course he can, and now I've added another idea to get my grandkids involved.

[@oliveoliy7958]

Inspiring, aspirational, clear cut & calming. Thank you for the video 🥰

[@ngo2194]

Thanks for sharing Tim! Love your journey.

[@manciamusic]

I have a roland BN2 20 and and a laser engraver i did my first 1500 in 5 days.... Did it in only during my break time ( i have a 9 to 5 job and 7 to 12 am night job) even doin this in my limited free time ... I proved to my self is possible to make money ...now my next goal will find a part-time job and have more time for my sticker and print business

[@Weirtoe]

This is GOLD advice, absolutely brilliant, thank you

[@jordand1554]

Loved the Pokémon segue. My experience was the opposite, started selling Pokémon cards on eBay in 2021. Started small and it’s since snowballed. Great content.