HOW DID YOU GET STARTED SELLING PERSONALIZED ORNAMENTS?
I had been going to the Wisconsin State Fair for many years and was always buying ornaments. I have always loved collecting different ornaments. So one year I thought, ‘Why not try it?’
HOW HAS IT BEEN SELLING ON ETSY?
It has been a wonderful experience thanks to my youngest daughter for introducing me and encouraging me to give Etsy a try. I love watching how the business has grown each year and having repeat customers.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE MAKING THAT FIRST SALE?
It was quite a shock! To be honest, I didn't have notifications set up on Etsy, so my first sale, I didn't know I had until two weeks later! I felt so bad and messaged the customer my apologies and even sent an extra ornament as an apology.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU BUY INVENTORY?
I actually buy several times throughout the year. If it’s a popular item, I want to keep it in stock. I have three companies I purchase from. My big orders for prepping for Christmas begin in April for one and June and July for the other two.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS OF PERSONALIZING AND SELLING AN ORNAMENT LOOK LIKE?
My ornaments are on my website. Customers purchase off that. I receive the order. I then print everything off that is needed to fill that order from the label to the packing slip, and then I personalize the ornament chosen. Some people like the ornaments blank to personalize themselves. It makes it more personal with the giver’s handwriting.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL CHRISTMAS SEASON LOOK LIKE?
Every year has gotten busier! One of the companies I order from gets its new line in the beginning of January, so Christmas is just getting over, and I am heading to a show to look at next season’s ornaments. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to make things go as smoothly as possible. By July, I like to have my inventory all ordered and have my piece count complete so that I can focus on [other] areas of the business.
DO YOU HAVE ORNAMENTS THAT SELL BETTER THAN OTHERS?
Absolutely, my No. 1 ornament is Construction Tools and my second is the Vintage Just Married. These two have been popular for several years. I also have several that have never sold. I like variety.
HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS?
The pandemic has boosted my sales. In general, people start buying in September, but I was busy all summer.