.png)
You know, there was this one time when my great aunt, bless her heart, saw a the centerpiece I made for my wedding and said, “Honey, you could totally make money doing this.”
At the time, I just laughed it off. But she wasn’t wrong. People love handmade stuff, it’s like they can feel the care and effort we put into every little detail. And let me tell you, as someone who’s done it, selling crafts online can turn into something much bigger than you think. Whether it’s just a side hustle to help with daycare costs or something bigger, it’s worth definitely exploring.
So, I thought, why not share what I’ve learned? If I can help another tired dad, or any parent, really, turn their creative hobby into some extra cash, then mission accomplished.
I’ll walk you through some ideas, tips, and even point you toward resources that have helped me along the way. Plus, if you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve got you covered there too. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Oh, trust me, I’ve been in that exact situation, staring at a handful of crafts thinking, “This is it. This is my big break.” Spoilers: It wasn’t if course.
Turns out, there’s a lot more to selling handmade items online than just making something cute and hoping for the best. I learned this the hard way, and let me tell you, it’s equal parts frustrating and enlightening.
The truth is, when you’re first starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in the beginner mistakes. Maybe you see something trendy online and think, “I can make that!” Or maybe you pick a craft that takes so much time and effort that by the time you’re done, you’ve practically lost money.
And don’t even get me started on how many people list just a few items and then sit back, waiting for the sales to magically happen.
But here’s the good news, you don’t have to fall into those traps anymore. There’s a smarter way to approach selling-crafts-online. Let me walk you through the steps you should take instead.
here’s the list of mistakes I made when I first tried selling crafts online.
I copied what I saw online.
I picked something that wasn’t efficient to make.
I didn’t think about my audience’s actual needs.
I looked for inspiration in the wrong places.
I obsessed over perfection.
I started too small.
I defaulted to Etsy without thinking.
I waited instead of taking action.
Most of us just stick to what we’re comfortable making. If you’re a knitter, you knit. If you’re a jewelry maker, you bead and wire until your fingers ache. But comfort doesn’t always equal profit. Sometimes, you’ve got to think a little harder about what you’re selling, and whether it’s actually worth your time.
Let me talk about labor versus market value for a second. Some crafts, no matter how beautiful or intricate, just don’t command high prices unless you’re branding yourself as a luxury designer. So if you’re spending hours on a single piece but can only charge $15 for it, you’re setting yourself up for burnout, not financial success.
That’s where thinking outside the box comes in. For example, if you’re a knitter, maybe instead of selling full-blown sweaters that take days to make, you could design knitting patterns or create quick accessories like bows or patches that other crafters might use in their own projects.
Or, if you’re into jewelry, consider making pieces that are easy to replicate instead of one-of-a-kind showstoppers. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I was handcrafting these elaborate, unique jewelry pieces. Sure, they were gorgeous, but once they sold, that was it. I’d spend so much time creating new listings that I barely had time to actually make more stuff.
And honestly, sometimes the best ideas come from tweaking what you already do well. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Your wallet will thank you.
Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to sell, the next step is setting up your shop in a way that actually sets you up for success.
Here’s the deal, just listing one or two items and calling it a day isn’t going to cut it. Sure, your mom might buy something (bless her), but relying on friends and family alone is obviously not a sustainable plan. Eventually, that well will run dry, and you’ll be left wondering why no one else is biting.
Think of your online shop, whether it’s on Etsy or somewhere else, as your storefront. Would you walk into a store that only had three things on the shelves? Probably not. Buyers want variety, and they want to feel like they’re shopping from a legitimate business, not someone’s random side project.
Aim to have at least 100 listings when you launch. Yes, 100! It sounds like a lot, but trust me, having a full shop makes a huge difference in how professional and trustworthy your store feels.
But it’s not just about quantity, it’s about quality too. Take some time to think about your brand. What vibe do you want your shop to give off? Are you fun and quirky, or sleek and modern?
Make sure your shop’s design, photos, and descriptions all align with that vision. Consistency builds trust, and trust leads to sales. So don’t skimp on the details. A little effort here goes a long way in making your shop stand out and keeping customers coming back for more.
Alright, so your shop is up and running, congrats! But don’t pop the champagne just yet. Running an online shop isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of gig. Keeping the momentum going takes consistent effort. If you’re treating it like a side hustle, that’s fine, but even side hustles need attention to thrive.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is relying solely on Etsy to do the heavy lifting. Sure, it’s a great starting point, but if you really want to grow, you’ve got to build your brand off Etsy too.
Social media is your best friend here. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and even TikTok are perfect for showing off your crafts, connecting with potential buyers, and building a community around your work. Think of it as your virtual storefront window, where people can peek in, get excited, and walk through the door.
And let me give you one piece of advice that’s worth its weight in gold: start building an email list. This is where selling on Etsy gets tricky because the platform doesn’t exactly make it easy to collect emails from your customers.
That’s a problem because repeat customers are where the real magic happens. Without a way to stay in touch, you’re leaving money on the table. So, what’s the solution?
Get creative! Include a note with your orders inviting buyers to join your email list for discounts, updates, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
It’s a simple step, but it can make a world of difference in keeping your customers engaged and coming back for more.
Protect yourself from digital threats, and price your work fairly. Those two steps can make or break your journey.
Life as a parent is exhausting enough without adding “running an online shop” to the mix. If I can do it, so can you.
Start small, but start smart. Protect your business like it’s one of your kids (okay, maybe not that intense, but close). And don’t sell yourself short, your time and creativity are valuable, even if it takes a little practice to believe it.
The best part? You don’t have to be perfect at this. You just have to show up and keep going. Whether it’s a side hustle to cover daycare costs or a passion project that grows into something bigger, every step counts.
Parenthood taught us how to adapt and persevere, turns out, that those skills work wonders in the world of handmade crafts too.
Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. This site is not intending to provide financial advice. This is for entertainment only.
