Sounds like you went through the same journey I did LOL. Now in my 7th year of business on Etsy selling clothing and accessories as a top 1% seller. I started off taking customer design requests, but that QUICKLY stopped when I learned just how unreasonable customers can be when they read the words "custom" or "request". Covid really created a huge difference in general customer attitudes, demands, refusal to read listing descriptions, accusations that my business was full of lies, demands that I accept returned custom printed items after the customer wore them for special events, etc. Now I only sell printed on demand items that are only made in the USA (starting this last fall), I stick to my rule not to accept returns unless the customer sends photographic proof of an error made by my printers or I messed up the order (in which case I refund and don't require the item be returned), and my business is SO much easier and more pleasant to run. I also do NOT only design according to the algorithm...instead I alternate between putting out a high demand design, then I design something that makes me happy. Also, just know that you can not "stupid proof" your listings no matter how hard you try. The best you can do is just state your rules EVERYWHERE and then stick to those rules. Be fair, but don't be afraid or let the customers bully you. And remember to design for yourself at least as often as you design for the algorithm.
Are you a teacher? I just opened an etsy shop doing pod but also in education. I've been selling on eBay part time though but ya etsy definitely not doing well. lol. just opened it like 2 weeks ago. I love listening to you . Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing!! I love how you said your talent of seamstress will stay for you but how that stays will evolve with you 💖
Sounds like you went through the same journey I did LOL. Now in my 7th year of business on Etsy selling clothing and accessories as a top 1% seller. I started off taking customer design requests, but that QUICKLY stopped when I learned just how unreasonable customers can be when they read the words "custom" or "request". Covid really created a huge difference in general customer attitudes, demands, refusal to read listing descriptions, accusations that my business was full of lies, demands that I accept returned custom printed items after the customer wore them for special events, etc. Now I only sell printed on demand items that are only made in the USA (starting this last fall), I stick to my rule not to accept returns unless the customer sends photographic proof of an error made by my printers or I messed up the order (in which case I refund and don't require the item be returned), and my business is SO much easier and more pleasant to run. I also do NOT only design according to the algorithm...instead I alternate between putting out a high demand design, then I design something that makes me happy. Also, just know that you can not "stupid proof" your listings no matter how hard you try. The best you can do is just state your rules EVERYWHERE and then stick to those rules. Be fair, but don't be afraid or let the customers bully you. And remember to design for yourself at least as often as you design for the algorithm.
Are you a teacher? I just opened an etsy shop doing pod but also in education. I've been selling on eBay part time though but ya etsy definitely not doing well. lol. just opened it like 2 weeks ago. I love listening to you . Thank you for sharing.