So you want to start an Etsy shop? But you don’t know if you know everything you need to know to get started. If you’ve been asking how do I start an Etsy sticker shop, here is the list of all the things you need to begin how to start selling stickers!
1. Open an Etsy Account
Creating an Etsy account is a simple procedure, and it’s free. You’ll need to sign up for an Etsy account to set up your Etsy shop.
It’s easy to do with your web browser. Just click here for 40 FREE listings and choose “Sell on Etsy” in the footer. Then click on the “Open Your Etsy Shop” button.
2. Choose a Name
But you can’t open an Etsy shop if you don’t have a name. It’s one of the next questions I get after “how do I start a sticker shop?”. So let’s talk about how to go about name selection. It’s essential to have your username, shop name, and full name represent your business.
Write down as many names as you can think of and cross them out if you dislike them or if they’ve already been taken.
Choosing a shop name is a case of elimination. It’s always a good idea to search Etsy to see if the names on your list have been taken. And remember, just because you love a name, it doesn’t mean your target audience will respond well to it.
Ask your target audience what they think and get feedback. Most importantly, make sure it’s clear what your shop name is portraying and that it’s memorable.
3. Give your Etsy Shop a Theme
Now that your Etsy store has a name, it’s time to give it a theme.
This is where your branding plays an integral part in your shop’s success. From the colours you use to the quality of your photos, first impressions last.
You will need to upload a profile and banner image. It’s personal preference as to whether you use a picture of yourself in the profile or not. Some customers like to see the person’s face behind the business; it’s a trust thing.
You can use your banner image to promote your brand and promote different offers. Keep your brand colours consistent, so it’s pleasant to the eye.
4. Create Your Shop Policies
Customers will want to know when they will receive their stickers, how long it will take, where you post to, and if a returns and refund policy covers them. Outlining this simply provides better consumer confidence.
So how do you know what policies and fees to include that covers you and your customer? Take a look at some of your favourite sticker shops on Etsy. What do they write in their policies? When you find something suitable, take notes and rewrite it for your Etsy store (don’t copy).
Alternatively, Etsy has a solid resource on how to set up your sticker business startup policies and I cover this specifically relating it to sticker shops in my course, The Etsy Plan.
5. Don’t Forget Shipping Fees
Now you have to decide on your shipping. Will you ship within your own country only, or will you also offer International shipping? Alternatively, are you only offering digital files that are emailed? If you opt for international shipping, it’s a good idea to check with your postal service if you have to register for such shipping.
Ask yourself, will you provide tracking on your parcels or just basic postage. Perhaps you’ll offer both? You will need to include this in your policy as well. Lastly, will you cover the shipping cost in the price of your stickers, or will this be an extra cost to the customer?
Whichever decision you make on shipping, make sure you cover it in detail within your policy.
6. Fill Out Your Profile
A profile is a set of information that you share with potential buyers. They can access this page by clicking on your profile link near your profile image. It’s a great way to build trust and receive visitors to your shop.
Your profile page includes your products and any contact information you want to include. It includes your profile picture, store links and links to the categories you want to show. The profile page also has reviews, links to your policies and shipping information, and a space to include videos or other images of your business’s ‘behind the scenes’.
Make use of your profile page; it’s like your business billboard.
7. Create Your First Listing
Before you start an online sticker shop on Etsy and start listing your products, make sure your products meet all the criteria for Etsy to open your shop successfully. You can use tools like Canva to create compelling mockup images of your stickers, images you can use for product listings. The higher the quality of the image, the better.
In addition to adding product photos, take time to perfect the product description. You will quickly turn away customers if the writing has poor grammar and spelling. When writing your product description and product title, keywords are crucial. Think about what keywords your ideal customer would type into Google or Etsy search. You can even use free tools like Ubersuggest to find keywords and their monthly search volumes.
And there you go, you know how to start an Etsy sticker shop!
Start an Etsy Sticker Shop Today:
But, let’s be honest. All that we have covered are just foundations, solid ones at that. Get this start phase right, and then it will be easier to make an Etsy shop work.
Why not join me in my Masterclass on Creating Stickers That SELL for even more guidance on starting an Etsy sticker shop that is profitable.
Read next:
- How to Find an Etsy Sticker Shop Name: 50+ Sticker Shop Name Ideas
- Canva Stickers for Planners: How to Start Making Them!
