I gave Etsy 3 months - this is what happened

Summary

The video script details the journey of starting a 3D printing business on Etsy, focusing on woodworking items. The creator discusses the challenges, including shipping costs, poor images, and time-consuming logistics. They share tips like pre-packing and using a shipping label printer to streamline operations. Despite the stress and initial investment in equipment, the venture has been profitable, earning 16,300 Swedish Crowns, and the creator plans to expand the business after moving and quitting their day job.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker started a 3D printing business on Etsy selling woodworking items as a side hustle to earn extra money.
• 🔧 They received a 3D printer from Bamboo Lab and later added a FL Sun V400 printer for larger and faster prints.
• 📸 The importance of good product images was emphasized, suggesting the use of a photo box or natural light for better results.
• 📦 Shipping can be costly and time-consuming, with the speaker paying between $5 to $10 per package and pre-packing orders to streamline the process.
• 💰 The speaker has made 16,300 Swedish Crowns (about $1,600) through 49 sales on Etsy and additional sales on their website.
• 🛠️ The cost of 3D printer maintenance and repairs was an unexpected expense that should be factored into business costs.
• 📈 Expanding the product range was identified as a key strategy, with the speaker considering adding more products and possibly another AMS unit.
• 🏚️ The speaker is currently on pause due to moving and plans to continue and expand the business once settled.
• 🔗 The video is sponsored by PCBWay, a service for 3D printing, CNC milling, and PCB assembly, offering an alternative for those without a 3D printer.
• ⚠️ Stress and the potential for negative reviews were mentioned as challenges, along with the need for careful consideration of shipping logistics.
• 📈 The business model is presented as a side hustle suitable for those with other obligations, offering flexibility and the potential for growth.

Q & A

What was the initial motivation for starting a 3D printing business?

The individual was excited to start a side hustle to earn money from their 3D printers and had experience in 3D printing and CAD modeling, which they believed equipped them to create and sell their own models.

What 3D printers were mentioned in the script and what are their notable features?

Two 3D printers were mentioned: a Bamboo Lab printer, which the individual struggled with due to its limited build height, and an FL Sun V400, known for its speed of 400 millimeters per minute and larger build volume of 30 by 30 by 41 centimeters.

Why did the person decide to get rid of their old 3D printers?

The person found the old printers frustrating due to their slow printing speed and decided to give them away after an incident where they got furious waiting for an item to print.

What is the significance of the Clipper software that comes with the FL Sun V400?

Clipper is a printer software that allows for online printing, which the person appreciated as it saved time by eliminating the need to deal with SD cards.

How does the person manage the power supply for the FL Sun V400 when it's used outdoors?

The person uses a battery from AllPowers S700 and also has it connected to solar power, allowing them to charge the battery when it's sunny and use the printer outdoors even when it's windy.

What common mistake did the person identify in relation to product images on Etsy?

The person identified poor images as a common mistake, emphasizing the importance of good lighting and post-editing to ensure high-quality product photos.

What is the person's approach to shipping costs and how do they handle international shipping?

The person sets a fixed shipping cost of five dollars for worldwide shipping, considering it as part of the product price, and mentions that international shipping can be expensive and requires careful consideration to remain competitive.

How does the person manage the time-consuming aspect of shipping items?

The person pre-packs orders and stores them on shelves, marking them with colored dots to indicate the contents, which helps save time and keep track of inventory.

What adjustments did the person make to streamline their shipping process?

The person cleaned their work area, ordered a cheap shipping label printer from Amazon, and used stickers for their boxes, which they print and cut out using a silhouette cameo vinyl cutter.

What was the person's experience with sales and revenue from their 3D printing business on Etsy?

The person reported having 49 sales on Etsy, earning 16,300 Swedish Crowns, which is approximately 1,600 USD, with a few orders coming in each week.

What challenges did the person face in terms of managing the 3D printing business alongside other obligations?

The person found the business to be time-consuming and sometimes stressful, especially with other obligations like a full-time job, maintaining a YouTube channel, and a family.

What is the person's future plan for the 3D printing business after moving and quitting their day job?

The person plans to expand the business by adding more products and possibly an additional AMS unit to their existing p1p printer, as they will have more time to dedicate to the business.