The purpose of this survey is to allow Etsy shop owners to:

--Get a feel for how other shop owners manage their business and finances.
--Build community through shared survey results, seeing new shops, and learning together about finances.

Please answer the 10 questions on the right side of this page.
Feel free to browse below how other Etsy shop owners answered their questions and learn about new sellers.

foreverflowers

Etsy Shop Name And Address: foreverflowers http://foreverflowers.etsy.com
I sell: beaded flowers
How do I manage my shop's finances? paper and pen
How do I organize my paperwork? shoebox
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: home
Do you ever run sales in your shop? no
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. true
I believe marketing in showcases: worthless

Article Clothing

Article Clothing www.articleclothing.etsy.com
I sell: clothing and accessories--classic lines with a modern flair
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . hobby
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft shows
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase

Polyartgirl Designs

Etsy Shop Name: Polyartgirl Designs
I sell: Yarn and Fibers
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? shoebox
Taxes make me: say “no sweat!”
My marketing plan is . . . creative
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . hobby
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft shows
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. false
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase
Link to your Etsy shop: http://polyartgirl.etsy.com

LittleLovables

Etsy Shop Name And Address: LittleLovables http://www.littlelovables.etsy.com and JeweledAmbrosia http://www.jeweledambrosia.etsy.com
I sell: puppet monsters, plushies, felt accessories, paper crafts, tutus and vintage inspired jewelry. I love to dabble in a little bit of everything .
How do I manage my shop’s finances? paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? file folders… once I find them scattered
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job/addiction
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft fairs
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No. I mark items down often though but have never advertised it as a sale.
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True
I believe marketing in showcases: Never been in a showcase. I haven’t heard it changes much.

babygoinplaces


Etsy Shop Name And Address: Baby Goin’ Places found at http://babygoingplaces.etsy.com
I sell: baby accessories and custom embroidery
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Do nothing
How do I organize my paperwork? everywhere
Taxes make me: scream
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: boutiques
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. yes
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase

applecreekdesigns

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Applecreekdesigns http://applecreekdesigns.etsy.com
I sell: Fused glass pendants with images and soon will be ACEO cards also
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? In boxes
Taxes make me: crunch numbers and get organized
My marketing plan is . . .Always changing – especially with this online shop and blog
I keep track of mileage for taxes: Yes
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job along with teaching and art shows
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: fine art and fine craft fairs
Do you ever run sales in your shop? no
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. No, I have sold artwork in shows for 20 years and have had an art business since then
I believe marketing in showcases: Never used them

gingerlime


Etsy Shop Name And Address: gingerlime http://gingerlime.etsy.com
I sell: Currently a variety of art and craft items (considering a shift to narrow things down)
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? Shoebox
Taxes make me: Crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . Ever changing (but stabilizing)
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: Out of my home
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False
I believe marketing in showcases: Is worthless (not exactly, I would say not the best use of my limited funds)

reddhynes

Etsy Shop Name And Address: A Little Piece of the Madness http://reddhynes.etsy.com
I sell: An eclectic range of jewelry and accessories
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Quickbooks
How do I organize my paperwork? In duotangs
Taxes make me: nervous
My marketing plan is . . . no such thing as too much
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false, I don’t have a car
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job for now.
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: at work
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. Yes
I believe marketing in showcases: wastes my money.

Kellykatcrafts

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Kellykatcrafts http://kellykatcrafts.etsy.com
I sell:
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Pen and paper
How do I organize my paperwork? File folder
Taxes make me: say “no sweat”
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
My Etsy shop is a. . . Part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft shows
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. yes
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase

LeaKarts

Etsy Shop Name And Address: LeaKarts http://LeaKarts.etsy.com
I sell: Paintings, ACEOs, pendants, and more!
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders (that are everywhere!)
Taxes make me: Say “no sweat!” I love my accountant J
My marketing plan is . . . creative
I keep track of mileage for taxes: True It is a great deduction!
My Etsy shop is a. . . full time job (between LeaKarts and my 2nd shop, SupplyRiot)
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft fairs
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes Right now my pendants are 50% off!
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False. I sold used clothing on eBay for 2 years
I believe marketing in showcases: gets me views

creativity63

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Creativity http://creativity63.etsy.com
I sell: fun jewelry (especially earrings), handmade soap, other accessories
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? On my desk
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: out of my home
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. true
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase

shootingstar27

Etsy Shop Name And Address: Shooting Star Jewellery Designs http://shootingstar27.etsy.com
I sell: Handmade, original and unique jewellery
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders
Taxes make me: Crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
My Etsy shop is a. . . hobby, so far!
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: out of my home – Jewellery parties hosted by myself
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True
I believe marketing in showcases: I haven’t been in a showcase.

nanichan

Etsy Shop Name And Address: nanichan nanichan.etsy.com
I sell: Unabashedly frilly accessories
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? shoebox
Taxes make me: cry!
My marketing plan is . . . creative
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: boutiques
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. true
I believe marketing in showcases: never been in a showcase

mattsart

Etsy Shop Name: mattsart
I sell: wonderful art
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel
How do I organize my paperwork? File Folders
Taxes make me: say “no sweat!”
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: True
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: Ebay
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False
I believe marketing in showcases: Brings me sales

puppy luv

Etsy Shop Name: puppy luv.
I sell: Super fun and stitched handmade bags, wallets and cases. Some are hand painted and silk screened too! I make jewelry from handmade resin pendants to brass charms and love to reuse vintage chains! I also throw in some super fabulous vintage goodies from time to time! Hope you enjoy!
1. How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
2. How do I organize my paperwork? On my desk
3. Taxes make me: say “no sweat”
4. My marketing plan is . . . creative
5. I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
6. My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
7. Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: out of my home
8. Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
9. This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. yes
10. I believe marketing in showcases: brings me views

eighty8words

Etsy Shop Name: eighty8words
I sell: sterling silver words.
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Managing my shop finances is on my to-do list.
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders/filing cabinet.
Taxes make me: Mental. I hire people to do them for me.
My marketing plan is . . . in the embryonic stage, but basically: to take over the world.
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False. I don’t do any business-related driving.
My Etsy shop is a. . . full time endeavor, with part time pay. But it’s a baby, the tables will turn.
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: not sure yet, as I am only selling on Etsy just now.
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No.
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False.
I believe marketing in showcases: brings me views and sales.

BrownBagStudio

Etsy Shop Name: BrownBagStudio
I sell: Jewelry, one of a kind pieces all handmade by myself
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel spreadsheets and my husband
How do I organize my paperwork? Shoebox that gets sorted to filing folders once a month
Taxes make me: Say “no sweat!” I have a great tax-guy who has guided me so much on all things tax related!
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing, which isn’t really a great thing. It can be difficult to manage.
I keep track of mileage for taxes: True (thank you to my tax guy!)
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job, and I love it!
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft shows, but I would love to sell at boutiques!
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes, everyday I have a “Deal of the Day” feature with one item offered at a special discount that’s only good for the day.
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False, if I can count Girl Scout cookies.

AngelKissesJewelry

Etsy Shop Name: AngelKissesJewelry
I sell: Handmade Jewelry & Other Accessories
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel
How do I organize my paperwork? File Folders
Taxes make me: Crunch Numbers
My marketing plan is . . . Ever Changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
My Etsy shop is a. . . Part Time Job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: Boutiques
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True
I believe marketing in showcases: Never been in a showcase

Bostonbaglady


Etsy Shop Name: Boston Bag Lady I sell: All things vintage including cards, ephemera, jewelry, purses, and more.1. How do I manage my shop’s finances? I transcribe everything to a notebook first (paper and pencil) then transfer that information into an Excel document about once a month.2. How do I organize my paperwork? File folders on my desk, shoeboxes underneath my desk. So I guess everywhere!3. Taxes make me: Feel happy that I am not an accountant for a living. I get through it pretty well though because I keep everything organized.4. My marketing plan is . . . Non-existant in the sense that I don’t have a structure because it’s ever changing.5. I keep track of mileage for taxes: True. I don’t drive but I keep track of other transportation fees (train, subway)6. My Etsy shop is a. . . Hobby that I love to do very much.7. Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: I only sell on Etsy!8. Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes I have tried but they didn’t work out so well. Maybe it’s time to give it another shot.9. This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False. I also do freelance graphic and web design.10. I believe marketing in showcases: Is worthless. I’ve done two and didn’t have much luck with either.

sassafrasium

Etsy Shop Name: Sassafrasium
I sell: Super sexy sassy jewelry (the alliteration is free!)
How do I manage my shop’s finances? I have things written down all over the place. I am not organized enough to have it all consolidated!
How do I organize my paperwork? Everywhere. Between my Etsy shop and school, I am just happy that my students are not getting receipts back instead of essays. I wish that I were a clean freak and have tried to develop the habit, but I have thus far been unable to! I will keep trying.
Taxes make me: Nervous. I am absolutely certain that I am somehow breaking the law.
My marketing plan is . . . sporadic! I will hand out business cards obsessively for weeks and then do nothing at all. I also have a few items out in local shops on commission, but my favourite way to advertise is to give a pair of earrings and come cards to a friend and let them market for me. It is amazing!
I keep track of mileage for taxes: Nope. I probably should, but the fact is that I am usually out doing a whole bunch of things while doing shop business, so I do not worry about it. Also, see number 3.
My Etsy shop is a. . . hobby that turned itself into a moneymaking venture. I love to come home after a stressful day and make things. It makes me feel productive!
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: Anywhere locally, really. I generally have samples of my stuff in my car, so if anyone is interested in what I myself am wearing, I show them and they will generally buy something.
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No, I think that my stuff is pretty reasonably priced to begin with, and I have not done anything yet that is overly seasonal. I suppose that if I ever do, I will run a sale! Not yet, though.
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. Yes, barring the inclusion of childhood lemonade stands. I enjoy it!
I believe marketing in showcases: I am not opposed to showcases, but I would rather spend the money somewhere else, like on more beads. Or on a drink. I am just saying.

Scarlett Cat

Etsy Shop Name: Scarlett Cat
I sell: Quirky, flirty art and cards
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Do nothing – pretty much. I figure it’s all recorded on Etsy so it will be there for me at tax time. I do plan on getting an accountant which is stopping me from doing more myself. That and chronic laziness.
How do I organize my paperwork? Ha! Everywhere – some of it is in folders, some of it is lost, most of it is spread around my desk and some has created a small landslide on my floor. In fact, I once lost a cactus for over 8 months and eventually found it under some paperwork on my desk,
Taxes make me: Scream. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do and rely on my dodgy and constantly unavailable account for help. I’m hoping I don’t wind up in jail like Paris.
My marketing plan is . . . creative. And not written down. But it’s in my head, I promise. Oh yes.
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False. Are you kidding me? I have enough trouble stopping for petrol when the light starts flashing.
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job. Luckily enough someone else deals with the financial side of my full time job.
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: boutiques. I’ve just started selling work through a gallery and have even less of a clue about what to do with taxes for this little venture than I do for Etsy.
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No. Tried once. Didn’t help. Never again
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. Yep.
I believe marketing in showcases: Never done it. I don’t think this sort of promotion would be as useful as the offsite promotions I work at.

claudiasburningink

Etsy Shop Name: claudiasburingink
I sell: Wood Burnt Purses, Accessories and other items
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Currently I don’t
How do I organize my paperwork? Shoe box
Taxes make me: Nervous
My marketing plan is . . . up in the air
I keep track of mileage for taxes: not yet, I need to put a notepad in the car
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job, wanting to be full time
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: independent stores
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No not yet
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. My first one I’m taking seriously
I believe marketing in showcases: don’t do much other than views

You are You

Etsy Shop Name: You Are You
I sell: Vintage goodies
1. How do I manage my shop’s finances? Sad to say, but I go to my paypal account to see what I’ve spent, see how much I’ve made, in order to see how much I can spend on any given day.
2. How do I organize my paperwork? What paperwork, should I have paperwork?? I’m obviously not busy enough!
3. Taxes make me: Thank my husband for doing them for me.
4. My marketing plan is . . . Nonexistent, is this a start?
5. I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
6. My Etsy shop is a. . . outlet for me to be able to support my thrift store habit while staying home with my daughter.
7. Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: No where else
8. Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes
9. This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False
10. I believe marketing in showcases: is something I should start doing.

Purple Peony

Etsy Shop Name: Purple Peony
I sell: sterling, copper and gemstone jewellery
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Hire an accountant (I use their software)
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . ever changing
I keep track of mileage for taxes: True
My Etsy shop is a. . . full time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: boutiques
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False
I believe marketing in showcases: is worthless

Superfly Lullabies


Etsy Shop Name: Superfly Lullabies
I sell: Super-swank blankies for your super-swank babe. And various other super-swank baby accessories.
How do I manage my shop’s finances? With a pencil & paper. Well, no, actually most of the time, I use a pen. Oh, and a calculator. That calculator is very important.
How do I organize my paperwork? Everything is currently in ziplock bags. Labelled ziplocks, to be fair: I am somewhat organized.
Taxes make me: …wonder if I’m being lawful.
My marketing plan is . . . to go with the flow: I make sure my friends & family know what I’m doing, and I always have cards on me. Of course, this is only until I get super-successful & need to hire some peeps to formulate a real plan. Hehe.
I’m also a newbie team member of etsybaby, which is a wonderfully busy group of like-minded women (I think we’re all women? Forgive me if I’m wrong etsybaby-ers!). I looove etsybaby.
I keep track of mileage for taxes: Somewhat.
My Etsy shop is a. . . full-time hobby/nap-time job (my children’s naps, not mine… although I often conjure up my best ideas while trying to sleep).
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: via Facebook. Fortunately, my other gen-x-er friends are also having babies these days. They’re very kind to me. I have also been fortunate enough to have a very driven friend who puts craft shows on once in awhile – that was the start of selling my craft, actually. I think it could be quite successful if I found the right ones. Maybe that’s my next project.
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Hmmm, “sales” = “incentive” in my shop. If customers want to purchase a set of anything (any 3 items or more), I offer a 10% discount on the total bill.
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. I think that would be accurate in my case.
I believe marketing in showcases: might bring me some views, but I can’t imagine it’s much more effective than being in a treasury, or having others ♥ you or your items. That’s how I find new shops. Oh, and pounce. And newly listed items. If I’m being totally frank, I’ve never checked the showcases out… even when I was just a buyer.

Angel's hair


Etsy Shop Name: Angel’s hair
I sell: Illustrations and prints
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? On my desk
Taxes make me: Crunch number
My marketing plan is . . . Creative
I keep track of mileage for taxes: False
My Etsy shop is a. . . Part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: Out of my home
Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. False
I believe marketing in showcases: Bring me views

appleandstar

Etsy Shop Name: apple and star
I sell: jewelry with an earthy organic flair
1. How do I manage my shop’s finances? Excel – I’m pretty basic, I have one worksheet for expensive and one for profits.
2. How do I organize my paperwork? In a shoebox. Well, sorta… more like the top drawer of my file cabinet. I just throw everything in there and hope for the best! At least I know where I have to dig through when I need something.
3. Taxes make me: Scream. I try to stay organized year round, but always think I am more on top of things than I need to be.
4. My marketing plan is . . . ever changing. Based mostly on my whims and energy levels. I’m looking to get into more advertising to have sort of constant factor in my mix
5. I keep track of mileage for taxes: False. Never even thought of it…
6. My Etsy shop is a. . . Part-time job.
7. Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: out of my home. My friends and family are my biggest supporters! They’re always looking over my shoulder to see what I am making next
8. Do you ever run sales in your shop? Yes – I always try to offer discounts on sets.
9. This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True – unless you count the lemonade stands back in the day
10. I believe marketing in showcases: Is worthless. My one venture in their yield no real increases in views and hearts and no sales. I would have taken it personally, but I heard others say the same. I hope they weren’t just being nice;-)

Simplynotesandtotes

Etsy Shop Name: Simplynotesandtotes
I sell: ladies handbags, totes and accessories – Note pads and paper products coming soon
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Hire accountant
How do I organize my paperwork? File folders
Taxes make me: crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . keep sewing and selling – don’t turn down any opportunity
I keep track of mileage for taxes: yes
My Etsy shop is a. . . part time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: craft shows
Do you ever run sales in your shop? yes
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. No. I am in a printing business with my husband
I believe marketing in showcases: I have not tried yet

Two Obsessed


Etsy Shop Name: Two Obsessed
I sell:
How do I manage my shop’s finances? Paper and pencil
How do I organize my paperwork? File Folders
Taxes make me: Crunch numbers
My marketing plan is . . . non-existent
I keep track of mileage for taxes: false
My Etsy shop is a. . . part-time job
Outside of Etsy, my favorite place to sell is: out of my home
Do you ever run sales in your shop? No
This is my first entrepreneurial adventure. True
I believe marketing in showcases: Brings me views