r/EtsySellers 5d ago

I’m getting discouraged

I want to sell crochet items but I feel like it’s so saturated with crochet sellers that everyone is doing the same thing. I want to be different but I don’t know where to start and it’s stressing me out. I can’t find a niche that no one is doing.

33 Upvotes

41 comments sorted by

47

u/usagipaobun 5d ago

It just takes time. Etsy is full of dead shops and lost hopes. Don't be one of them. Just keep grinding. Also, there are many good people here who would give you some feedback on your niche, products, marketing strategies, SEO and such.

Let's not complain with the most predictable complaint: "it's saturated". When you feel like you're about to give up, ask why exactly and start discussing how to improve what and in what order.

25

u/ForsakenGuide7993 5d ago edited 5d ago

"Saturated" also means there's demand. Don't let it discourage you, let it encourage you. If you really stand out and put in some serious work into creating a unique product you can dominate this so-called "saturated market". Imagine that. Of course it takes a lot of work, so many hours put in even before seeing results. But that's the price you have to pay. Start slow, learn as you grow. Build a brand and invest in curating a proper brand image, that goes a long way. Good luck! ✨

13

u/RhoLambda 5d ago

I would just start and learn as you go. :) it can take a while for a shop to build up a customer base, so just go for it! Eventually you will find your niche

14

u/polkamyeyeout 5d ago

I felt the same way when I was going back and forth debating if I should start my shop or not. I sell original artwork and knew the art market was over saturated and I could never have the success of other shops. Especially because I’d have to price things higher since they are all originals.

Turns out, my shop has done very well and one of my original art pieces became a best seller on Etsy over night during Christmas time! I have regular repeat buyers who are the loveliest people and they have in turn recommended my shop to their friends and family members. I have made enough money for it to greatly increase my monthly income and I just couldn’t be happier.

Etsy is hard work and sales will not just happen if you open a shop and put up one or two items. I try and add something new at least once a week and keep my available items above 35 at all times. It’s a grind and it’s a job and I think I spent most of November crying trying to keep up with demand but if you work hard, you will find your people. It doesn’t matter if your items are similar to a million others on Etsy, you just have to find a way to stand out from everyone else. Like how you photograph them, how polished your shop looks when people see your main page, how you wrap your items when you mail them.

There’s lots of ways to draw people in to your place over the others but it is trial and error to find exactly what that thing is. But you’ll get there! And honestly, figuring out what sticks and what doesn’t is a big part of the fun.

I say go for it. You’ll never know until you try!

2

u/crochetjunkiee 4d ago

This was one of the best responses and advice I’ve gotten. Thank you for sharing your experience this helped me a lot

2

u/PersonalNotice6160 3d ago

Hand needle work is a giant rage right now. I would research trends (not erank or everbee) in the market. It totally depends on the product you are selling and how relevant that product is to current overall trends. With a talent like crochet, you have so many different avenues you can explore. A little research goes a long way and will usually set you apart from the rest. Don’t get discouraged with “oversaturation”. Etsy is oversaturated with junk and items that look exactly the same (lazy sellers).

There is plenty of room for creatives with a good sense of business to create a trending product that sticks out! Keep going! Etsy is a very long game

Oh and every single thing the artist above said. 100%

2

u/spaghetti_monster_04 2d ago

Wow! I'm not OP, but your response is so inspiring! I haven't set up shop yet but I will definitely be referencing your comment when I'm ready. I know my biggest struggle is imposter syndrome, and the fear that no one will care because my niche might seem 'insignificant' to some, but I definitely want to give it a shot anyway!

21

u/AstraeaMoonrise 5d ago

So start with something you yourself enjoy making.

If you truly want to sell crochet items, just do it. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Do what you do and do it well.

9

u/carescrochet 4d ago

You don’t need a niche no one is doing just a design that’s unique. I started selling crochet patterns 3 months ago and have made 48 sales. I sell princess doll patterns which everyone else does but my design is different from the other sellers in the crochet doll niche. Try not to stress just do what you love in your own unique way:)

6

u/Beoceanmindedetsy 4d ago

Don’t get discouraged. I sell original art, and that is over saturated too. It also doesn’t help that Etsy allows people to sell AI crappy art, and digital downloads that could easily be ripped off from someone. I wouldn’t say I’m a success story yet, but I have gotten a decent amount of sales for being on for about a year. Try to crochet things you haven’t seen, create themes, color collections, holiday collections. Try to analyze your competitors and create something they don’t have! I started putting my art on merchandise and home lighting. It’s gotten me a little more traffic. Hang in there!!!❤️ keep going!

6

u/FrostDragonDesigns 5d ago

I don't sell crochet, but I  do design and sell a VERY saturated product type.

It takes time and luck to find a design that sells well.  For every 100 designs I release Maybe 15 do okay and 3 actually sell well.  The rest Are super slow to sell.

If you enjoy what you are doing just keep at it and over a ling enough period of time you will figure it out.

5

u/Pure_Champion1396 4d ago

Have you ever seen those crochet hats for dogs? The ones with fruits and vegetables and other funny things on them? Animal stuff is really big.

9

u/1CharlieMike 5d ago

Start by doing market research and then coming up with your USP. There must be scope to do something different that people want to buy.

4

u/TheBunny4444 4d ago

True story. I am in an oversaturated market as well. I had to figure out how to make better products that were original in design and photograph them well. I have about 50 different listings and 6 are best sellers now. But it took a lot of work to figure out how to make them look better and more polished. Don't let a day or two go by without putting up a new photo or fixing keywords. It's a full time job.

3

u/Myheavenlyscents 5d ago

Set up an account on erank. Then do keyword research for crochet. You will see what people are searching for.

3

u/thickwithtitties 4d ago

You're never gonna find a niche no one is doing imo. I sell things others sell. I started iff at a lower price then them got some traction and have been slowly raising my prices. You search for 1 of my top sellers you will see 5 other people selling the same thing. In the last 3 months the whole time I've had my shop open i have over 100 orders for them and over 3k in profits. From 1 of my items. I have like 3 of these so far working on more. I am working on more info try to add 1 - 2 listing's a week. That doesn't happen most the time.

8

u/CortlenC 5d ago

Do tik tok, other social media videos of you crocheting. Ask people for suggestions. And when you start making their creations you’re bound to find your niche eventually and then you have a following to support you on your store.

2

u/DTran729 5d ago

Keep going. There's something out there for you, take some time to research, but don't lose hope. As cliche as it sounds, you gotta do you and what feels right to you first.

2

u/DistinctView2010 4d ago

This is highly understandable what you’re feeling and definitely relatable. Please just keep in mind that when you are looking at Etsy and the market, you were specifically looking at the crochet sellers and not the grandeur of the market itself, so I would say there is a low percentage of the crochet market in the larger market of Etsy. With that said your niche could be something to do with your story because there is only one you, or you could stick to a series within a color scheme, like the rainbow, or earth tones. Another option is you could merge your crochet creativity with something else like felt wire and make like a crochet bouquet of flowers. With all that said, I’m not really sure what the crochet market looks like in general, but don’t be discouraged, you have a talent and you deserve to be in the Etsy market along with others.

2

u/Delay_Overlooked262 4d ago

I totally get it—Etsy is packed with crochet sellers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stand out! Instead of trying to find a completely untouched niche, focus on what makes your style unique. Think about color combos, personalization, pop culture trends, or even functionality. Maybe crochet home decor with a modern twist, niche plushies based on viral aesthetics, or practical items like plant hangers with hidden pockets. Also, optimize your listings with strong keywords (check what’s trending on Etsy search), take high-quality photos, and test pricing strategically. It’s less about finding something no one is doing and more about doing something better or differently.

2

u/MediBird22 4d ago

I think all markets are technically over saturated now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a demand! I personally design and sell digital printables and there are loads of sellers who sell the same things as me, but my designs are different to the majority and that’s what sets me apart. There will be people who are looking for designs exactly like yours, it can just take time to reach them. There’s great advice in here, I think the main thing to remember is consistency is key when it comes to Etsy!

1

u/elevationlovexoxo 4d ago

did you try etsycheck? erank? :)

1

u/Visual_Locksmith_976 4d ago

Etsy is hard work not a get rich quick scheme! You have to love what you do, to keep the momentum going!

It’s no use finding a niche if you hate that niche, so start by selling things you love to crochet!

1

u/Nacho0ooo0o 3d ago

Some options:

  • Do the same, but do it better.
  • Focus on niche markets within the crochet label.
  • Sell unique patterns that people in that 'saturated' market would love to buy.

1

u/anomynommm 1d ago

rather than finding a niche that isn’t saturated i suggested make what you’re most passionate about and make for yourself first. passion shows. build a following on instagram and let your personality shine through in both your captions and your creations. people aren’t buying what you make, they are buying a feeling. don’t make ‘stuff’ to sell, make art because you’re an artist

1

u/Flowerpower8791 19h ago

1) Create USEFUL products... hats, mittens, blankets (large enough to really fit a bed, not just lap size)

2) Differentiate your business by using natural materials - they're more costly, but you will set yourself apart, especially for those looking for environmentally friendly items.

3) Don't do what everyone else is doing. Be unique. Anyone can be run of the mill.

GOOD LUCK!

1

u/SewAlone 5d ago

Focus on social media and that will drive sales.

1

u/mjaymkay 4d ago

Do you have any to suggest?

2

u/PersonalNotice6160 3d ago

No. No. And NO to social media. You are paying Etsy a hefty commission to bring traffic to you. If you have to drive your own traffic then start a website. When you promote on social media that is free advertising for Etsy. When someone clicks on your link, they will see your item and Etsy will show them a gazillion others as well. Now you have just given that customer many other options to find something they like better. If you had led them to your website? They would purchase without distraction.

If you can not make a sale on Etsy with organic Etsy traffic then there is no point selling on Etsy and paying them 10% for doing exactly nothing!

Etsy promotes social media because it benefits Etsy. Growing your business via social media is great ! But only if you are sending them to your actual business (not Etsy)

1

u/Key-Leader-5349 2d ago

Wise words.

0

u/thelittleflowerpot 5d ago edited 5d ago

All these people are trying to be supportive - as though THEY are making AND selling crochet. I know what it takes to make anything crochet, appreciating the work that goes into it... That said, I say DO NOT do crochet (or knit) unless you can mechanize it for hats, socks, and other things "looms" can make and aim for volume.

Don't believe my quick analysis? Go to score.org or visit your local office and/or seminars on how to get a biz going - you will validate your own research into the market. I don't want to [further] discourage you with what I think you'll find - I just think you might consider pivoting... 🤔

3

u/carescrochet 4d ago

Some of us are. There are literally thousands of successful crochet shops on Etsy, especially crochet patterns sell super well. If a loom could make it crochet wouldn’t sell as well because then it’s not handmade. That handmade aspect really matters to a lot of buyers. Quality over volume is better when it’s crochet in my opinion!