Podcast Episode 219: How to Think Like A Full Time Etsy Seller – with Preston Cox

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: 

https://youtu.be/qu2nKoGl8Us 

ABOUT PRESTON:

Preston is a small town kid who loves supporting the local economy.  

He lives in Stamford, Texas and is husband to Sarah and fur-dad to three dogs and a cat. In the past three years, he has served as the Chamber of Commerce manager in his hometown helping small and local businesses grow and succeed.

He also has a rapidly growing laser engraving business with a niche in making locally themed leather patch hats. Since we last spoke to him November 2024 - His Etsy shop now has over 1000 sales and is grossing $3000 average monthly sales. He has now transitioned from working 3-4 jobs to focusing on Etsy full time - acquiring a small, local embroidery shop to add to his ever-growing product line and testing his skills with a Print on Demand side hustle.  

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy, we welcome back Mr. Preston, a beloved guest who has been on the podcast multiple times. Preston is a small-town entrepreneur from Stamford, Texas, who has made significant strides in the Etsy world. 

With over 1,500 sales and an average monthly gross of over $3,000 from his Etsy shop, he has transitioned from juggling multiple jobs to focusing on his Etsy business full-time. In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset of a full-time Etsy seller, exploring how to think like one and the practical steps to take for success.

We kick off the conversation by reflecting on Preston's journey, from his early days of selling sweary wall art to his current thriving laser engraving business specializing in locally themed leather patch hats. We discuss the importance of patience and reasonable expectations in the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that success doesn't happen overnight. Preston shares his experience of sticking with his goals even when things weren't going as planned, highlighting the value of persistence.

One of the key topics we cover is the necessity of creating dedicated work time. We discuss how treating your Etsy business like a job—setting specific hours and committing to them—can lead to greater productivity and success. We also touch on the importance of having reasonable expectations, especially during slower months like January, and how to use that time wisely to prepare for future growth.

As we delve into the mindset of a full-time seller, we emphasize the importance of believing in the value of what you offer. We discuss how seeing your Etsy shop as a legitimate business can change the way you present yourself to others and how you perceive your work. Preston shares his own shift in mindset, from viewing himself as just an Etsy seller to identifying as a manufacturer, which has boosted his confidence.

 Networking is another crucial aspect we explore. We encourage listeners to embrace their roles as Etsy sellers and to share their businesses proudly in conversations. This can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations, as Preston's own experience with a neighbor illustrates.

Finally, we discuss the importance of assessing strengths and weaknesses in your business and knowing when to delegate tasks. As your business grows, recognizing the need for help and investing in tools, education, and advertising becomes essential for scaling.

Join us for this insightful conversation filled with practical tips and mindset shifts that can help you think like a full-time Etsy seller and take your business to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, there's something valuable in this episode for everyone.

EPISODE DETAILS 

Preston built a full-time laser engraving Etsy business that grossed over $15k in Q4. Tune in to hear the mindset shifts that helped him go from juggling four jobs and his Etsy side hustle to selling full time—and his practical advice for other sellers ready to make the leap.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

➡️ Interested in one on one coaching? Let us know here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interest-private-coaching

⭐ Join Trendspotting for Weekly Trend Reports, Listing ideas with done for you SEO, and monthly coaching calls: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/trendspotting

Use code KEEP20 to get your first month for $17. Regularly $37/month. 

PRESTON’S PREVIOUS EPISODES:

Ep 156: What happens if you don’t give up on Etsy? 

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/156 

Ep 164: Lizzie's in the Etsy Coach Hot Seat

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/164 

Ep 183: Free, Underrated Local Resources That Can Help You Grow Your Business

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/183 

Ep 198: From Hobby Shop to Full Time Handmade Etsy Seller

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/198  

Ep 216: What We Wish We Knew About Etsy—Before We Ever Opened Our Shops

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/216 

REACH OUT TO PRESTON:

Website - http://277creative.com/

Instagram - @277creative

HOW I HELP ETSY SELLERS GROW:

⭐Scaling Society: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/scaling-society

⭐"How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop" free training: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop 

⭐Trendspotting: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/trendspotting

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🎙️ Apply to be on the Podcast: https://sprw.io/stt-xfsV5fhDxxT3NJGVBghmWp

FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/218 

*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure