Podcast Episode 240: How Carrie Built a Sticker Brand People Can’t Stop Buying From - with Sweary Carrie

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0uYKqMQ-lHg 

ABOUT SWEARY CARRIE:

“Sweary Carrie” is a multi-passionate, millennial entrepreneur from Iowa City, IA. She is the founder and QEO (Queen Executive Officer) of Sweary Carrie Designs, LLC.

Carrie works full time selling her silly snarky creations on Etsy, at local pop-up markets and craft fairs, and has recently been approved to start selling wholesale on Faire!

She’s been selling on Etsy since 2022 with a mixture of handmade, POD, and digital designs. Her favorite things to create are currently printable coloring pages and buttons, although that changes frequently with her neurodivergence! She specializes in merch of a sarcastic, sassy nature—primarily in the horror and feminist niches.  

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I am thrilled to welcome back the ever-popular Sweary Carrie, who previously captivated our audience in episode 186 with her insights on building a sticker empire. Today, we dive into a lively and informative fireside chat where Carrie shares updates on her entrepreneurial journey and the latest trends in the sticker market.

We kick off the episode with a discussion about my recent success in selling PNGs—digital files that can be used for various crafting purposes. I emphasize the importance of using tools like Profit Tree for product research, which helps sellers identify trending designs and validate their ideas before diving into production. This tool has been invaluable for me, especially as I navigate the competitive landscape of Etsy.

Carrie then takes the stage to discuss the current sticker trends she's observing. She highlights two main categories that are gaining traction: text-based designs and vintage animal illustrations. We explore how these trends can apply to various niches, even for those who may not be selling stickers. Carrie shares her insights on how to leverage these trends for broader market research, making it clear that understanding consumer preferences is key to success on Etsy.

As we delve deeper into sticker design, Carrie reveals her personal favorites and the creative processes behind her best-selling items. We discuss the significance of aesthetics, including the rise of retro and vintage styles, as well as the popularity of political satire in sticker designs. Carrie also shares her experience with creating unique designs, such as her quirky mascot, Sir What the Duck, who embodies her brand's playful yet edgy spirit.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the importance of pricing strategies and profit margins, especially for low-ticket items like stickers. Carrie explains her approach to maintaining a 30% profit margin while also experimenting with bundling options to maximize sales. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of expanding product lines and the importance of transparency in product listings.

Listeners will find this episode packed with actionable insights, creative inspiration, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you're a seasoned Etsy seller or just starting out, Carrie's experiences and tips will empower you to navigate the world of online selling with confidence and creativity. Join us for this engaging conversation, and don't forget to check out the resources mentioned, including Profit Tree and our upcoming YouTube video for more in-depth guidance on product research!

EPISODE DETAILS:  

Sticker queen Sweary Carrie is back for round two, and we’re talking sticker trends, bestselling styles, unexpected hits, and customer expectations. We also dive into increasing average order value, expanding into products like patches and buttons, and the wild world of customer reviews. If you loved our first sticker episode, this one is packed with even more insider insights and honest behind-the-scenes sticker seller talk. 

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

Profittree Link (lifetime access $67):  https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=lizzie87

Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7Ra18ZPTw&t=1s

Scaling Society (all inclusive) use code 50SCALE for $50 off your first month: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/scaling-society

Trendspotting (weekly trend reports) use code KEEP20 to get your first month for $17: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/trendspotting

Previous Episode with Carrie: Ep 186 “Building a Sticker Empire on Etsy” https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/186 

FIND CARRIE:

★Check out Sweary Carrie’s brand new YouTube channel!

https://youtube.com/@swearycarriedesigns 

★ Follow Sweary Carrie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/swearycarriedesigns/ 

★Sticker manufacturer:

Use Sweary Carrie’s link to save $10 on your first order:

https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=8509444701&utm_medium=link&utm_source=invite 

★Cute Shipping + Packaging:

All the supplies + materials Sweary Carrie uses packing orders:

https://a.co/d/0g87lVXe 

★Affordable Custom Packaging Inserts - GotPrint

Sweary Carrie uses GotPrint to print the backing cards for her sticker packaging, as well

as the glossy inserts she puts in with every order. Try their 99¢ sample kit!

https://www.gotprint.com/home.html 

★Button press + parts – MPro

Great starter kits and bulk discounts:

https://mprousa.com/?ref=swearycarrie 

★Kittl:

The Canva-alternative graphic design tool that Sweary Carrie, well, swears by!

https://www.kittl.com/invite/swearycarrie 

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/240

*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

💛 A quick heads up — this episode includes a paid sponsor mention.