Digital to Physical Items

[Former_Member]

I currently sell digital items: printable parties, scrapbooking materials, paper, organizers, etc etc. I get asked at least 3 times a week if I sell specific physical items made from my digital paper. I've been looking into creating these items, but I'm wondering-should I open a separate shop to sell them? Even though its made from the same designs, I'm wondering if going from a 'printable' shop to an 'everything' shop would look messy. Suggestions? Am I over thinking or should I follow my gut and open a second shop?

[Former_Member]

Hi ariana,

could you use your shop sections to determine between the two forms, especially if you're using the same designs - the designs/patterns should keep it cohesive :-)

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

The problem (in my mind) is that I did a quick brainstorm section for what kinds of physical items I would be selling and came up with 12 products off the top of my head from questions/suggestions. I already have 7 shop sections for my digital items, with at least 3 more on the way. Would I add 12 more shop sections for the physical items? Or make one section and throw all of the products under that? Again, maybe I'm thinking too much haha! I'm just one of those people who has to have everything planned out 15 steps ahead before I start it!

[Former_Member]

Hi Ariana,

I started out with mostly printable work and moved towards printed items. My solution was to create sections by product and then place the printable and printed items together in that section. Works for me :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you Adva! I think I'm going to keep them together, at least at first! Not quite sure how I'll separate it, but it makes sense to keep the designs together. Hopefully it doesn't get too confusing. Ordered some samples 30 minutes ago so I cant wait to get the new products up!

[JoArtyJo]

Well you're only allowed 10 sections so keep that in mind.... I too would like lots more sections!

I would say that the fact you get requests for these products suggests that your current customers would buy them if they were there. A very good reason to keep it all in one shop.

[Former_Member]

Well I was joking about adding 12 more sections, haha that would be way too many! I guess my issue is there are two distinct target markets. Printables for DIYers to generalize, and physical items for an entirely different market. These aren't a physical version of the products I currently offer. It's an entirely different item, using my designs. If that makes sense. Like my most requested item: a pillow case with one of my patterns. So its an entirely different market. Those that have requested, haven't purchased anything from me. I've even said they could buy the paper and make it themselves, but they want the finished item, not 'do it themselves'. Great, now I'm rethinking that I SHOULD open a separate shop...hmm

[JoArtyJo]

I see what you mean.... It's a tough one! I see your shop is very new- new shops take a lot of work, I would be wary I spreading yourself too thinly.... Bit it depends how much time you have to dedicate to etsy. 2 shops would require lots of time. Obviously it is a decision only you can make!

One option is to keep everything in one shop for now. I'm guessing these new products will take you a while to get ready and listed anyway, so until you have a good number why not stay in one shop. By the time you have enough for a decent sized second shop you may have more of an idea of how you want it to be, one shop or two.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Joanne! That's kind of what I'm thinking...It gives me plenty of room to work on the product lines and how exactly I want to list them! Thank you so much for your help!

[Former_Member]

Why not do a section called "Printed Products" and put them all in there, and then in the description for the digital product say "Also available in a printed version here..." and give the link.