Batches? We Don't Need No Stinking Batches? Or Do We?

I've had this odd theory running around in my head for awhile now about how much of a store's success rate is rooted in rather or not they make OOAK (one of a kind, single) items or 'batches' (which I am going to use to mean handmade items that can be produced in quantities of 2 or more) to be listed one at a time as the items sell.

I spent some time poking around on Etsy, looking at the top sellers shops & what they are listing & moving out the door to see if my idea holds water. Then I went to the forums to get some stats from the masses. Everything I am seeing supports my ideas & so today I thought I would try to organize my thoughts & maybe change the way you look at how many items you are creating for your Etsy shop!

(Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Soap by Savor)

Some of the most successful handmade shops on Etsy are artists & crafters who make items in batches to be listed & sold off one at a time: prints of artwork, groups of pressed buttons, creating several of the same metalwork necklace, crocheting sets of the same key chain, bars & bars of soap.

Batches really help your shop to run more smoothly because they cut down the time you spend photographing & listings your items. & if you want more proof, look at the supply shops! They sell like crazy because they just relist & relist after something sells until they run out of it. & most of us could learn something from them. Photographing & relisting make up a significant part what we as online sellers do & cutting that time down any way we can will benefit us.

(Set of Blank Greeting Cards by AussiePatches)

Batches also help sales because they give your shop 'signature pieces' & a consistent look & feel. If you are making some of your items in groups they will be seen again & again as you sell & relist them & help to brand your shop.

Other ways they can be time & cost effective is that you can buy bulk supplies which might cut down on shipping costs & get you a discount for buying larger quantities. & making a few of the same piece in one setting can really cut down on your creation time. I know when I am making a few pairs of earrings I get in the zone & it seems to go by much faster. :) This will help with your items cost.

(Things Change Lot of Scrabble Pendants by LittlePutBooks)

But surely there are some downfalls to creating in batches!

What if you make 6 scarves, all alike & can't even sell the first one? I would try to dodge this bullet by making smaller quantities as you are trying out this technique in your shop. Note your best & fastest sellers, note trendy items, colors & styles that sell well & note what your customers are requesting from you. Taking all of these things into consideration when you are deciding which pieces in your shop could be made in small quantities.

What if your shop starts to look stagnant & repetitive? Then you are making too many batch items for your shop. Variety is the spice of life & your Etsy shop, as I've talked about before! Don't turn your entire shop into the same 4 items that you sell over & over. Figure out a ratio of ooak to batch items that works for your shop.

(Wheelthrown Mug Set Black Green Pink Turquoise byJMNOTTERY)

I do think with a trial & error on your part, creating some of your items in batches can really boost your sales, cut down your shop maintenance time & offer one more way to brand your shop. & I would love to have your feedback about this: rather it is currently working or not working for you.