Your First 100 Sales: A Roadmap for New Handmade eCommerce Sellers
Published
16 Jun, 2025
4 min read
Getting your first sale feels like winning a small lottery. Hitting 100? That’s a signal. It tells you that your idea has legs, your work resonates, and you’re not just playing business—you’re in it. But getting from zero to 100 sales doesn’t happen by accident. It takes clarity, persistence, and the right moves. Here’s how to build the momentum that turns curiosity into conversions.
Most new handmade sellers think their product is the hero. It’s not. The real hero is the customer—and your brand is the story they’re stepping into. Before chasing sales, define what your brand stands for. What vibe do you want people to feel when they visit your store or open your package? Whether it’s minimalist ceramics or bold, funky earrings, your aesthetic, tone, and values should be consistent across your site, packaging, and social media.
Even if you're starting small, act like a brand. A clean logo, cohesive color palette, and a one-sentence brand mission can elevate you beyond the typical “craft hobbyist” look and help you stand out.
Opening an online store and waiting for sales is like throwing a party and forgetting to send invitations. You need to drive traffic on purpose. Social media is the fastest free way to get eyes on your products, especially platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, where handmade aesthetics thrive.
But traffic only matters if it’s the right kind. Focus on building an audience that actually buys. That means getting specific about your niche. Are you selling to boho moms, plant lovers, or stationery nerds? Don’t try to please everyone. Talk directly to the person who’s most likely to fall in love with your work.
In eCommerce, customers can’t touch your product. Photos do the heavy lifting. If your images are dim, cluttered, or blurry, you’re asking shoppers to take a leap of faith. Too risky.
Take the time to learn basic photography—even with your phone. Use natural light, neutral backgrounds, and multiple angles. Show the item in use, in context. For example, if you’re selling handmade mugs, include a cozy scene with a book and blanket, not just the mug on a table. You’re not just selling a product—you’re selling a mood.
Skip the fluff and focus on what matters to the buyer. What’s it made of? How big is it? Why does it matter? Don’t just say your soap smells nice—describe the feeling it evokes: “Infused with calming lavender and oat milk, perfect for winding down after a long day.” Speak like a human. People buy from people, especially in the handmade space.
And make sure your descriptions answer potential objections before they’re asked. Think: “Is this durable?” “Will it fit my space?” “Is it safe for kids?” Clarity leads to confidence. Confidence leads to clicks.
Social media isn’t just for promoting your products. It’s where your community starts. Share behind-the-scenes content. Post time-lapse videos of your process. Show your workspace. People love watching things being made, and it builds trust fast.
Engage with your followers. Reply to comments. Say thank you. When someone buys, celebrate them. When someone messages you, respond like a friend. You don’t need a massive following to get sales—you need a connected one.
When you’re just starting, every sale is an opportunity to build a foundation. Include handwritten thank-you notes. Offer a small freebie or future discount. Make their unboxing experience memorable so they share it online or tell a friend. Happy customers become repeat customers—and your best marketers.
Follow up after a sale and ask for feedback. A simple “How did you like it?” goes a long way. If they’re happy, ask for a review. If they’re not, fix it. That kind of care builds loyalty and reputation, which fuels your next 100 sales.
Don’t just track sales. Watch where they come from. Did someone find you through Instagram? A Pinterest pin? A Google search? Start with the free analytics your eCommerce platform provides. Pay attention to your best-selling items and your most active channels. Then double down on what’s working.
Also—price smart. Don’t guess. Factor in your time, materials, overhead, platform fees, and shipping costs. Selling at a loss just to make early sales can kill your business before it begins. Profit is not a dirty word.
The early days can feel slow. You’ll post a reel that flops. You’ll get likes but no buys. You might go days without a single order. That’s normal. What matters is that you keep showing up. Every post, every product listing, every happy customer builds momentum. The curve isn’t linear—it spikes after you prove your consistency.
Your first 100 sales aren’t just about money. They’re proof that your dream is real. That people want what you make. That you can build something from scratch and watch it grow.
So keep refining. Keep experimenting. Keep telling your story. The first 100 is the hardest—but it’s also the most thrilling part of the journey. And once you get there, you’ll be ready for the next 1,000.
