Selling squishies on Etsy can be a fun and profitable venture for those looking to tap into the popular stress-relief toy market. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start and grow a successful squishy-selling business on Etsy.

Understanding the Squishy Market

Squishies are soft, slow-rising foam toys that come in various shapes and sizes. They’ve gained immense popularity as stress-relief toys and collectibles, especially among children and young adults. Before diving into selling, it’s crucial to understand the market dynamics and current trends.

Popular Squishy Types

• Food-shaped squishies (e.g., fruits, cakes, bread)
• Animal squishies
• Character squishies (based on popular cartoons or anime)
• Scented squishies
• Jumbo squishies
• Mini squishies

Target Audience

Your primary target audience will likely include:

• Children and teenagers
• Young adults
• Collectors
• People seeking stress-relief toys
• Gift shoppers

Setting Up Your Etsy Shop

To start selling squishies on Etsy, you’ll need to create a shop. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign up for an Etsy account if you don’t have one already.
2. Click on “Sell on Etsy” and follow the prompts to open your shop.
3. Choose your shop preferences (language, country, currency).
4. Select a unique shop name that reflects your brand.
5. Stock your shop with at least one item (we’ll cover product listings later).
6. Set up your payment and billing information.

Optimizing Your Shop

To make your squishy shop stand out:

• Create an eye-catching shop banner and profile picture.
• Write a compelling shop announcement and About section.
• Set up shop policies (returns, exchanges, shipping).
• Organize your products into relevant categories.

Sourcing Squishies

To sell squishies, you’ll need a reliable source for your products. Here are some options:

Wholesale Suppliers

Research wholesale suppliers who specialize in squishies. Look for those offering competitive prices and a wide variety of designs. Some popular wholesale platforms include:

• Alibaba
• AliExpress
• DHgate

When choosing a supplier, consider:

• Minimum order quantities
• Product quality
• Shipping times and costs
• Customer reviews and ratings

Handmade Squishies

If you’re crafty, you might consider making your own squishies. This can set your shop apart and allow for custom designs. To make squishies, you’ll need:

• Polyurethane foam
• Acrylic paint or fabric paint
• Brushes
• Scissors
• Packaging materials

Creating handmade squishies requires time and skill, but it can result in unique products that command higher prices.

Creating Compelling Product Listings

Your product listings are crucial for attracting buyers and making sales. Here’s how to create effective listings for your squishies:

High-Quality Photos

Take clear, well-lit photos of your squishies. Include:

• Multiple angles
• Size reference (e.g., next to a ruler or common object)
• Squishing action shots or GIFs
• Packaging photos

Use a plain background to make your squishies stand out. Natural light often works best for photography.

Detailed Descriptions

Write thorough, engaging descriptions for each squishy. Include:

• Dimensions and weight
• Material (e.g., polyurethane foam)
• Scent (if applicable)
• Rising time
• Care instructions
• Any unique features or characteristics

Pricing Strategy

Price your squishies competitively while ensuring a profit. Consider:

• Cost of goods
• Etsy fees (listing, transaction, payment processing)
• Shipping costs
• Your time and labor

Research similar products on Etsy to gauge appropriate pricing. Don’t undersell your products, especially if they’re handmade or unique.

Tags and Categories

Use all 13 available tags for each listing. Include relevant keywords such as:

• Squishy
• Stress relief toy
• Slow rising
• Scented (if applicable)
• Kawaii
• Collectible
• Gift

Choose the most appropriate category for your squishies, typically under Toys & Games > Stress Relief Toys.

Shipping and Packaging

Proper shipping and packaging are essential for customer satisfaction and protecting your products.

Packaging Materials

Invest in quality packaging to ensure your squishies arrive in perfect condition:

• Bubble wrap or tissue paper for individual wrapping
• Sturdy boxes or padded envelopes
• Packing peanuts or air pillows for extra protection
• Custom branded packaging for a professional touch

Shipping Options

Offer various shipping options to cater to different customer needs:

• Standard shipping
• Expedited shipping
• International shipping (if you’re comfortable shipping abroad)

Be clear about processing times and expected delivery dates in your shop policies and listings.

Tracking and Insurance

Consider offering tracking for all orders and insurance for higher-value shipments. This protects both you and the buyer in case of lost or damaged packages.

Marketing Your Squishy Shop

To succeed on Etsy, you’ll need to actively market your shop and products.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimize your listings for Etsy’s search algorithm:

• Use relevant, specific titles (e.g., “Scented Strawberry Cake Squishy – Slow Rising Jumbo Size”)
• Include keywords in your descriptions naturally
• Update and renew listings regularly

Social Media Marketing

Leverage social media platforms to showcase your squishies:

• Create an Instagram account to post photos and videos of your products
• Use TikTok to share satisfying squishy videos
• Join Facebook groups for squishy enthusiasts and collectors

Etsy Ads

Consider using Etsy Ads to boost visibility for your listings. Start with a small daily budget and monitor performance to optimize your ad spend.

Promotions and Sales

Run occasional sales or promotions to attract buyers:

• Offer discounts on multiple purchases
• Create limited-time offers for holidays or special events
• Use Etsy’s built-in marketing tools for sales and coupons

Customer Service and Building Reputation

Excellent customer service is key to building a positive reputation and encouraging repeat business.

Prompt Communication

Respond to customer inquiries quickly and professionally. Aim to answer messages within 24 hours.

Handling Issues

Address any problems (e.g., damaged items, shipping delays) promptly and courteously. Be willing to offer refunds or replacements when appropriate.

Encouraging Reviews

Politely ask customers to leave reviews after their purchase. Positive reviews can significantly boost your shop’s credibility and visibility on Etsy.

Expanding Your Squishy Business

As your shop grows, consider these strategies for expansion:

Diversifying Products

Expand your product line to include:

• Squishy accessories (e.g., keychains, phone straps)
• Squishy-themed stationery or school supplies
• Custom or personalized squishies

Wholesale Opportunities

Look for opportunities to sell your squishies wholesale to local gift shops or toy stores.

Creating a Brand

Develop a strong brand identity for your squishy shop:

• Design a logo
• Use consistent packaging and branding materials
• Create a cohesive aesthetic across your shop and social media

Legal Considerations

Ensure your squishy business complies with all relevant laws and regulations:

Safety Standards

If selling to children, ensure your squishies meet safety standards for toys. In the US, this includes compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Intellectual Property

Avoid infringing on copyrights or trademarks. If creating character-based squishies, ensure you have the necessary licenses or permissions.

Business Registration

Depending on your location and sales volume, you may need to register your business and obtain necessary permits or licenses.

Conclusion

Selling squishies on Etsy can be a rewarding business venture. By focusing on product quality, customer service, and effective marketing, you can build a successful shop in this fun and trendy niche. Remember to stay up-to-date with squishy trends and continuously improve your offerings to keep customers coming back for more.

With dedication and creativity, your Etsy squishy shop can become a thriving business, bringing joy to customers and profits to you. Happy selling!

Citations: [1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Etsy/comments/o33q39/looking_for_advice_from_those_who_make_childrens/ [2] https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/1073421618228 [3] https://www.etsy.com/market/squishies_toys [4] https://www.etsy.com/market/squishies [5] https://www.etsy.com/market/squishy [6] https://www.etsy.com/listing/1640175196/squishy-products-custom-re-order [7] https://10web.io/blog/how-to-sell-toys-online/ [8] https://www.etsy.com/market/squishy_toy [9] https://www.createandthrive.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-selling-successfully-on-etsy