The Genesis of Old World Kitchen
Founded in 2009 by the Polder family, Old World Kitchen started as a modest venture on a half-acre property in Melrose, Florida. The family, initially unfamiliar with farming, embraced the challenge, cultivating a diverse array of skills, from basket weaving to blacksmithing. However, it was Trevor Polder’s mastery of woodworking that laid the foundation for Old World Kitchen’s success.
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Etsy: The Starting Point
Acknowledging the power of Etsy as a launchpad for online presence, the Polder family ventured into the world of e-commerce. Etsy provided an accessible platform for them to test the market and connect with a pre-existing audience. The convenience of a built-in customer base was evident when, just three days after launching their store, they secured their first sale.
The Evolution: Branding Beyond Etsy
As Old World Kitchen’s brand flourished, the family faced a pivotal moment when a pop-up opportunity prompted a reevaluation of their brand strategy. Realizing the necessity of a more defined brand identity, they invested in honing their message and vision. This strategic shift led to increased success, but with success came challenges—particularly, the limitations of Etsy.
Why Old World Kitchen Migrated to Shopify
1. Brand Integrity and Customization
Old World Kitchen’s commitment to its brand story and unique visual identity demanded a platform that allowed complete control. Shopify’s flexibility and customization features empowered the family to curate a tailored brand experience for their customers.
2. Scaling Handmade Production
Etsy’s predominantly handmade and vintage-oriented audience became incongruent with Old World Kitchen’s evolving business model. The family aspired to scale by introducing complementary products and partnering with other brands as resellers—a feat only achievable on Shopify.
3. Targeting a Wider Audience
With a growing brand that appealed to a more discerning and luxury-focused customer, the Polders recognized the need to expand beyond Etsy’s community. Shopify’s search engine optimization (SEO) capabilities offered a strategic advantage in reaching a broader audience.
4. Ownership and Marketing Control
Transitioning to Shopify enabled Old World Kitchen to own and manage customer lists, execute targeted marketing campaigns, and foster direct communication with their audience—a level of control unattainable on Etsy.
Making the Move: When and How
The decision to migrate from Etsy to Shopify hinges on various factors:
- Brand Centrality: If your brand story and visual branding are integral, transitioning to Shopify allows you to own and showcase these elements effectively.
- Production Evolution: When considering a move from handmade to mass-produced goods, Shopify provides the necessary flexibility.
- Target Audience Shift: If your brand is shifting towards a more luxury-focused audience, a standalone Shopify store optimizes search terms for your specific market.
- Expanding Product Range: Shopify accommodates reselling and collaboration with other brands, facilitating the expansion of your product offerings.
- Marketing and Customer Ownership: Owning a Shopify store grants control over marketing strategies, customer lists, and direct communication with your audience.
- Sales Volume: Once surpassing a certain sales threshold, Shopify’s monthly plans and lower transaction fees become more cost-effective than Etsy’s per-listing and per-transaction fees.
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