Etsy is an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses sell handmade crafts, vintage items (20+ years old), and craft supplies.
- Founded in 2005, Etsy is known for its focus on creative, artistic, and unique products.
- Millions of buyers worldwide look for personalized gifts, jewelry, home décor, art, and more.
👩💼 Who Can Sell on Etsy?
- Handmade artists and crafters (jewelry, clothing, furniture, art)
- Vintage sellers (items over 20 years old)
- Craft supply vendors (tools, materials, patterns)
- Small businesses wanting a niche marketplace
- Anyone who can create or source unique, quality products
🛍️ What Can You Sell on Etsy?
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Handmade goods | Jewelry, candles, soaps, pottery, knitted items |
| Vintage items | Clothing, collectibles, antiques, books |
| Craft supplies & tools | Fabrics, beads, patterns, stamps |
| Digital products | Printable art, planners, invitations, SVG files |
❌ Prohibited items include mass-produced goods, alcohol, weapons, and certain regulated items.
💸 Etsy Fees & Payments
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|
| Listing fee | $0.20 per item listed, lasts 4 months |
| Transaction fee | 6.5% of the sale price (including shipping) |
| Payment processing fee | Varies by country (typically 3% + $0.25) |
| Optional advertising | Paid promotions inside Etsy or offsite ads |
- Payments go through Etsy Payments, supporting multiple payment options (credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.).
- Payouts are usually deposited into your bank account on a regular schedule.
🪜 How to Start Selling on Etsy
- Go to etsy.com
- Create an account and set up your shop profile
- Choose your shop name (unique & memorable)
- Add your first listings (photos, descriptions, prices)
- Set shipping options and policies
- Launch your shop and promote your items!
📈 Tips to Succeed on Etsy
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|
| Use high-quality photos | Attracts buyers and showcases your product |
| Write clear, keyword-rich descriptions | Helps with Etsy search ranking |
| Offer personalization/customization | Highly valued by Etsy buyers |
| Price competitively | Stay competitive while covering costs |
| Provide excellent customer service | Earn positive reviews & repeat customers |
| Promote your shop on social media | Drive external traffic to your Etsy store |
📊 Pros & Cons of Selling on Etsy
✅ Pros:
- Large audience specifically looking for handmade & vintage items
- Easy to set up and use for beginners
- Support for digital products and physical goods
- Flexible store management on desktop & mobile
- Integrated payment and shipping tools
❌ Cons:
- Fees can add up for many sales
- High competition, especially in popular categories
- Etsy controls marketplace policies and ranking algorithms
- You need to handle your own marketing for best results
