If you’re crafty and you enjoy making handmade products, then selling on Etsy may be a great way to earn some extra income. Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in selling handmade and vintage items.
Etsy is one of the more effective platforms to help both aspiring and established small business owners sell their products without the hassle of creating and managing a website. With over 39 million active buyers, Etsy sellers have the potential to increase their sales, grow their business, and gain loyal and returning customers.
Related: Guide to starting an Etsy business
Is Etsy the Right Place for You?
There are many factors to consider when starting an online business, and one of the most important is choosing the right platform. Etsy was initially created to assist crafters with selling their vintage and handmade items online, but it’s not the right fit for every business model. Before deciding whether or not to list your products on Etsy, it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of using this platform.
Before you continue reading, we must first ensure that Etsy is right for your business. Etsy was created to assist craft enthusiasts with selling their goods online – somewhere besides Amazon and eBay. Etsy is primarily used to sell handmade and vintage items, but handmade doesn’t necessarily mean physical! Many sellers sell digital products, including designs and patterns that buyers can purchase and download right away. If you created or designed it, Etsy may be the perfect place for you!
Related: Can you sell Canva designs on Etsy?
Do Etsy Sellers Need A Seller’s Permit?
Pros and Cons of Etsy
One of the biggest advantages of using Etsy is that it’s easy to set up and start selling quickly. Etsy does a great job of promoting its marketplace, so you’ll benefit from the platform’s high traffic levels. In addition, Etsy provides a number of tools and resources to help you run your business, including listing management, order processing, and shipping labels. However, there are some drawbacks to using Etsy as well.
The first drawback is the Etsy fees.
listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. Listing fees are $0.20 per item, and a listing stays active for four months or until the item is sold. Transaction fees are 6.5% of the total sale price, and payment processing fees are 3% plus $0.25 per transaction. For example, if you sell an item for $100, your Etsy charges would be $9.95 ($0.20 for the listing fee, $6.50 for the transaction fee, and $3.00 for the Etsy credit card payment processing fee). Etsy also offers optional features (such as promoted listings and shipping labels) that incur additional fees. Etsy payments from your sales are then deposited directly to your bank account.
Second, Etsy is a very crowded marketplace, so it can be difficult to stand out from the competition. If you decide to list your products on Etsy, be sure to take advantage of the platform’s marketing tools and resources to make your products stand out.
Related: What licenses does an Etsy store need?
Steps for Getting Started on Etsy
Step 1: Create the Shop
Once you’ve created your seller account, you must then customize your shop’s settings by selecting the language, currency, location, etc.
Step 2: Select a Name
1. Keep it short and sweet. Long names are difficult to remember and can be tough to spell. Aim for something that’s short and sweet – 4-8 syllables is ideal.
2. Make it unique. With over 4 million active Etsy shops, it’s important to choose a name that will help you stand out from the crowd. Avoid using generic terms like “handmade” or “designs” in your shop name, as these are likely to be used by many other shops. Instead, opt for something specific and unique that will make your shop easy to find.
3. Use keywords. Keywords are an important part of Etsy’s search algorithm, so including them in your shop name can help you attract more shoppers to your page. Choose keywords that reflect the type of products you sell, as well as any unique selling points that set your shop apart from others.
4. Brainstorm with friends and family. Sometimes the best way to come up with a great name is to brainstorm with others! Run your ideas past friends and family members to see if they have any suggestions or feedback.
5. Get creative! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your shop name – after all, this is your chance to put your own unique stamp on your business. Be inspired by puns, wordplay, inside jokes, pop culture references, or anything else that resonates with you and feels true to your brand identity.
Step 3: Take Great Photos
First, make sure the background is clean and uncluttered. A plain white or neutral background works best.
Second, use natural light whenever possible. Set up your shots near a window or outdoors for the best results.
Third, invest in a few basic photography props, like baskets or boxes, to help style your shots.
And fourth, don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment with different angles and perspectives so buyers have a proper idea of what your product looks like.
With a little practice, you’ll be taking stunning product photos in no time.
Step 4: List Your Products
You’ll be prompted to enter information about your product, including the title, description, price, quantity, shipping options, and more. You can also add up to 10 photos of your product. When you’re finished, click the “Publish Listing” button. Your listing will then appear in Etsy’s marketplace.
It’s tempting to start with a bunch of product listings, but I recommend starting with a few items and then start expanding the number of listings after you have the hang of the system and see what items start selling. If you are able to sell your items in multiples, make sure that you can replicate them quickly and easily. You can also sell one-offs and originals if you choose to, as many sellers on Etsy opt to sell their original pieces.
Basic search engine optimization (SEO) is important to consider when optimizing an Etsy listing. Since the Etsy marketplace is built on a search engine that connects buyers and sellers, including all relevant keywords, so your product has a chance of showing up in potential buyers’ search results!
Step 5: Pricing Your Products
Some sellers will build the cost of shipping into the product cost as free shipping can be a good selling tool.
You will also want to do thorough research on your competitor’s prices so that you are aware of the demand for and value of similar products. Once you have all of this information, you can start to come up with a price for your product. It is important to remember that your prices can always be adjusted as needed, so don’t be afraid to experiment a bit until you find the perfect sweet spot.
Step 6: Optimize Your Shop
Step 7: Promote Your Shop
One effective way many Etsy sellers promote their shop is through social media. If you have a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account, be sure to share links to your shop on a regular basis. You can also use hashtags to reach a wider audience – for example, if you sell jewelry, you could use the hashtag #etsyjewelry.
In addition to social media, another great way to promote your Etsy shop is through word-of-mouth. Tell your friends and family about your shop, and encourage them to spread the word. You can also participate in online forums and answer any questions people may have about Etsy or starting their own shops.
By taking a few simple steps, you can give your Etsy shop the promotion it deserves!
Step 8: Shipping Products
There are a few things to keep in mind when shipping products on Etsy. First, you will need to figure out the size and weight of your product so that you can determine shipping costs. Second, you will need to choose a shipping method that is reliable and cost-effective. And finally, you will need to package your product carefully to ensure that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
With a little preparation, shipping products on Etsy can be a breeze. By taking care to choose the right shipping method and packaging your products securely, you can ensure that your buyers receive their purchases quickly and safely.
Questions About Starting On Etsy
Does my Etsy shop name have to be my business name?
Your Etsy shop name does not need to match the legal name of your business. Some Etsy sellers will use their business name as their store name, while others choose to be creative with a separate title.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful Etsy seller! Happy selling!