How to sell on Etsy : A Beginner’s Guide (2024)

Are you looking to start your own online business and sell your unique creations? Etsy is a popular online marketplace that offers a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Etsy provides a user-friendly environment to reach a global audience and turn your passion into a profitable venture.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of selling on Etsy, from creating your shop to promoting your products and providing excellent customer service. We’ll also explore the potential of digital products to sell on Etsy and highlight some of the Etsy top selling items that have proven successful.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to leverage Etsy’s platform to grow your business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals. So let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of selling on Etsy!

How to sell on Etsy in 5 easy steps

• Create an Etsy Account: To open an Etsy shop, visit the Etsy Sell page . Click the “Get Started” button, then sign in to your Etsy account (or create a new one).

• Enter Your Etsy Shop Details: Select your shop’s preferred language, country, and currency. Then, enter a memorable shop name between 4 and 20 characters. You could also change your shop name later if needed.

• Enter Your Shop Name: Choose a memorable and informative shop name that is between 4 and 20 characters long. This name will be visible to customers and should reflect your brand.

• Create Your First Listing: Select a product category, specify the item type (physical or digital), and add production info. Use detailed keywords in your title, description, and tags to boost visibility. Upload high-quality photos and videos, set a competitive price, and create a shipping profile. Click “Save and Continue” to finish.

To manage listings later, go to the Shop Manager and select “Listings.”

• Choose How You’ll Get Paid: Etsy offers various payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and Etsy Payments. Select the payment method that works best for you.

• Set Up Billing: Provide your billing information, including your name, address, and payment details. Set your payment preferences, such as automatic payments or manual payments.

• Open Your Shop: Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, your shop will be ready to go live. Start promoting your products and attracting customers to your Etsy store.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to selling your products on Etsy. Remember to consistently update your shop, engage with your customers, and promote your products to increase your sales.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy?

Etsy offers a flexible pricing structure that allows sellers to choose the best option for their business. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:

Set-up Fee

• One-time fee: Etsy charges a one-time fee of $15 when you open your shop.

Listing Fees

• 20 cents per listing: You’ll be charged 20 cents for each item you list for sale on Etsy.

Transaction Fees

• 6.5% of the item price + shipping and gift wrapping: Etsy charges a transaction fee of 6.5% of the price you display for each listing, plus the amount you charge for delivery and gift wrapping.

Payment Processing Fees

Variable fees: Payment processing fees depend on factors like your payment method, shop location, bank account currency, and region-specific fees like US sales tax or EU VAT.

Etsy Payments Policy: For detailed information, review Etsy’s Payments Policy and the full list of processing fees.

In-Person Selling Fee

Square integration: If you use Square to sell your products in person, you’ll be charged a listing fee of $0.20.

Transaction fees: Square replaces Etsy’s 6.5% transaction fee with its own payment processing fees. Visit Square’s website for more details.

Afterpay: Using Afterpay with Square incurs a 6% + $0.30 fee.

Regulatory Operating Fees

• Country-specific fees: Etsy charges regulatory operating fees in certain countries to compensate for regulation costs, especially Digital Services Taxes (DST).
• Fee calculation: These fees are based on a percentage of the total product price, including Etsy shipping costs and gift wrapping.
• Affected countries: The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and other countries may charge these fees.
• Fee changes: Regulatory operating fees can change frequently. Check Etsy’s blog and Help Center for updates.

Currency Conversion Fees

• 2.5% fee: If your Etsy Payments bank account is in a different currency than your listings, Etsy will charge a 2.5% currency conversion fee.
• Payment gateway alternatives: : Consider using payment gateways like Google Pay or Apple Pay to reduce currency conversion costs for international sales.

Etsy Plus Subscription

• Etsy Plus: For $10 per month, Etsy Plus offers advanced store personalization options and discounts on advertising.

Advertising and Promotional Fees

• Onsite ad fees: Promote your listings in Etsy search results for $1-25 per day. Etsy Plus members receive discounts and Etsy Ads credits.
• Offsite ad fees: Etsy charges a 15% fee for shops with annual revenue under $10,000 (optional) or a 12% fee for shops exceeding $10,000 (mandatory).

By understanding these additional fees,you can effectively manage your Etsy selling costs and maximize your profits.

Tips for Successful Etsy Selling

Once you’ve set up your Etsy shop and started listing your products, here are some valuable tips to help you promote your Etsy Shop:

1. Optimize Your Product Listings

• Use relevant keywords: Incorporate keywords that potential customers might search for in your product titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Write compelling descriptions: Highlight the unique features and benefits of your products to entice buyers.
• Use high-quality images: Professional-looking images can make a big difference in attracting customers.

2. Engage with Your Customers

• Respond to messages promptly: Address customer inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide excellent customer service: Go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Encourage customer reviews: Positive reviews can help boost your shop’s credibility.

3. Promote Your Shop

• Utilize social media: Share your products on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
• Network with other sellers: Connect with other Etsy sellers to exchange tips and advice.
• Run promotions and sales: Offer discounts, coupons, or free shipping to attract customers.

4. Analyze Your Shop’s Performance

• Track sales and traffic: Monitor your shop’s performance to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Use Etsy’s analytics tools: Etsy provides valuable insights into your shop’s performance.
• Make data-driven decisions: Use analytics to make informed decisions about your selling strategy.

5. Stay Updated on Etsy’s Policies and Features

• Check for updates: Etsy’s policies and features may change over time. Stay informed about any updates that could affect your business.
• Take advantage of new features: Explore new tools and features that Etsy offers to enhance your selling experience.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on Etsy and build a thriving online business.

Selling on Etsy can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a successful Etsy shop and reach a global audience.

Remember to optimize your product listings, engage with your customers, promote your shop, analyze your shop’s performance, and stay updated on Etsy’s policies and features. With dedication and perseverance, you can turn your passion into a profitable online business.