Running a sale on Etsy can be a powerful strategy for increasing visibility, attracting new customers, and driving sales. In today’s competitive online marketplace, offering discounts and promotions is an effective way to stand out and encourage purchases. Whether you’re looking to boost your revenue during a peak shopping season or clear out inventory, knowing how to run a sale on Etsy is essential for your shop’s success.

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why running sales is beneficial for your business, identify the optimal times to host a sale, discuss the various types of sales you can implement, provide a step-by-step guide on how to run a sale on Etsy, and share tips on promoting your sale effectively. Let’s dive in!

Why run Etsy Sales?

Running a sale on Etsy isn’t just about lowering prices; it’s a smart strategy to attract more customers and increase your shop’s visibility. When you offer discounts, you’re giving potential buyers a little nudge to hit that “add to cart” button. It’s like rolling out a welcome mat that says, “Hey, look at these awesome deals!”

Sales can also help you move inventory that’s been sitting around for too long. Clearing out old stock gives you the chance to make room for fresh, new products that might catch your customers’ interest. Plus, having sales can create a buzz around your shop, especially if you promote them effectively. Word of mouth spreads quickly, and happy customers are likely to share their finds with friends and family.

So, whether you’re looking to boost sales, clear out old inventory, or simply increase your shop’s visibility, running a sale is definitely worth considering!

When to Run a Sale on Etsy?

Timing can be everything when it comes to sales on Etsy. You’ll want to pick moments that not only align with your business goals but also resonate with your customers. Here are some prime opportunities to consider:

1. Holidays and Special Occasions: Major holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day are perfect times to run sales. Shoppers are often looking for gifts, and a well-timed sale can attract their attention.
2. Seasonal Changes: As seasons change, so do customer preferences. Running a sale when transitioning from winter to spring, for instance, can help move seasonal items.
3. Shop Anniversaries or Milestones: Celebrate your shop’s birthday or hitting a sales goal with a special promotion. It’s a great way to thank your loyal customers while attracting new ones.
4. Inventory Clear-Outs: If you have items that haven’t sold as well as you’d hoped, consider running a sale to make room for new stock. This keeps your shop fresh and appealing.
5. When You Launch New Products: When you introduce something new, consider a sale on related items to encourage customers to explore your shop.

Types of Sales You Can Run on Etsy

There are several effective types of sales you can run on Etsy to attract customers and boost your sales. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

1. Percentage-Off Sales: This is a classic approach where you offer a specific percentage off the total price of your items. For example, a 20% discount can be very appealing and makes customers feel like they’re getting a great deal.
2. Fixed-Amount Discounts: Instead of a percentage, you can offer a fixed amount off each purchase. For instance, $5 off orders over a certain amount encourages customers to buy more to reach that threshold.
3. Coupons: Create unique coupon codes that customers can use at checkout for discounts. This not only incentivizes purchases but also allows you to track how effective your promotions are.
4. Personalized Offers: Tailor offers to specific customers based on their shopping behavior. For example, if someone frequently buys from your shop, send them a special discount just for them. This personal touch can build loyalty and encourage repeat business.
5. Discounted Bundles: Bundle related items together and offer them at a discounted price. This not only encourages customers to buy more but also makes them feel like they’re getting extra value.

By mixing and matching these sales types, you can keep your promotions fresh and appealing to a wider audience. Choose what aligns best with your shop’s goals and your customers’ interests!

How to run a sale on Etsy?

Running a sale on Etsy is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few simple steps. Here’s how to run a sale on Etsy in six easy steps:

Step 1: Log into your Etsy account and head over to your Shop Manager. From there, choose “Marketing” and select “Sales and Coupons”.

Step 2: In the Sales and Coupons section, Select Run a sale.

Step 3: Select the type of sale you want to run. Etsy offers several options, like a percentage-off sale or a fixed amount off. Pick the one that fits your marketing goals best.

Step 5: Customize the details of your sale, setting parameters like the discount amount, which countries the offer is valid in, and more.

Step 6: Decide which products the sale will apply to. You can choose specific listings, entire sections, or even your whole shop. This way, you can tailor the sale to suit your needs.

Step 6: Review all the information you’ve entered to make sure everything looks good. Once you’re satisfied, click “Save” to activate your sale. The discounted prices will automatically show up for shoppers during the sale period.

How to Promote Your Etsy Shop Sale?

Now that you’ve set up your sale, it’s time to get the word out! Here are some effective ways to promote your Etsy shop sale:

• Social Media: Share the news of your sale on your social media platforms. Create eye-catching posts that highlight the discounts, and don’t forget to include a link to your shop. Tools like Outfy can help you automate your social media posts, making it easy to keep your followers updated about your sale across various channels.
• Email Marketing: If you have a mailing list, send out an email to your subscribers announcing the sale. Make it personal and engaging, letting them know about the exclusive deals they can grab. It’s a great way to encourage repeat customers!
• Etsy Announcements: Use your Etsy shop announcement section to inform visitors about your ongoing sale. This is one of the first things people see when they visit your shop, so make it count!
• Etsy Ads: Consider investing in Etsy Ads to promote your sale. By targeting specific keywords related to your products, you can reach potential buyers who are actively searching for items like yours.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers in your niche can significantly boost your sale’s visibility. Reach out to influencers who resonate with your brand and see if they’re interested in promoting your sale.
• Create Urgency: Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “while supplies last” in your promotions. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to act quickly before the sale ends.

Running a sale on Etsy can be a game-changer for your shop, helping you attract new customers and boost your sales. Whether you’re offering percentage-off sales, fixed-amount discounts, or personalized offers, the key is to be strategic about your approach. By choosing the right timing and promoting your sale effectively—whether through social media, email marketing, or even Etsy Ads—you can maximize your visibility and reach a broader audience.

Remember, utilizing tools like Outfy can streamline your promotional efforts, allowing you to automate social media posts and keep your followers engaged without adding extra work to your plate. With the right sales strategies and effective promotion, you’ll be well on your way to increased sales and a thriving Etsy shop. Now you know how to do a sale on Etsy and how to take advantage of its benefits, so go ahead and get those sales rolling!

FAQ

Q1. How to put an item on sale on Etsy?

To put an item on sale on Etsy, log into your Etsy account and go to your Shop Manager. Select “Marketing,” then “Sales and Coupons.” In the Sales and Discounts section, click to start setting up your sale. Choose the sale type (percentage-off, fixed amount off, etc.), select which products the sale applies to, configure the discount details, and save your changes. Your items will automatically reflect the sale prices during the promotion.

Q2. Does it cost to run a sale on Etsy?

No, it doesn’t cost anything to run a sale on Etsy. You can create sales and discounts for your items without incurring additional fees. However, keep in mind that normal Etsy listing and transaction fees still apply when a sale results in a purchase.

Q3. How do beginners get sales on Etsy?

Beginners can get sales on Etsy by focusing on a few key strategies:

• High-Quality Listings: Ensure your product photos are clear and appealing, and write detailed descriptions with keywords that buyers are likely to search for.
• Effective Marketing: Utilize social media platforms to promote your shop and engage with your audience. Consider using Etsy Ads to boost visibility.
• Building a Strong Brand: Create a cohesive brand image with consistent branding elements like logo, shop banner, and packaging to attract and retain customers.
• Offering Promotions: Running sales or special promotions can entice buyers to make their first purchase.

Q4. How to increase Etsy sales?

To increase your Etsy sales, consider the following tips:

• Optimize Your Listings: Regularly update your product descriptions and keywords based on current trends and buyer searches.
• Utilize Social Media: Share your products on social media platforms and engage with your followers to build a community around your brand.
• Run Promotions: Use sales, discounts, and coupons to encourage purchases. Limited-time offers can create urgency.
• Get Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as this builds credibility and can influence new buyers.
• Expand Your Product Range: Regularly introduce new items or variations to keep your shop fresh and attract different customer segments.