Etsy is a popular online marketplace that allows individuals to sell their handmade, vintage, and unique goods to customers around the world. However, not all countries are eligible to use Etsy Payments, which is the platform’s payment processing system. Etsy Payments allows sellers to accept credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods directly on Etsy, making it easier for both buyers and sellers to complete transactions.
According to Etsy’s website, Etsy Payments is currently available in over 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries. However, there are also many countries where Etsy Payments is not yet available. This can be frustrating for sellers who live in these countries and want to use Etsy to sell their goods. In some cases, sellers may be able to use alternative payment methods, such as PayPal, to accept payments from buyers. However, this can be more complicated and may not be as convenient as using Etsy Payments.
If you are considering selling on Etsy and live in a country where Etsy Payments is not yet available, it is important to research your options carefully. You may be able to use alternative payment methods, or you may need to wait until Etsy Payments is expanded to your country. It is also a good idea to read Etsy’s policies and guidelines carefully to ensure that you understand the platform’s rules and requirements. With the right approach, you can still use Etsy to sell your goods and reach customers around the world, even if you live in a country where Etsy Payments is not yet available.
Eligibility Overview
Supported Countries
Etsy is a popular e-commerce platform that offers a global marketplace for handmade and vintage items, as well as unique factory-manufactured goods. However, Etsy Payments, which is the platform’s payment processing system, is only available in certain countries. As of December 8th, 2023, the following countries are eligible for Etsy Payments:
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam
It’s important to note that Etsy is constantly working to expand its payment services to other countries. Sellers in countries that are not currently supported are encouraged to check the Site Updates section of the Seller Handbook for any updates on when Etsy Payments will become available in their country.
Requirements for Sellers
In order to use Etsy Payments, sellers must meet certain requirements. First and foremost, sellers must be located in one of the eligible countries listed above. Additionally, they must have a valid bank account in their name, as well as a valid credit or debit card. Sellers must also be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID.
It’s important for sellers to note that orders paid through standalone PayPal are not covered by Etsy’s Purchase Protection program for sellers. However, Etsy may allow certain sellers in eligible countries to use standalone PayPal for a limited time during the transition period to Etsy Payments. Sellers are encouraged to check the Etsy Payments Policy for more information on this.
In summary, Etsy Payments is available in six countries as of December 8th, 2023. Sellers in eligible countries must meet certain requirements, including having a valid bank account and being at least 18 years old. Sellers are also encouraged to check the Etsy Payments Policy for any updates or changes to the payment system.
Payment Processing
Etsy Payments is the primary way to get paid on Etsy and simplifies payments for both sellers and buyers. Enrolling in Etsy Payments is part of the process of setting up a shop on Etsy. When a shop is enrolled in Etsy Payments, buyers can choose from the following payment options: Debit/bank cards, Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits, Klarna instalment payments (Australia, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Sweden), Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal (where available).
Integrated Payment Options
Etsy Payments allows sellers to accept payment by authorized credit and debit card transactions, some bank transfer services, PayPal (where available), transactions using Apple Pay, and transactions using Google Pay. Funds are reflected in a seller’s payment account on Etsy, and those funds are deposited into a seller’s designated bank account.
Currency Preferences
Etsy Payments is currently available for shops in several countries worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Etsy Payments processes payments in the currency of the seller’s country of residence. If a seller’s bank account is in a different currency, Etsy converts the payment into the seller’s bank account currency, and the seller incurs a currency conversion fee of 2.5%.
In summary, Etsy Payments simplifies the payment process for both sellers and buyers by offering integrated payment options and processing payments in the currency of the seller’s country of residence.
Shipping and Delivery
Domestic Shipping
Domestic shipping on Etsy is available for eligible countries. Customers can expect to receive their orders within a few days of shipment. Etsy sellers can choose from a variety of shipping carriers and methods to suit their needs. USPS, FedEx, and UPS are some of the popular options available.
Etsy sellers can also offer free shipping on their products to attract more customers. This can be done by setting a minimum order amount or by offering free shipping on specific products. Sellers can also choose to offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.
International Shipping
Etsy international shipping is available to over 80 countries. International shipping times may vary depending on the destination country and the shipping carrier used. It is important to note that international customers may be responsible for paying customs duties and taxes on their orders.
Etsy sellers can use the Global Postal Shipping program to simplify the international shipping process. This program allows sellers to ship their products to a US-based shipping center, which then handles the international shipping process. This can help sellers save time and money on international shipping.
In addition, Etsy sellers can use third-party shipping providers to offer more shipping options to their international customers. This can include services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. By offering a variety of shipping options, sellers can attract more international customers and increase their sales.
Legal and Compliance
Tax Responsibilities
Sellers on Etsy are responsible for determining their own tax obligations and to comply with all applicable tax laws. This includes sales tax, value-added tax (VAT), and goods and services tax (GST). Etsy collects and remits VAT on behalf of sellers who sell to buyers in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). However, it is the seller’s responsibility to ensure that they are registered for VAT and that their VAT number is up to date.
Customs and Import
When shipping items internationally, sellers must comply with customs and import regulations. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding imports, which can vary depending on the type of product being shipped. It is the seller’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware of and comply with all applicable regulations. This includes providing accurate product descriptions and values on customs declarations. Failure to comply with customs and import regulations can result in delays, fines, and even seizure of the shipment.
Overall, it is important for sellers to stay up to date with the legal and compliance requirements of the countries they are selling to. This will help ensure that their business runs smoothly and avoids any legal issues.
Marketplace Participation
Seller Account Creation
To participate in Etsy’s global marketplace, sellers must create an account on the platform. The account creation process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. Sellers will need to provide personal information, such as their name and address, as well as banking information to receive payments for their sales.
Once a seller’s account is created, they can begin listing items for sale in their shop. It is important to note that not all countries are eligible for Etsy Payments, which is the platform’s integrated payment processing system. Sellers in eligible countries can use Etsy Payments to accept payments from buyers around the world, while sellers in non-eligible countries must use an alternative payment method.
Listing Items
After a seller’s account is created, they can begin listing items for sale in their shop. Sellers can list items in any of the categories available on the platform, including handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. It is important to note that listings must comply with Etsy’s policies and guidelines, which are designed to ensure a safe and positive shopping experience for buyers.
When creating a listing, sellers can provide detailed descriptions of their items, upload photos, and set prices. They can also choose to offer shipping to buyers in other countries, which can help expand their customer base and increase sales. It is important to note that sellers are responsible for shipping their items to buyers, and should provide accurate shipping information to avoid any issues or delays.
Customer Service Standards
When selling on Etsy, it is important to maintain excellent customer service standards to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. There are two key areas to focus on: Communication Expectations and Dispute Resolution.
Communication Expectations
Etsy expects sellers to respond to messages from buyers promptly and with resolution-focused customer service. This means that sellers should aim to respond to messages within 24 hours and provide helpful and informative responses that address the buyer’s concerns.
To ensure that communication is clear and efficient, sellers should set realistic expectations with accurate listing descriptions and images. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that buyers receive the product they expect.
Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, Etsy encourages sellers to work with buyers to find a mutually acceptable solution. This may involve offering a refund or exchange, or providing additional information or support to help the buyer resolve the issue.
If a dispute cannot be resolved between the seller and buyer, Etsy provides a dispute resolution process that can help facilitate a fair and equitable resolution. This process involves a third-party mediator who will review the evidence and make a decision based on the facts of the case.
By maintaining high customer service standards, sellers can build a positive reputation on Etsy and attract repeat business from satisfied customers.
Promotions and Marketing
Etsy Ads
Etsy offers a variety of advertising options to help sellers promote their products. Etsy Ads allows sellers to create and manage their own advertising campaigns. With Etsy Ads, sellers can set a daily budget and bid on keywords to help their listings appear higher in search results. Etsy Ads also provides sellers with detailed analytics to help them track the success of their campaigns.
Social Media Integration
Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting Etsy shops. Etsy makes it easy for sellers to integrate their shops with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. By linking their Etsy shop to their social media accounts, sellers can share their products with a wider audience and drive traffic to their shop. Etsy also offers tools to help sellers create social media posts and track the success of their social media campaigns.
Overall, Etsy provides a range of tools and resources to help sellers promote their products and reach a wider audience. By taking advantage of these resources, sellers can increase their visibility on the platform and drive more sales.