Etsy is a unique marketplace that connects people looking for unique goods with independent sellers around the world. However, many people wonder, “What can I sell on Etsy?” The answer is simple. Everything listed for sale on Etsy must be handmade by you, vintage, or a craft supply. All items sold on Etsy must also follow their Prohibited Items Policy.
If you’re looking to start a business on Etsy, it’s important to know what you can sell. Handmade items are a popular choice, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. Vintage items, such as clothing, furniture, and collectibles, are also allowed on Etsy. Additionally, craft supplies like beads, fabric, and yarn can be sold on the platform.
It’s important to note that not everything can be sold on Etsy. Items that violate their Prohibited Items Policy, such as weapons, drugs, and hazardous materials, are not allowed. It’s essential to review their policies before setting up your shop. By following their guidelines, you can successfully start your Etsy business and sell unique, handmade items to customers worldwide.
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Understanding Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace where independent crafters and collectors can sell vintage, handmade, or custom-made jewelry, clothing, art, and more. It is a platform that connects people looking for unique goods with independent sellers around the world. When you shop on Etsy.com, you can choose from millions of handmade, vintage, and craft supply items created and curated by millions of independent sellers.
Etsy sellers typically sell a variety of handcrafted or vintage goods. Many artists sell digitally downloaded items, such as art prints, stationery designs, planners, or other printable documents. Vintage items must be at least 20 years old to qualify for sale on Etsy.
To sell on Etsy, a seller must create an account and set up a shop. Etsy charges a small fee for each item listed and a commission fee on each sale. Sellers can customize their shop with a banner, logo, and description, and can also set up policies for shipping, returns, and exchanges.
Etsy has strict policies on what can and cannot be sold on the platform. Reselling is not allowed in the Handmade category on Etsy. Reselling on Etsy means listing an item as handmade when the seller was not involved in designing or making that item. Additionally, items that violate intellectual property rights, such as trademarked or copyrighted items, are not allowed to be sold on Etsy.
Overall, Etsy is a great platform for independent sellers to showcase their unique goods and connect with buyers from around the world.
Handmade Goods
Etsy is known for its unique and handmade goods. Handmade items are items that are made by hand, and not mass-produced. Etsy sellers can sell a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, home decor, and art.
Jewelry
Jewelry is one of the most popular handmade items on Etsy. Sellers can create unique pieces using a variety of materials, including beads, wire, and metal. They can also customize pieces based on the customer’s preferences. Popular jewelry items include necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Clothing
Clothing is another popular category for handmade goods on Etsy. Sellers can create one-of-a-kind pieces using a variety of fabrics and materials. They can also offer customization options to customers, such as size and color. Popular clothing items include dresses, tops, and skirts.
Home Decor
Home decor is a category that includes a variety of handmade items, such as pillows, wall art, and candles. Sellers can create unique pieces using a variety of materials, such as fabric, wood, and glass. They can also offer customization options, such as color and size.
Art
Art is a popular category for handmade goods on Etsy. Sellers can create unique pieces using a variety of mediums, such as paint, charcoal, and pencil. They can also offer customization options to customers, such as size and color. Popular art items include paintings, drawings, and prints.
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Vintage Items
Etsy is a popular platform for selling vintage items, which are defined as items that are at least 20 years old. Vintage items can range from clothing to furniture to toys to collectibles. Here are some popular categories of vintage items that can be sold on Etsy.
Clothes
Vintage clothing is a popular category on Etsy. Shoppers are often looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that they can’t find anywhere else. Vintage clothing can include anything from dresses to jackets to accessories like hats and scarves. Vintage clothing can be listed based on era, style, or designer.
Furniture
Vintage furniture is another popular category on Etsy. Shoppers are often looking for unique pieces to add to their homes that have character and history. Vintage furniture can include anything from chairs to tables to dressers to lamps. Vintage furniture can be listed based on era, style, or material.
Toys
Vintage toys are a popular category on Etsy, especially for collectors. Shoppers are often looking for toys that they remember from their childhood or that they collect. Vintage toys can include anything from dolls to action figures to board games. Vintage toys can be listed based on era, brand, or type.
Collectibles
Vintage collectibles are a popular category on Etsy, especially for collectors. Shoppers are often looking for unique pieces to add to their collections. Vintage collectibles can include anything from figurines to glassware to sports memorabilia. Vintage collectibles can be listed based on era, brand, or type.
In conclusion, vintage items are a popular category on Etsy, and there are many different types of vintage items that can be sold. By listing vintage items on Etsy, sellers can connect with shoppers who are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with character and history.
Craft Supplies
Etsy is a great marketplace for crafters to sell their handmade creations and supplies. Craft supplies are defined as tools, ingredients, or materials whose primary purpose is for use in the creation of an item or special occasion. Craft supplies may be handmade, commercial, or vintage. Party supplies may also be sold as craft supplies.
Beads
Beads are one of the most popular craft supplies on Etsy. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be used for jewelry making, embroidery, and other crafts. When selling beads on Etsy, it’s important to provide accurate descriptions, clear photos, and detailed information about the materials used.
Fabrics
Fabrics are another popular craft supply on Etsy. They can be used for sewing, quilting, and other textile crafts. When selling fabrics on Etsy, it’s important to provide accurate measurements, clear photos, and detailed information about the materials used. It’s also important to specify whether the fabric is sold by the yard or by the piece.
Patterns
Patterns are a great craft supply for those who love to sew, knit, or crochet. They can be sold as digital downloads or physical copies. When selling patterns on Etsy, it’s important to provide clear photos of the finished product, detailed instructions, and accurate measurements.
Tools
Tools are an essential craft supply for any crafter. They can be used for a variety of crafts, including jewelry making, woodworking, and sewing. When selling tools on Etsy, it’s important to provide accurate descriptions, clear photos, and detailed information about the materials used.
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Unique Factory-manufactured Items
Etsy allows sellers to offer unique factory-manufactured items that are not mass-produced or widely available. These items must be designed and produced by the seller or their team. Here are some examples of unique factory-manufactured items that can be sold on Etsy.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are a great way to make a special occasion even more memorable. Etsy sellers can offer a wide range of personalized gifts, including custom mugs, photo frames, and engraved jewelry. These items can be made using a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass. Sellers can also offer a range of personalization options, such as adding a name, date, or special message.
Custom Clothing
Etsy sellers can offer a range of custom clothing options, including unique designs, custom sizes, and personalized embroidery. These items can be made using a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, and wool. Sellers can also offer a range of customization options, such as adding a personal logo, slogan, or design.
Specialty Items
Etsy sellers can offer a range of specialty items that are not widely available in stores. These items can include handmade soap, artisanal cheese, and unique home decor items. Sellers can also offer a range of customization options, such as choosing the scent, flavor, or color of the item.
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Setting Up Your Etsy Shop
Setting up an Etsy shop is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, you need to create an account on Etsy.com/sell. Once you have an account, you can start customizing your shop by choosing a name, adding a banner, and creating a shop announcement.
After you have set up the basic details of your shop, it’s time to start listing your items. Etsy allows you to sell a wide variety of handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supplies. You can also sell digital products like printables and graphics. Be sure to read Etsy’s policies on what can and cannot be sold on the platform.
When listing your items, be sure to include high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. You can also use tags to help customers find your items when they search for specific keywords.
Once you have listed your items, you can start promoting your shop by sharing it on social media and reaching out to potential customers. You can also use Etsy’s built-in marketing tools, like Promoted Listings and Etsy Ads, to help drive traffic to your shop.
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Etsy Fees and Payments
When selling on Etsy, it’s important to understand the fees and payments associated with the platform. Etsy charges a variety of fees, including listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, and advertising fees. It’s important to note that all fees are listed exclusive of any value-added tax (VAT) or similar taxes that may apply.
Listing fees are a one-time fee charged for each item listed on Etsy. As of 2023, the listing fee is $0.20 per item. Transaction fees are charged when a sale is made on Etsy. The transaction fee is 6.5% of the total sale price, which includes the item price, shipping cost, and gift wrapping cost. Payment processing fees are also charged on each transaction that uses Etsy Payments. The rate and percent vary by country.
In addition to these fees, Etsy also charges advertising fees for sellers who choose to use Etsy Ads. These fees are based on the seller’s daily budget and can vary depending on the competition for the ad placement.
It’s important for sellers to keep track of their fees and payments on Etsy. Etsy provides a billing statement that shows all fees charged to the seller’s account. Sellers can also view their payment account, which shows all payments received from buyers and any fees charged by Etsy.
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Tips for Success on Etsy
Selling on Etsy can be a profitable venture, but it requires a bit of strategy and effort. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Optimize your listings
Make sure your listings are optimized for search engines and customers. Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions, and include high-quality photos that showcase your products. Consider offering free shipping or bundle discounts to encourage customers to purchase more.
2. Promote your shop
Promote your shop on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Engage with your followers and post regularly to keep your shop top of mind. You can also consider running ads to reach new customers.
3. Provide excellent customer service
Provide excellent customer service to keep customers coming back. Respond to messages promptly, ship orders on time, and consider including a personal note or small gift with each order.
4. Use Etsy tools
Take advantage of Etsy’s tools to help you succeed. Use Etsy Search Analytics to gain insights into how customers are finding your shop, and consider using Etsy Ads to increase your visibility on the platform.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on Etsy and grow your business.
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