Everything You Need to Know before you start selling on Etsy
Whether you’re just starting out on Etsy or are a seasoned seller, staying informed about platform updates and rules is essential for running a successful shop. This guide covers everything you need to know, from fees and allowed products to working with production partners and optimizing your listings.
For more personalized tips and insights, join my Facebook group, Etsy Growth Hub, where sellers like you share experiences and learn from each other!
What Is Etsy?
Etsy is a unique online marketplace for handmade, vintage items, and craft supplies. Shoppers come here for items that stand out from mass-produced goods, making it an excellent platform for artists, crafters, and collectors.
What Makes Etsy Different?
Etsy offers something distinct compared to platforms like Amazon or Shopify:
- No Reselling: Items must be handmade, vintage (20+ years old), or craft supplies.
- Product Restrictions: Only certain categories, like digital products, handmade items, and vintage goods, are allowed.
- Unique Offerings: Shoppers come to Etsy specifically for one-of-a-kind items and artisan products.
What You Can and Can’t Sell on Etsy
Allowed Items:
- Handmade goods
- Digital products, including print-on-demand items
- Craft supplies
- Vintage items (20 years or older)
Prohibited Items:
- Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Adult or explicit content
- Hazardous materials, weapons, or recalled products
- Items promoting or supporting violence
For a full list of restricted items, refer to Etsy’s Terms of Service.
Etsy’s Rules on Reselling and Production Partners
No Reselling
Reselling is prohibited on Etsy, meaning you can’t list items as handmade unless you designed and/or created them. Misrepresenting products can lead to account suspension.
Working with Production Partners
If you’re collaborating with a production partner, someone outside your shop who assists with manufacturing, you must disclose it. This includes services like printing, engraving, or casting based on your designs. You can do this in the:
- Product Partners Section: Add partners in the “Product Partners” section when creating or editing a listing.
- Shop Manager: Select a listing in your Shop Manager and update the partner information.
For guidance, check out Etsy’s tutorial on adding production partners.
Etsy Fees
Understanding Etsy’s fees is important to pricing your products effectively:
- Listing Fee: $0.20 per listing.
- Transaction Fee: 6.5% on the item’s sale price, plus shipping and gift wrap.
- Payment Processing Fees: Vary by country (e.g., 3% + $0.25 USD in the U.S., 4% + £0.20 GBP in the UK).
- Offsite Ads: Ranges from 12-15% based on your annual revenue.
- Optional Fees: For extras like Etsy Plus, currency conversion (2.5%), and more.
Essential Etsy Resources
Etsy provides a variety of resources to help sellers thrive:
- Etsy Seller Handbook: A guide with best practices for shop management.
- Etsy Forums: A place for sellers to connect and share advice.
- Etsy Teams: Groups of sellers with shared interests who support each other.
- Etsy Help Center: Answers to FAQs and troubleshooting assistance.
For more strategies and hands-on support, join my Etsy Growth Hub community, where you can connect with fellow sellers, ask questions, and get tailored advice on running a successful Etsy shop.
Selling on Etsy can be an incredible opportunity to share your craft with the world. Stay informed, follow Etsy’s guidelines, and enjoy connecting with shoppers looking for something special!
