People sell all sorts of things on Etsy, from handmade jewelry and crafts to vintage finds and supplies. Etsy is one of those sites that allows people to tap into their creative side and turn their hobby into a business.
Even though it may seem like anyone can sell anything on Etsy, there are some guidelines as well as best practices that sellers should follow to be successful.
In this article, we'll share some of the best-kept secrets on selling stuff on Etsy, from what to sell to how to market your products. So if you are thinking about selling on Etsy, or are already an Etsy seller, be sure to read on for some helpful tips!
What is Etsy anyway and how does it work?
Etsy is an online marketplace that allows people to sell and buy handmade items, vintage items, as well as craft supplies. Etsy is similar to eBay in that it's an online platform for selling goods, but it's different in that it focuses specifically on handmade or vintage items.
Items sold on Etsy must be handmade, vintage, or supplies for handmade goods. This means that items must be either made by the seller or made at least 20 years ago. In addition, craft supplies must be sold to be used for handmade goods.
Etsy does allow for some flexibility on these guidelines, but overall, the focus is on selling unique items that are not readily available in stores.
When a buyer finds an item they want to purchase on Etsy, they add it to their cart and checkout using either PayPal or a credit card. The seller has then notified of the sale and ships the item to the buyer. Etsy takes a percentage of each sale as well as a small listing fee.
How do I sell on Etsy?
So now that we know what Etsy is and how it works, let's talk about how to sell on Etsy. Here is a list of things you should consider doing before you start selling on Etsy:
1. Decide whether Etsy is for you or not
First thing first, you have to decide whether Etsy is the right platform for you. As we mentioned before, Etsy is focused on handmade or vintage items, so if that's not what you're selling, then it's probably not worth your time to try and sell on Etsy.
It's also important to keep in mind that Etsy is a very competitive marketplace. There are millions of active sellers on the site, so standing out from the crowd can be tough. This is why it's important to have a niche market and offer unique items that are not readily available in stores.
2. Create your Etsy account
So now that you've decided that Etsy is for you, it's time to create your account. This process is pretty straightforward and only requires a few pieces of information from you, such as your name, email address, and password.
You'll also need to come up with a username for your Etsy shop as this is the name that will be displayed on your shop page, so choose something easy to remember and catchy.
3. Create your Etsy storefront
The Etsy storefront is the page where potential buyers will go to see all of the items that you are selling. You can select the country, language, currency, and time zone for your store. Make sure that you create your storefront according to your target market.
Your storefront is also where you will set up your payment methods, shipping rates, and return policy. This is all important information that potential buyers will want to know before they purchase anything from you, so be sure to fill this out completely and accurately.
4. Upload products
So now that you are done with the basic account settings, it's time for the fun part: adding products! You can add as many products as you want to your Etsy shop, but it's important to remember that quality is better than quantity.
Be sure to take clear and well-lit photos of your products, and write detailed and accurate descriptions. This will help potential buyers know exactly what they are getting, and it will also help your items rank higher in Etsy's search engine.
5. Market your products
The final step in selling on Etsy is to market your products. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as social media, blogging, and email marketing.
Make sure that you are actively promoting your Etsy shop and linking to it from your other online channels. The more exposure your shop gets, the more likely you are to make sales.
Selling on Etsy is a great way to make some extra money or even start a full-time business. Just be sure to do your research before getting started, and always remember that quality is better than quantity.
The best-selling items on Etsy
There are a few items that tend to do well on Etsy, such as: Handmade Jewelry
Vintage items
Clothing and accessories
Home Decor
Art and prints
If you have any of these items in your inventory, be sure to promote them heavily as they are likely to be big sellers.
What are some tips for selling on Etsy?
Here are a few tips for selling on Etsy
Be sure to have clear and well-lit photos of your products
Write detailed and accurate descriptions of your Etsy items
Promote your shop heavily through social media and other online channels
Focus on offering unique and handmade items
Remember that quality is better than quantity.
Conclusion
Now you know how to sell stuff on Etsy and what to sell. Be sure to put these tips into action and you'll be well on your way to success. It might take some time to build up your sales, but if you are patient and consistent, you will eventually see success.