How to Sell on Etsy

How to Sell on EtsyHello readers! Welcome to another edition of ‘Profitable Platforms!’ You can see previous posts in this category at this link. Let’s get started! 

In the midst of eCommerce giants like eBay and Amazon, there lies a smaller yet rapidly growing alternative. An alternative built on selling homemade or vintage items. A craft conglomeration, if you will (not the best description, but I like alliteration!). And I’m gonna give you the skinny on what, or more specifically, how to sell on Etsy!

 Enter Etsy!!


Etsy is a a online store centered around handmade or vintage items, as I said before. So instead of seeing auctions or brand new products, like eBay and Amazon, you’ll see arts and crafts, old clocks, knick-knacks, and that sort of thing.

Jewellery – Etsy CA
As you can see, Etsy exudes that ‘old-timey,’ handmade feel. It’s like a fair, only digital.

The selection Etsy has is exceptionally unique. It’s like you’re shopping out of your grandparents’ house! Lots of really old valuable things. But it’s not just antiques you can find. You can find art supplies, jewelry, bath…stuff, and so much more!

Why Should I Sell on Etsy?


Great question, headline. It’s really very simple. Selling on Etsy is a justifiable choice for nearly everyone.

Are you an artist? We all know how hard it is for artists to get financial success. Theirs is a competitive industry. Etsy gives artists a platform to show off their work to people looking to buy art. That’s the key. You don’t browse an online store. You go there with the intention of buying things. Hence, many artists find great success on Etsy. Some even make a living!

etsy_7
Unlike my art indifference, I love collecting vintage stuff! I feel nostalgic for a time I wasn’t alive for.

Is your home crowded with old or unusual (or both) stuff? Etsy is a great way to sell your vintage items, and make a quick buck. Since the website requires vintage listings to be older than 20 years, you’re guaranteed to look professional.

Are you environmentally conscious? Etsy is a home for upcycled, or creatively reused, waste products. A creative seller can make his trash into something else, and sell it, instead of tossing it. You don’t even have to be creative. Just selling really weird things is bound to interest at least someone.

I could go on and on, but the point is, if you have the motivation to sell in the first place, chances are you’ll like the Etsy experience.

Alright, How Do I Sell?


Yes! If I convinced the headline, I hope I can convince you readers.

So the first thing you need to know about selling on Etsy is that you need an account. Well, you already knew that. I just had to start somewhere. Why am I still on this?

I signed in with Facebook (so gratifying to make an account with one click), but you can just follow their steps if you want.

Next you’ll be taken to the shop set-up. I’ll walk you through this, making a new shop myself!

Etsy_1
This is the basic preferences. You don’t really need me to guide you through that, but I like having lots of pictures. The many countries and currencies show that Etsy is a global service.

My deafult language was German for some reason… anyway, you’ll then get to the naming step. This is different from eBay or Amazon, where you don’t really need a name for your store. But branding is important in any case, so give your shop a name that fits whatever you do or sell.

Etsy_2
If you haven’t noticed already from looking ’round my site, my branding is pretty much my name. That’s not self-centered at all!

A brand is something you really should appreciate having. It makes you more reputable.

So after you name your shop, you’re asked to list up to 10 items. That’s a good idea, as you’ll have more chances to sell. For me though, I’ll just list a really old book of mine. Hey, I did say I wasn’t very artsy, didn’t I?

It’s a good time to mention that Etsy charges $0.20 to post a listing. It’s not much, but it’s good to know.

See my book? It's 'vintage' since it's more than 20 years old. 77 years old, as a matter of fact!
See my book? It’s ‘vintage’ since it’s more than 20 years old. 77 years old, as a matter of fact!

So, you see that I took 2 pictures. It might not show well in the image above, but I made sure they were clear. If you’re serious about Etsy, you absolutely need to have high quality pics! That means good lighting, mostly. You can do it with a phone camera.

Next, you have to describe and price the listing. I’m gonna show you how I listed my book, ‘Anne of Ingleside.’

Etsy_4
You see the basic listing format here. Like my bold vintage tag? It makes me authentic!

I’d say it’s worth 40 greenbacks, right? It is hardcover and 1st edition, after all. Maybe I should ask for more?

Oh yeah, I’m supposed to be moving on. The idea here is to price according to how much you’re gonna work on your wares. It’s really how much you value your crafts. And if you’re selling old stuff, try to get an idea of how much it’s worth. I took the book to a used book store to get a number.

Remember, you can list any quantity you want. The listing itself only costs 20 cents. So buying in bulk is not unheard of.

The last thing you’ll be doing is describing your item(s). Take a look at mine.

 

Etsy_5
This could really be better, but it’s good image material. Make sure your description is, well, descriptive! 

The description is very important. Make sure you include how made what you’re selling. Make it personal. I’m more likely to buy a painting from a passionate seller, not one who’s description reads like a document.

Haha, that assumes I’m buying a painting in the first place! But you get the point.

Finally, you enter your payment information. Your credit card, billing address, that sort of thing. Here’s a view:

You didn’t think I’d show my payment info, did you?

In retrospect, I could have just left it blank… but I hope you’re familiar with that meme! Now, at last you have your shop. It’ll be pretty bland when you first see it. Your job is to spice it up.

Etsy_6
I don’t blame anyone for not buying that book.

So now you have an Etsy shop. Before I close out, let’s see what to keep note of when selling.

Downfalls of Inexperience!!! What to Know!


Have Decent Pictures

I said this before, but you have to remember it. Good photos are crucial. They can completely change someone’s view of a product.

Choose a Niche

This is self-explanatory. Make sure you sell in a specific category, and try to go to broad. Instead of ‘jewelry,’ you could have necklaces, and then silver necklaces. The point is, don’t be too general.

Be Patient

As I’ve explained in other articles, you can’t expect to have sales as soon as you open shop. Online business is business, and business can be slow to start.

Know Your Keywords

Keywords are the searches in search engines. You need to use a sophisticated keyword tool (like Jaaxy’s) to see what words and phrases are getting traffic. Then you use some of those keywords in your listing.

Make Sure You Enjoy It

When you do any kind of work, it’s ideal that it be fun. Maybe your regular job isn’t fun, but you’re selling online so you can actually have fun. If you’re doing it only for money, you will quit very quickly. I’ve been in that position.

Ready to Craft?! Artists Assemble!!


Hand Poured Scented Candles and Wax Melts by SimpleGalsShops
I love Disney stuff! This is a shop I’ve bought from in the past. It’s how an established store looks like.

Etsy is a very unique platform. It prioritizes creativity and micro-production. That’s a valuable trait for the ‘little guy.’ I’ve seen and bought things that wouldn’t exist if not for it.

I think those creative types will really enjoy what Etsy has to offer, and vice versa. The presence of a site that allows art to be sold, and thus encourages artists to keep creating, is huge boon to the art industry.

If you’re not interested in selling things on Etsy, I recommend checking out my #1 program for making money online.

What do you guys think of Etsy? Are you considering a shop on it? Have you already tried it? So many questions! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Your pal,

-Makki

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22 thoughts on “How to Sell on Etsy

  1. Hi Makki

    Great post! very informative articles. You make look very easy for me to understand how to start a business through online. You explained everything what we need to know, also all the media/pictures you used are all big help also. Well done!

    Cheers
    Eric

  2. Hello, I’ve seen more and more products from Etsy lately, so it seems it’s an increasingly popular online shop.
    I really like how you described the process of selling your stuff on Etsy, it makes it very easy to understand for someone who never did this before, like me.
    So from what I can see, anyone can create an Etsy account and sell his stuff there, am I right?

    1. That’s right! But it’s best if they create and sell their own stuff. The personal aspect is the selling point.

      I’m glad I could make it clear enough! Thanks for commenting Ashley!

  3. Hi Makki,

    Really good post! I’m sure I’m going to put this information into use at some point! Very informative!

    Keep up the good work!

    Thanks

    Sean

  4. Thanks for the info Makki! I tried to sell handmade soaps and lotions on Etsy when it first hit the internet. I did not know how to optimize the site, as a result, I had one sale and that was from a friend trying to help me build the business. Your website would have been very valuable to me. It will definitely help anyone starting a new business with Etsy.
    Great job!

    1. It’s too bad that your shop didn’t meet much success. I think you should have another go. With your new information, you could make your mark.

      Thanks for the compliments! I hope it helps others as much as it did you. Thanks Patty!

  5. This is a great post. To be honest, I have looked at Etsy for a few things, but I did not understand the concept of the site and what the heck it was really doing other than selling things. You have broken the whole process down very well and it would be easy for anyone to start an account and open a shop. Seeing as I have a lot of old things lying around maybe I should give it a go. Oh, and I am jealous of your Anne book, that is something I would like to have, you shouldn’t sell it 🙂
    Great work!

    1. Hey, you’re welcome to buy it! I’m glad you found the article useful. At first glance Etsy is just another online marketplace. Then you see that it really is a treasure trove of cool finds. I recommend trying it at least once. Just make sure your things qualify as vintage!

      Maybe I shouldn’t sell that book… well anyway, thanks for your thoughts Summerly!

  6. Makki,

    Etsy is awesome man, glad you posted about it on this. Once again, you provide nothing but fantastic value when it comes to making money online. Keep it up brother!

    1. Thanks Ryan! That means a whole lot coming from you. I’m not shocked you know Etsy. You seem to know your way around the Internet. I hope I can keep this up!

      Thanks again!

  7. Hello Mohammad,

    Really nice review on Etsy! I did not know how easy it was to sell on it. I tried it once before but was turned off by the small fee to list each product. I was so used to places like eBay and Craigslist that I didn’t know any better. Now I see how lucrative and easy to sell it could be on Etsy and I think I will try again.

    Thanks for the review,
    Jonathan

    PS. I love the Mario meme! Nice touch!

    1. Thanks Jonathan! I’m happy to see I could encourage you to try again. The listing fee is but a small price to pay for the recognition you can get!

      Nice to see someone else appreciates memes! Thanks again!

  8. Makki,

    I AM looking to sell some items, but they are neither vintage (though I suppose some of them are 20 years old) nor items I made myself. Specifically, fly fishing gear! I’ll have to check Esty to see if that’s a type of item people look for there.

    I really loved how you pointed out that people go to Esty TO BUY. That’s a real bonus! My first wife passed away in 1999, and after a couple of years, I started internet dating.

    As an overweight, bald, unemployed 50ish man, I had more dating opportunities than I had when I was younger, leaner, and better looking. One reason was women on the site were LOOKING for men, and women who contacted ME were already interested! So, the same principle works for Esty!

    By the way, I loved your humor and playfulness in the post. And I hope you continue to persuade your headline!

    Roger

    1. Thanks so much Roger! I hope you’ll find some takers of your gear.

      Really sorry to hear about your wife, but you’re that same principle applies. And that’s why I think Etsy is a great place. If you’re on there, its to buy something unique!

      And I’m glad my writing impressed you. That’s important for me considering how good your writing is. Thanks again!

  9. I like this post as I had no idea what Etsy was, or how it sells antique online. But since reading your post I have shown my mother Etsy (she is crazy about antiques) and she loves it.

    I don’t know if she is going to use the site to sell any antiques (she is more of a collector,) however, I know she appreciates looking at all the wonderful items they have to offer.

    1. Thanks for introducing your mom to Etsy! That’s what I was aiming for, to get people interested in the kind of thing Etsy is about. I appreciate your comment Amberlee!

  10. I’ve purchased things on Etsy before but it never occurred to me to think about selling stuff there. Your article really makes it clear and easy and it’s definitely something I’ll be considering.

    Good job!

  11. Nice article on Etsy, I have heard about this website but i thought it was for artists and crafters to sell the things the make?

    I do not have anything to sell online which sounds like anything people sell on Etsy, do they have an affiliate program?

    I was just curious if they had an affiliate program, some people might consider promoting this to earn some extra money?

    1. Etsy actually does have an affiliate program! It works similarly to Amazon. You can promote what you want! So even if you don’t have anything to sell directly, you can still make money with it. Thanks for reading!

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