Etsy is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, connecting more than five million sellers with over 90 million active buyers. For many, it’s the perfect platform to turn a creative side hustle into a thriving full-time business.

From handmade and vintage items to curated collections, sellers showcase everything from jewelry and art to clothing and home décor. Shoppers, in turn, come to Etsy seeking one-of-a-kind treasures they won’t find anywhere else.

If you’ve been wondering how to start your own Etsy shop, this step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up your storefront and making your first sales.

How to Sell on Etsy in 6 Steps

1. Create an Etsy Account

Getting started on Etsy is simple — and free. Head over to Etsy.com and click Get Started.

You’ll be asked to provide a few basic details, such as your name and email address, to set up your account. Once registered, you’ll be ready to start building your shop.

2. Open Your Etsy Shop

With your account ready, it’s time to open your Etsy shop. Start by filling in the basics — shop language, your home country, and the currency you’ll use for sales.

Next, choose your shop name. Etsy allows a mix of letters and numbers, but no spaces. Your name should reflect your products, stand out to buyers, and of course, be unique from other Etsy sellers.

Not sure what to call your shop? Try using a business name generator for inspiration. For better visibility, consider including keywords that describe your products and match the terms customers are likely to search for.

3. Upload Your Products

Once your Etsy shop is open, it’s time to add your products. Create a new listing for every item you want to sell — whether it’s handmade goods, vintage finds, or craft supplies.

As you fill out each listing, Etsy will guide you through key details, including:

• How and when the product was made
• The product category
• Listing type
• Whether it’s a physical or digital product

Focus on photos first.
Shoppers buy with their eyes, so high-quality product photography is essential. You can upload up to 10 images and one video per listing. Use clear, high-resolution shots (Etsy recommends 2,000 pixels on the shortest side at 72 PPI) that highlight your product from multiple angles.

Write compelling descriptions.
A good description uses your customers’ language, covers all essential details, and naturally includes keywords buyers are likely to search for. Pair this with tags and attributes that match common search terms.

Set pricing and inventory.
In the Inventory and Pricing section, enter the price, available stock, and SKU (if you use them). You can also add variations such as colors, materials, or sizes.

Add shipping details.
Specify your processing time, shipping origin, and whether you offer flat-rate or upgraded delivery options. For international shipping, include a tariff number for customs. To save time, create reusable shipping profiles for different products.

💡 Tip: Upload more than one listing when you first open your shop so it feels complete and welcoming to shoppers. Always preview your listings before publishing to catch errors. You can update or add new items anytime through the Shop Manager dashboard.

4. Choose How You’ll Get Paid

Once your listings are ready, it’s time to set up payments. Etsy makes it simple to receive your earnings directly in your bank account.

First, indicate whether you’re registering as an individual seller or an incorporated business. Then, provide your personal details — including your legal name and address — to verify your account.

Finally, enter your bank account information so Etsy knows where to deposit your revenue. Once set up, you’ll be ready to start collecting payments as soon as your first sales come in.

5. Set Up Billing

Etsy charges small fees for listing and selling products, so you’ll need to add a billing method before opening your shop. This ensures you can pay for publishing listings and covering transaction costs.

After setting up your payment details, choose how you’d like to be billed. Most sellers add a credit or debit card, but in some regions, you may also be able to use PayPal or other local options.

Once your billing method is saved, your Etsy storefront will be ready to go live.

6. Customize Your Etsy Storefront

The last step in setting up your Etsy shop is creating a storefront that feels welcoming and trustworthy. This is the page shoppers will see when they land on your profile, so make it inviting and professional.

Here’s what to include:

• Profile and banner photos: Feature yourself, your products, or your shop logo. Visual branding helps your store stand out and feel more memorable.
• Shop bio: Introduce yourself as the shop owner. Share your story and let buyers know there’s a real person behind the products.
• Store description: Explain what you sell, why you sell it, and how your shop came to life. A strong story can help first-time visitors connect with your brand.
• Shop policies: Clearly outline delivery times, payment methods, returns, and exchanges. Transparent policies build trust and prevent confusion.

Look at successful stores like ObjectLover on Etsy for inspiration — their storefront combines a strong banner image, clear branding, and featured items that draw in shoppers.

Once your storefront is set up, you’re officially ready to start selling on Etsy!

How Much Does It Cost to Sell on Etsy?

Etsy charges sellers a variety of fees for running a shop, listing products, and processing sales. On average, you can expect to share up to 25% of your revenue with Etsy, depending on your pricing, shipping, and advertising choices.

Here are the main Etsy seller fees to keep in mind:

Setup Fee

Depending on your location and the time you open your shop, Etsy may charge a one-time setup fee. This cost is clearly displayed during the sign-up process so you’ll know upfront.

As of February 2024, some U.S. sellers are charged a $15 setup fee when creating a new Etsy shop.

Listing Fees

Listing fees are one of the most common costs on Etsy. Sellers are charged $0.20 for every new product listing they add to their shop, regardless of whether the item sells.

Each listing stays active on the marketplace for four months or until the product is sold. If you enable auto-renew, Etsy will automatically relist the item after four months and charge another $0.20 fee.

Transaction Fees

When you make a sale on Etsy, the platform charges a 6.5% transaction fee. This percentage is calculated on the total order amount — including the item price, shipping costs, and any gift wrapping you offer.

If you’re a seller based in certain European countries, Etsy may also add a regulatory operating fee to each listing. This helps cover regional compliance costs.

Payment Processing Fees

Etsy Payments is the platform’s built-in checkout system that lets customers pay using methods like credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. While it makes shopping easier for buyers, it does come with processing fees that vary depending on your country.

In the U.S., the Etsy Payments processing fee is 3% of the total order amount plus a $0.25 flat fee. This fee is applied to each transaction and covers the cost of handling secure payments.

Currency Conversion Fees

Although you can list products in different currencies, Etsy processes all transactions in U.S. dollars. This means your sales and fees are billed in USD, and Etsy will automatically convert your funds before sending them to your bank account.

Keep in mind that the conversion rate may not always match the exact market value. In addition, Etsy charges a 2.5% currency conversion fee when you sell in a currency other than USD.

Offsite Ads Fees

In addition to organic visibility through Etsy search, the platform also promotes products through its Offsite Ads program. With this feature, Etsy advertises your listings across channels like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and display networks—all without you needing separate ad accounts.

You’re only charged when a sale comes directly from one of these ads. The fee structure works as follows:

• 15% fee if your shop made less than $10,000 in sales over the past year
• 12% fee once your shop earns more than $10,000 in annual sales
• Fees are capped at $100 per item sold through Offsite Ads

This means your listings can reach a wider audience, but it’s important to factor these costs into your pricing strategy.

Etsy Shipping Costs

If you’re based in a region that supports Etsy Payments or PayPal, you can purchase shipping labels directly through Etsy. The cost is automatically deducted from your seller account, making the process seamless.

Shipping rates vary depending on the carrier, package size, origin, and destination. Extra charges may apply if you choose options like signature confirmation or shipping insurance.

Buying labels through Etsy can also give you access to discounted carrier rates, which helps lower costs and simplifies order fulfillment.

Etsy Plus

For sellers who want extra tools to grow their shop, Etsy offers an optional Etsy Plus subscription for $10 per month. The plan includes built-in perks and exclusive features designed to boost visibility and customization.

With Etsy Plus, you’ll receive:

• 15 free listing credits each month
• $5 credit for Etsy Ads
• Customizable shop options, including banner layouts and featured listing sections
• Discounts on custom domain names to strengthen your brand
• Restock alerts, allowing shoppers to sign up for email notifications when popular items are back in stock

Etsy Plus is ideal for sellers who want more flexibility and marketing support without committing to a higher-tier enterprise solution.

What to Sell on Etsy

Etsy offers endless opportunities across a wide range of niches, but success comes from carving out your own space. Whether you’re aiming for a steady, year-round product line or hoping to ride the wave of the next big trend, choosing the right niche is key.

Here are some of the most popular categories to consider:

Top Evergreen Categories

Some product categories consistently perform well on Etsy, making them reliable options for sellers looking for steady demand. These include:

• Jewelry and personal accessories – Personalized necklaces, birthstone rings, earrings, bracelets, keychains, and wallets are always popular with buyers.
• Home and living décor – Furniture, wall art, storage solutions, and furnishings are staples for gifting and home makeovers.
• Craft supplies and tools – From fibers and beads to gems and paper goods, shoppers flock to Etsy for unique DIY materials.
• Party and wedding décor – Invitations, signage, and favors are always in demand as couples and event planners look for one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Digital planners and printable templates – With thousands of listings and growing demand, printable downloads are a smart niche that comes with no shipping costs.

Rising Trends to Watch

In addition to evergreen categories, Etsy trends can open the door to fresh opportunities. According to Etsy’s Spring and Summer Marketplace Insights, these niches are gaining serious traction:

• Literary-inspired goods – Searches for blind book date boxes more than doubled, while personalized book embossers climbed over 30% year-over-year.
• Messy Coquette aesthetic – Coquette-style bows surged by 500%, and ruffled apparel and décor sales more than doubled.
• Island Luxe – Tourist-chic is trending, with fruit necklace searches up nearly 500% and raffia bag searches quadrupling.
• Galactic Metallic – Cosmic-inspired items are booming, with zodiac jewelry searches up 400% and crystal mugs up 700%.
• Châteaucore nostalgia – Old-world French charm is back in style. French cottage décor became one of Etsy’s top-searched items in 2025, spiking by over 26,000%.
• Maritime living – Coastal vibes are making waves, with sardine-themed items and shell bags nearly doubling in searches compared to 2024.

How to Sell on Etsy with Shopify

If you’re running a Shopify store alongside your Etsy shop, integrating the two can save you time and prevent inventory headaches. By syncing both platforms, you’ll be able to manage products, listings, and stock from one central place.

The easiest way to connect Shopify and Etsy is by using an integration app. These apps act as a bridge between the two platforms, automatically updating product details and inventory levels whenever you make a sale. That way, you don’t need technical skills to keep both storefronts accurate and aligned.

To get started, make sure you already have products listed on Etsy. Then, log in to your Shopify dashboard and install the Marketplace Connect app (or another trusted third-party app) to link your store. Once connected, your product listings, inventory, and sales data will sync seamlessly between Etsy and Shopify.

Several apps make it easy to connect your Shopify store with your Etsy shop. Popular options include:

• Marketplace Connect
• Etsy Integration - QuickSync
• DPL – Shopify Etsy Integration
• CedCommerce – Etsy Integration

You can also browse all available Etsy integration apps directly in the Shopify App Store.

Depending on the app you choose, you may unlock additional features, such as:

• Syncing products, images, SKUs, barcodes, prices, and listing details
• Managing Etsy order fulfillment straight from Shopify
• Automatically creating Shopify listings from existing Etsy listings
• Synchronizing offers, discounts, and promotions
• Migrating store data when switching platforms

👉 Keep in mind that third-party apps often charge extra fees, so review pricing before installing.

Etsy Selling Tips to Boost Your Shop’s Success

Want to get more eyes on your products and turn browsers into buyers? These tried-and-true Etsy selling strategies can help your shop stand out and grow:

Build a Strong Brand

A strong visual brand makes your Etsy shop instantly recognizable and helps you stand out in search results. First impressions matter—but the good news is, you don’t need an expensive, professional design to get started.

Keep it simple: a clean logo, a consistent color palette, and cohesive visuals across your shop go a long way. Tools like Shopify’s free logo maker and design platforms like Canva make it easy to create polished brand assets without hiring a designer.

The goal is to create a shop that feels memorable, trustworthy, and true to your products—so customers are more likely to remember you and come back for more.

Optimize Your Shop

Etsy’s search engine works by connecting popular search terms with the products it displays. The better Etsy understands your listings, the more likely your shop is to appear in front of the right shoppers.

That’s where Etsy SEO comes in. Using relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags helps the platform know exactly what you’re selling—and when to show it in search results. The higher you rank, the more eyes (and potential buyers) on your products.

Here are some smart ways to boost your shop’s visibility:

• Use relevant tags and keywords in your product listings. Think about what your customers would type into the search bar.
• Choose accurate attributes when listing items—size, color, style—all of these help Etsy categorize your products.
• Collect reviews and display them proudly on your product pages. Positive reviews boost trust and visibility.
• Keep your storefront fresh by adding new products or updating existing ones regularly.
• Fill out your About Me page with as much detail as possible. The more Etsy knows about your brand, the better it can match your items with buyers.

The goal is simple: give Etsy the right information so it can connect your products with the customers who are most likely to love them.

Promote Your Shop

The math is simple: the more people who see your products, the more chances you have to make a sale. Getting traffic to your Etsy shop takes consistent promotion, but the good news is there are plenty of effective ways to do it.

Here are some proven strategies to spread the word and grow your audience:

• Share on social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are great for showcasing your products in action. Use reels, stories, or behind-the-scenes posts to connect with shoppers and build trust.
• Collaborate with influencers. Partner with bloggers, TikTok creators, or Instagram influencers in your niche. Their followers already trust them, so their recommendations can help you reach new buyers fast.
• Leverage Etsy’s marketing tools. Use Promoted Listings or Etsy Ads to boost your visibility in search results and attract more shoppers directly on the platform.

The key is to experiment and see where your audience is most active. With the right mix of social media, influencer marketing, and Etsy ads, you can bring more visitors—and more sales—to your shop.

Use Multiple Sales Channels

Relying on Etsy alone can limit your growth. To expand your reach and build a more resilient business, consider selling on multiple sales channels. Adding Etsy alternatives—like other craft-focused marketplaces, crowdfunding sites, or your own ecommerce store—gives you more ways to connect with customers.

If you already run a Shopify store, you can even source products from other Shopify brands to complement your handmade items with curated goods. This strategy helps you diversify your catalog while keeping your storefront fresh and competitive.

Here are some platforms to explore alongside Etsy:

Artisans Cooperative

Artisans Cooperative is a marketplace dedicated to truly handmade products. Much like Etsy, it offers a community-driven experience—but with an even stronger focus on authenticity and inclusivity. Sellers who meet its handmade criteria can earn a “verified handmade” badge, giving buyers extra confidence that they’re supporting genuine artisans rather than mass-produced resellers.

For makers who want a platform built around transparency and community values, Artisans Cooperative is a great alternative (or complement) to selling on Etsy.

Ko-fi

Ko-fi blends crowdfunding with direct sales, making it an ideal platform for creatives and crafters. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Ko-fi gives you flexibility: you can sell your handmade products, receive one-time donations (“buy me a coffee”), and even build membership communities that offer exclusive content or perks to loyal supporters.

For makers who want to combine product sales with ongoing community support, Ko-fi offers a personal, low-barrier way to monetize creativity—while keeping more control over how you connect with your audience.

Amazon Handmade

Launched in 2015, Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s dedicated marketplace for artisans and small businesses that create handcrafted products. As part of the world’s largest ecommerce platform, sellers gain access to Amazon’s massive customer base and powerful fulfillment network.

While competition can be intense, the reach and trust Amazon provides make it a strong option for makers looking to scale beyond Etsy and tap into a broader audience.

Shopify

Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform that helps you sell both online and in person. With Shopify, you can easily create your own ecommerce website, sell through social media platforms, and serve customers at markets, pop-ups, or retail stores using Shopify’s point-of-sale (POS) system.

One of Shopify’s biggest advantages is its ability to integrate with marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon. This lets you manage all your product listings, inventory, and orders from a single dashboard—saving you time and helping you stay organized as your business grows.

For sellers who want more control over branding and scalability while still reaching Etsy’s audience, Shopify is the perfect complement.

Become a Star Seller

The Star Seller badge is Etsy’s way of highlighting shops that consistently deliver excellent customer service. Earning this badge signals to buyers that you’re reliable, professional, and care about their shopping experience—qualities that can lead to higher traffic and more sales compared to shops without the badge.

To qualify as a Star Seller, your shop must:

• Respond quickly: Reply to the first message from a customer within 24 hours.
• Maintain high ratings: Keep an average rating of 4.8 stars or higher.
• Ship on time: Dispatch orders by the promised date and include tracking or use an Etsy shipping label.
• Reach sales milestones: Complete at least 5 sales worth $300+ and keep your shop open for 90 days or more.

While the badge isn’t mandatory, becoming a Star Seller can give your shop more visibility in Etsy search results and boost customer trust—helping you stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Offer Competitive Pricing

Pricing handmade products can be one of the trickiest parts of selling on Etsy. Your items likely require hours of craftsmanship, so it’s important that your prices reflect both the value of your work and the going market rate. At the same time, you need to ensure your pricing encourages conversions.

If a competitor sells something similar for half the price, shoppers will wonder why they should pay more for yours. But being competitive doesn’t mean always racing to the bottom. It’s about finding a balance between profitability and perceived value.

Here are some strategies for pricing competitively on Etsy:

• Research your competitors. Look at what other sellers charge for similar products. Pay attention not just to price, but also to added value—like free shipping, gift wrapping, or discounts.
• Use charm pricing. Even small tweaks, like listing an item for $29.99 instead of $30, can influence a buyer’s perception and make your product feel like a better deal.
• Add value instead of lowering prices. If you can’t price as low as competitors, offer extras: free shipping, eco-friendly packaging, a small freebie, or a discount for repeat customers.

For example, a search for “wooden clogs” might return hundreds of listings. Shops that run sales, offer free shipping, or highlight limited stock can immediately stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Encourage Reviews and Feedback

On Etsy, reviews are gold. They not only provide social proof but also add extra keywords to your listings—helping your products rank higher in search results. The more positive reviews you collect, the more confident new customers will feel about purchasing from your shop.

Encourage buyers to share their experiences by leaving reviews, feedback, and even product photos (which Etsy displays directly on your listing pages). Visual reviews are especially powerful, as they give potential buyers a real-life look at your product in action.

Here are a few simple ways to encourage reviews:

• Follow up after purchase. Send a polite email or message thanking customers and inviting them to share feedback.
• Offer incentives. Provide a discount code or small freebie for their next purchase when they leave a review.
• Deliver exceptional service. Fast shipping, thoughtful packaging, and friendly communication naturally encourage customers to leave positive reviews.

For example, Etsy shop Widget3DPrints has built trust with more than 180 glowing reviews, many including customer photos. This kind of feedback not only boosts credibility but also drives more sales by showing your products in real-world use.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Great customer service is one of the best ways to stand out on Etsy. When buyers have a positive experience, they’re more likely to return, leave glowing reviews, and recommend your shop to friends, family, and even social media followers. Etsy’s personal, handmade vibe gives sellers the perfect opportunity to create a unique and memorable shopping experience.

Here are some simple but effective ways to deliver excellent customer service:

• Respond quickly. Answer customer questions and feedback as soon as possible.
• Elevate your packaging. Use branded or custom packaging to make unboxing memorable.
• Add a personal touch. Include a handwritten thank-you note with each order.
• Be generous with returns. Extending your return period can give shoppers peace of mind.
• Reward loyalty. Send discount codes to existing customers for future purchases.
• Engage with reviews. Reply to Etsy reviews and thank customers for sharing their experiences.
• Communicate proactively. Let customers know right away if there’s a delay with their order.

Even small gestures—like thoughtful packaging or a quick, kind reply—can make a big difference in building long-term trust and loyalty.

Start Selling on Etsy

Just like Shopify, Etsy is a go-to platform for selling handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind goods. Whether you craft delicate jewelry, crochet cuddly toys, or breathe new life into upcycled furniture, there’s an audience waiting for you on Etsy.

With its built-in community of millions of buyers searching specifically for unique products, Etsy makes it easier to turn your creativity into a business. All you need to do is set up your shop, showcase your products, and start connecting with customers who love what you make.

Now that you know how to sell on Etsy step by step, the only thing left is to get started. Your first listing could be the beginning of something big.

How to Sell on Etsy: FAQ

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How much does it cost to use Etsy to sell?
Some sellers may be charged a one-time setup fee when opening their Etsy shop. Each product listing costs 20¢, and Etsy takes a 6.5% transaction fee on every sale (including shipping). International sales may include additional fees and a 2.5% currency conversion fee, while payment processing fees vary by country.

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What can you sell on Etsy?
Etsy supports a wide range of categories. Top options include:

• Handmade items
• Vintage goods
• Crafts and craft supplies
• Print-on-demand products
• Digital products and printables

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What is the Etsy transaction fee?
The transaction fee is 6.5% of the total order value, including shipping and gift wrapping. This applies to every sale made through Etsy.

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Is selling on Etsy worth it?
For many entrepreneurs, yes. Etsy provides access to a large audience of buyers and tools to manage sales and communication. However, competition can be high, and fees can cut into profits. Success depends on product quality, pricing, and marketing strategy.

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Can you make money selling on Etsy?
Absolutely. Sellers who offer unique, high-quality products combined with smart marketing and excellent customer service often find success on the platform. That said, it takes time and effort to stand out in Etsy’s competitive marketplace.

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Do you need a business license to sell on Etsy?
Generally, no—you don’t need a business license to open a shop. However, business regulations vary by country or state, so it’s best to confirm with your local authorities.

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