Selling on Etsy can be a great way to turn your creative passions into a profitable business. Whether you are a seasoned seller or just starting out, here are some tips on how to sell on Etsy as a beginner:
"How to sell on Etsy" 8 Quick Tips
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Set up an Etsy account: To start selling on Etsy, you will need to create an account. Simply go to Etsy.com and click on the "Sell on Etsy" button. From there, you will be prompted to create an account and complete your seller profile.
Etsy shop
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Create an Etsy shop: Next, you will need to create your shop. Choose a name that reflects your brand and what you are selling. You will also need to choose your shop location and currency.
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Determine your pricing: Decide on the price of your items by considering the cost of materials, labor, and any other expenses. Be sure to factor in any transaction fees such as Etsy payment processing fees, or listing fees, that Etsy charges including other fees like offsite ads fees and shipping fees, etc.
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Take quality photos: Good photos are crucial to selling on Etsy. Use natural lighting and a clean background to showcase your items. You can also consider hiring a professional photographer or investing in a high-quality camera to get the best results.
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Write compelling product descriptions: Your product descriptions should clearly and accurately describe your items. Use keywords and phrases that Etsy customers might search for when looking for items like yours.
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Set up payment options: Etsy offers several payment options for sellers, including PayPal, google pay, and direct checkout. Choose the option that works best for you and your customers.
Etsy ads
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Promote your shop: Use social media, email marketing, Etsy ads, offsite ads and other strategies (giveaway Etsy gift cards) to promote and drive traffic to your Etsy listings. You can also participate in Etsy communities and teams to connect with other Etsy sellers and Etsy buyers.
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Monitor and track your sales: Use Etsy's dashboard and analytics tools to track your sales and see what's working and what might need improvement.
By following these steps, you can start successfully selling on Etsy as a beginner. Remember to stay focused, be consistent, and keep learning and improving to grow your Etsy business.
After our small business basic guide with simple steps now let's continue to explore more in-depth for some advanced information!
Etsy sellers; more in-depth guide
Seller handbook
How to sell stuff on Etsy?
Etsy is a global marketplace that allows small business owners and individuals to sell their products to a global audience. The marketplace is particularly popular with craft supplies and those selling handmade items. Those that sell handmade goods within a niche can have a great opportunity to make an impact.
However, if you plan selling on Etsy apart from your own website, we would recommend doing some research beforehand to find out if it is the right marketplace for your business.
Consider what kind of items you plan to sell
Etsy is known for its home and living, craft supplies, art, and jewelry categories with a variety of handmade goods and vintage items which tend to be the most popular Etsy buyer purchases.
If your products fall into one of these categories, then becoming an Etsy seller may be a good fit for your business. However, if not the Etsy app may not be the best marketplace for you.
Consider where your target audience is located
While Etsy buyers and Etsy sellers are all over the world, it is more popular in certain countries than in others. For example, 30% of Etsy sellers are based in the UK, and another 11% are based in Canada. Other European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, also have a strong presence on the platform.
If your primary audience is located in one of these countries opening an Etsy shop may be lucrative for your business. Therefore, your location has significant importance and if your primary audience is located outside of these countries, it may not be the best option to sell on Etsy online marketplace for you.
Once you've determined that Etsy is the right platform for your business, the next step is to create a free account to start selling on Etsy.
Creating an Etsy account
Head to the Etsy website and click "Get started." Enter some basic personal information, such as your name, and email address, then follow on to create your account.
Setting up your Etsy storefront
How do I sell on Etsy Store?
To sell on Etsy begin by entering your shop preferences, including the shop language used to describe your products, the country you're selling from, and the currency you'll charge to your potential customers.
Next, choose your shop name this will become your store address. This can be a combination of letters and numbers without spaces.
If you're unsure what to call your Etsy storefront, you can use a business name generator to find ideas. Just be sure to choose an online store name that best suits the products you're selling and isn't already in use by another Etsy store owner.
Uploading products
Once your Etsy storefront is set up, you can start uploading your products.
Product photos
Each store listing should include high-quality product photos or videos, as well as information about who made it and when, the category it belongs to, and the listing type.
One of the most important factors of each Etsy listing is the visuals you use to sell the item. When shopping online, people buy with their eyes. They can't touch, smell, or see the item in the flesh. Their decision to buy your Etsy product rides on excellent product photography.
You can add up to 10 high-quality photos or one video per listing. Each must be eye-catching enough to stand out against items being sold by other sellers on the marketplace. Be sure to include all the information that is needed to make a purchase, such as a title, product information, category, listing type, Etsy payments, whether it is a physical or digital product, and the product description that includes your unique selling point.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Another important aspect of an Etsy listing is search engine optimization (SEO). It is important to optimize your listings for search engines by including keywords and pricing information to bring more buyers to your Etsy store.
Remember: it is a competitive market and the Etsy marketplace is built on a search engine that connects online sellers and buyers. Make sure you meet potential buyers on the Etsy search results page by including relevant keywords in your Etsy listing. Make an Etsy search to see others selling similar products at their online store.
Firstly your title and then your description should have the keywords you've come up with from your Etsy search. This will increase your chances with the right keywords to sell on Etsy successfully as an online business. Etsy sellers can also add variations at this point, such as items in a different size or color.
Pricing your inventory & Payment Methods
As a shop owner set the pricing for your product under the Inventory and pricing section. Enter the amount someone will pay for the item, the available quantity, and the SKU (if you use them).
Choose the payment method or methods; Paypal, apple pay, credit and debit cards, or other payment methods that customers can use. When a buyer pays the Etsy payments will be sent to your Paypal or bank account as you selected, less the payment processing fees.
Etsy Fees
Just to note while you start selling, Etsy fees (transaction fee) will be applicable in a few stages. Payment processing fees, Etsy transaction fees, and listing fees including any offsite ads fee.
The payment processing fee is for the cost of processing the payment, while the listing fee is for uploading products including an Etsy transaction fee for sales commissions. These fees can increase-decrease or be removed as policy so always check the Etsy policies for accurate information.
Etsy shipping costs
Finally, upload the shipping information customers will need to know when buying your product through your Etsy store. Specify your postage price, add shipping labels, where you're shipping the product from, and your average processing time – how long it takes for you to pick, pack, and ship the item once an order confirmation comes through.
For Etsy sellers, it's also important to consider the shipping options you want to offer. You can choose to offer fixed postage prices, offer free shipping, or delivery upgrades. If you're shipping items to international customers, be sure to add a tariff number for customs. Why not add an Etsy faq for your store buyers making access more remote as possible?
Selling on Etsy Guide Final bonus suggestions
As a new seller, how do you sell on Etsy to stand out from other sellers?
It's advised to upload at least 10 listings when you're opening your Etsy store. This will give you a good starting point and help to increase your visibility on the platform. Be sure to preview all listings before publishing, and make any necessary changes to ensure they look their best. Become a great shop manager. You don't want to miss out on potential sales because of simple mistakes.
In addition to uploading your products, there are a few other things you should do to ensure your Etsy shop is successful. For example, it's important to be active on the platform and engage with your customers. Respond to messages and questions promptly, and consider offering promotions or discounts to help attract new customers.
How to sell on Etsy successfully?
Another important aspect of running a successful Etsy shop is keeping your shop policies up-to-date. Buyers do look for and consider upfront costs. Be sure to include information about your return policy, shipping times, and any other relevant details. This will help to ensure that your customers are aware of what to expect when they make a purchase from your shop.
Finally, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and changes on Etsy is important. The platform is constantly evolving, so be sure to read the Etsy news and updates, and participate in the Etsy community to stay informed.
Overall, in this article, we have covered most aspects of how to sell on Etsy. Now you are ready! Starting an Etsy shop is a great way for small businesses and individuals to sell their products online.
The summary of the Etsy guide steps
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determining if Etsy is the right marketplace for your business
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Creating an account
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Setting up your storefront
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Uploading products
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Engaging with your customers to increase your chances of success
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Staying active and informed
"Follow our guide and you will be well on your way to running a successful Etsy shop"
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide article and find it useful! Best of luck with your business.
At Top Down Trading we have an extensive range of wholesale clothing brands and also a startup business section if you would like to purchase branded fashion at liquidation prices to sell on Etsy.
Contact us will be happy to help!
Top Down Trading Team
