Sell on Etsy: Easy Steps for a New Seller
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8 minutes 32 seconds
Etsy is a world of digital treasures, handicrafts, and everything unique. If you create something you're passionate about — from illustrations to ceramics, from posters to vintage accessories — it's a great place to show it off to the world!
If you, too, want to join the world of successful Etsy sellers, be sure to check out our guide.
Create your own place online first
Before you upload your handicrafts, posters or digital products to Etsy, stop for a moment more. Think about something that will be yours alone - your website. Why is this so important? Because your store isn't just a place to sell - it's a business card, portfolio, trust, and management center all in one.
With WebWave AI Website Builder, you can create a professional site without coding—exactly what you need. It will showcase your products in the best light, tell your brand's story, and build trust with your customers before they click “buy now.”
You have full control over the design, descriptions, SEO, contact forms and what happens after the sale - such as automatic digital product shipping or newsletter signup options. And most importantly? You don't pay a commission on each transaction, like on third-party platforms. The money stays with you.
So before you start conquering Etsy, learn how to sell from your online store!
Create your website, your way
How to sell on Etsy Store: Step by Step
Already have your own site and want to become a seller on Etsy? Let me walk you through the process step by step.
1. Create an account as a seller
To start selling, of course you must first become a seller.
Register on Etsy by going to etsy.com/sell and clicking "Open your store." Enter your email address, choose a username and password.
Then you will be asked to choose the language of your store.
Well, and select a name for the store - it should be unique, easy to remember and reflect the nature of the products you offer. And one more thing: make it consistent with the name of your website or social media account.
2 .Choose what you want to sell
The following work best on Etsy:
- handicrafts (e.g. jewelry, ceramics, textiles),
- digital products (planners, templates, graphics - they work automatically!),
- vintage items (minimum 20 years old, e.g., clothes, accessories, decorations),
- creation materials (e.g., yarns, stamps, die-cuts).
Important: you can't sell mass-produced things without your own creative input.
3. Create your offer
After setting up your store, you can add your first products. Each listing should include:
- Product title: clear and precise.
- Description: detailed, including information about materials, sizes, colors, etc.
- Photos: high quality, showing the product from different perspectives.
- Price: including production costs, Etsy commissions and markup.
- Shipping options: lead time, delivery costs, available countries.
For digital products, Etsy allows automatic delivery after purchase.
4. Set prices and fees
Remember: Etsy charges several fees, including:
- Approximately $0.20 for listing one item for 4 months,
- 6.5% commission on sales (including shipping costs),
- possible costs for Etsy Ads (optional).
Set your price so that the fees don't eat into your margin - add the cost of materials, labor time and any commission. And be sure to check how currencies work - Etsy automatically converts prices for customers from other countries.
Yep, while you probably have an artistic soul, you also need to learn the technical background of selling products.
5. Set up payments and taxes
Etsy uses Etsy Payments, which allows you to accept payments via various methods, such as credit cards, PayPal or Apple Pay. To set up payments, go to Shop Panel > Finance > Payment Settings and enter the required information, including your bank account details.
6. Shipping
Before you start selling, you need to make one more decision: how will your products be delivered to customers?
You have two options:
- physical products - write down the country, delivery methods, delivery time. You can use local carriers or Etsy Shipping Labels (if this option is available).
- digital products and files - Etsy sends them automatically after the order is paid for. You sleep and the store makes money.
Add a return policy and clearly communicate shipping costs - transparency is every Etsy seller's ally.
8. Promote your Etsy Shop
Opening a store on Etsy is a great start for your business. But I'm sure you want to reach as many customers as possible.
You will do this through:
- Social media: maintain active profiles on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, showcasing your products and the process of creating them.
- Etsy Ads: invest in paid promotions on Etsy to increase the visibility of your listings.
- Newsletter: collect customers' email addresses and send them information about news, promotions, or events.
Choose one of the free templates and create your website effortlessly
What can you do to stand out?
Competition is fierce on Etsy, but the good news is that uniqueness still pays off! Start with an authentic style - your products should tell a story, have a soul and be different from anything your customers have already seen. Don't copy trends directly - interpret them in your own way. Add hand-drawn details, local materials, fun names or distinctive packaging from yourself.
Product Listing
Refined photos are an absolute must - customers buy with their eyes, especially in categories such as handicrafts, decorations, posters or digital products. Also make sure to include a professional but friendly description that not only informs, but also evokes emotions and shows how your product can improve the customer's everyday life.
Online Website
It's also a good idea to create your own website - for example, in the WebWave wizard - as a showcase for your brand and an extension of your store on Etsy. This not only builds trust, but also gives you full control over your offerings and allows you to conduct additional marketing activities. This is a great way to stop being just “one of many sellers” and start being a brand that is remembered.
Offer Presentation
And finally: be present. Respond to messages, thank people for feedback, show the creative process on social media. The human face of a brand is one of the biggest advantages for small businesses today.
Selling on Etsy. Summary
Selling on Etsy is an excellent option for creatives who want to showcase to a broader audience. But remember - Etsy is just one place on the web. For example, your own store created in WebWave is the foundation over which you have complete control. Both channels work best… together.
FAQ
What do I need to open an Etsy shop?
To open an Etsy shop, you'll need to create an account, choose a unique shop name, and set up your payment methods. Your products, whether handmade, vintage, or craft supplies, should also be ready for listing. Before launching your shop, make sure to familiarize yourself with Etsy fees and policies.
How can I effectively list my products on Etsy?
When listing products on Etsy, ensure that you have high-quality images and detailed descriptions. Utilize keywords that potential buyers might use in Etsy search to improve your visibility in Etsy search results. Pricing your products competitively and considering offering free shipping can also attract more customers.
What are Etsy fees and how much does it cost to sell on Etsy?
Etsy charges several fees, including a listing fee for each product you add, a transaction fee when you make a sale, and a payment processing fee when customers pay through Etsy payments. The exact amount can vary, so it's important to review the Etsy seller handbook for the latest fee structure.
Can I use the Etsy seller app to manage my shop?
Yes, the Etsy seller app allows you to manage your Etsy shop on the go. You can update listings, respond to customer inquiries, and track your sales directly from your mobile device. It's a convenient tool for new Etsy sellers looking to keep their shop active.
What are some tips for selling on Etsy successfully?
To sell effectively on Etsy, focus on creating an attractive Etsy storefront that showcases your products well. Use Etsy SEO techniques to optimize your listings, promote your products through social media, and consider using Etsy ads credits to further enhance your visibility. Engaging with customers and providing excellent service can also lead to repeat business.
Should I offer free shipping on my Etsy products?
Offering free shipping can be a great way to attract customers, as many buyers filter their Etsy search results to show only items with free shipping. If you decide to include free shipping, consider incorporating the cost into your product pricing to maintain your profit margins.
What types of products can I sell on Etsy?
You can sell a variety of products on Etsy, including handmade or vintage items, craft supplies, and digital downloads. Ensure that your products comply with Etsy's policies, and always provide accurate descriptions to avoid any issues with buyers.
How do I market my products on Etsy?
To market your products on Etsy, utilize social media platforms to share your listings, engage with your customers, and join Etsy teams or forums to connect with other sellers. Additionally, consider creating unique promotions or seasonal items to attract more buyers to your Etsy shop.
What is the seller handbook and how can it help me?
The seller handbook is a comprehensive resource provided by Etsy that offers guidance on everything from setting up your Etsy account to optimizing your listings for Etsy search. It’s an invaluable tool for both new and experienced Etsy sellers looking to improve their business practices.
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