Imagine getting paid for something you already love to do. Maybe you knit scarves, design digital art, or handcraft jewelry in your free time. What if those creative projects could bring you extra income by learning how to sell on Etsy?
Millions have already taken the leap. Etsy, a global marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique products, has more than 5 million sellers and around 88.5 million buyers as of 2025. Many started with just a hobby and the courage to list their first product.
The best part? You don’t need a business degree or a significant investment to get started. If you have creativity, internet access, and a willingness to learn, you can set up your Etsy shop and start selling.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about opening your Etsy shop, creating listings that sell, and growing your store into a profitable side hustle.
Getting started: your Etsy seller foundation
Etsy is a thriving platform for handmade goods, vintage items, craft supplies, and digital downloads. Setting up an Etsy seller account is easy and beginner-friendly.
Step 1: Create an account and open your shop
Go to Etsy.com and sign up for a free account. Click “Sell on Etsy” to start your shop. Confirm your shop language, country, and currency. Using your local currency simplifies bookkeeping, but keep in mind that there will be a conversion fee if your bank account is in a different currency.
Step 2: Pick a memorable shop name
Your shop name is your Etsy brand. Make it memorable, specific, easy to spell, and easy to pronounce, especially if you sell internationally. Pick a name you love and can grow with. Etsy rules state that your shop name must be 4-20 characters and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
Step 3: Write your shop policies
Clear policies protect both you and your customers, and also build trust. You can set clear expectations for:
- Shipping times: How quickly will you send items? Will you ship internationally?
- Returns and exchanges: Do you accept them? If yes, under what conditions?
- Payment methods: Etsy handles most payment processing, making it easy for sellers worldwide.
- Custom orders: If you accept personalized requests, outline how it works.
Clear policies reduce misunderstandings and give buyers confidence.
Step 4: Get to know the dashboard
Once your shop is live, the Shop Manager dashboard becomes your control center. You can manage your product listings, orders, and marketing. It’s simple to use and helps you manage:
- Orders and shipping: Manage what’s been sold and print labels.
- Stats: Gain insights into what buyers are searching for and how they find your shop.
- Marketing: Run Etsy ads or share links to social media.
- Finances: Track your earnings, fees, and payouts.
Spend time clicking around to familiarize yourself with each section. You’ll feel much more confident once you know where everything lives.
What sells well on Etsy
One of the first questions new sellers ask is, “Will anyone actually buy this?” The answer depends on demand. Popular categories include handmade jewelry, clothing, home decor, wedding items, digital products, vintage goods, and craft supplies.
Researching market demand
Before adding your first product, explore Etsy’s online marketplace as a buyer would. Type in keywords for your product and notice the autocomplete suggestions (these show what shoppers are searching for).
If there are a lot of results, you will have a lot of competition, but you can still succeed by studying the top listings. Look at keywords used and pricing to understand the price point buyers are comfortable with while also finding ways to stand out.
Seasonal trends vs. evergreen products
Some items sell more during holidays, like ornaments in December or graduation gifts in May. Others, such as personalized mugs or wall art, sell consistently year-round. Many successful shops combine both the reliability of evergreen products with the boost that comes from tapping into seasonal demand.
Finding your niche
Etsy is a crowded marketplace, but carving out a niche makes it easier to be noticed. Try to find a balance of demand and competition. For example, instead of selling “candles,” sell “eco-friendly soy candles with personalized labels.” Niches help you stand out and attract loyal buyers.
Creating winning Etsy product listings
Your product listing is your online storefront. A well-crafted listing doesn’t just describe your product but also helps potential customers find it in the first place.
Titles, descriptions & tags
Etsy works like a search engine, so your title, description, and tags are key to helping buyers find your products.
- Title: Use clear, keyword-rich phrases like “personalized leather notebook–handmade journal with custom initials.”
- Description: Start with the most important details (size, color, and material), and use bullet points for clarity. The first couple of sentences of your description will appear in search results, so make sure these are strong.
- Tags: Include variations buyers might search for, like “custom notebook,” “personalized journal,” or “leather diary.” You’re allowed 13 tags per listing, each up to 20 characters
Visuals that sell
Good product photos build trust. Etsy allows up to 10 images per listing, so show front, back, side views, and size comparisons. Lifestyle shots help too. Don’t worry if you don’t own a professional camera; most smartphones work great with natural lighting. You’re also allowed to post a short video, which is another great way to showcase your items.
Pricing strategies
To ensure your shop makes money, you need to factor in materials, your hourly rate, packaging, shipping, and Etsy fees. For example, $5 USD in materials and one hour at $15/hour means your minimum price comes to about $20 plus shipping, packaging, and Etsy fees.
Managing orders and customer service: Etsy seller tips
Once you begin making sales, the way you handle fulfillment and communication becomes just as important as the products themselves.
Order fulfillment process
Buyers expect their orders on time and in good condition. Use secure packaging, such as bubble wrap for fragile items and sturdy boxes for heavier products.Etsy also makes it easy to print shipping labels directly from your dashboard, which saves time and ensures accuracy. Whenever possible, provide a tracking number so customers can follow their order from your shop to their doorstep.
Customer communication
Communication is another key piece of the puzzle. Short, friendly messages after a purchase go a long way in setting expectations and building trust.
A simple thank-you note after a purchase can make a big impression. For example:
“Thanks for your order! Your package will ship within two days, and you’ll receive shipping notifications.”
If there’s a delay, let the buyer know promptly to show respect for their time:
“We wanted to let you know that your order will be delayed by [X days] due to [reason]. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. You will receive a tracking update as soon as your package ships.”
If something goes wrong, like a broken item in transit, responding quickly with a solution can turn a disappointing experience into a positive one:
“We’re sorry to hear about the issue with your order. We’ll send a replacement right away at no extra cost. Please let us know if you have any questions, and we’ll make sure everything is resolved quickly.”
Handling returns and complaints
Returns and complaints are inevitable in any business, but they don’t have to be setbacks. Stay calm, professional, and solution-oriented to change unhappy buyers into repeat customers. If you’re unable to resolve a dispute, Etsy’s case system allows the platform to step in and help.
Building review and repeat buyers
Don’t underestimate the power of thoughtful touches. Including a handwritten thank-you note or a discount on future purchases creates a personal connection that buyers remember. These gestures encourage positive reviews, which in turn build trust with new customers browsing your shop.
Growing your Etsy business
Once you’ve made your first few sales, the next step is to grow your shop. Expanding beyond Etsy allows your handmade business to reach a wider audience through other online marketplaces. Etsy offers several tools to reach more buyers, and how you expand your Etsy shop will depend on your goals and capacity.
Etsy Ads
One option is Etsy Ads, which allows you to promote your listings directly in search results. This can be a smart way to get noticed, especially when your shop is still new and building visibility. Start with a modest daily budget (many sellers start with $1 to $3) and track which products and keywords get clicks. Ads can be most effective for items that already sell well, since prompting your bestsellers can help amplify your momentum.
Social media
Etsy integrates easily with visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your products. Short behind-the-scenes clips, packaging videos, or tutorials can capture attention and draw buyers back to your shop. You don’t need to be an influencer to make an impact—authentic posts outperform polished content. Plus, Etsy’s Share & Save program allows you to earn more when you bring in your own customers through social media.
Inventory management
As your shop grows, managing inventory becomes more important. Keep extra supplies on hand for your most popular items and follow a production schedule to balance your time. If sales really take off, you might even outsource certain tasks, such as packaging or shipping, to free up more time for creating.
Expanding beyond Etsy
Many successful Etsy sellers eventually expand beyond Etsy. Once you’ve established a brand and loyal customer base, setting up your own website on platforms like Shopify or Squarespace gives you more control over your business and branding. Etsy is a helpful platform to test ideas, reach buyers, and build a foundation for your handmade business.
Common challenges and solutions
Even the most successful sellers face obstacles along the way. What matters is how you respond and adapt.
Beginner mistakes
New sellers often stumble on a few common issues:
- Too few listings: More products lead to more chances to be found. Aim for at least 10-15 listings to give your shop more visibility.
- Poor photos: Dark or blurry pictures make products less appealing and discourage buyers.
- Weak keywords: Think of Etsy like a search engine. Using relevant keywords in your titles and tags helps buyers discover your products more easily.
Etsy fees explained
Understanding Etsy’s fee structure from the start will save you headaches later. Each product listing costs $0.20 and remains active for four months. When you make a sale, Etsy takes a 6.5 percent transaction fee on the total price, and payment processing fees usually range from 3-4% depending on your country. Knowing these costs upfront helps you price your products correctly and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Slow sales periods
Many shops go through slow periods and, while it can feel discouraging, it’s completely normal. Use the downtime to refresh your photos, brainstorm seasonal products, or promote your shop. Often, these improvements pay off when the next busy season arrives.
Technical issues
Etsy’s Help Center is extensive, with many troubleshooting guides for common problems. You can also find support in Etsy’s seller forums, where experienced shop owners share advice. If you run into a problem, chances are someone else already has a solution.
Start your Etsy journey today
Selling on Etsy is one of the simplest ways to earn money from your creativity. You don’t need to have it all figured out in one day. Start with a single listing, and learn as you go!
Etsy provides the tools, the audience, and the flexibility. All you need to do is bring creativity. With thoughtful planning, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, your Etsy journey can become not just a side hustle but a lasting business.
So why wait? The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin watching your hard work pay off.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start selling on Etsy?
Not much at all. Each listing costs $0.20, and fees apply when you make a sale. Many sellers get started with less than $20.
Do I need a business license to sell on Etsy?
It depends on where you live. Check your local regulations, but in most cases, hobby sellers don’t need a business license right away.
How long does it take to make my first sale?
Some sellers make a sale in days, others in weeks. Success depends on your product, photos, and keywords.
What if I don’t know how to ship internationally?
Etsy offers international shipping options. You can also start with domestic sales and expand later.
Can I sell digital products on Etsy?
Yes. Many sellers offer items such as digital art, printable party invitations, or sewing patterns. Digital products are popular because they don’t require shipping.
What are some Etsy seller tips for beginners?
Start with a few listings, take high-quality photos, write clear descriptions, and use relevant keywords in titles and tags. Consistency and patience are key to success as a new Etsy seller.