You’ve probably bought one, or two of the best things to sell on Etsy.
It’s amazing how we could get most of our needs and wants online and have them delivered by our doorsteps.
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Nowadays, most people are making money from their homes,
taking profit from their talents and creativity while others don’t have the time and niche doing those meticulous knick-knacks.
Especially if you could easily sell stuff through apps or social media sites this is something for you. Not to mention how this business can turn into a passive income.
Now here is a platform,
ETSY where you can buy and/or sell handmade arts, crafts, and a lot more than you can imagine…
What are the best things to sell on Etsy?
- Digital Artwork
- Stickers
- Printables
- Handmade Jewelry
- Wallets
- Handmade/Personalized Clothing
- Home Decor
- Notebooks and Journals
- Watches
- Customized cell phone cases
- Personalized gifts and gift boxes
- Party and Paper supplies
- Nightstand organizer
- Glasses/Tumblers/Mugs
- Scented Candles /Oil Burners
- Chocolates/candies/ nuts
- Toys/ Mind games
- Vintage Items
In This Guide
What is ETSY?
Now let me tell you about ETSY, It is one of the most popular e-commerce companies that offers the most unique vintage items, handmade arts and crafts.
I’ve mentioned Etsy countless times, especially with the best websites to sell stuff locally or internationally.
This platform promotes a wide range of categories you could choose from including bags, clothing, jewelry, home decors, toys and so much more you could think of.
ETSY gives their sellers storefronts where they can list their products and goodies.
ETSY inc. has been successfully operating for more than 16 years now since it was founded last June 18, 2005, which headquarters is based in Brooklyn NY USA, with a revenue of $1.725 Billion (Fiscal year December 31, 2020).
Through ETSY.com you could buy directly from the seller who puts their heart and soul into creating awesome products for the general public.
ETSY helps the small business in promoting their amazing goodies, such as vintage ornaments, metal and woodworks, and other meticulously made handicrafts.
Just a heads up, There are some specific fees that will be collected if you decide to join ETSY.
How to start selling on ETSY?
1. Register
Creating an ETSY account it’s a must. You have to be a registered ETSY member to be able to put up a shop.
If you’ve been buying or using Etsy already you can easily start a shop with the same account you used for buying.
2. Create your shop
Indicate your location, Language and Currency preferred. To know who will most likely avail of your products.
3. Name your shop
Create a unique, interesting, and memorable name that suits the products you are selling. A name that will be easily remembered by people.
4. Start listing items
Uploading pictures of your product with full descriptions, size, materials, and special features of your product would be a great help for the potential buyers.
Be honest about your products. You should be able to deliver what you have described and shown in photos.
Remember that buyers will leave 5 star ratings if you deliver not only an awesome product but excellent customer service.
5. Pricing
When setting your price on your product it is important to consider the quality of your item so you could take profit from it.
Bear in mind that ETSY has seller fees that will be added to the price of your product.
What are the best things to sell on Etsy?
Digital artwork
Like printables, digital creations are in demand right now.
You can now easily get what you ordered in an instant at the convenience of your home, with just a click of a mouse you’ll have it, plus no shipping fee what a steal!!!
If you have a knack for art, This would be an easy product to sell and fast. Less the delivery hassle
Why you should sell Digital artwork?
You can choose to sell digital artwork if you are an art buff itself, You either made them or design these artwork, or you have the skill to make these artwork worth buying and downloading. But you don’t need to have a major in art just to start a shop.
Sample Digital Artwork Store : Blossom Botanica
The shop sells vintage artwork prints and also curate custom gallery walls, also art printable so buyers can print at home.
Sample artworks are Flowers, butterflies, spooky, cacti, animals, etc.
Stickers
Stickers are one of the best sellers here on ETSY.
It’s not just for kids anymore, even adults go crazy for humorous bumper stickers.
You’ll be shocked at how crazy and funny one can be.
Plus the trend on hydro flask stickers is making a lot nowadays.
Why you should sell stickers?
Stickers don’t have seasons to follow in order for someone to buy it. Plus the fact that it is easy to make and print. You don’t even have to worry on so much packaging/boxes when shipping the items.
Sample Sticker Store : Stickerlots
This store sells high quality handmade sticker packs of all kinds for all ages.
They are all fun and colorful. And when they say random and different.
No sticker is the same in each pack. Sample stickers are stickers for laptops, water bottles, hydro flask, mobile phones,
Handmade jewelry
You’ll be surprised that people are still fond of crystals, gems, and beads.
Handmade jewelry never goes out of style.
It caters to both the young and the young at hearts.
A customized bracelet or necklaces that you can’t find on typical shopping sites.
It is still one of the best-selling items on Etsy for a very long time.
There’s a wide range of personalized or handmade jewelry that you can offer.
You can go making beads, personalized bar necklaces,
Why you should sell handmade jewelry?
You should sell handmade jewelry not just because you love them and you should also have the skill to do so.
Especially if you want to do personalized ones.
But not to worry, some handmade jewelries are made without any degree or certification needed. It just needed some equipment’s and practice
Sample handmade jewelry Store : Geopersonalized
The store offers personalized jewelry that are all handcrafted with love.
Sample products includes, personalized birthstone bracelets, vertical bar necklaces, pet portrait necklaces and so much more.
The shop offers next business day shipping.
Wallets
Who doesn’t need one? Whether you are a male or a female, a wallet is a must-have.
We need at least a holder for our ids right?
Not just for bills and coins. Wallets have been one of the most popular items on Etsy.
It’s one of the top things most people think to give to their Father, Husband, etc.
Especially if they’re running out of ideas.
Best birthday or anniversary gift for a partner.
Why you should sell wallets?
If you’ll notice that finding gifts for men are one of the hardest things to do especially if you are a busy person.
But selling personalized wallets like the sample store below, is actually a good product choice.
The market maybe not as big as women’s, but it’s a very targeted niche.
With the right marketing strategy you can take advantage of this and make money.
Sample wallet Store : Golden Horn Wallet
Golden Horn Wallet offers wallet products that are so beautiful they have money-back guarantee.
Not to mention next day free shipping/ mostly same day shipping.
This is such a good marketing strategy that you should take note of especially if you have amazing products like them.
Sample products includes personalized leather wallets, handwriting wallets, monogrammed and more.
Printables
The invitation is the most common printable that is ordered and bought.
People are not just contented on generic invites now,
They want something well thought of where they can add their own designs and ideas.
Plus this is one of the fastest products to make.
You can use some websites like Canva to design your printables and that’s about it.
Canva is super user-friendly even high school students can use the app and make money.
Why you should sell printables?
Another one of the easiest products to make and produce. Digital products like these doesn’t need any shipping fees. Buyers just needed to have printers at home or work.
They can easily download these after payment. If you love designing there are so many apps and sites that can help you create these wonderful printables for free.
Just like Canva. Very user/beginner- friendly. Been using this awesome site for the past 5 years of my life. So cool.
Sample printable store : Crucian Art
This store is an amazing printable shop that sell printable worksheets, busy books for toddlers and kids. Nowadays that many parents are so stressed and overwhelmed at work.
Many people rely on mobile phones which is not always a good thing to give to kids.
Crucian art are one of those stores that help parents get their child to learn and stay out of mobile phones.
Handmade/Personalized Clothes
You can never have enough clothing.
And in ETSY you’ll find a wide selection of trendy outfits for everyone.
Fashionable items are rarely found in malls and boutiques.
Plus handmade/personally sewn clothing for kids and adults is always a best seller not only on Etsy but on other platforms as well.
Sample handmade clothing store : Love And Confuse
Home Decors/Furniture
If you want something exotic and eclectic designs, if you have the patience in browsing you will find good pieces here on ETSY.
You will be stunned by the creativeness and ingeniousness of the sellers.
They have one-of-a-kind pieces so if you find what you love there is no room for hesitation.
Sample home décor store : Alphatox Gummies
Notebooks and journals
It’s always exciting whenever we go traveling.
Experiencing new adventures, meeting new people, and learning new things.
It’s nice to have a travel journal or a diary handy to put everything in the record.
Why is this a hot item? Because people are busy and still want to stay organized instead of being overwhelmed.
So what better thing to do is to buy a journal that says so much about them rather than just regular notebooks or journals.
Etsy is a perfect place to find and sell them
Sample notebooks store : Beatific Happy Planner
Watches
Even though we can tell time with just a glance on our cell phone, wearing a watch gives you a different vibe.
It just makes the whole outfit complete.
Not to mention not losing track of time. As you can see below as of now, watches are one of the most popular gift items on Etsy.
Sample watch store : Stay Fine Personalized
Custom cellphone cases
Nowadays, cell phones are like our best friends. They are always with us wherever we go.
Everybody has the same thing and others want to stand out and be different.
Customizing their cell phone cases is so popular now.
They add character to their cases and make them their own.
Sample custom cellphone cases store : Casewear
Personalized gifts and gift boxes
It gives your customers the freedom to show their own ideas and put them into reality.
It makes the gift extra special because they added their own touch.
Many people are still looking for gift items that show their personality as well as the receiver.
It simply makes everything very special no matter how much it costs.
So if you are creative and love crafts. Must start selling these.
Sample personalized gifts store : Clover Designs Store
Party and Paper supplies
Party decorations are so in demand right now. You’ll be surprised by their stylish decors
and impressive calligraphy. With so much more to choose from, the choices are endless.
Especially with the pandemic going on right now.
Many people would rather stay at home and get their party decors online. As well as paper supplies
Sample party supplies store : Hello Pinatas
Nightstand organizer/ Docking Station
In ETSY you will find well-crafted wood and metal works.
One of the most common is an organizer.
it’s one of the best that you could get for yourself or for a loved one.
Everyone needs a docking station where you can charge your cell phone, tablet, etc. all at the same time.
We need it in the fast-paced world we are living in now.
Sample night stand store : Royal Wood Art
Glasses/Tumblers/Mugs
Customizing is so in right now and it makes a simple item turn into a special one just by adding prints and decors that they want.
Making them look more appealing.
Just like the ones you put on Hydro flask.
They’ve been one of the hottest trends right now.
Sample personalized glasses store : Go To Lucky Shop
Nuts, candies, chocolates
People want to try new things especially when it comes to food.
Some are very adventurous and want to try something different and new to their taste.
And many want to showcase their delicacies and have them available for the public.
Sample chocolate store : Martinschocolatier
Scented Candles /Oil Burners
Many are in search of aromatic oils and scented candles.
It calms and relaxes our minds and bodies.
I myself enjoy the fragrant smell of a room lit with scented candles.
Sample scented candles store : CosyArtLondon
Vintage items
ETSY is one of the best online stores for vintage pieces.
Here you can find unique items for a steal bargain price.
If a collector finds a piece that they really want, money is not an issue, they are willing to pay at any cost just to have it.
Sample vintage items store : Madre Ganza
Toys/Mind games
Toys and mind games are not just for kids.
There is a wide array to choose from. Games that you didn’t think existed.
It’s mind-blowing games for a family or group of friends to enjoy.
Sample wooden toy store : Kubiya Games
Tips on How to sell on ETSY
1. Good Photography
Take good pictures of your product in every angle with good lighting of course.
Experiment on the best concept for the product to attract potential buyers.
Make sure that when taking photos you would be able to capture an image worth looking at.
If you’ve been reading my posts , you’ll notice how I share how you can find inspiration with good photos.
Two places that are the best to see those breathtaking photos are Instagram And Pinterest.
Notice how these Influencers let their pictures shine. As well as the ones on Pinterest.
You can take photos in the daylight. Or create a natural daylight from home.
And check how these people choose a theme for each set of pictures.
Don’t copy but learn from them instead
2. Advertising
Take advantage of the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter to name a few.
Make your product known to the general public. By giving detailed information about the products you are promoting.
I often suggest that if you are a beginner. Choose one to two Social media you can focus on.
For example, You can try Pinterest and Instagram especially if you have no budget for advertising.
These are free to use. Just make sure to learn how to maximize these Social Platforms correctly.
3. Payment Options
You should have a wide variety of modes of payments. Not all people are still not comfortable giving their credit and debit card numbers.
Consider using PayPal, Gift cards, Google pay and other merchant institutions. For more options for the buyers.
It’s true, many shoppers will abandon a transaction if they dislike the payment alternatives or do not have access to the ones offered by the retailer.
Resulting into no sale. Always make sure to always have all the options so you get all the opportunities of making a sale daily.
4. Awesome Customer Service
You should have great customer service that would be able to answer all the queries of your customers.
Someone knowledgeable and well mannered who can handle inquisitive and irate customers as well.
If you are just starting, try to experience serving your customers first. Answer queries, help, suggest, etc. Before thinking of outsourcing people to do the job for you
5. Competitive Shipping Fees
Set a minimum order so that the customer can avail free shipping fees. Remember free is like music to the ears.
Most people will take advantage of that, making them purchase more just to avail of the free shipping fees.
6. Discounts
Give reasonable discounts to those customers who chose to pre-order items.
Have your Holiday items early and handy so that customers can have a sneak peak of the products that are coming soon.
You can even give loyalty points, freebie gifts or discounts to keep your costumers satisfied and will sure to keep coming.
7. Participate on ETSY’s events
Make sure to know beforehand the Holiday events ETSY’S are having for the whole year.
With this in mind, you would be able to strategically have special costumed products for each upcoming event.
8. Be Unique
I just want to stress this a bit more. Would it be very nice if your products stand-out from the rest? Be inventive, be creative, be innovative and be honest.
Make sure that the products you are selling is your own and not copied from other creators. And because the competition is high.
This is your chance to at least one or two products that stands out from the rest of all the items in Etsy’s category. I have a friend who only have lots of products in her shop but one product is selling 4x more than the rest.
9. Research
You have to do thorough research about the products you want to create.You should know all the aspects of you product to be able to know the best materials, best design so that you would be able to set a price accordingly.
10. Know Your Target Market
You should put in mind who will mostly be your target market. You should be updated on the new trends out in the market.
With this in consideration you would be able make appropriate design and features that will best fit to your market.
Frequently Ask Questions
What sells a lot on ETSY?
1. Vintage Items –
These are products aged not less than 20 years old. For vintage collectors, they would pay a great amount of money for a good find.
2. Printables –
Not all have the time and talent to make this tedious product. Some are willing to pay for great designs and ideas.
3. Handmade jewelry –
Hand-made jewelry is also a big hit in the market. It shows the creativity of the jewelry makers using beads, strings, gems, and other surprises materials you thought never existed.
4. Personalized products –
Many people like to purchase personalized items. Especially when customers are able to share their inputs on how they want the product to come out. Personalized items just simply make one feel special and the gift was given a lot of thought.
5. Journals –
Now more people are turning into writing so journals and notebooks are nice to have handy. Especially this pandemic that has rarely or never been experienced by many. More people are just based at home and put mostly everything on writing.
6. Home decors-
People want to feel as if they are outside even though they are at home working. So some are trying to decorate their homes or a space in their home like a working place. Maybe a touch of candles here and there.
7. Handmade giveaway –
People want something unique to give away especially when it comes to weddings. You want to give something worth treasuring or can be put into a good use.
8. Mind games –
Nowadays people are focused on their gadgets some are looking for alternative games that can be enjoyed by family and friends.
9. Clothing –
Customized clothes specially printed shirts for twinning couples or a family uniform used in reunions are samples to show creative ideas.
10. Face Masks –
Who doesn’t need one? Some people want to stand out and create one or a few that best fit them and their personality.
With the pandemic going on, We really don’t know when it will totally end. These items will sure to be selling like hotcakes.
How much does an ETSY seller make?
Running any kind of business can bring revenue same as running an online store. Not all have the same stories to tell. Some businesses boom right away, some sellers took several years to grow their online business and others just failed.
It takes patience, perseverance, and hard work to grow a business. Therefore, don’t expect to put up a business today and have millions tomorrow. It’s a journey that you have to go through.
There you would encounter bumps and hurdles before you reached your goal. These problems will help you and your business to grow. You will learn everything you need to know to survive this journey. It takes time, so patience is a must. It takes a lot of hard work and sleepless nights too.
Explore and discover new ways and methods to improve what you are doing. Focus on your success not everyone will have the same path.
You may see some sellers making around $200 to $2000/month. It really depends on the product and your marketing strategy.
Is ETSY worth in 2021?
If you are wondering if it is worth opening an ETSY store this 2021 the answer is absolutely YES!
Online shopping is here to stay, so make money out of your talent at home. More people will continue to shop online and some will definitely consider putting up their own ETSY store this coming year.
There are tons of things you could sell on ETSY especially in this pandemic more people have time to create and be inventive.
There is no limit on ETSY you could sell as many products as you want and making money is sky is the limit. Here are some shop ideas.
Final Thoughts..
Who would have thought you could make money even at the comfort of your home. ETSY is just one of the many platforms available online.
What I like about ETSY is that you could be able to showcase your talent and creativity and make money out of it. When you want something unique you will surely find it on ETSY.
So what are you waiting for? Visit ETSY.com and see if you could find something you like or be one of the sellers and make money with your creations. Good luck!
