How to sell on Etsy : A Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

Are you looking to start your own online business and sell your unique creations? Etsy is a popular online marketplace that offers a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Etsy provides a user-friendly environment to reach a global audience and turn your passion into a profitable venture.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of selling on Etsy, from creating your shop to promoting your products and providing excellent customer service. We’ll also explore the potential of digital products to sell on Etsy and highlight some of the Etsy top selling items that have proven successful.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to leverage Etsy’s platform to grow your business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals. So let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of selling on Etsy!

How to sell on Etsy in 7 easy steps

• To open an Etsy shop, visit the Etsy Sell page . Click the “Get Started” button, then sign in to your Etsy account (or create a new one).

• Enter Your Etsy Shop Details: Select your shop’s preferred language, country, and currency. Then, enter a memorable shop name between 4 and 20 characters. You could also change your shop name later if needed.

• Enter Your Shop Name: Choose a memorable and informative shop name that is between 4 and 20 characters long. This name will be visible to customers and should reflect your brand.

• Create Your First Listing: Select a product category, specify the item type (physical or digital), and add production info. Use detailed keywords in your title, description, and tags to boost visibility. Upload high-quality photos and videos, set a competitive price, and create a shipping profile. Click “Save and Continue” to finish.

To manage listings later, go to the Shop Manager and select “Listings.”

• Choose How You’ll Get Paid: Etsy offers various payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and Etsy Payments. Select the payment method that works best for you.

• Set Up Billing: Provide your billing information, including your name, address, and payment details. Set your payment preferences, such as automatic payments or manual payments.

• Open Your Shop: Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, your shop will be ready to go live. Start promoting your products and attracting customers to your Etsy store.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to selling your products on Etsy. Remember to consistently update your shop, engage with your customers, and promote your products to increase your sales.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy?

Etsy offers a flexible pricing structure that allows sellers to choose the best option for their business. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:

Set-up Fee

• One-time fee: Etsy charges a one-time fee of $15 when you open your shop.

Listing Fees

• 20 cents per listing: You’ll be charged 20 cents for each item you list for sale on Etsy.

Transaction Fees

• 6.5% of the item price + shipping and gift wrapping: Etsy charges a transaction fee of 6.5% of the price you display for each listing, plus the amount you charge for delivery and gift wrapping.

Payment Processing Fees

• Variable fees: Payment processing fees depend on factors like your payment method, shop location, bank account currency, and region-specific fees like US sales tax or EU VAT.
• Etsy Payments Policy: For detailed information, review Etsy’s Payments Policy and the full list of processing fees.

In-Person Selling Fee

• Square integration: If you use Square to sell your products in person, you’ll be charged a listing fee of $0.20.
• Transaction fees: Square replaces Etsy’s 6.5% transaction fee with its own payment processing fees. Visit Square’s website for more details.
• Afterpay: Using Afterpay with Square incurs a 6% + $0.30 fee.

Regulatory Operating Fees

• Country-specific fees: Etsy charges regulatory operating fees in certain countries to compensate for regulation costs, especially Digital Services Taxes (DST).
• Fee calculation: These fees are based on a percentage of the total product price, including Etsy shipping costs and gift wrapping.
• Affected countries: The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and other countries may charge these fees.
• Fee changes: Regulatory operating fees can change frequently. Check Etsy’s blog and Help Center for updates.

Currency Conversion Fees

• 2.5% fee: If your Etsy Payments bank account is in a different currency than your listings, Etsy will charge a 2.5% currency conversion fee.
• Payment gateway alternatives: : Consider using payment gateways like Google Pay or Apple Pay to reduce currency conversion costs for international sales.

Etsy Plus Subscription

• Etsy Plus: For $10 per month, Etsy Plus offers advanced store personalization options and discounts on advertising.

Advertising and Promotional Fees

• Onsite ad fees: Promote your listings in Etsy search results for $1-25 per day. Etsy Plus members receive discounts and Etsy Ads credits.
• Offsite ad fees: Etsy charges a 15% fee for shops with annual revenue under $10,000 (optional) or a 12% fee for shops exceeding $10,000 (mandatory).

By understanding these additional fees,you can effectively manage your Etsy selling costs and maximize your profits.

Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy

Before starting an Etsy shop, it’s important to understand both the good and the challenging sides of the platform. Etsy can be a great place to sell, but it’s not perfect for everyone.

Pros of Selling on Etsy

• Easy to start
  Opening an Etsy shop is simple and beginner-friendly. You don’t need technical skills or a large budget to get started.
• Built-in audience
  Etsy already has millions of buyers looking for handmade, personalized, and vintage items. This makes it easier to get traffic compared to starting your own website from scratch.
• Great for creative sellers
  If you sell handmade, digital, or custom products, Etsy is designed for you. Buyers come to Etsy specifically for unique items.
• Low upfront cost
  You don’t need a big investment. Listing fees are low, and you only pay transaction fees when you make a sale.
• Supports digital products
  Etsy works very well for digital items like printables, planners, and templates. No shipping and instant delivery make this a popular option.

Cons of Selling on Etsy

• High competition
  Etsy is crowded. Many niches are oversaturated, which can make it harder for new sellers to stand out.
• Fees can add up
  Listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, and ad fees can reduce your profit if you’re not careful with pricing.
• Limited control over your shop
  You don’t fully own the platform. Etsy can change its rules, fees, or search algorithm at any time, which can affect your sales.
• Search visibility takes time
  New shops usually don’t get instant sales. It takes time to build trust, reviews, and visibility in Etsy search.
• Strict policies
  Etsy has clear rules about what you can and cannot sell. Copyright issues or policy violations can lead to listing removal or shop suspension.

Is Etsy Worth Selling On?

Etsy is a great platform for beginners and creative sellers who want quick access to buyers without building a website. However, success on Etsy requires patience, smart product choices, and consistent promotion. Many sellers use Etsy as a starting point and later expand to their own store or other platforms.

Tips for Successful Etsy Selling

Once you’ve set up your Etsy shop and started listing your products, here are some valuable tips to help you promote your Etsy Shop:

1. Optimize Your Product Listings

• Use relevant keywords: Incorporate keywords that potential customers might search for in your product titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Write compelling descriptions: Highlight the unique features and benefits of your products to entice buyers.
• Use high-quality images: Professional-looking images can make a big difference in attracting customers.

2. Engage with Your Customers

• Respond to messages promptly: Address customer inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide excellent customer service: Go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Encourage customer reviews: Positive reviews can help boost your shop’s credibility.

3. Promote Your Shop

• Utilize social media: Share your products on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
• Network with other sellers: Connect with other Etsy sellers to exchange tips and advice.
• Run promotions and sales: Offer discounts, coupons, or free shipping to attract customers.

4. Analyze Your Shop’s Performance

• Track sales and traffic: Monitor your shop’s performance to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Use Etsy’s analytics tools: Etsy provides valuable insights into your shop’s performance.
• Make data-driven decisions: Use analytics to make informed decisions about your selling strategy.

5. Stay Updated on Etsy’s Policies and Features

• Check for updates: Etsy’s policies and features may change over time. Stay informed about any updates that could affect your business.
• Take advantage of new features: Explore new tools and features that Etsy offers to enhance your selling experience.

Selling on Etsy can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a successful Etsy shop and reach a global audience.

Remember to optimize your product listings, engage with your customers, promote your shop, analyze your shop’s performance, and stay updated on Etsy’s policies and features. With dedication and perseverance, you can turn your passion into a profitable online business.

FAQs: How to sell on Etsy

1. How do beginners sell on Etsy?

Beginners can start by creating an Etsy account and opening a shop. Etsy shows each step clearly. Add your product, upload good photos, write simple descriptions, and set a fair price. You don’t need any special skills to start.

2. How much does it cost to sell on Etsy?

Selling on Etsy has small costs. You pay a one-time shop setup fee, a small fee to list each product, and a fee when you make a sale. There may be extra charges for payments or ads, but you only pay more when you sell more.

3. Is it still profitable to sell on Etsy?

Yes, Etsy can still be profitable. Many sellers earn money by choosing the right products and staying consistent. It may take some time to see results, but with effort, Etsy can become a good income source.

4. What can you sell on Etsy?

You can sell handmade items, vintage products, craft supplies, and digital products. Popular items include jewelry, home décor, personalized gifts, printables, and art. Your products must follow Etsy’s rules.

5. Do I need a tax ID to sell on Etsy?

In most cases, you don’t need a tax ID to start. As you begin making regular sales, Etsy may ask for tax details based on your country. It’s a good idea to check local tax rules as your shop grows.