I don't know about you, but I love to shop at Etsy! You can find some of the most unique vintage and handmade items there. If you're creative and are looking for a good online outlet to showcase and sell your stuff, you might want to consider becoming an Etsy seller.
What can you sell at Etsy?
I have seen all kinds of things for sale, but their rule is that it has to be either handmade, vintage (20 years old or older), or fall under the category of commercial and handmade supplies.
How much does it cost to list an item on Etsy?
You'll pay 20 cents to list one item for four months. Etsy will also charge a 3.5 percent transaction fee when you sell each item you list.
How does shipping and payment work?
If someone buys one of your items, they pay you through Etsy (the money goes straight to you). Then, you ship the item to the customer.
Related: How to make a living selling stuff on Amazon (and let Amazon handle the shipping!)
Can you set up your own Etsy store?
You can. And if you have lots of Etsy shop idea, you'll be happy to know the sky is the limit there and it's all very customizable. As an Etsy seller, you get the option to design your store with banners and also add your own store policies, which would be useful to have in place when people want to return things, etc.
You are also welcome to accept other forms of payment from your customers instead of Paypal (check, money order, etc.) if you are comfortable doing that.
More questions about becoming an Etsy seller?
If you have more questions about becoming an Etsy seller, I would recommend reading through their FAQ at the bottom of this page. I didn't see much there that they didn't cover already.
I also have a helpful round-up post with successful Etsy selling tips.
Setting Up Your Account on Etsy
To go ahead and set up your Etsy seller account, go here. They have the option available to sign up using your Facebook account, but this is not required. You're free to just sign up with your email address if you'd prefer.
If you are looking for alternatives to Etsy or simply want to spread your items around, you might also check out this list of places to sell your crafts online.
Interested in another way to earn a living selling stuff online?
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is something many people are doing now to earn a living selling stuff online. The great thing about Amazon FBA is that THEY ship to your customers — not you! You just source the items, ship them in bulk to Amazon, and they do the rest!
If this is intriguing to you, you can sign up for this FREE 7-day email course from Jessica and Jeff Larrew (6-figure Amazon sellers) to learn more about how it all works.
Becky says
May 12, 2012 at 9:16 pmI LOVE Etsy. I’ve used it for many years to sell hand made dolls, childrens clothing, hair bows and accessories. Many things have changed at Etsy over the years but the cost has remained pretty much the same. If you have a big month, it does seem expensive to sell there, and most sellers mark up to make up for that.
My Etsy is http://www.etsy.com/shop/justplainbeckyw
Anna says
May 13, 2012 at 12:13 pmBecky – I am STILL carrying the purse you made me, and it’s still perfect! I get compliments on it all the time 🙂
Also, it’s been washed dozens of times and it’s holding up fabulously.