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 5 percent transaction fee when you sell each item you list.
You can read more about Etsy's fees here.
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.
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.
BONUS – Interested in a Digital Item You Can Sell On Etsy?
If you are interested in online sales but the idea of heading to the post office to ship out products feels like a massive and time-consuming pain, you may want to consider selling digital products instead.
There are lots of digital products you can sell and you may be thinking e-books and e-courses. Those are great, but they take a great deal of time to put together.
Digital printables are another idea for you! They can be made quickly, and you don't have to have any graphic design experience. Plus, people snatch them up like crazy on sites like Etsy.
Also, there's never any shipping. The people who purchase them will just get a downloadable file to their email, and you get paid. These digital printables can sell over and over once they are made!
For more info, you can sign up for this FREE online workshop hosted by my friend Julie of Gold City Ventures. She made $10,000 in her first year of selling printables on the side.
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 13 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.
I 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
Becky – 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.