Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling unique, creative, and handmade goods. Etsy has over millions of active sellers offering over 80 million items across a wide range of categories.
If you’re considering opening up your own Etsy shop, you probably have a lot of questions about how the platform works and what’s involved in running a successful store. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about selling on Etsy:
How much does it cost to open an Etsy shop?
Opening an Etsy shop is free – you don’t have to pay anything to get started. You will have to pay a listing fee of $0.20 per item when you make a sale, as well as a transaction fee of 5% of the item price. Etsy also charges additional fees for features like promoted listings. So you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs, just fees based on sales.
What can I sell on Etsy?
Etsy welcomes sellers offering vintage, handmade, custom, and unique factory-manufactured items across a diverse range of categories. Some of the most popular types of items sold include handmade jewelry, craft supplies, clothing, home goods, wall art, bath and beauty products, paper goods, toys, and more. Just make sure everything you sell complies with Etsy’s allowed items policy.
How do I stand out on Etsy?
With so much competition, you need great photos, compelling descriptions, and competitive pricing to get noticed. Take professional-looking product photos on clean backgrounds. Write detailed descriptions focusing on materials, dimensions, care instructions, origin, etc. Price competitively based on comparable items. Having a unique style or niche helps you differentiate yourself.
Should I offer free shipping on Etsy?
Free shipping can really help incentivize buyers and elevate your listings in search results. Offer free standard shipping on orders over a minimum purchase amount, or build shipping costs into your item pricing. Just be sure to show accurate shipping profiles for locations you ship to.
How often should I add new Etsy listings?
Consistency is key for Etsy success. Aim to add new listings across your shop sections at least a few times per week. New items keep your shop fresh and appearing in searches. Replenishing best-selling items is also important. Create a posting schedule to stay on track.
How do I get more reviews on Etsy?
Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by sending a quick thank you message after delivery along with a polite request for an honest product review. Offer promotions like discounts for first-time reviewers. Reply publicly to reviews to show you value feedback. Reviews boost credibility and SEO.
What is an Etsy SEO strategy?
SEO stands for search engine optimization. Some key elements of an Etsy SEO strategy include: optimizing titles, tags, and descriptions; using relevant keywords throughout; uploading high-quality photos; getting reviews; renewing listings; analyzing search data. This helps maximize visibility when buyers search relevant terms.
How do I provide great customer service?
Providing excellent customer service is vital for any Etsy seller. Quickly respond to convos and questions, ship orders fast, send high-quality items as described, and be polite in all interactions. Follow up after delivery to make sure they’re satisfied. This helps build great reviews to attract more customers.
How important are using keywords in Etsy listings?
Using keywords are very important for visibility and search on Etsy. Strategically choose relevant keywords that buyers would search and include them naturally in your title, description, and tag list.
What are some top tips for Etsy success?
Some top tips include: staying active with new listings and updates, using promoted listings and Etsy ads, optimizing SEO and tags, offering free shipping or built-in costs, specializing in a niche, providing excellent customer service, getting reviews, analyzing metrics, and experimenting to improve. Patience and consistency are key!
Running a successful Etsy shop takes work and dedication, but it can be extremely rewarding. Following this SEO-optimized advice can help you get started on the right foot or improve your existing Etsy business. Let us know if you have any other Etsy selling questions!
