Open an Etsy shop: 5 great reasons to start today

Have you ever wanted to earn a living through making and selling your own crafts and designs?

You may have been putting off starting your own business because it seems impossible but I’m here to tell you that it’s very possible to earn some extra cash with that side hustle on Etsy.

Over 94.1 million buyers bought goods through Etsy in 2023

Etsy, if you don’t already know, is an e-commerce website where mostly handmade products are sold and bought.

These products range from art, clothing, jewelry and other decorative objects to arts and crafts supplies.

Many hobbyists and DIY crafters just like you are turning their crafting past times into thriving Etsy boutiques.

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

​What are the 5 benefits to starting on Etsy?

1. Huge Customer Base

With a huge customer base of over 94 million registered shoppers, you are sure to find buyers that are looking for exactly the product you make.

In addition to being on Etsy, it’s always a good idea to have your own website; I have my own that I run through  Weebly (update – I now use WordPress for my website). Weebly is still a good option if you are just getting started.

Having your own website is great for blogging and getting the word out about your shop, but you will most likely only be able to attract a fraction of the people shopping on Etsy every day.

2. Low Seller Fees

Low seller fees; listing an item for four months, or until it sells, costs you 20 cents plus a commision fee.

Basically, for each product sold, you will pay 20 cents, plus a commission of 3.5% on each purchase.

3. Social Media Effect

Social Media aspect; in addition to being an online shop, Etsy also functions as a social network site, similar to Facebook, in which buyers and sellers can create personal profiles and connect with one another.

A few bonus features are that buyers can favorite their preferred shops, and write shop reviews, increasing social proof and the chance that others will want to buy from your shop.

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4. Trust Factor

Trust factor; by virtue of being a household name, Etsy has a trust factor that takes time to build up on your own website.

People trust buying on there, because they know it’s a global company. 

Buyers feel safe making a purchase on Etsy because there are rules and regulations that the company adheres to.

5. Home Based Business

Home based business, how cool would it be to create the crafts you already love making, get paid for doing so and all from the comfort of your home?

This is probably my favorite aspect of selling on Etsy.  I mean, it’s great to interact with people at a craft show, or a brick and mortar shop, but those avenues also mean higher costs to you for entry and table fees, and rent.

You will still be paying for the cost of your craft supplies but imagine all of the savings to be had from working at home in your pajamas, plus not having a long commute to work.

Disadvantages to Selling on Etsy

Of course there are some disadvantages to selling exclusively on one site. 

Algorithm Changes

​Just like with any other platform, changes to the algorithm and growth can be hard to keep up with.

Competition

Competition. According to Etsy, there were over 7 million sellers on the e-commerce website in 2022.

Before you panic and think “I can’t compete with that!”, it’s important to note that not all of those shops are active and the number of buyers outweigh the number of sellers by nearly 30 to 1 (94 million buyers bought goods through Etsy in 2022).

Those sound like pretty good odds to me! 

Make Your Dream a Reality

Now that you know the basics of starting an Etsy shop, take the opportunity to get started for free with my special link.

This will give you 40 free listings to open your shop and test the waters. If you’ve been thinking about making your dream a reality, here is your chance to make it happen.

8 Easy Tips To Selling on Etsy Successfully

Ready to start selling on Etsy? Fill out the form below to get my 8 easy tips to selling successfully. With this free time-saving cheat sheet, you’ll learn the best tips to sell on Etsy from your blog.

These tips will help you to improve your shop traffic and increase your sales in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Etsy and how does it work?

Etsy is an online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell unique handmade, vintage, and craft items. Sellers set up their own shops and list their products. Buyers can browse, purchase, and communicate directly with sellers.

2. Why should I consider opening an Etsy shop?

Opening an Etsy shop allows you to showcase your creative talents and reach a global audience. It provides a platform to turn your hobbies into a business, connect with like-minded individuals, and potentially generate extra income.

3. What can I sell on Etsy?

You can sell a wide range of items on Etsy, including handmade crafts, artwork, vintage items, digital products, and more. The key is to offer unique and quality products that cater to Etsy’s creative and niche community.

4. How do I set up my Etsy shop?

Setting up an Etsy shop involves creating a seller account, choosing a shop name, adding product listings with clear descriptions and photos, and configuring shipping and payment options. Etsy provides step-by-step guidance throughout the process.

5. Is it expensive to start an Etsy shop?

Opening an Etsy shop is relatively affordable. There’s a small listing fee for each item, and Etsy also takes a percentage of your sales as a transaction fee. However, the potential exposure and sales opportunities often outweigh the costs.