Many dream of escaping the daily grind, setting their own schedule and becoming their own boss by starting an online, home-based business. Others are simply looking for a legitimate work-from-home opportunity to make extra cash.
For those who want a simple, cheap way to start selling online, there is an answer. Discover how thousands have turned their dreams into a reality by opening an Etsy Storefront.
What is Etsy?
Esty is an online marketplace, much like eBay or Amazon, but specifically marketed to those buying and selling fine arts and crafts. Everything sold on Etsy, except supplies, is handmade, reused (i.e., vintage clothing) or recycled.
How to Sell on Etsy
To begin selling on Etsy, sellers need a credit card to register for a seller’s account. Once approved, sellers are given their own personalized website url (yourstore.etsy.com) and can begin customizing store policies, seller profiles and contact info. Etsy is simple and user-friendly. There is no software to download and HTML knowledge is not required.
If sellers wish to accept online payments, they’ll need to open either a Premier or Business PayPal account. Etsy works with PayPal seamlessly; once sellers set up a PayPal account, they can immediately begin selling on Etsy. Though not required, a PayPal account is free and easy to setup and highly recommended.
TIP: Not to worry! Etsy provides sellers with tons of easy-to-follow tutorials, frequently asked questions and great customer service to get new sellers started.
What's the Catch? Are There Fees for Selling on Etsy?
Etsy charges sellers 20 cents for each item listed for sale, with each item listing lasting for four months. They also charge a 3.5% transaction fee per sale (excluding shipping costs). That’s it. There are no registration, annual or membership fees or hidden charges. Sellers aren’t charged anything until an item is listed for sale.
NOTE: Sellers may need to collect and report sales tax. Sellers should contact their Secretary of State for reporting requirements.
Tips for Etsy Sellers
Renew item listings often. Though an item listing lasts for four months, it is a good idea to renew frequently, as products are ranked by listing date. Renewing bumps listings to the top of their category page, keeping a seller’s shop on customers’ radar.
Take great photos. On Etsy, the first thing customers see is the item photo, not the description. A good picture entices customers to read more. Etsy has tens of thousands of item listings. Make products stand out by taking clean, clear and bright photos.
Enable Google Analytics. Tracking website visits helps online sellers understand who is buying their products and why. Fortunately, Google provides this software to online sellers free of charge. Successful Etsy sellers use Analytics' information for marketing and advertising purposes. For instance, suppose a seller’s crafts are very popular in the Northwest area of Arkansas. That seller should consider attending Northwest Arkansas craft fairs to build up that consumer base and should advertise upcoming appearances on their Etsy storefront.
Tag every item. Tags are descriptive words and phrases that customers use to find a seller’s products from within Etsy or from search engines like Google or Yahoo!. Etsy provides standard options, but creative sellers also write their own. Customers will often search by type of art or craft (canvas paintings, clothing, jewelry, etc.), color scheme or décor. For example, tags for a still-life painting of tulips could include: painting, canvas, tulips, flowers, spring, garden, red and pink.
Get active in Etsy’s forums. Selling online can be a lonely business. Make friends with other online sellers by offering advice and joining teams. Give and receive seller tips and sales leads. Often, sellers get customer referrals simply by chatting with other active community members.
Start Selling Online Today
Many dream of selling their fine art and crafts professionally. However, for those who are new to selling online, starting an internet business can be intimidating. Website and shopping cart development, hosting and maintenance is often costly and complicated. Take the plunge! Etsy provides a simple, easy way for creative people to start selling online in minutes.
Related Articles:
"Doomed From the Start: Why Most Small Businesses Fail"
David Clark - As a business owner, freelance writer and abstract artist, I keep myself busy. Always learning, evolving and creating, I guarantee you'll ...
Join the Conversation