What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace that connects small indie artists, collectors, and craftspeople with buyers seeking unique handmade goods. It offers a range of products for sale, including jewellery, clothing, and home decor. It also offers a variety of shipping options and payment methods.
Creating an account on Etsy is free and offers purchase protection for shoppers. Customers often buy with their eyes, so your Etsy listing’s product photos are critical.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an e-commerce platform and online marketplace specialising in handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It was founded in 2005 and has become a popular platform for independent artists, crafters, and small businesses to sell their creative products to a global audience.
Here are some notable features that make Etsy what it is:
- Etsy is known for its emphasis on handmade items. Sellers on Etsy create a wide range of products, including jewellery, clothing, home decor, art, ceramics, and more.
- In addition to handmade goods, Etsy allows the sale of vintage items, defined as items at least 20 years old. Vintage sellers offer items like clothing, collectables, and retro home decor.
- Many sellers on Etsy offer customisable or made-to-order products. This allows buyers to request personalised items tailored to their preferences, such as custom jewellery with a specific gemstone or personalised wedding invitations.
- Etsy provides a platform for sellers worldwide to reach a global customer base. Buyers can shop for unique items from diverse cultures and regions.
- Etsy fosters a sense of community among its sellers, offering resources, forums, and educational materials to help sellers start and grow their businesses. Sellers can connect and share tips and advice.
- Etsy includes a review and rating system, allowing buyers to leave feedback on their purchases. This system helps buyers make informed decisions and builds trust within the Etsy community.
- Etsy provides secure payment processing for both buyers and sellers. It offers various payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and more.
- Etsy offers a mobile app for buyers and sellers, making shopping and managing listings easy.
- Etsy previously had a separate platform called Etsy Studio, dedicated to craft supplies and DIY materials. However, as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Etsy Studio has been discontinued, and craft supplies are now listed on the central Etsy platform.
| Top Etsy Sellers |
| Rank |
Seller |
Location |
Location |
30 Day Sales |
| 1 |
CaitlynMinimalist |
United States |
United States |
53,161 |
| 2 |
SilverRainSilver |
United Kingdom |
United Kingdom |
29,155 |
| 3 |
WarungBeads |
United States |
United States |
22,088 |
| 4 |
SeedGeeks |
United States |
United States |
20,908 |
| 5 |
MyPorchPrints |
United States |
United States |
19,937 |
| 6 |
CreationCraftStudio |
China |
China |
19,460 |
| 7 |
TwistStationery |
United Kingdom |
United Kingdom |
18,536 |
| 8 |
ArrowGiftCoLtd |
United Kingdom |
United Kingdom |
18,297 |
| 9 |
Beadboat1 |
United States |
United States |
17,948 |
| 10 |
TheGreenEscape |
United States |
United States |
17,927 |
What to Sell on Etsy
- Handmade Jewelry
- Custom Clothing and Accessories
- Art and Prints
- Home Decor
- Handmade Soap and Bath Products
- Craft Supplies
- Wedding and Party Supplies
- Vintage Items
- Printable Digital Downloads
- Pet Accessories
- Personalised Gifts
- Handmade Crafts
- Vintage Jewelry
- Handmade Toys and Games
- Wedding Accessories
Etsy is an Online Marketplace
The online marketplace Etsy is a great way to buy and sell handmade goods. It connects sellers from all over the world with buyers looking for unique, one-of-a-kind products. Its success is primarily due to its web of independent sellers, mostly women. It also offers buyer protection and pays sellers after each sale.
When listing items on Etsy, include relevant keywords in the product description and title. This will help search engines find your listings and bring in new customers. For example, if you’re selling handmade soap, use keywords like unicorn-themed, food-themed, or turmeric-infused soap to attract potential shoppers.
Sellers pay a flat fee of £0.25 per listing plus a transaction fee of 5% on each item sold. They can also opt into Etsy Plus, a subscription package that promises to take their shop to the next level for £10/month. This is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to make money from their hobby crafts and memorabilia.
Etsy is a Community
Everyone knows Etsy as the place to buy handmade jewellery and other goods, but it’s also a community of creative people. The site hosts events to bring buyers and sellers together in real life. It also has forums for people to discuss their experiences with the site.
Etsy is an excellent option for people who want to turn their hobbies into a profitable business. For example, a skilled woodworker can sell their creations on Etsy. Similarly, an artist or designer can use the site to showcase their talent and reach a global audience.
Etsy’s new Share & Save program allows sellers to promote their products on social media and earn a discount on Etsy’s marketplace fees. This is a great way to drive more traffic to your shop and boost sales! However, it’s important to note that the program’s terms of service contain an arbitration clause and class action waiver. Any disputes with Etsy will be resolved through individual arbitration instead of in a court of law.
Etsy is a Platform
Etsy is a marketplace that allows independent artists and crafters to showcase their products to a global audience. The retail platform sorts its offerings by category to help shoppers find items they want. In addition, the site recommends sellers and items based on their browsing history.
The site has also carved out a niche by emphasising handmade, vintage goods and supplies. Last year, the total value of handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies sold on the site increased by 20%.
Many sellers struggle to compete with thousands of other shops on the Etsy platform, especially if they need a dedicated website or a strong SEO strategy. Fortunately, there are alternatives to Etsy, such as Shopify. Shopify is a popular fully-hosted ecommerce solution ideal for sellers ready to migrate from Etsy’s marketplace model. It also offers a one-click checkout and features that make running a business easier.
Etsy is a Business
Etsy is a business that sells handmade products online. The company targets buyers and sellers to succeed as a two-sided marketplace. Etsy generates revenue from marketplace fees, payment processing and shipping services, and listing renewals. It also provides a variety of support services to its sellers. These include workshops, coaching, and advice on how to grow a business.
The business model of Etsy is based on best-in-class search and discovery, human connections, trust, and a personalised buyer experience. The company has built its business around these strengths, which drive growth in active sellers and buyers.
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that connects artists and small businesses who make handmade goods with people who want to buy unique, one-of-a-kind items. The website offers a wide selection of craft supplies, handmade products, and vintage and antique items. It also has an extensive range of jewellery and apparel.
What is Etsy? – Other useful links from our Knowledge Centre:
How to Manage Business Finances Correctly and Efficiently
Unlocking Business Potential: Strategies for Long-term Success
The Impact of Sustainability on Ecommerce Businesses
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