What is it Etsy and why should you sell (and buy) there?

If you have or want to start a homemade craft business, Etsy is a resource to help you sell your items online.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is an online buyer and seller community similar to eBay, except it focuses on hand-crafted or vintage goods. Most products sold fall into the category of arts, crafts, jewelry, paper goods, housewares, and artisan candies or baked goods. Vintage items must be at least 20-years old to qualify and can range from costumes, clothing, jewelry, photos, and housewares. 

What does Etsy have for your home business?

While selling on Etsy is another avenue for selling your homemade goods, there are many items on Etsy that can help you in your home business. Do you use Filofax, Erin Condren, or The Happy Planner to schedule your days and organize your business/life? You can buy downloadable inserts and stickers to use in your planner. Do you need promotional items with your logo? Many Esty sellers can produce custom swag. Not just pens or coffee cups, but also jewelry, bookmarks, cosmetics and more with your name and logo on them.

Why sell on Etsy?

In the past, most crafters and artisans sold their goods at fairs, open markets, and on consignment. While the Internet opened doors to reaching consumers beyond their local area, many craftsmen didn't want the hassle of setting up their own website, credit card processor or e-commerce platform in order to sell their goods online. While eBay and other e-commerce DIY sites helped, Etsy provided a marketplace specifically for crafters.

Etsy allows each seller to set-up a customized online "shop" with full e-commerce capabilities by using its simple set-up wizard. It's easy, fast, affordable, and an effective way to reach consumers.

How much does it cost?

Etsy offers a comprehensive e-commerce platform and payment system on which individuals can sell a product. To create an Etsy storefront, it costs $0.20 per item listed. For example, if you sell hand-made necklaces and list four of the same kind, the fee will be $0.80 (4 X $0.20). On top of this fee, there is a 3.5% transaction fee, and if sellers elect to use Etsy's "Direct Checkout" feature, a 3% fee is charged on each transaction.

Compared to the expenses of setting up a website with a shopping cart, and getting a merchant account (which also charges processing fees), Etsy is an affordable alternative. Further, because Etsy is a known marketplace for handcrafted goods, it has a ready-made market.