Etsy is a fantastic platform for creative entrepreneurs, but whether you’re a new seller or a seasoned pro, questions often arise about how to navigate the platform successfully. From understanding fees to improving your listings, this blog covers the most frequently asked questions about Etsy to help you maximise your shop’s potential.

1. What Is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. It’s a platform designed for creative entrepreneurs to sell their unique products to a global audience.

2. What Can I Sell on Etsy?

Etsy allows sellers to list:

   •       Handmade Items: Products made or designed by you.

   •       Vintage Items: Must be at least 20 years old.

   •       Craft Supplies: Materials or tools used to create handmade items.

Prohibited items include alcohol, drugs, and items that violate intellectual property laws. Check Etsy’s Prohibited Items Policy for more details.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Sell on Etsy?

Etsy’s fee structure includes:

   •       Listing Fee: £0.15 per item, renewed every four months.

   •       Transaction Fee: 6.5% of the total sale price, including shipping.

   •       Payment Processing Fee: Varies by country (e.g., 4% + £0.20 in the UK).

Optional costs include Etsy Ads, which you can set based on your budget.

4. How Do I Set Up an Etsy Shop?

Starting an Etsy shop is simple:

      1.   Sign up on Etsy and click “Sell on Etsy.”

      2.   Choose a shop name that reflects your brand.

      3.   Add your products with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and relevant tags.

      4.   Set up your payment and shipping options.

Download my Etsy Launch Checklist for a step-by-step guide to setting up your shop.

5. How Can I Get More Traffic to My Etsy Shop?

Boosting your shop’s visibility requires a combination of SEO, marketing, and customer engagement.

Tips for Increasing Traffic:

   •       Use SEO Keywords: Add relevant keywords to your titles, tags, and descriptions.

   •       Use Social Media: Promote your shop on Instagram and Pinterest.

   •       Run Etsy Ads: Increase visibility in search results.

Learn more about optimising your shop in my Etsy SEO Tips.

6. What Are Etsy’s Policies for Sellers?

Etsy requires sellers to:

   •       Deliver items as described and within the promised time limit.

   •       Respond to buyer inquiries promptly.

   •       Avoid selling prohibited or counterfeit items.

Violations can result in penalties, such as listing removal or shop suspension.

7. How Do I Improve My Etsy Listings?

Well-optimised listings can significantly increase sales.

Key Elements of a Great Listing:

   •       High-Quality Photos: Show multiple angles and include lifestyle shots.

   •       Detailed Descriptions: Include size, materials, and usage instructions.

   •       SEO Keywords: Use phrases buyers are searching for, like “personalised leather journal.”

8. What Are Etsy Reviews, and Why Do They Matter?

Etsy reviews are feedback left by customers after a purchase. They are crucial for:

   •       Building trust with potential buyers.

   •       Improving your shop’s ranking in Etsy search results.

How to Get More Reviews:

   •       Include a thank-you note with orders, encouraging customers to leave a review.

   •       Provide exceptional customer service.

   •       Follow up with a polite message after delivery.

Read my blog on How to Get More Etsy Reviews for detailed tips.

9. How Do Etsy Ads Work?

Etsy Ads are a paid feature that boosts your product visibility in search results.

How to Use Etsy Ads:

   •       Set a daily budget (start small and test your results).

   •       Focus on promoting bestsellers.

   •       Monitor performance and adjust your strategy over time.

10. How Does Etsy Handle Shipping?

Etsy provides tools to simplify shipping:

   •       Use Etsy’s shipping labels to save time and money.

   •       Offer free shipping or set clear rates to attract buyers.

   •       Add tracking information to reassure customers.

11. Can I Sell Digital Products on Etsy?

Yes! Digital products, like printables and templates, are one of the fastest-growing categories on Etsy.

Benefits of Selling Digital Products:

   •       No inventory or shipping required.

   •       High scalability.

   •       Popular categories include planners, wall art, and Canva templates.

Explore ideas for selling digital products in my blog on Etsy Printables for Passive Income.

12. What Should I Do If Sales Are Slow?

If your Etsy shop isn’t performing as expected, try these strategies:

   •       Review your SEO and update listings with trending keywords.

   •       Run seasonal promotions or sales.

   •       Improve your product photos and descriptions.

Check out my blog on Are Etsy Sales Down? for more insights.

13. Can I Run an Etsy Shop While Working Full-Time?

Yes! Many sellers manage their Etsy shops as a side hustle. With time-saving strategies like batching tasks and using automation tools, you can balance your shop with other responsibilities.

14. How Do I Handle Difficult Customers or Negative Reviews?

Dealing with unhappy customers is part of running a business, but handling these situations professionally can prevent further issues.

Tips for Handling Negative Feedback:

   •       Respond politely and offer a solution.

   •       Avoid being defensive.

   •       Learn from the feedback to improve your shop.

15. Can I Sell on Etsy and Another Platform?

Yes! Many sellers use Etsy alongside other platforms, like Shopify or Amazon Handmade, to diversify their income. Just ensure you can manage inventory and fulfil orders across multiple platforms.

FAQs Recap

Here’s a quick overview of common Etsy questions:

   •       How much does it cost to sell on Etsy? £0.15 per listing + 6.5% transaction fee.

   •       What can I sell on Etsy? Handmade, vintage, or craft supplies.

   •       How can I boost sales? Optimise SEO, improve photos, and leverage social media.

Final Thoughts

Etsy offers incredible opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, but understanding the platform is key to your success. By mastering these FAQs and implementing the tips shared here, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving shop.

If you’re ready to take your Etsy shop to the next level, download my free Etsy Launch Checklist to ensure your shop is set up for success. For more tips and strategies, explore my Etsy SEO Tips.

Rebecca xx