Do you have a love for crafting? Do family and friends often ask you to make things for them? If you are a skilled artisan, chances are that you could monetize off your love and hobby of crafting. Thousands of artisans just like you are selling their handmade goods on Etsy, and making great money doing it. If you have thought about selling your crafts online but weren’t sure about where to start, take a look below at some helpful tips on how to make money selling your crafts on Etsy!
1. Create your product.
It is best to start your online business with 1-3 products you are excellent at crafting and can do so in a reasonable amount of time AND with a low amount of overhead. This way, you can get multiple items listed at a great price to your customers and get the ball rolling. Decide on what you want your specialty to be and start crafting. You want to have multiple items to offer when you open your shop.
2. Create your shop.
Create an Etsy seller account. This is a cinch and takes just minutes. You will fill out some basic information, set your shop policies, and create your shop name. If you need some inspiration, check out the shops of sellers who sell items like you do. You will also need to add payment information so buyers can pay you and Etsy can collect its fees from you. This is typically via a PayPal account.
3. Take amazing photos.
Photos are everything on Etsy. You want to showcase your items beautifully and photography is the way to do this. Make sure you use natural daylight, with simple and clean backgrounds. Take a clear and focused picture, and be sure to photograph items at multiple angles.
4. Create your listing.
Once your items are photographed you can create your listing. Include as much information as possible on the item such as the size, weight, the materials it is composed of, how to care for the item, and let buyers know if you are up for special requests. If so, this is a great way to earn additional sales. Set the price of your item, and then make your listing live.
5. Check your account daily.
Checking your Etsya account daily is important because buyers might try contacting you with questions. It is important to answer them back in a timely manner. Your item may sell at anytime, so checking your account often can also alert you of sales!
6. Send out your item.
Many Etsy sellers pride themselves on beautifully packaged items. They typically include a personal note of thanks and a little ribbon or pretty wrapping. Treat your customers well and they are sure to check back and see what else you have available.
Once your item has been mailed, get back to crafting so you can post more items! Soon you will get into a groove and be a strong seller with feedback. Treat your customers well and sell quality items so you can continue to build your feedback and invite new buyers to check you out.
Are you ready to turn your hobby into a career where you can make real cash? Then give these tips for selling on Etsy a try and see if selling your handmade goods is for you.
Amanda Love says
March 10, 2016 at 11:57 pmI’m no good when it comes to making things. I can make things that I might like but I can’t make things for others so I don’t even try. These are great tips for those interested in making things and who think they can do it.
Heather says
March 11, 2016 at 9:50 amI sell on Etsy but there is so much competition. It also doesn’t help that some people basically give things away.
Catherine S says
March 11, 2016 at 12:36 pmThis sounds like a great way to make some extra money. I will have to check out Esty.
Emily @ The Innovative Mama says
March 11, 2016 at 12:59 pmI am not crafty but I have a couple of friends who sell their crafts on Etsy, including one who is a totally amazing soap maker! (https://www.etsy.com/shop/CleanLineSoapCompany – check her out! Tell her The Innovative Mama sent you, haha!)
Vera Sweeney says
March 11, 2016 at 1:00 pmI love to shop on Etsy!! This is great advice I wish I was crafty enough to create but I love to be able to buy on the site.
Nicole Escat says
March 11, 2016 at 5:49 pmSuch a helpful tips and ideas! Sometimes I’m thinking to sell my crafts on FB, so glad to know about Etsy.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
March 12, 2016 at 3:54 amI do not do crafting because I am not that talented. I do love to browse around in Etsy. Some of the stuff being sold there are just amazing.
Miles L. says
March 12, 2016 at 5:26 amI heard so much of Etsy. Actually, I have friend earning from Etsy. Your tips are truly helpful. Thank you!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
March 12, 2016 at 5:32 amI wish I were crafty so I could sell on Etsy. Right now I just window shop the cute things on Etsy.
Theresa says
March 12, 2016 at 6:36 amI’d like to have my own Etsy shop some day, I just need to figure out my niche. For now, I do love browsing all of the fun and unique items on there.
Karina says
March 12, 2016 at 6:36 amI just recently started an Etsy shop to sell prints of my photography. I need to work a little harder on marketing, as my products haven’t gotten many views, but I should prepare for my first order by grabbing some pretty wrapping and maybe thank you cards to send out with the prints. Thanks for the tips!
Rosey says
March 12, 2016 at 11:19 amBlogging’s my hobby. I get cash from that sometimes. I’m not crafty though, not at all (though it doesn’t stop me from making things for fun).
Valerie Robinson says
March 12, 2016 at 2:51 pmThese are great tips! I always wondered how crafters found the time!
Neely (@Neelykins) says
March 13, 2016 at 11:37 amThis is very cool! If only I was crafty 🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
March 13, 2016 at 7:11 pmI would love to see my craft projects on Etsy. It would be a great way to supplement your income.
Tami says
March 13, 2016 at 8:36 pmThis sounds easy enough. I just need to come up with a product. I’d love to make planner pages, etc.
mburbage says
March 13, 2016 at 10:15 pmI so want to do this! I love making stuff and it just adds up here at the house. This is great, thanks for sharing!
Rosie says
March 16, 2016 at 3:36 pmI’ve gotten things from Etsy. I’m very crafty and have been thinking of selling on Etsy, that is if I move, which I may be. Zoning doesn’t allow it, nor does my condo complex. But I am checking with zoning before I buy anything that I can’t do an online craft biz from my house.
Mary Madalene says
March 17, 2016 at 1:31 pmI’ve always wanted to get into crafting more. I have all the tools just didn’t have the motivation to put into it. You’ve made me think twice about that. Starting up your own business on Etsy is easy peasy!
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Jerry Marquardt says
March 28, 2016 at 6:19 pmI would like to thank you for these tips and pointers on selling on Etsy. I don’t know the ins and outs yet, so this is most helpful.
Nikolina says
April 25, 2016 at 11:45 pmI love Etsy, but still don’t own a shop, maybe one day…
Rosie says
June 14, 2016 at 1:44 pmI would love to sell things on Etsy. I looked into it, and my town does not allow any home based biz, no exceptions. I’m looking into moving, and want to make sure it is a town I can have a home based biz. Another thing to consider are making sure it is set up properly legally and for taxes. There are some books out now, not too hard, to help with this.
margaret peg m. says
June 27, 2016 at 12:09 pmI love to make jewelry, but feel so inadequate after seeing what other Etsy sellers have accomplished. I do SHOP at Etsy. They are some of the most creative people on the planet!
LAMusing says
July 4, 2016 at 1:13 pmI love to craft, but keeping overhead low enough is difficult. Good tips though!
Sharon says
July 11, 2016 at 2:08 pmThis was helpful info, thank you!