Since its 2005 founding, the online marketplace now hosts more than 2 million sellers and 39 million buyers.
For that, there are plenty of otherplaces to sell stuff online.
It also isnt the greatest choice to list your tchotchkes after binge-watching Marie Kondos Netflix special.
Lena Gosik-Wolfe started her craft business selling custom 3D-printed cookie cutters. Now she helps others understand how to sell on Etsy. Aileen Perilla/ The Penny Hoarder
Compared to other online marketplaces, Etsy takes some work.
But that hard work can pay off as a profitable side business.
So from the start, its important to think of it like that: a side business.
And what does every side business need?
Figuring out the logistics beforehand can help determine if the website is worth your time.
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There are strict rules.
The two biggest restrictions are that the products must be vintage or handmade.
That means you cant simply buy cheap products from overseas and resell them.
For weeks, she studied successful shops.
When Dark Cycle Clothings Etsy store launched, her research paid off.
People dont realize how much work it takes, Enfinger said.
They just see the product and they see it selling.
Listing fee:For each listing on Etsys website or the mobile app, youll be charged 20 cents.
For multiple quantities of the same item, a 20 cent fee will be charged per sale.
Subscription fee:A basic Etsy shop membership is free.
We started pricing way too low.
We started at what made sense to us as broke 21-year-olds, Enfinger said.
confirm your pricing is at a point where you could really grow your business.
Step 2: Create Your Etsy Shop
A good product is only part of the equation.
Creating an online Etsy shoptakes mere minutes, but youll want to spend much more time customizing your page.
Its all about perception, Lena Gosik-Wolf, an Etsy shop designer and consultant, toldThe Penny Hoarder.
Its about how people are seeing you because they cant have that in-person experience.
Besides branding,howyou list your product is key to driving sales.
Enfinger and Gosik-Wolf agree that product descriptions and high-quality photos are the two biggest factors.
A well-lit, high-quality photo (or five) sets you apart from the competition.
Good photos make your listing appear much more legitimate and trustworthy, too.
In terms of product descriptions, its best to think of Etsys search function like Google.
For example, if youre trying to sell hand-knit afghans, youll want to include those details.
Product descriptions also are a place to tie in your brand story.
Dont just say blue blanket and call it a day.
People pick up on that kind of thing, Gosik-Wolf said.
They can tell if you dont care about your shop.
Step 3: Market Yourself
You made it this far.
You crunched the numbers, scoped out the competition and crafted the perfect product descriptions.
Youre not done yet, though.
Networking, both online and in-person, is a key part of how to sell on Esty successfully.
Theyre also excellent outlets to connect with your customers.
And in case it wasnt erase the first time: Your branding is everything.
So its important to create accounts across all platforms with the same business name.
This makes it easier for customers to find you.
You should curate your content on social media.
In general, announcements and longer-form posts are best on Facebook.
Each outlet serves as an opportunity to link back to your Etsy store, too.
AnEtsy Plusmembership can also help you get noticed.
Perks include promotional listings, customizable shipping boxes, business cards, additional shop customizations and more.
Rarely do Etsy shop ownersonlysell online.
Another way to increase your new side businesss profile is by joining indie flea markets in your area.
Etsy encourages its vendors to sell their products through the Etsy app while at in-person markets.
Local markets are where Dark Cycle Clothing got its start.
The benefits of markets are twofold.
Most of the time, local markets cost money to join.
Enfinger estimates that the ones Dark Cycle attend cost between $150 and $1,000.
Over the years, markets have grown to make up about one-third of its business revenue.
So for Enfinger, market fees are worth the investment.
I know people are going to show up.
Youre Up and Running on Etsy.
Youve figured out how to sell on Etsy, but thats just the beginning.
It takes time to see success.
To establish a loyal customer base, remember to leverage social media and local markets.
And give them incentive to do so through discounts or exclusive access to products.
The more you interact with your customers off of Etsy, the better.
Well-written product descriptions with keywords.
Adam Hardy is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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