How to start selling on Etsy

Etsy rewards shops that look finished from day one - list well, photograph well, and ship reliably.

Set up a shop that converts

Pick a memorable shop name, write a bio with a face behind it, and add shop policies up front. Your first listings need crisp photos in natural light, honest descriptions with measurements and materials, and keywords buyers actually type - think like a shopper, not an artist.

Understand the fees before pricing

Etsy charges a listing fee per item, a transaction fee of 6.5%, and payment processing on top. Offsite ads take a further cut when they bring the sale. Price your work so you still earn after fees and shipping - underpricing is the most common new-seller mistake.

Win the first sales

New shops get a small visibility boost - use it by launching with at least 10-15 listings rather than one. Renew listings, answer messages fast, and ask early buyers for reviews. Five-star reviews and on-time dispatch feed the algorithm that decides whether Etsy shows your shop again.