Are you interested in starting an e-commerce business with Etsy but need clarification about what to sell on the platform?
Whether you are an expert craftsman or a home-based enthusiast, Etsy provides a lively platform to advertise your wares.
It is a marketplace where commerce and creativity go hand in hand with over 96 million active buyers.
This category ranges from having custom-made jewelry that has a story behind it to having vintage pieces that remind you of your childhood or a specific period.
But how on Etsy do you find the right profitable spot in this highly competitive marketplace?
Research is key! The opportunities include diving into trending categories and customer preferences and understanding what makes the best sellers stand out.
Get ready to explore some of the best things to sell on Etsy with the help of a few tricks and tips.
What Strategies are Effective for Finding the Best Products on Etsy?
Selecting the most appropriate products to offer on Etsy entails certain criteria, market trends, and customer preferences research. Here are several effective strategies to help you identify top-performing products on Etsy:
Niche Identification
Niche marketing may help you create a unique selling proposition, which will guarantee you premier clientele.
Look through popular Etsy categories, like sustainability, bespoke gifts, or fine accessories, and consider what subcategories may be missing from them.
Market Research
Know your target demographic so that you know which of your list of commercials is best suited to them.
You can use Etsy itself to search for the best-selling items within your category of interest. Consider most borrowed items, top-selling books, and frequently searched words to measure interest.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
It can give your products a competitive edge and make them stand out in some way, whether through providing an exclusive feature or an option that the customer can select to fit what they need.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Many of the buyers at Etsy are likely to be interested in makers and quality. Make sure that all your products are well constructed, strong, durable, and finished.
Producing goods that are not only durable but also have a good design may result in positive reviews and repeat customers.
Visual Appeal
Product photos are very important when selling items on Etsy, especially if one is selling quality products. Use high-quality or trendy pictures emphasizing different aspects of the products (in use, various perspectives, details, etc.).
High-quality and well-defined images of the product greatly help increase sales and change the overall impression of the product.
Pricing Strategy
Evaluate your competitor’s prices and identify your costs and profit margin. An excellent example is pricing products to be as affordable as possible while being as valuable as the perceived price.
Retain some of your products at the high end while also releasing those that are more affordable to appeal to more customers.
Seasonal Trends and Timing
Be conscious of the monthly and annual cycles that may affect the purchasing decisions of consumers.
For instance, products associated with wedding events might be best sold during spring and summer, while those associated with holidays can be best sold close to the holiday season.
Customer Feedback and Iteration
Another element to consider is customer feedback and customer reviews.
Employ them to enhance your products and customer satisfaction and maybe to find opportunities for new products or a new version of an existing product.
Marketing and Promotion
Promote items to gain more exposure; use Etsy marketing features like promoted listings and Etsy ads.
Utilize Facebook, Instagram, and its newsletter to draw attention to your Etsy store and attract possible customers.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The Etsy marketplace is active; therefore, it is crucial to know frequent market trends, changes in Etsy policies, and consumer behavior.
This means adopting the right product mix and ways of competing as the market evolves.
Best Things to Sell on Etsy
1. Handmade Jewelry
Jewelry is the most common item on Etsy, and it tops the list of the most sold items because of the uniqueness that comes with handmade products. The piece of jewelry can become an icon that a customer wants to wear to express their personality. Sales can be made by using a variety of goods, ranging from the small and delicate pieces of jewelry that can be worn every day to the solid and eye-catching pieces.
Also, requesting items like sterling silver, gemstones, and other unique features like initials or birthstones are some of the more common requests. Choice opportunities can be used to meet customer stipulations by the sellers, giving value to the selling proposition.
2. Home Decor
The variety of home decorations on Etsy targets those clients who strive to make their homes cozier and more individual with the help of distinctly handmade items.
This category incorporates a wide variety of items, like pictures to hang on the wall, vases, candle holders, and fabrics, among others.
The various trends that are present, such as minimalist, bohemian, and sustainable decor, can be exploited by the sellers.
Specialized home decorative items like custom-made banners, printed cushions, etc., help sellers target smaller niches and their individual customer preferences, thereby increasing their strength in the system.
3. Craft Supplies
Staple products are all the art and craft items that a seller in the Etsy store or any DIY fanatic needs.
This category includes all common subordinate materials and equipment that are used in works, including beads, fabrics, yarns, equipment, sewing machines, knitting needles, etc.
Customers can be drawn by offering some specialty or rare supplies, products that are environmentally friendly, or affordable and appealing sets of crafts.
A detailed explanation of its products and easy-to-follow guides can also build customers’ trust in the engineers and those who would like to try their hands at other creative activities in the future.
4. Clothing and Accessories
The clothing and accessories niche sold on Etsy is relevant to consumers in search of individual and high-quality items in comparison to the availability of thousands of similar pieces.
Sellers may sell personalized t-shirts, jackets, skirts, shoes, bags, scarves, or any other item that matches current fashion or any style that can be associated with modern world imagery.
Globally, apparel and accessories have reached $1.79 trillion this year, ensuring they remain hot commodities for consumers.
Services with close-fit customization, like monogramming or specially tailored clothes, are perfect for sellers because they can fit individual needs and concerns.
Other factors that can also help sellers stand out in this highly competitive segment include quality artistry, design details, and environmental conservation.
5. Wedding Supplies
Wedding supplies from Etsy include those to be used by couples who want to make their special day as special as possible in terms of creativity as well as the use of handmade products.
This category comprises goods like invitations, bridal accessories like veils and hair pieces, bride’s gifts like candles for weddings, chocolates, etc., and decorative items like wedding cakes, centerpieces, and runners.
It will also be beneficial for sellers to have customizable features where couples can design other aspects of their wedding to be in line with their theme.
6. Art and Collectibles
Collectibles and art can be described as items that interlink with collectors and art lovers in society.
Etsy has a wide array of products, including original artworks, prints, sculptures, pottery, and other artists’ handmade creations.
These include presenting consumers with special and exclusive products, certain types of artistic works, or the whole series that would be grouped around a particular topic or reflect particular tendencies.
7. Personalized Gifts
Gifts customized for individuals on Etsy are famous since they show the client has taken time and effort to choose a unique product.
Among them are engraved jewelry, custom-painted portraits, monogrammed home accessories, personalized writing materials, custom-designed accessories, and so on.
Consumers can benefit from customization opportunities, which make it possible to add names, dates, or any messages they want to their chosen products.
8. Toys and Games
On Etsy, toys and games are mostly for kids and people interested in purchasing toys that are not factory-made but handcrafted and even vintage.
These comprise toys made of wood, baby toys such as soft toys, learning aid toys such as games and puzzles, and even toys that remind people of childhood.
Potentially distinct selling points of sellers may include careful artistry, strict adherence to the law on safety at the workplace, and materials that are friendly to the environment.
Customized options like color, design, texture, etc., of toys and hand-made board games with specific features that would interest particular customers create room for niche marketing.
9. Personalized Candles
Candles are customized in different ways to make appropriate gifts and home decor due to their beauty and the goodwill they add to a home or office.
These are candles with special labels, scents, shapes, and designs to suit certain preferences and occasions.
Moreover, it is a bright prospect as the global candle market is expected to be valued at $13.15 billion by 2029.
Sellers can produce candles for weddings, holidays, birthdays, and every day, striving for environmental materials, natural materials, recyclable containers, and extraordinary scents.
Offering choices for a customized message, first name initials, or special holiday packing makes personalized candles more appealing and brings back orders from happy consumers.
10. Vintage Items
Antique products have a certain value and are considered by collectors and enthusiasts interested in limited and historical products.
On Etsy, this category refers to clothes, fashion accessories, homewares, furniture, and other items of different periods and styles.
The original owners can upload selected items. It also ensures that they are not fake, of lower quality, or misdescribed.
Stressing that every item is unique and has its history and presenting clear photos and size specifications meet the needs of those who seek to enrich their collection or interior with truly exceptional items.
11. Knitted and Crocheted Items
Knitted and crocheted products obviously present a well-made and unique product and are sought by customers who are willing to purchase handmade apparel, accessories, and home products.
This category on Etsy involves scarves, hats, blankets, baby clothes, and other decorative items made from yarn or thread.
There are various ways for sellers to stand out from others, including selling complex patterns, offering customization, and creating products with luxurious materials that will allow them to focus on comfort and endurance.
12. Phone Cases
Phone cases on Etsy allow smartphone users to individualize their protection and aesthetic with the choice of cover style and material.
This category comprises cases produced by hand or specifically ordered and can bear any artwork, patterns, etc.
Consumers with different preferences can be diversified through cases for various phone models, environmentally friendly products, or adding names or initials.
Ensuring quality construction, proper fit, and product stability guarantees the customers’ satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Suggested Read: Using Behavioral Psychology To Enhance Marketing Automation
How to Register/create an account on ETSY?
Creating an Etsy seller account is a simple process because the website offers an opportunity to sell handmade products, vintage items, or crafting materials online.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through setting up your Etsy shop manager:
1. Create an Etsy seller account login
In the first place, open the main page of the platform in the address bar of your browser and go down to press the “Sell on Etsy” button.
The link will take you right through to the homepage, where you’ll be required to register for a new account if you do not have one with them already. Read the following instructions to proceed with creating your seller account login.
2. Set up your Etsy shop preferences
When you first log in to Etsy, the system will take you through your shop preferences and settings. This includes selecting the preferred language, preferred currency, and the location of the operation.
Etsy Payments charges 2.5% currency conversion on sales of products listed in a currency other than the one in your account. Ensure these details are in sync with your target consumer segment and business requirements.
3. Name your shop
Make sure to select a unique and easily memorable name for your shop. This name will be the face of your store on Etsy, so it is critical to pick something you like that would attract your target clients. Make sure to keep these things in mind while naming your shop:
- Four to 20 characters long.
- No spaces or special characters.
- Not a name that’s already in use by another Etsy seller.
- No trademark infringements.
- No profanities.
4. Create listings
Many of the buyers at Etsy are likely to be interested in makers and quality. Make sure that all your products are well constructed, strong, durable, and finished.
Producing goods that are not only durable but also have a good design may result in positive reviews and repeat customers.
5. Add your details and payment information
Specify your individual and company information, such as your e-mail address, the physical address if needed, and the preferred currency. Second, they improve their account information and payment options.
6. Set up billing
Payment information should be checked and set for appropriate billing. You may also offer a credit card or debit card for billing processes and other purposes. Etsy has listing fees, transaction fees, and other fees depending on the volume of salespeople and current offers.
Etsy Payments also has a payment processing fee of 3% + 0.25 cents per transaction in the United States. Moreover, Etsy charges 6.5% of the total order amount, including shipping and gift-wrapping costs. Etsy charges 3% + $0.25 per transaction in payment processing fees.
7. Verify your bank account
Payments from Etsy can only be made if the account holder verifies their bank details.
Etsy deposits a small amount of money into your bank account, and you will need to return to Etsy to maintain the account.
8. Accessing your Etsy shop manager
After you sign up for your shop, you will be able to navigate through your Etsy Shop Manager.
The website is your command center for viewing orders, stock, messages, and offers. Make sure to get acquainted with its features so that you can use it to manage your Etsy business.
Tips for Etsy Sellers on How to Set up a Successful Shop
Research and Define Your Niche
Choose a niche that interests you and has the potential to sell products in the market. Know your products and how they are different from similar products of other companies.
Conduct interviews and surveys to obtain information concerning your target demographic in your specialized area.
Create High-Quality Listings
Avoid using blurry or low-contrast images, and take multiple pictures of your products.
Write vivid descriptions of the selected objects while focusing on features, materials, size, and application. Pick appropriate keywords to enhance the search engine results.
Optimize Your Shop Policies
The last one is to establish distinct shop policies for shipping, returns, and exchanges. The policies should make the customer feel comfortable to avoid any disagreements in the future.
Regular approaches allow for controlling the customer’s expectations and increasing the level of professionalism of your shop.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
Study the prices of similar products on the Etsy platform and estimate reasonable yet profitable price tags. Think about your costs, the time necessary to complete a project, and your target profit margins.
Some firms undermine their competitive advantage by giving occasional discounts or other promotions to consumers.
Utilize Etsy SEO
Ensure that all your product titles, tags, and descriptions contain the keyword strings. Go to Etsy, and in the search bar, look for the most popular keywords that customers are using.
Always make updates and rework your listings using performance data or changes in trends.
Promote Your Shop
Share your Etsy shop and your products on social networking sites. Connect with your audience by posting frequently, sharing stories, and providing updates.
It may be the right time to invest in paid promotion on Etsy or any social media platform to drive traffic to the shop.
Wrapping Up
Several factors are usually considered when determining which products to sell on Etsy; they include trends, customers, and love. Artisans and craftsmen find a ready market in handcrafted jewellery, home decor items, DIY art and craft products, customized gifts, and vintage collectables. Market research includes browsing through Etsy to find the most popular shops, as well as opportunities in more specific categories. Therefore, to survive in this innovative market, one needs to be innovative and flexible in responding to customer concerns.
FAQs
What products are good to sell on Etsy?
Etsy is known for its handmade artisan jewelry, customized gifts, antique and vintage products, and home decor accessories.
How can you research what to sell at Etsy?
Visit shops with the highest rankings in your category, investigate your category’s performance over the last month, and get more ideas by exploring Etsy’s search and analysis features.
Is it better to target a particular market?
Yes, specializing in a given type of product or service gives one a competitive edge and attracts clients who are interested in such particular items or services.
What is some advice for making an effective list?
Choose beautiful images, detailed descriptions, keywords related to the product and niche, and affordable prices to grab buyers’ attention.
What role do customer feedback and reviews play?
Taking customer feedback shows that you are serious and adds credibility to the process. You should answer quickly, consider what people say in their reviews, and apply such feedback to enhance offers.
