Want to get a shop started on Etsy? Don’t know where to start? This guide will help you find the help you need to get your shop up and running!
What to Sell
First things first: you need items to sell! Make sure your items follow the Do’s and Don’ts on what can be sold on Etsy before you get started. Need some inspiration? Littleputbooks (one of our top sellers) has a great blog post about Making a Great Product.
Coming up with a Name
Piddix has a great blog post on Picking Your Etsy Name. And our own MaryMary has a great article on deciding on a shop name here. I have one more tip for you: Make sure it’s “Google-able!” Sure the name “FriedChicken” might be memorable, but if you go to Google and search “Fried Chicken,” your shop will be a needle in a greasy (yet delicious) haystack!
Banner and Avatar
Your banner and avatar can help you brand your shop, so try to make them beautiful! Here’s a how-to on Making A Banner that I wrote a while back. If you are just getting started with photo editing you might want to try our magical Bannerator! Or search “banner” on Etsy to find a talented seller to make you a banner!
Your avatar should be eye-catching and clear. (This is sometimes difficult because of the size of an avatar, so keep it simple!) Try showcasing your most beautifully photographed product!
Need more help? Try the Help guides here and here.
Your Profile
Buyers on Etsy want to know about who they are buying from. Make sure you tell them a bit about yourself in your profile, as connecting this way with a buyer will encourage them to support you and your craft, so don’t be shy! SarasTextureCrafts has a detailed article on Crafting Your Profile Page, so read up! The profile is also a great place to share your shop policies (soon Etsy will have a separate spot for your policies). The EtsyWiki has a whole section devoted to shop policies.
Listing Your First Item
Listing an item is an easy four step process. This help guide will take you through each one. Here are some articles that can also help you with this process:
- Making the Most of Your Descriptions
- Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy
- Writing for an Online Audience: How-To
- The Art of Pricing
- Budgeting Advice for New Craft Businesses
- Shipping Pointers
Photography
Photography is the most important part of your shop (in my opinion!). If you don’t have crisp, clear and eye-catching photos, your sales will reflect this. The more professional and cohesive your photos look, the more confidence buyers will have in your shop. You may think you need a super-duper-top-of-the-line camera, but believe me, you don’t. Images on the internet must be 72dpi (i.e. not top printable quality!), so even a $150 digital camera will be just perfect! Photography takes a lot of practice, time and research, but once you get it right you will see your shop really blossom! Here are some articles to get you started:
- Staying Sharp: Achieving Clarity and Crispness in Your Photos
- Give Props: How to Style Your Photos
- Shop Makeover: Makeover Your Listings with Color
- Shop Makeover: Photographing for Success
- Your Shop 101: Photograph Your Way to The Top!
- On The Level: Make Your Photos Pop with Histograms and Levels
- Bright Light, Big Color: Using EV and White Balance to Make Your Photos True to Life
Your First Sale
Now what? First things first, celebrate. The first sale is so exciting! Now once you have calmed down, check out the transaction page and make sure your buyer has paid. Package up your item and get it ready to ship (a hand written thank you note is always good customer service!). Send your buyer a quick little convo (or conversation) thanking them for their purchase and letting them know when you are going to ship. Ship your item, tick off the checkbox by your sold item, leave your buyer feedback and you’re done!
Promoting Your Shop
Once you have your shop set up with at least a page of items, now is the time to promote! Here’s great article to start with: Pimp Your Shop for 2008. Don’t forget to try some offline promotions, too! Here are some more links to help you get started:
- Trends: Promoting through the Sampler
- DIY PR: Local Press
- How-to Network Offline: Increase Online Sales in Five Easy Steps
- Dispatches from B-School: Marketing Communications, Part 1
- Dispatches from B-School: Marketing Communications, Part 2
- Don’t Order Another 1,000 Business Cards
- The Art of the Press Release
Need More Help?
You’re not exhausted yet? Well, OK! Here are some more great resources from the forums:
- The Ultimate Newbie Guide – 1 year anniversary edition
- NEWBIES ~ Here’s a few Etsy tips for you
- Newbies – Etsy Tips For You
- Tips for New Sellers…
In addition, the Etsy Success Stories are always filled with inspirational tales and tips galore from prosperous sellers.
I hope this guide helps you get started! If you have questions or want advice make sure you join our Newbie Chats in the Online Labs (usually Thursdays at 5 pm EDT).
Experience sellers, leave our newbies some more words of wisdom in the comments below! What’s your most important piece of advice?
131 comments
Sign in to add your ownjessiemccann says:
A great summary of all the essential articles for newbies like me. Each step is exactly what we need in order to get our shop set up. Thank you so much!
4 years ago
MissCrowland says:
I'll be sure to do some reading this weekend!
4 years ago
AbbieRoad says:
great tips, and thanks for featuring my painting!!
4 years ago
dancingcircle says:
I think the article sort of glossed over the importance of researching shipping rates/options before you even list. Most new sellers don't realize they'll need a scale, shipping supplies, and knowledge about domestic as well as international restrictions in order to reach maximum # of customers.
4 years ago
CaprichosDePapel says:
This is a great article!
4 years ago
Vanessa says:
that's a great point dancingcircle hey would you like to write a specific Storque article about that??? hint hint...convo me
4 years ago
daniellexo says:
Thanks for the advice dancingcircle! I just put in a link to a past article on shipping I wrote. Here it is: http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/howTos/article/your-shop-101-getting-it-there-in-time/654/
4 years ago
fairytalefibers says:
Wonderful resource! Thanks for putting this together, I'll be passing the link on!
4 years ago
origamichristmastree says:
I joint Etsy last week as a friend of mine strongly recommended etsy for my Origami Christmas Trees. As I was so excited to prepare my "shop" here, I am sorry I read this important information to be a right, efficient and contributing member of Etsy only now after opening an account here. I will study again thoroughly all information and rules. Thank you so much.
3 years ago
kawaiinekonya says:
thanks for the help ^^
3 years ago
PhillFinley says:
Really good tool for marketing art, easy to get started, and now just waiting to see the results. Thanks!!!
3 years ago
kowak says:
I need to change information for Etsy about paypal and don't know how to do it. Help!!!
3 years ago
Lonesomedove1 says:
thanks for he help, can`t wait to get started...
3 years ago
Sloanester says:
Thanks, looking forward to listing collection
3 years ago
cms36451 says:
thanks etsy, I am so excited to get started!
3 years ago
decarlo says:
Hello, I can't wait to get started...
3 years ago
Arche says:
Thank you!
3 years ago
craftyjoy352 says:
I am very excited to be here on etsy. I have found all these tips very informative and so helpful in getting starts.
3 years ago
BrautiesWorld says:
It said to look for 'shop setup' then click appearence. But there is NO 'shop setup', and there is NO 'appearence' Ahhhh wthh?
3 years ago
eggcentricity says:
As someone considering listing here, the more info. the better. Glad to see it so organized and helpful.
3 years ago
Knitsgalore1 says:
I have just become an Etsy Newbie and have absolutely no idea how start my shop or design the shopfront. This guide is very valuable thanks a million, I will read through all of it maybe I can get me head round it meself. Kniterella
3 years ago
boobadolls says:
Thanks alot. very good advises:I
3 years ago
HempknoticDesigns says:
Etsy is Great! Thank you very much for awesome information on storefronting. Can't wait to get it going.
3 years ago
susurrosmagicos says:
Hello, i make fairies and magic characters in "masilla epoxy". I wanted to ask you if it was posible to sell without having a creditcard. I live in Argentina, but i have family in miami that can do me the favor of using theirs. Thank you.
3 years ago
handcraftusa says:
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to sell my handmade accessories on line. I know that your customers who shop on etsy.com will enjoy the quality I put into each item I make.
3 years ago
popsrockabillyshop says:
I am definitely excited about starting this new venture in my life. Something I have always wanted to do and Etsy is sure making it alot easier to achieve.
3 years ago
dogtreasures says:
well--I got signed up with no problem--thing is--I cannot for the life of me figure out HOW to set up a shop--I can't even find a link to take me someplace to do so! I have been an online seller for 10 years now so do not think I am a dummy--but this beats me! any help appreciated! thanks
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
dogtreasures, click on the "sell" button in the main grey navigation. Good luck!
3 years ago
heronmoon says:
I'm trying to find information on whether we can accept credit card payments in our shops. I got a merchant account several months after establishing my shop but I'll be darned if I can find an answer to this question...I'd be grateful for being pointed to the answer! Thank you!
3 years ago
Beljewel75 says:
I am also a new etsy chick. I am very iliterate with computers so its good to see so much information available :) Cant wait to get started, i have to attempt a banner now mmmmmm
3 years ago
sharonm387 says:
setting up my new shop and would like to know if i only do certain parts of a new listing i.e. say the description, can i come back to it at a later date and finish the listing or will i lose it all, sharon.
3 years ago
Littlehandstudios says:
Thank you!
3 years ago
lunasheart says:
Great guidance---feel a trifle overwhelmed, but that's probably partially due to the fact that I've yet to hit the hay and it's 6a.m.PDT!!!
3 years ago
sixteensassystreet says:
Hello, I am a new seller on etsy and need some help with shipping costs. I have furniture pieces, some heavy and some not so heavy. How do I know how much to charge for shipping costs? This may be a silly question, but this is my first time to ever sell on line. Thanks!!
3 years ago
jeansjeweledwrapscc says:
Can't wait to get started and make my first sale!
3 years ago
CorysHandmade says:
Thanks etsy!
3 years ago
sisterspersnickety says:
yeah! thanks!
3 years ago
daniellexo says:
You can easily accept credit cards via paypal on Etsy. Here is some help with that: http://www.etsy.com/faq_selling.php#payment_methods --- If you need help with shipping cost and you are in the U.S., check out USPS.com. You must know the weight of your packages and then you can search for shipping costs. Hope that helps!
3 years ago
blacita says:
I am a new comer to Etsy even though I've been a crafter for over thirty years and have sold for over fifteen. I'll probably have some questions later that aren't covered in the start up information.
3 years ago
yoshinkhel says:
very informative. tks
3 years ago
pattykayesplace says:
much to learn and do! Being a newcomer here, I look forward to getting to know many folks out there!
3 years ago
priscilladawn says:
I was at a loss of what to do about setting up a shop until I read this. Thanks so much!
3 years ago
cindysartcreations says:
I am just starting out and its very inviting , I am not a computer wizz , but with all the help from this page ,I think I can do it !!! Have a great day . I have to get busy now and get more things listed and then I will begin my promoting !!!
3 years ago
ItsSewMine says:
I have a major problem I went back to my store and was going to edit some spelling and the items I had listed disappeared. May I have some help with where they went I didn't want them taken off. I'm trying to learn how to do this. Guess I didn't do so great. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can seem to find the answer anywhere to this.!!!!!!!!!!!!HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
hattricks says:
Thanks for this helpful info. I have had some questions about getting started, but I'm slowly learning from all the great info you folks put out! great support system! Thanks Etsy..
3 years ago
PhotosbyTerry says:
I'm having a problem with a multiple sale. My customer is buying 30 of my photo magnets. I price them at $1 for the 1st one and $.75 each for more than one. I did up the listing for the 30 and so far the order is showing as 1 order of 6 at $1 each plus the $6.80 shipping or $7.80 total, which my customer has paid through PayPal (confirmed by PayPal). There's a 2nd order showing for $7.80 and no payment. The balance due for the other 28 is $21.75. How can I do this and be able to have the customer pay the remainder and have Etsy get the money they should get for the sale?
3 years ago
stellaloella says:
Hi PhotosbyTerry. The best way to get help with a specific transaction is to send an email to our Support Team at support@etsy.com. They'll be happy to help you. Congratulations on the multiple-item sale!
3 years ago
sueinperu says:
I'm very excited to get started, thanks so much for offering a place for us undiscovered artists to be able to show there wares!! Big High Five:) You must be something special to put this together. Thanks again!!
3 years ago
overstay says:
Great info an help step by step.TY
3 years ago
bybarbarabell says:
Very helpful and encouraging. I'm glad to hear that I don't have to try to produce something specifically that will "succeed," but that success can come to a person who produces what he or she truly loves.
3 years ago
kidsfunfleece says:
Looks like everything I need to get started. I'm very excited about the possiblities!
3 years ago
Morgaine1571 says:
help i've literally just started!!!!! i do have some questions and i would like to know. do i have to apply for a ny bussiness licence before i get started?
3 years ago
klassicglassdesigns says:
I will try this and hope it comes out just as easy as it sounds.
3 years ago
spirallulu says:
I'm so excited. I can't wait to dress up my page. HELP....!!!
3 years ago
InspiredBrides says:
oh my !!!! Have to concentrate !!! Not very computer savvy, good job I am better at making dresses !!!
3 years ago
jevan3 says:
I just found out about Etsy and and have browsed some of the shops, it seems so amazing. I am looking forward to buying and selling on this site.
3 years ago
piepersdolls says:
this site is nice. Easy to use and mostly very well explained. I think we will be a good fit.
3 years ago
COVETREATS says:
Thanks for the tips
3 years ago
alfastudio says:
Very useful infomation! Thanks :-)
3 years ago
geegee1005 says:
THIS is the first timeI am selling any-thing on the internet. my daughter give me your site bless her and espec-ially you.
3 years ago
BIGEYESPEAHEAD says:
I'm very excited about getting started...can't wait to sell/purchase my first item.
3 years ago
UrbanAdornments says:
Thank you so much for giving me a venue to share my passion with others! Etsy is truly a gift to all of us that needed a place to get started!
3 years ago
perebags says:
This guide is fantastic! THANK YOU!!!!
3 years ago
barriesflies says:
i am looking forward to using Etsy with a little help, i think it will be a very good place to sell my hand tied fishing flies'
3 years ago
cloud9designstudio says:
wonderful! wish i had seen this when i started!!! ;) great, helpful info!
3 years ago
Fikidoll says:
the guide was great and helped me a lot. Thanks!
3 years ago
hearthsidetreasures says:
Thanks for all the great info! The more knowledgeable we are before we begin, the better for us and our customers!
3 years ago
angelarbp says:
I joined etsy a few months ago and just now have time to read this article. I should have read it earlier and I would have known to pick my username as my shop name. Can I change?
3 years ago
suzy1950 says:
This is my 1st time having a shop & selling on the internet.I alway made my stuff & gave it away,or sold to my family & friends. Or at the flea market.Thanks for your help & Info,on how to get started. I'm very exicted
3 years ago
808jems says:
I really appreciate this article, thanks so much for putting it together!
3 years ago
CoraMarieBoutique says:
This is a very informative artical. I have been one etsy almost a year now and I found ways to improve my shop and my photos from this artical. Great job!! Thank you:)
3 years ago
LBscrapboutique says:
Thanks for all the advice! It truly helped us set up shop!
3 years ago
alphamaille says:
Excellent. I really needed some good advice into my first venturing in selling.
3 years ago
nadineandkathleen says:
Great article! I kind of blundered through our shop opening and my cousin's going to start her own shop soon --this article will help her a lot! Thanks!
3 years ago
MommasMonkeys says:
I bookmarked this! This is the most helpful tool I've found yet for just starting out.
3 years ago
hempandmore says:
Thank you thank you!! :-) Lisa and Ray
3 years ago
DareToExpress says:
"a greasy (yet delicious) haystack!" Haha :)
3 years ago
greenray says:
Thanks for these useful tips !
3 years ago
hanginmoon says:
thank you so much. :) hang hanginmoon. Plz check us out
3 years ago
turquoise100 says:
Thank you! Etsy is a great place
3 years ago
eclecticthings4u says:
Thanks for all the tips... I just told my cousin and she shared etsy with all the girls she works with... let the fun begin...
3 years ago
AKjapan says:
I am thinking of opening a new shop and before doing so I have gone back to the beginning and have started to read this guide. Very, very helpful.
3 years ago
KentwoodKreations says:
This is really helpful tips.Thanks!!
3 years ago
jessicarogers says:
As with so many others I'm very excited to start up my shop here on Etsy! Thanks so very much for putting this beginner's guide together - I know it will help me out! I've seen many inspirational artists here and hopefully I'll be one soon too. :)
3 years ago
marysvintagevisions says:
I'm excited about listing my handmade items on Etsy. I have many more to list and just getting started. I enjoyed reading other comments and helpful hints. Mary
3 years ago
luckytwentyone says:
wow...SO helpful. now I have a LOT of work ahead! ;)
3 years ago
handcraftusa says:
Etsy! A great friend and great information for me as I am a beginner here. How to's very helpful. Thanks.
2 years ago
breezydays says:
Etsy is AMAZING! You all have made this so easy. I am loving the links to more articles!
2 years ago
blingringsandthings says:
Thank you so much - this community is amazing. I totally forgot about posting my feedback to the buyers. I'm going to do that right now. You're the best!!
2 years ago
Enuwbe says:
Thank you for always trying to make our Etsy shop better. I love the Etsy community, and enjoy the many ways there are to be involved!
2 years ago
AnjaliBoutique says:
Great tips - sure helps to navigate what seems like a maze in my first few days. Thanks.
2 years ago
ArtworkzByCheri says:
I have been trying and trying to learn all I need to know to "open" my shop as I have it mostly set up. To recieve all this info is GREAT. I am excited as well as nervous about this new adventure! Cheri
2 years ago
mammysshop says:
Great information. Thanks
2 years ago
smdstudio says:
Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated!
2 years ago
Hechoamano3 says:
Great tips. thank you! although I started some months ago I need lots of improvements, this guide is sure to help!
2 years ago
crochetedwithlove says:
These articles will be a tremendous help. Thank you! Now if the thunderstorms will stop so I can pictures done in sunlight..... :)
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
thanks for the help ^^
2 years ago
eclecticbysari says:
Some butt-kicking resources. Thank you :)
2 years ago
KabiDesigns says:
Thank you so much for the advice ^_^
2 years ago
LuxuryJewelry says:
I just started. I appreciate the tips so much. Sooooooo many sellers and products ....I wish if you could promote the biginners in etsy Thank you. Lily
2 years ago
LuxuryJewelry says:
I just started.... Can anybody check my shop please ,and tell me if i am doing fine so far? How is my pictures? I suggest that etsy staff check each new shop and make their remarks.... How can a seller know about the potential of his shop? What are the signs? Thank you Lily
2 years ago
Bluebrooch says:
Article was GREAT help!! THANX. Loving teh photography as much as making my treasures
2 years ago
Imagesbylynnann says:
Great information! Thanks!!
2 years ago
LondonParticulars says:
Very helpful information for new shops!
2 years ago
TheGoldenPlague says:
Thanks! I can't wait to start following each and every tip :)
2 years ago
magdamagda says:
lovely ill study the abc-s thanks:)
2 years ago
magdamagda says:
lovely ill study the ABC-s thanks!
2 years ago
LiliAndrini says:
Great tips, thanks!!!
2 years ago
livelovenest says:
Great tips - Thank you!!
2 years ago
gpearson55 says:
Lots of great information! Wish I would have read this before starting my shop. Thank You!
2 years ago
grimmandgrete says:
Thanks for the great information!
2 years ago
elisa1sw says:
I do appreciate all the help and resources Etsy offers!
1 year ago
elisawalshdesigns says:
Im new to Etsy and all of this is a bit overwhelming. I'm glad there is so much support and information to rely upon!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
Thank you for the tips I am sure going to try them again THANKS!!!!!
1 year ago
captainviolet says:
thanks for taking the time to put this together for us newbies!
1 year ago
EternallyEmma says:
I set up a shop a couple of days ago, still need to try to make my pictures look better but they're getting there! Etsy is probably the best place to sell things because of it's low listing & percentage fees but also because of it's blogs. I'd been buying on here for a while before I set up a shop & I've always enjoyed reading different articles & looking at people's shops!
1 year ago
TheTieDye says:
Great!!
1 year ago
WorkDayDesign says:
Such a great article, only just set up shop so trying to find ways to improve my shop and get some sales. The seller handbook is such a great resource. If your new and need some professional graphic design then contact me if you need any help. :)
1 year ago
DansCustom says:
here it goes! first time ever selling online and so excited! thank you for this opportunity and great tips! i will stay in touch!xo
1 year ago
TheSassySewer says:
Thank you
1 year ago
txannecarole says:
Very informative and absolutely an avenue I will look into! Thank you so much :)
1 year ago
meminedesign says:
thanks found some interesting and helpful ideas!!!!!!!!!I am off to do a new banner
1 year ago
Decorating4U says:
I am inspired by this article. I am new to Etsy and need all the help I can get on how to introduce myself. Thank You
359 days ago
VintageDictionaryArt says:
Very nice! Thanks for sharing!
337 days ago
newshoesstudio says:
lots of good info but several of the links take you to pages that "not found". That was a a bit frustrating.
295 days ago
doodleprincess says:
cool!
289 days ago
asparkleabovejewelry says:
Thank you I'm looking forward in learning more about how to make my business grow on Etsy .com
287 days ago
MythicalGarden says:
Thanks for the info. It's a little discouraging that I'm seeing that most Etsy sellers who posted a reply 2 - 3 years ago are no longer on etsy
284 days ago
EricaDanta says:
Thank you for putting this tutorial together. I am new to Etsy and will be setting up shop very soon, just trying to get my ducks in a row :)
252 days ago
MODFlower says:
I really need a different job...I think that my time working for retail clothing stores has been...horrible!! Not what I had hoped it to be at all...I think I'd better cut the crap and work from home. I really really hope I can pull this off cause I really need a job and have always wanted to do this etsy store of my own. wish me luck xoxo Kelsey Kay
204 days ago
madefromtheocean says:
Thanks for all the advice I listed only 5 items at first but now I have more but didn't know how to take pictures that would stand out and backgrounds but with this blog I think I've got some ideas thank you
185 days ago