Etsy's Handmade Blog
A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Shop on Etsy
Story by daniellexo
Published on May 2, 2008 in How-To 		Photo by

AbbieRoad

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? Check out this great article on Finding Your Etsy Niche by tortillagirl. 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 Storque article on deciding on a shop name here. I have one more tip for you: Make sure its "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! You can do an Alchemy request for a custom banner. 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:


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:


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:

Need More Help?
You're not exhausted yet? Well, OK! Here are some more great resources from the forums:

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 Virtual Labs (usually Tuesdays at 5:30pm EDT).

Experience sellers, leave our newbies some more words of wisdom in the comments below! What's your most important piece of advice?

Tags getting started, guide, help, HOW-TO, littleputbooks, newbie, new seller, SarasTextureCrafts, Seller Handbook, selling, setting up shop, tortillagirl, Your Shop 101
All articles in How-To
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96 comments     Login to add your own!

May 2, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. jessiemccann

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!

May 2, 2008 at noon MissCrowland

I'll be sure to do some reading this weekend!

May 2, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. AbbieRoad

great tips, and thanks for featuring my painting!!

May 2, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. dancingcircle

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.

May 2, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. CaprichosDePapel

This is a great article!

May 2, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. Vanessa

that's a great point dancingcircle

hey would you like to write a specific Storque article about that??? hint hint...convo me

May 4, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. daniellexo

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/h...

May 5, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. fairytalefibers

Wonderful resource! Thanks for putting this together, I'll be passing the link on!

June 20, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. origamichristmastree

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.

June 20, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. kawaiinekonya

thanks for the help ^^

June 21, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. PhillFinley

Really good tool for marketing art, easy to get started, and now just waiting to see the results. Thanks!!!

June 25, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. kowak

I need to change information for Etsy about paypal and don't know how to do it. Help!!!

June 25, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. Lonesomedove1

thanks for he help, can`t wait to get started...

June 27, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. Sloanester

Thanks, looking forward to listing collection

June 29, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. cms36451

thanks etsy, I am so excited to get started!

June 29, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. decarlo

Hello, I can't wait to get started...

June 30, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. Arche

Thank you!

July 2, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. craftyjoy352

I am very excited to be here on etsy. I have found all these tips very informative and so helpful in getting starts.

July 4, 2008 at 5:28 a.m. BrautiesWorld

It said to look for 'shop setup' then click appearence. But there is NO 'shop setup', and there is NO 'appearence'
Ahhhh wthh?

July 6, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. eggcentricity

As someone considering listing here, the more info. the better. Glad to see it so organized and helpful.

July 6, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. Knitsgalore1

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

July 7, 2008 at 4:01 a.m. boobadolls

Thanks alot. very good advises:I

July 12, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. HempknoticDesigns

Etsy is Great! Thank you very much for awesome information on storefronting. Can't wait to get it going.

July 13, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. susurrosmagicos

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.

July 20, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. handcraftusa

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.

July 20, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. popsrockabillyshop

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.

July 23, 2008 at 5 p.m. dogtreasures

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

July 23, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. Vanessa

dogtreasures, click on the "sell" button in the main grey navigation. Good luck!

July 24, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. heronmoon

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!

July 30, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. Beljewel75

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

July 30, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. sharonm387

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.

Aug. 1, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. Littlehandstudios

Thank you!

Aug. 2, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. lunasheart

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!!!

Aug. 2, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. sixteensassystreet

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!!

Aug. 4, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. jeansjeweledwrapscc

Can't wait to get started and make my first sale!

Aug. 5, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. CorysHandmade

Thanks etsy!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. sisterspersnickety

yeah! thanks!

Aug. 6, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. daniellexo

You can easily accept credit cards via paypal on Etsy. Here is some help with that:
http://www.etsy.com/faq_selling.php#p...

---

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!

Aug. 8, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. blacita

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.

Aug. 12, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. yoshinkhel

very informative. tks

Aug. 12, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. pattykayesplace

much to learn and do! Being a newcomer here, I look forward to getting to know many folks out there!

Aug. 12, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. priscilladawn

I was at a loss of what to do about setting up a shop until I read this. Thanks so much!

Aug. 15, 2008 at 5:28 a.m. cindysartcreations

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 !!!

Aug. 18, 2008 at 10 p.m. ItsSewMine

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!!!!!!!!!

Aug. 20, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. hattricks

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..

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. PhotosbyTerry

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?

Aug. 22, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. stellaloella

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!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. sueinperu

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!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. overstay

Great info an help step by step.TY

Aug. 26, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. bybarbarabell

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.

Aug. 28, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. kidsfunfleece

Looks like everything I need to get started. I'm very excited about the possiblities!

Aug. 29, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. Morgaine1571

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?

Aug. 31, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. klassicglassdesigns

I will try this and hope it comes out just as easy as it sounds.

Sept. 2, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. spirallulu

I'm so excited. I can't wait to dress up my page. HELP....!!!

Sept. 9, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. InspiredBrides

oh my !!!! Have to concentrate !!! Not very computer savvy, good job I am better at making dresses !!!

Sept. 11, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. jevan3

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.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. piepersdolls

this site is nice. Easy to use and mostly very well explained. I think we will be a good fit.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. COVETREATS

Thanks for the tips

Sept. 13, 2008 at 3:23 a.m. alfastudio

Very useful infomation!
Thanks :-)

Sept. 15, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. geegee1005

THIS is the first timeI am selling any-thing on the internet. my daughter give me your site bless her and espec-ially you.

Sept. 16, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. BIGEYESPEAHEAD

I'm very excited about getting started...can't wait to sell/purchase my first item.

Sept. 17, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. UrbanAdornments

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!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. perebags

This guide is fantastic! THANK YOU!!!!

Sept. 22, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. barriesflies

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'

Sept. 23, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. cloud9designstudio

wonderful! wish i had seen this when i started!!! ;) great, helpful info!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. Fikidoll

the guide was great and helped me a lot. Thanks!

Sept. 24, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. hearthsidetreasures

Thanks for all the great info! The more knowledgeable we are before we begin, the better for us and our customers!

Sept. 25, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. angelarbp

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?

Sept. 25, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. suzy1950

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

Sept. 26, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. 808jems

I really appreciate this article, thanks so much for putting it together!

Sept. 28, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. CoraMarieBoutique

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:)

Sept. 30, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. LBscrapboutique

Thanks for all the advice! It truly helped us set up shop!

Oct. 6, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. alphamaille

Excellent. I really needed some good advice into my first venturing in selling.

Dec. 2, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. nadineandkathleen

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!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. MommasMonkeys

I bookmarked this! This is the most helpful tool I've found yet for just starting out.

Dec. 19, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. hempandmore

Thank you thank you!! :-) Lisa and Ray

Dec. 23, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. DareToExpress

"a greasy (yet delicious) haystack!"

Haha :)

Jan. 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. greenray

Thanks for these useful tips !

Jan. 10, 2009 at 6:07 a.m. hanginmoon

thank you so much. :) hang hanginmoon. Plz check us out

Jan. 24, 2009 at 3:10 a.m. turquoise100

Thank you! Etsy is a great place

Jan. 27, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. eclecticthings4u

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...

Feb. 1, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. AKjapan

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.

Feb. 2, 2009 at 5:14 a.m. KentwoodKreations

This is really helpful tips.Thanks!!

Feb. 11, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. jessicarogers

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. :)

March 3, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. marysvintagevisions

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

March 3, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. luckytwentyone

wow...SO helpful. now I have a LOT of work ahead! ;)

May 25, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. handcraftusa

Etsy! A great friend and great information for me as I am a beginner here. How to's very helpful. Thanks.

June 11, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. breezydays

Etsy is AMAZING! You all have made this so easy. I am loving the links to more articles!

June 11, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. blingringsandthings

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!!

June 11, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. Enuwbe

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!

June 11, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. AnjaliBoutique

Great tips - sure helps to navigate what seems like a maze in my first few days. Thanks.

June 11, 2009 at 10:44 p.m. ArtworkzByCheri

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

June 12, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. mammysshop

Great information. Thanks

June 13, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. smdstudio

Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated!

June 17, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. Hechoamano3

Great tips. thank you! although I started some months ago I need lots of improvements, this guide is sure to help!

June 22, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. crochetedwithlove

These articles will be a tremendous help. Thank you! Now if the thunderstorms will stop so I can pictures done in sunlight..... :)

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