Getting started with Etsy Manufacturing
Navigate the production process with confidence
STEP ONE
Taking stock
Before diving in, evaluate yourself, your business, and your options. If you plan on listing items created with production partners, be sure to learn about our policy.
Checklist
- Review this article and take this quiz to see if you’re ready to work with a production partner
- Read the Growth Strategy section of the Seller Handbook
- Determine if your concept and initial designs, patterns or samples are ready for production
- Read about the process for selling items created with production partners on Etsy
STEP TWO
Budgeting and forecasting
Define your business goals and forecast your sales to determine whether working with a production partner is right for you.
Checklist
- Determine if your pricing structure can support these costs or if you’ll need to adapt your pricing strategy
STEP THREE
Research and assessment
Etsy production partners share your passion for craftsmanship, your values around transparency, and are excited to work with independent designers. Production partner profiles on Etsy list minimum orders, include facility details, and showcase images, allowing you to quickly assess whether a partner is the right match.
Checklist
- Review this glossary to understand the different types of processes supported by Etsy Manufacturing
- Research relevant production partners
- Select the best match for your business
- Contact a production partner using Projects
STEP FOUR
Development
These steps differ by industry, and not every production partner offers development services. This stage will help you standardize the specifications that will be used to create your product.
Checklist
- Keep in mind that this service is generally billed by the hour
- Review profiles to see which production partners offer development services
You can see this information in a few places:
There is a section of the profile that says: "We work with designers at any of these stages.” You can also read through the "Capabilities" and "Our Work" sections of the profile to learn more about their services. - If you don’t plan to source your own materials, be sure to ask your production partner if they can help with this step as well
STEP FIVE
Production
This is the stage where your production partner will create samples and do full runs of your product. This might be the same production partner who worked with you in the development stage, or a different company altogether.
Checklist
- Ensure quality by doing a production sample run
- Keep in mind that production costs can include labor, materials, equipment setup, machine time, taxes, and shipping
- Get the conversation started! When you're ready to contact an Etsy Manufacturer, our Project form will help you fill out preliminary details
Now it’s your turn to get started
If you’re already in the midst of a great partnership tell us about it and our PR team may be in touch to learn more. Otherwise, feel free to email us anytime to ask questions. You can also visit our FAQ to learn more about selling manufactured products on Etsy.
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