Do you have a talent for crafts, create unique jewelry, or collect vintage pieces and would like to make money from it? Etsy is the ideal online marketplace for you. This platform has revolutionized e-commerce for handmade and personalized products, becoming one of the largest marketplaces in the world.
With millions of customers around the world, selling on Etsy can be a safe bet as long as you know how. In this updated guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to open your shop, what you can sell, the costs involved, how to stand out from the competition, and, above all, how to get the most out of this channel. Let's get to it!
What is Etsy and why use it to sell?
Etsy is a buying and selling platform specializing in handmade, vintage, and unique products.Founded in 2005, it currently has more than 90 million registered buyers and millions of sellers. In Spain, it's an increasingly popular option among creative entrepreneurs looking for an affordable way to sell online without creating their own e-commerce site from scratch.
The best thing about Etsy is that it allows you to set up an online store without having any technical knowledge.Their store creation system is intuitive, fast, and free. Once you create your account, you can upload your products with photos, descriptions, prices, and shipping terms, and you're ready to take orders.
Etsy's focus is on handmade items, self-designed items, vintage items (more than 20 years old) or materials for other creations.This makes it an ideal choice for ceramists, illustrators, leather craftsmen, jewelers, or collectors, for example.
Plus, it features useful tools like a payment gateway, sales statistics, on- and off-site advertising, and a mobile app to manage your business from anywhere.
Getting Started: How to Open an Etsy Shop from Spain
Opening your Etsy shop will only take a few minutes. Here are the essential steps:
- Sign up for EtsyYou can do this from the website or by downloading the app. Enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your email address.
- Open your store. Accede to etsy.com/sell and click “Open your Etsy shop.” Select your shop’s language, country, and primary currency.
- Choose a unique nameYour shop needs a unique, memorable name that represents what you sell. Make sure it's available on Etsy and search engines.
Once your store is created, you must complete the legal and financial information:
- Enter your personal information and tax address.
- Set up your payment methodAdd a bank account to receive your earnings. Etsy transfers the money periodically (you can choose the frequency).
- VerificationEtsy will make a small deposit to confirm your bank account. You'll just need to enter the exact amount.
What products are allowed on Etsy?
Etsy is not just any marketplace. It has some clear rules on what can and cannot be sold. Below are the authorized products:
- Handmade products For you. From handcrafted candles, hand-sewn clothing, furniture, and artwork to personalized soaps and ceramics.
- Vintage items, at least 20 years old.
- Creative materials and tools: fabrics, threads, patterns, buttons, DIY kits, among others.
In contrast, You cannot sell items that incite hatred, violence, explicit sexual content, or dangerous substances.. Furthermore, it is prohibited to list the remains of living beings or items subject to international regulations.
It is advisable to read the official policies to avoid blocks or suspensions.
Fees and commissions when selling on Etsy
Selling on Etsy isn't free, although the costs are fairly transparent.. These are the main ones:
| Rate type | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Publication | For each product advertised | 0,20 USD |
| Transaction | Commission for each sale | 6.5% |
| Processing (Etsy Payments) | For managing your payments | 4% + EUR 0,30 |
| currency conversion | If you sell in a currency other than EUR | 2.5% |
You can also opt to advertise on or off Etsy.Ads on Etsy are charged based on the daily budget you set, while external ads (such as those on Google or social media) cost 12% to 15% of the order value, only if a sale is made through that ad.
Do you have to be self-employed to sell on Etsy from Spain?
Legally in Spain, If you regularly sell through any channel, you must register as self-employed., although Etsy does not formally require it to open a store.
The law establishes that if you are self-employed and continuously engaged in economic activity, you must register as a self-employed worker, submit invoices, declare income, and pay taxes (personal income tax, VAT, etc.).
There are sellers who start as a hobby or with low income, but that does not exempt them from responsibility.To avoid risks, it's best to consult with a labor or tax advisor.
Tips to stand out and sell more on Etsy
Competition is fierce, and almost every niche already has something to offer. Still, With a clear strategy you can stand out. Here are some recommendations:
- Give your store personality. Take care of your brand name, logo, and story. This builds trust and turns ordinary visitors into loyal customers.
- Bet on professional quality photos. Use clear images from multiple angles and with real-life examples. Etsy allows up to 10 images per product.
- Write detailed, SEO-optimized descriptionsInclude relevant keywords, compelling titles, and a clear narrative of what makes your product different.
- Take care of the shipment. Define realistic preparation times, options for each region, and transparent rates. Many stores offer free shipping for products over a certain amount.
- Promote your shop outside of EtsyUse social media, collaborate with influencers, or employ low-cost advertising on Instagram, TikTok, or Google Ads.
SEO tips to help you get found on Etsy
Etsy's algorithm works like an internal search engine. Optimizing your products with the right terms can boost your sales.. Here are some key points:
- Include popular keywords in the title, tags, and description.
- Use all available fields: materials, characteristics, colors, dimensions, type of use, etc.
- Update your listings regularly to show Etsy that your shop is active.
- Add reviews from satisfied customers: They help both scale and inspire confidence in future buyers.
To find keywords, you can use tools like Google Trends, EtsyRank, or simply search for what your competitors are selling.
Is there integration between Etsy and Shopify?
If you already have a Shopify store or want to expand outside of Etsy, You can connect both platforms using specific appsThis will allow you to sync content, inventory, orders, and prices.
The main apps available in the Shopify App Store allow you to:
- Update products, images, descriptions, and variants.
- Manage orders from Shopify.
- Automatically migrate data between Etsy and Shopify.
Selling on Etsy can be the first step for creative entrepreneurs looking for a channel to showcase their products to the world. The platform provides all the tools, but success depends on what you can put together with them. From aesthetics to thoughtful writing and excellent service, everything adds up to turning a simple catalog into a profitable business. And if you know how to combine Etsy with other avenues like Shopify or social media, your opportunities multiply.