Are you a creative person who wants to start a side hustle or even a full-time business? Are you looking for ideas about what to sell on Etsy? Keep reading to discover popular products that sell and start making extra money!
Table of contents
- How to be successful selling on Etsy
- What to sell on Etsy: 15 Great Ideas
- Expert tip: Manage your Etsy business the right way
- What is the #1 thing to sell on Etsy?
- What can I sell on Etsy if I’m a beginner just starting out?
- What is most commonly sold on Etsy?
- What can I sell on Etsy for passive income?
- Articles related to selling items to make money
- Learn how to make money on Etsy if you’re looking for a side hustle!
How to be successful selling on Etsy
When considering how to make money on Etsy, whether you’re selling online or in a brick-and-mortar storefront, a good rule of thumb is to give customers what they want. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Hence, reading this article is a good first step, to see what products are already popular.
You can make money on Etsy as one of the easy side hustles selling products you’ve designed and handcrafted or reselling vintage items and craft supplies. On the account that, those are the only items that you’re allowed to sell on the platform.
Below are some tips to help you succeed in your venture!
Read the rules on what to sell on Etsy
Make sure you read and understand the rules and regulations of the Etsy platform. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your shop and products follow the rules.
For instance, you can’t resell handmade items. If you list an item as handmade, you should have a hand in designing or creating it.
Another example is that vintage items must be at least 20 years old.
Choose the right products
One of the biggest hurdles of starting an Etsy business is deciding what products to sell. Start with market research – what are customers buying? Can you improve on it?
Keep in mind that providing excellent customer service counts as an improvement too. Also, remember that your first product may not be a hit. Unfortunately, you may have to undergo trial and error before landing on a product that appeals to your market.
Make your product photos stand out
Etsy wants you to use your own photos when listing items. You can’t use commercial or stock images. This is to ensure that the condition and quality of the items are accurate.
That said, you also shouldn’t post your products with poor quality photos.
According to Etsy’s customer research, customers decide whether to buy an item based on the pictures.
So, learn to take great product photos and make your listings stand out. There are plenty of tutorials on how to take pictures of products on the internet if you need some tips and tricks.
Provide excellent customer service
Who doesn’t appreciate great customer service? Because you may have the same products, but if you communicate promptly and take care of your customers, they’ll stick with you.
What to sell on Etsy: 15 Great Ideas
Etsy is a global marketplace where many shop owners have found success. The website had 92 million active buyers in 2022, according to Statista. There’s no doubt that it’s a good platform to sell your own products.
So, here are popular items that are consistently a hit with buyers.
1. Craft supplies and tools
The craft supplies and tools category on Etsy lists a wide variety of products. The most popular items are beads, ribbons, yarns, and the like.
As a seller, you have a huge built-in market because your customers are other Etsy sellers. On top of that, the products appeal to everyone who likes to make crafts as a hobby.
The best part is you don’t have to create money making crafts or products. So you can get started right away.
For more inspiration on what to sell on Etsy and how to set up a shop, check out Beadboat1 and PeggySueAlso. Both shops sell craft supplies with tons of sales and rave reviews.
2. Craft kits
Additionally, craft kits for kids and hobbyists sell well on Etsy. It would involve more work though because you have to put the kit together.
But you can start with small kits that are easy to make, pack, and ship. InkandTrinketKids has really cute examples of craft kits in their shop.
3. Printables
You can also make money on Etsy selling printables, which are downloadable designs that customers can buy and print at home. The category includes gift tags, greeting cards, coloring pages, and artwork.
Many printables are sold as is. But many others, like invitations and business cards, are editable to allow the customers to personalize them.
And that’s the reason why selling printables is lucrative on Etsy. It’s more economical for customers to buy a design, personalize it, and print it on their own than buy a ready-made product.
Plus, sellers don’t have to worry about product storage and shipping.
For some examples of how to make money selling printables, look into BoHoMePrintables.
4. Digital products
Digital products are often used interchangeably with printables. Sometimes an item can be classified as both.
But most of the time, digital products refer to ebooks, wallpapers, Lightroom presets, WordPress themes, logos, fonts, spreadsheets, or social media templates.
You can take this idea in many directions.
For instance, if you have any expertise or story to share, you can write an ebook.
In addition, if you have the skills, you can create business logos and marketing materials for small business owners. Check out shops like KatherineDream, BeckMcCormick, and ShopRShop for inspiration.
5. Jewelry
Jewelry is a competitive category on Etsy, but it’s also one of the bestselling products. That’s because shoppers know they can find unique pieces on the platform, such as handmade jewelry.
In fact, top seller CaitlynMinimalist sells jewelry. But don’t get intimidated. There’s room for you too.
But to attract customers, your products must be high quality and on-trend.
You also need to keep working on building a strong brand.
For example, Caitlyn Minimalist’s shop name also describes her products, which are dainty personalized jewelry.
In addition, jewelry is a great item to sell because it’s not bulky. You won’t need a ton of storage space, and it costs less to ship.
6. Accessories
Accessories offer customers a fun way to try a new trend or express themselves. They’re also looking for one-of-a-kind items. That’s why accessories are one of Etsy’s bestsellers.
The category covers items like purses, belts, scarves, adorable baby bows, and many more. It offers a wide assortment of products to choose from. So, you’re sure to find one that customers would love.
Check out Ilovelotus, and CaSales for ideas on how to make money on Etsy selling accessories.
7. Vintage items
Etsy’s reputation as one of the best online places to find vintage items is an advantage for sellers. Aside from having a global market, the platform offers lower overhead costs compared to renting a booth in malls.
Etsy defines vintage as items that are more than 20 years old. As you can imagine, shops on the platform sell everything from vintage clothing to jewelry to antique lamps.
There are so many ways to curate your Etsy antique shop. You may decide to sell items from a particular era.
You may want to only sell similar items, such as jewelry, posters, or fabric. Have a look at mucdesign for examples of how to set up your vintage shop.
8. Home decor
Are you all about loving your home? Home decor sells well on Etsy, whether it’s vintage or handmade. This is because the platform established itself as an online destination for customers looking for unique pieces for their homes.
In addition, many Etsy sellers offer personalization services or take custom orders. You’ll find an assortment of listings, from vintage vases and custom blankets to initialed towels.
To become a successful home decor shop owner, create products that offer something different or provide a solution to a common household problem. And you can always make your mark by providing excellent customer service.
Take a look at JillianReneDecor and AllEyesOnLumpy for ideas and see what you can do differently.
9. Journals, planners, and stationaries
Journals, planners, and stationeries are also some of the most popular products sold on Etsy. Planners are helpful for everyone – parents, professionals, and students – who could use an organizational system to get stuff done.
Meanwhile, journals and stationeries give people a way to express themselves.
With these products, it’s your choice if you want to sell printables or physical items. However you’d have to consider printing, storage, and shipping for physical products.
For examples of what to sell on Etsy, review how PlannerKate1, GoodyPlanners, and HeilsaDiySupply set up their shops and what products they offer.
10. Personalized items
Etsy has become synonymous with personalized items for a good reason. You can get almost anything customized on Etsy. That’s what most people are looking for when they visit the platform.
Customers want pieces that mean something to them and their loved ones. Even if it’s as simple as engraving a name or adding a few heartwarming or funny lines.
Have a look at VereGift, LightningDesignStore, and wunderwunsch for ideas and inspiration. As a seller, you’d also be happy to know that, according to Forbes, consumers are extremely interested in buying personalized products. So, you can charge more and still attract buyers.
11. Party supplies and decorations
The next best idea on our list of what to sell on Etsy is party supplies and decorations. Whether it’s a kid’s birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a corporate event, well-thought-out invitations, decors, and favors add to the success of the party.
Customers are also done with basic and overdone event themes and decorations. That’s why party supplies and decorations are bestsellers on the platform.
So, if you’re wondering how to make money selling party supplies, let your imagination run wild and create new party theme ideas. You can make handmade invitations, party favors, banners, centerpieces, balloons, gift tags, and so on.
You can also put together party decoration sets for customers who prefer to buy everything in a single purchase. Check out Jacqs Crafty Corner and TwistStationery to see what they’re doing right.
12. Wedding products
The wedding industry in the United States is worth $70.3 billion in revenue as of 2023, says Zippia.
All to say that wedding products are lucrative and popular on Etsy. Couples are looking for one-of-a-kind items to celebrate their big day.
In addition, many are going with DIY products to stay on track with their wedding budget breakdown.
Wedding shops offer a variety of accessories like creative invitations, place settings, personalized gifts, and more. VineWedding is a top seller in this category. Take a look at their listings and learn what items are popular.
13. Pet items
For many people, pets are family who deserve the best. That’s why customized crates, quality pet beds, and personalized name tags and collars sell well on Etsy.
Pet care products such as bowls, leashes, and grooming kits are popular items as well. Maybe TheSingingKoala can help you generate new product ideas.
14. Clothing
Of course, this list won’t be complete without the clothing category. Custom-made, personalized, and vintage clothing are among the top sellers on Etsy.
That’s because customers are always looking for items that fit their style. So, pick a niche and join the party. See PintSizedPremium and KennedyClaireCouture for ideas and inspiration.
It’s best to focus on one product at first, such as onesies, custom-made skirts, handmade tee shirts, or vintage shirts, then expand your offerings. You can help people be fashionable on a budget and find their style!
15. Organic and sustainable products
More and more people are taking steps to live sustainably.
In fact, according to Shopkick by Trax, half of consumers try to buy recyclable alternatives and consider the sustainability practices of brands they support.
The good thing is there’s more demand for zero-waste products. If you have an idea for a reusable item or organic product, join the Etsy sellers in responding to the demand.
Check out TheEverydayGreen, StacyKitchenDecor, and CambridgeandCarlino for product examples.
Expert tip: Manage your Etsy business the right way
To become a successful Etsy seller, start with thoughtful and creative products. Offer something new or solve a common problem, and you could grow a full-time business.
Aside from that, pay attention to your branding. Your shop name, the photos, and the words you use should be cohesive and in line with how you want your brand to be known.
Lastly, an extra step to add a personal touch like a simple thank you note goes a long way.
What is the #1 thing to sell on Etsy?
The #1 things to sell on Etsy are personalized items for both humans and pets, gifts, crafts, etc.
Inexpensive thank you gift ideas or customized products for all types of events such as weddings, bridal showers, birth announcements, and more, are also in demand.
What can I sell on Etsy if I’m a beginner just starting out?
What to sell on Etsy if you are a beginner just starting out depends on your creative and sourcing abilities. While no item or category would guarantee profit or success, it is a good idea to choose something you have an interest in selling.
If you’re a bargain hunter and good at finding vintage items, reselling is a great way to get started. Find the best items to resell for profit that are considered vintage.
Otherwise, any handmade item you can come up with is worth a shot on Etsy. That’s the beauty of the platform. Just make sure to do your research to learn what customers are looking for.
What is most commonly sold on Etsy?
When considering what is most commonly sold on Etsy, it’s important to know that Etsy only allows handmade products, vintage items, and craft supplies to be sold on the platform.
If you’re thinking about what to sell on Etsy, your products should fall into one of those three categories.
What can I sell on Etsy for passive income?
What you can sell on Etsy for passive income is quite varied. When you’re looking for the best passive income ideas from Etsy, think about products that you can make once and sell forever.
There are so many great choices, including ebooks, stock photos, craft patterns, fonts, and printables. Printables can be anything like worksheets, templates, stickers, coloring pages, and many more.
Articles related to selling items to make money
If you liked reading about what to sell on Etsy, check out these other business ideas!
Learn how to make money on Etsy if you’re looking for a side hustle!
The first step in learning to make money on Etsy is to research popular products. Next is to create high-quality, original, and visually appealing products.
Then, the other key to Etsy success is to build a connection with your customers. Show your face and share more about yourself. Your customers will appreciate it.
Good luck with your venture. Don’t forget to come back and learn about financial wellness and how to save money as well!