The Best Products You Can Sell on Etsy
Ah, Etsy! The mecca of all things handmade, vintage, and uniquely creative. For those of you unacquainted with this treasure trove, Etsy is an online marketplace where independent sellers and buyers come together over the love for all things crafty and one-of-a-kind.
Still, beyond its vibrant aesthetics, Etsy can be an excellent platform to set up your e-commerce business, provided you have an eye for what to sell on Etsy.
And why, you may ask, does choosing the right product matter?
Simply because, in the world of e-commerce, what you sell can often determine how much you sell—and ultimately—how successful your business becomes.
If you wish to dive straight into the crux of this article – unearthing the bestselling gems you can sell on Etsy— you can simply skip to the Top 12 Products to Sell on Etsy.
Otherwise, let’s learn more about the fundamentals of selling on Etsy.
Understanding the Etsy Marketplace
Etsy is a thriving bazaar of the online world, but its distinctive marketplace dynamics might be puzzling to newcomers.
To be successful on Etsy, you must first learn how to read the market, identify your target audience, and master the fundamentals of competitive product pricing.
The Types of Buyers on Etsy
Etsy's user base isn't just a random crowd; it's a dedicated community that reveres creativity, individuality, and quality. This unique audience sets the tone for what sells and at what price.
The Importance of Knowing Your Audience
Understanding your audience is like finding the secret sauce to your success recipe.
Knowing who your potential customers are, their interests, likes, dislikes, and shopping habits can help you select the products that will appeal to them.
This, in turn, can lead to more sales, loyal customers, and higher customer satisfaction.
In a nutshell, the more intimately you know your audience, the better you can cater to their desires.
Etsy Customers: Age, Income, and Other Demographics
Picture this: a majority of Etsy's users are women aged between 20 and 40.
They appreciate the charm of handcrafted items and are willing to shell out a few extra bucks for something they truly love.
These women often seek unique and high-quality handmade items that resonate with their personal styles and values.
So, whether it's a pair of boho earrings, a customized tote bag, or a retro-styled lamp, if it's unique and well-crafted, it's likely to find a loving home.
The Right Price Range
Setting your product's price can be a delicate balancing act. While you don't want to overcharge for your labor, you also don't want to undersell it.
What is the golden mean then?
Etsy caters to a diverse range of price points, from bargain buys to luxury purchases. However, customers primarily fall within the mid-range segment.
They are seeking quality products that offer good value for their money, willing to pay a bit more for items that are unique, well-made, and often, customizable.
While it's tempting to compete on price, remember that Etsy shoppers often prioritize uniqueness and quality over cost.
They appreciate the time, effort, and creativity that goes into creating each product and are willing to pay a fair price for it.
So, don't undersell your craftsmanship! Instead, aim for a price that covers your costs, reflects the value of your work, and aligns with what your customers are willing to pay.
It might take a bit of trial and error, but finding this balance is crucial to your Etsy success.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Products To Sell on Etsy
Choosing what to sell can make or break your Etsy shop. Remember to consider:
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- Profitability: Will the price you sell at cover the cost of materials, time, and Etsy fees, leaving room for a decent profit?
- Availability and ease of procurement: How easy is it for you to source materials or create the product?
- Unique and customizable elements: Etsy shoppers love products with a personal touch, so consider how you can add customizable elements to your items.
Top 12 Products to Sell on Etsy
When it comes to figuring out what to sell on Etsy, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
But don't fret; we've compiled a list of top-selling categories that have proven to be crowd favorites time and time again:
1. Handmade Jewelry
Handmade jewelry offers a kaleidoscope of options, attracting a vast array of shoppers. Whether it's personalized charms, statement earrings, or minimalist necklaces, the uniqueness factor of your items can make them an instant hit.
Sourcing materials can be as simple as visiting your local craft stores or browsing online marketplaces for beads, wires, and other jewelry-making supplies.
2. Craft Supplies
There's a vibrant community of makers on Etsy always on the lookout for crafting supplies. You'll be catering to a niche market that's ever-ready to purchase the tools of their trade.
Online wholesalers or local craft stores can be your go-to sources for bulk craft supplies.
3. Vintage Clothing
With the rise in sustainable fashion, vintage clothing has found a new fan base. It's a hit among customers looking for a unique style that stands out.
Sourcing may require hunting through thrift stores, estate sales, or even online auctions. You’ll need to have a keen eye for what's stylish and sellable.
4. Printables
Printables are an easy entry point with minimal overhead costs. Popular items range from wall art to planners, greeting cards to instructional guides.
The great part?
There are no physical suppliers needed! Just your creativity and some design software.
5. Handmade Home Decor
Handmade home decor items add a dash of warmth and personality that mass-produced items often lack. From unique pottery to handwoven rugs, these items are cherished by those looking to curate a unique aesthetic in their homes.
Materials for home decor items can often be found in craft stores or purchased in bulk from online suppliers.
6. Digital Artwork
As we shift towards a more digital lifestyle, the demand for digital artwork is on the rise. Digital portraits, graphic designs, and even digital stickers are selling hot on Etsy.
The great thing about selling digital artwork on Etsy is that you don’t need much to get started. All you need are your artistic skills and some design software.
You may also consider taking extra design classes online, to improve your creativity and design methods.
7. Handmade Bags and Purses
Handmade bags and purses offer an original and trendy alternative to mass-produced accessories. These items are popular for their unique designs and superior craftsmanship.
Plus, they’re much more customizable than store-bought alternatives.
You can handmake bags from a variety of materials—so it’s not so difficult to find suppliers to start your business.
Regardless, you may want to start looking into local fabric stores and online retailers in your area.
8. Personalized Gifts and Cards
Customers enjoy the emotional value that personalized gifts and cards communicate. Personalization is the secret to winning a customer's heart, whether it's a name-engraved pendant or a birthday card with an especially memorable message.
You can get supplies from craft stores or online markets. Some products could need specific tools, such as an engraver or a good printer.
9. Homemade Bath and Beauty Products
Homemade bath and beauty products have a huge market on Etsy since consumers are moving toward organic and cruelty-free products. Think handmade soaps, natural scrubs, and organic lotions.
You can easily find organic and natural ingredient suppliers online. Just make sure that you comply with the laws and regulations related to the sale of these products.
10. Wedding Accessories
From bespoke wedding invitations to customized wedding decor, there's a high demand for unique wedding accessories on Etsy. These items are loved by couples looking to add a personalized touch to their big day.
Depending on the product, supplies can often be found at craft stores, printing services, or online vendors.
11. Zero-Waste Products
Zero-waste products are rising in popularity as consumers become more eco-conscious. Bamboo toothbrushes, reusable grocery bags, and beeswax wraps are just a few examples.
Finding eco-friendly suppliers can be a bit of a challenge, but a number of online vendors specialize in sustainable materials.
12. Custom Pet Gifts
Pet owners love spoiling their furry friends, and custom pet gifts are a surefire hit. Custom pet portraits, personalized pet toys, and handmade pet accessories are top picks.
Pet toy materials and other pet-friendly supplies can often be found in pet stores or online retailers.
How Do You Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Listing a digital product on Etsy follows a similar process to listing a physical item. To start, you have to list your digital product in your shop. On your shop’s dashboard, click Listings > Add Listing > Digital Item.
From there, you’ll need to determine whether the item can be downloaded by buyers immediately or made to order. An option of how many times customers can repeatedly download the product is also available when you create your listing. From there, you can upload your digital product file and add its corresponding descriptions.
Note that not all digital file types are supported by Etsy. Aside from limiting five digital files on each listing and requiring a maximum size of each file to be under 20MB, Etsy only allows the following file types
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- .bmp
- .doc
- .gif
- .jpeg
- .jpg
- .mobi
- .mov
- .mp3
- .mpeg
- .png
- .psp
- .rtf
- .stl
- .txt
- .zip
- .ePUB
- .iBook
The final step is to determine the price of your digital product. Fortunately, Etsy also has a price comparison feature that shows the prices of digital products similar to yours.
Can You Do Arbitrage on Etsy?
While it is frowned upon, you can do arbitrage on Etsy. However, there are alot of gray areas in their terms and conditions. For starters, since most of the products sold on Etsy require to be made by the seller, the only category you can make money on Etsy through arbitrage is in the vintage and craft supplies categories.
For you to make any money doing arbitrage on Etsy, you must strictly follow the guidelines and provide honest information regarding your product. If you want to make money from arbitrage, it's better to do it on platforms like eBay or Amazon. Luckily, we’ve made two separate articles to help you get started. One specifically for eBay arbitrage and another for Amazon arbitrage.
How to Stand Out on Etsy
In a sea teeming with sellers, it can be tough to stand out from your competition. However, with the right strategy, you can rise above the crowd and capture the attention of eager buyers.
Here are some tips to try:
The Power of Presentation
High-quality photos and engaging descriptions can significantly enhance your listings. Use clear, detailed photos from multiple angles and craft compelling stories about your products. Remember, buyers connect with narratives!
Leveraging Reviews and Feedback
Positive reviews boost your shop's credibility. Encourage your customers to leave reviews and respond to all feedback, using it as a valuable resource to improve your products and services.
Promoting Your Etsy Shop
Harness the power of social media, blogging, and email newsletters to keep your audience engaged and attract new customers. Consider collaborations and giveaways to expand your reach.
Wrapping Up: The Journey to Etsy Success
As we come to the end of this guide, it's clear that the road to Etsy success isn't just about selecting the right product to sell on Etsy.
It's an art that requires an understanding of the platform, a deep connection with the audience, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Whether you choose to sell handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, printables, or personalized gifts, the key is to offer something unique and valuable.
So, budding Etsy sellers, let's embrace the challenge, unleash our creativity, and embark on this exciting journey!
