Etsy Review

Have you thought about Etsy as an option to launch an online business? Maybe you have but never really got the ball rolling because you aren’t fully aware of what the website is about and how to make the most of it. Whatever the case, Etsy presents numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to sell unique products online. But what exactly is it beyond the satisfying viral Instagram videos created by some Etsy sellers?

Etsy is a global digital marketplace where people sell a variety of unique and creative items. The platform hosts web shops that typically offer art and craft products, vintage collectibles, and handcrafted pieces. Jewelry, clothing items, paintings, hand-knits, decorative items, rare toys, tools, beauty accessories, and even cosmetics are among the various goods that can be sold and bought on Etsy. In addition to shipping physical products, sellers on Etsy also offer a number of downloadable and printable items, including artistic prints, planners, and designs for stationery.

The company was launched in 2005 by founders Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, Jared Tarbell, and Haim Schoppik. Since then, it has grown to become one of the top sources of extraordinary collectibles and gift items. Today, over 2.7 million sellers and upwards of 47 million buyers use Etsy across 83 countries, and there are more than 60 million products listed for sale on the website.

All types of creators and collectors make use of the Etsy marketplace, along with the buyers who are interested in the products on offer. The list of sellers include:

• Artists
• Handcrafters
• Jewelry makers
• Fashion designers
• Owners of vintage products
• Graphic designers

It should be noted that the vast majority of sellers on Etsy are listed as female at 86%. Most buyers are also female, accounting for 81% of total shoppers. Also, most Etsy users fall within the age range 25 – 40. But anyone can use the platform to sell or buy product offerings that fall under the categories of unique, original, creative, and/or vintage. Etsy has strict policies governing what qualifies as original, unique or vintage, which prevent anyone from just selling anything they feel like. This is what separates it from other marketplaces such as Amazon, where merchants can sell almost any product.

Setting up a shop on Etsy is rather simple. Once you have created an account, it is recommended to upload a profile picture and write a bio to introduce yourself to the Etsy community. Next, you can start setting up your shop with your products or buy items from other users. Here are the steps to get started as a buyer:

• Select “Sell on Etsy” at the top of the page once you are signed in
• Then click on “Open your Etsy shop”
• Fill out the relevant details, including country, language, currency, etc.
• Create a shop name
• Click save and continue

That’s it! Your shop is pretty much open, but there are a few things you can do later on to complete setting it up. These include adding a brand logo for your shop, writing an “About” message to tell potential buyers what your shop is about, writing a short “welcome” message, and stating your shop policies as it relates to shipping, returns, exchanges, special requests, etc. If your shop is based is based on an actual business with employees, you may also introduce the other members of your team.

Once you have finished setting up your shop, you can start adding listings. This involves uploading images and writing a short description that explains what the item is.