Etsy is an e-commerce platform specializing in decorative, handmade, and vintage products. It has become a favorite marketplace for artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs to sell their creations. However, selling on Etsy has its pros and cons.

It’s essential to know more about the platform before setting up your online store. This post will not only discuss the advantages but also some disadvantages of selling on Etsy. Additionally, you’ll learn what you can and cannot sell on the website, among other important aspects.

Let’s get started!

Selling on Etsy: Is It Worth It? Discover the Pros and Cons

What Products Can I Sell on Etsy?

Etsy allows you to fill your virtual store with a wide range of products, as long as they fit into one of the following categories:

• Handmade Items: These include any items made by hand, though not necessarily by you. Etsy allows the sale of items created by others, as long as you handle the design and provide information about your production partner.

• Vintage Items: Products that are at least 20 years old, ranging from retro clothing to classic furniture. Authenticity and style are key for this type of merchandise.

• Craft Supplies and Tools: You can sell various supplies needed for artisans or creatives, such as fabrics, threads, molds, tools, and more.

These types of products are why many users choose to shop on Etsy, especially collectors, artisans, or creators. So, if you’re looking for a unique opportunity to reach these kinds of customers, Etsy is a good option.

Products You Cannot Sell on Etsy

In addition to ensuring your products fit into the categories mentioned above, Etsy also prohibits the sale of certain items:

• Services and Rentals: Etsy is designed to sell physical or digital downloadable items, so you cannot offer services, including metaphysical services or property rentals.

• Copyright-Infringing Items: You are not allowed to sell products on Etsy that violate third-party intellectual property rights. This includes counterfeit merchandise, unauthorized replicas, or any other items using registered trademarks without consent.

• Resale of Handmade Items: If you offer merchandise under the "Handmade" category, it must be created or designed by you. The resale of these products is prohibited if you haven’t participated in their creation or design.

• Hazardous or Illegal Products: Etsy does not allow the sale of items considered hazardous or illegal, including weapons, drugs, alcohol, explosives, and more.

For more information, visit Etsy’s prohibited items policy to verify before you start selling your products.

How to Sell on Etsy: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve decided to go with this platform, here’s how you can start selling on Etsy Mexico:

1. Create Your Etsy Account

First, you’ll need to sign up on Etsy. Visit the homepage and click on "Sell on Etsy" at the bottom of the page, followed by the “Open your Etsy shop” button. You’ll see several login options—choose the one you prefer.

2. Set Up Your Shop

Next, set up your shop, including choosing a unique name that represents your brand and the products you’ll be selling. Then, personalize your shop by adding a profile picture and banner that reflect your brand’s identity.

3. Add Products

To start selling on Etsy, you need to list your products. This involves uploading high-quality photos of each item, along with detailed descriptions and prices. You can also add product variations if you offer different sizes or colors.

Additionally, you can add tags and relevant long-tail keywords to make it easier for consumers to find your shop.

4. Set Up Payments and Shipping

Etsy offers various payment providers, such as Etsy Payments, which allows buyers to pay with credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and more. Consider adding DolarApp to your payment options, as it’s a viable option for both you and your customers.

If Mexican consumers are buying from you, it serves as a local method for receiving pesos, and it also works for receiving dollars from international clients. It’s a flexible provider that could help expand your customer base.

5. Promote Your Shop

There are many ways to promote your online shop, such as creating campaigns in Etsy Ads or participating in Etsy seller communities. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Additionally, maintain an active online presence and be quick to respond to customer inquiries. This will help build a good reputation.

6. Manage Orders and Customer Service

Once you start receiving orders, manage them efficiently. Ensure that products are packaged securely and shipped as quickly as possible. Think like a consumer—what would you want if you decided to shop on Etsy USA? Excellent customer service, answers to your questions, solutions to potential problems, etc.

Now you know what it takes to start selling on Etsy Mexico.

Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy

Etsy is a great option for reaching customers worldwide, significantly expanding your reach and sales potential. Beyond monetization, it allows you to connect with a global audience that values authenticity, creativity, and shares your interests and passions, from vintage collectors to DIY enthusiasts.

Additionally, Etsy offers integrated tools that help manage listings, make sales, and process payments, making it easier to start and run your business day-to-day. However, there are also hundreds of merchants with products similar to yours, and standing out in such a saturated market could be challenging, especially if you’re new.

Another factor to consider is the cost of selling on Etsy, as it charges fees for transactions and payment processing.

Is Selling on Etsy Worth It?

Whether Etsy is worth it depends on your business goals and the nature of your products. If you plan to sell on Etsy, your products should be unique, creative, and tailored to your target customers. It also depends on factors like your ability to stand out among other sellers and manage any challenges the platform presents.

However, if you’re concerned about fees or if your products don’t fit within Etsy’s categories, you might want to explore other options. This could mean creating your own website or opting for other e-commerce platforms.

For instance, if you’re thinking of opening an online store for clothing, accessories, and fashion products, selling on Shein might be a better alternative. It’s popular worldwide and has a large customer base, ideal for trading fast fashion or trendy items.

Alternatives to Etsy for Selling Products

Before making a decision, it’s worth comparing your options, as Etsy is just one of many.

Here are some popular platforms:

• eBay. Its website has a large reach and offers flexibility in the types of products you can sell, from handmade items to vintage and resale goods. You can also take advantage of auctions or direct sales.

• Amazon Handmade. This giant allows your merchandise to be exposed to millions of potential buyers, perfect for handmade products. As a seller, you benefit from the site’s established infrastructure and reputation.

• Shopify. If you want to create your own online store with a high level of customization, this might be the option you’re looking for. Shopify comes with integrated management tools to control your inventory, payments, and shipping.

• Mercado Libre Mexico. This is a good option if you want to focus on a regional audience and sell beyond just artisanal or creative items.

Mercado Libre is the largest e-commerce platform in Latin America. You can sell almost any type of item here, including handmade goods, electronics, clothing, accessories, and more, making shopping on Mercado Libre Mexico common among millions of users in the country.

Other alternatives include Storenvy, Big Cartel, and Wix eCommerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to sell on Etsy?

Yes, it is legal to sell on Etsy, as long as you comply with the company’s policies and the laws and tax regulations of your country. It’s also important to register correctly, whether as a freelancer or a business.

Is Etsy reliable for selling?

Yes, Etsy is reliable for selling products. It offers a secure environment supported by the protective measures it employs for its sellers, which has helped it build a solid global reputation.

What are the costs of selling on Etsy?

You’ll need to pay a fixed fee of $0.20 USD for each listed item. Additionally, there is a 6.5% commission on the total sale (including the product price plus shipping costs) and a fee for payment processing.