Handmade items are items that are designed and/or created by you, the seller. This includes fully handcrafted items like spun pottery or knitted scarves. It also includes things like enamel pins that you design and work with a production partner to manufacture. It doesn’t include items that you purchased and are reselling, even if those items were handmade by someone else. Handmade items must be created or designed by you.

Vintage items must be at least 20 years old. Vintage items can include clothing, housewares, electronics, and more! However, if an item is less than 20 years old, it can’t be sold as a vintage item on Etsy.

Craft supplies on Etsy are tools, ingredients, or materials whose primary purpose is to create an item or throw a special occasion. Craft supplies may be handmade, commercial, or vintage. Party supplies may also be sold as craft supplies.

Even if your products are handmade, vintage, or craft supplies, you may not be able to sell them on Etsy if they’re in a prohibited category. Make sure you review and understand our policies before listing items. Prohibited items include tobacco, drugs or drug paraphernalia, weapons, hazardous materials, and others. Items that use the intellectual property of someone else, even if you designed or created the item, aren’t allowed either.

Review our Prohibited Items Policy to check if you can sell your products on Etsy. 

You must also follow local laws in your area. There may be certain things in your area that can’t be sold or delivered.

Currently, you can only open an Etsy shop in a country where Etsy Payments is available. Etsy can only offer payment services in certain countries at this time. We are working to support additional countries in the future.

Stay tuned to the Site Updates section of our Seller Handbook for updates.

1. To open an Etsy shop, visit Etsy.com/sell and select Get started.
2. Select your shop language, country, and currency, then click Save and continue.
3. Choose your shop name, then click Save and continue.

You need to complete the first step of opening your shop on a desktop web browser. Once your shop is open, you can manage your shop on the Sell on Etsy app.

Etsy doesn’t require sellers to have a business licence to sell on Etsy.

However, when selling on Etsy you're required to follow any laws that apply to you as a small business selling online. If you have any questions regarding which laws apply to you, please contact a qualified professional.

Select your shop’s language, country, currency, and time commitment:

• Shop language: The shop language you choose is the default language you use to describe your items. You won't be able to change it later, but if you’d like to add translations in other languages, you will be able to enrol in other languages after opening your shop. 
• Shop country: Be sure to select the correct country for your shop. 
• Shop currency: Choose the currency you will use to price your listings. Currency conversion fees may apply if your bank's currency is different from your shop currency.
• Time commitment: Select whether selling your products is your full-time job or part-time job. This question is for informational purposes only and will not affect the setup of your shop.

Choose a memorable name that reflects your style. Shop names must meet the following requirements:

• 4-20 characters in length 
• No spaces or special characters 
• No profanity 
• Not already in use by an existing Etsy member 
• Does not infringe on another's trademark

If the shop name you entered is in use, you will see suggestions for other shop names that are still available. Your shop name will be held for you while you open your shop.

Get some tips for choosing a shop name.

Add product listings to your shop. You don’t have to add all your listings yet!

A small test deposit should appear in your account within three to seven days. This is a courtesy to let you know that deposits are working properly. Once you see the deposit, no further action is required on your part.

If your bank account is located in a country other than the US where Etsy Payments is available you will need to verify your bank account before you can receive any funds from your sales for compliance purposes.

Within 3-5 business days of enrolling in Etsy Payments, Etsy will send a small deposit, processed by our third party payment partners, Adyen or WorldPay, to your bank account. You’ll need to enter the small deposit amount in your Payment account in order to verify your bank account for compliance purposes.

If you’re setting up a new shop, you’ll receive a small deposit to your bank account after you open your shop to the public. No deposit will be sent to your bank account while your shop is in draft mode.

You’ll receive emails from Etsy to remind you to verify your bank account to continue to get paid.

To verify your bank account:

1. On Etsy.com or the Sell on Etsy app, click Shop Manager.
2. Click Finances.
3. Click Payment account.
4. Click Verify account.
5. Enter the amount of the small deposit received in your bank account.
6. Click Verify account.

You will also see a Verify bank button in Shop Manager under the Shop advisor section. This will link directly to verifying your bank account.

If the Verify bank button on the pop-up is not active, wait until you receive the small deposit in your bank account and then try to verify your bank account on Etsy.

If you don’t verify your bank account within 90 days of updating your bank details, your shop will be suspended.

Sellers in Australia must have a residential address on file with their Australian bank. This address must be used for Etsy Payments. We are unable to accept a PO box as a residential address.

You can update your address in Shop Manager.

• Banner and shop logo: Upload clear photos that represent the style of your brand and make a strong first impression on shoppers. Learn how to upload a shop banner and logo.
• Shop announcement: Share a brief welcome message with shoppers. 

Learn more about customising the look of your shop.

• About section: Upload videos or photos and share the story behind your products, how your business came to be, and what your vision is for your brand. Learn how to craft a great About section.
• Shop members: Introduce any other members of your team or people you collaborate with.

• Shop policies: Outline all your policies for delivery, returns, exchanges, payments, custom items, or any other guidelines that are important for shoppers to know before they make a purchase.
• Delivery profiles: Decide how much you want to charge for postage, if you’ll offer free delivery, and set up delivery profiles that help shoppers know what they’ll pay for postage.

📦    For US sellers, as you finish your shop setup, consider purchasing USPS Postage Labels on Etsy. You can save up to 30% than the USPS retail rates you would pay at the post office or elsewhere online. Read more about purchasing USPS Postage Labels on Etsy.

When listing your items, keep in mind the best practices for listings, taking into account:

• Using your titles and tags to optimise for Etsy search
• Take high quality listing photos
• Add attributes to help shoppers find your items
• Describe your items in a way that captures shoppers’ interest
• Set accurate processing times to give shoppers an idea of when they’ll receive the item

Consider your postage prices or offering free delivery.

• Make sure you’re optimising your shop for Etsy search. Make sure to add your location so that your shop can be found in local searches. 
• Link your shop to your social media accounts so you can easily craft posts about your business. 
• Learn how investing in advertising can help build your brand and get your listings in front of buyers.
• Consider offering discounts to incentivize shoppers to buy with sales and coupons. 
• Find a local craft fair or market where you can sell your goods. 
• Join the Etsy community and teams where you can network with sellers and shoppers. 

Check out these topic deep dives to learn more:

• Advertising
• Social Media Marketing
• Branding

• Make sure you follow customer service best practices so you’re qualified for Etsy’s Seller Protection Policy. 
• Sign up for each of our seller email lists so you don’t miss out on tips and important information.
• Learn what to do when you make your first sale. 
• Read about Etsy’s Review system and how to get 5-star reviews.
• Manage your shop on the go using the Sell on Etsy app. 
• Take a break from your shop when needed.