Items made by a seller are physical items fully handcrafted by you, or produced by you without the assistance of a production partner or third party. This includes handcrafted, hand assembled and items produced using computerized tools. This includes things like spun pottery, knitted scarves or embroidered clothing.

Items designed by a seller are original designs that are either offered as a digital download, or are produced or printed onto a physical item by a third party. This includes things like digital downloads, or where a production partner is used in the creation of the final product such as a book designed and illustrated by a seller but printed and bound by a production partner. 

Read more about working with production partners on Etsy.

Items handpicked by a seller are items that are personally selected and curated for sale by a seller. This could include vintage items that are at least 20 years old, items from nature or certain collections of items.

This could include items such as a dress from the 1950’s, rocks, geodes or a “new baby” themed gift box containing an assortment of items personally selected and arranged by you, the seller.

Items sourced by a seller are items that enable a buyer’s creativity like craft supplies, party decorations or personalized items with buyers’ unique text or image. 

Craft and party supplies include items that are tools, ingredients, or materials whose primary purpose is to create an item or throw a special occasion. Personalized items include items such as initials engraved on a necklace, or a custom logo embossed on a journal.

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.

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

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. Answer a few questions about where you've resided, your business experience, and if you'd like to receive additional selling resources.
3. Select your shop language, country, and currency, then select Save and continue.
4. Choose your shop name, then select Save and continue.

Etsy doesn’t require sellers to have a business license 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. Be sure that the language you choose is also one you feel comfortable communicating with buyers in. 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 enroll 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.

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.

After you open your shop, you can change your shop name from Info & Appearance under the Shop Name tab. 

Get some tips for choosing a shop name.

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

US sellers add bank details by using a third party service provided by Plaid. Plaid allows you to verify your bank details with them to help ensure you get your deposits. Learn about Plaid’s security measures.

Under Your bank information choose Connect your bank with Plaid and follow the steps to add and verify your bank details. Learn more about updating your bank details. When you use Plaid to verify your bank account details, you agree to Plaid’s terms, including Plaid’s Privacy Policy.

You can sign up for Etsy Payments with a Payoneer Payment Account.

1. Select Connect with Payoneer. You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Payoneer Payment Account or create a Payoneer Payment Account if you don’t have one yet.
2. Choose Save and continue.

Learn more about using Payoneer with Etsy.

1. Under Your bank information, enter your bank account details. 
2. Select Save and continue.
3. Add a credit or debit card. (Shops based in Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands don’t need to add a credit or debit card.) 

You must verify your bank details to help ensure you’ll receive funds from your sales smoothly and securely. Learn how to verify your bank details.

You can add a prepaid card to your account from the billing setup page if you already added a credit or debit card to your account. A non- reloadable prepaid card can’t be your only or primary payment card, but you can always pay your bill manually with a non-reloadable prepaid card.

If you are trying to add a reloadable prepaid card to your account but it is not working, please try adding another card instead. 

• 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 customizing 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 shipping, returns, exchanges, payments, custom items, or any other guidelines that are important for shoppers to know before they make a purchase.
• Shipping profiles: Decide how much you want to charge for shipping, if you’ll offer free shipping, and set up shipping profiles that help shoppers know what they’ll pay for shipping.

For US sellers, as you finish your shop setup, consider purchasing USPS Shipping 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 Shipping Labels on Etsy.

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

• Using your titles and tags to optimize 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 how you'll set your shipping prices or offering free shipping
  

• Make sure you’re optimizing 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 Purchase Protection for sellers. 
• 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 Etsy Seller app. 
• Take a break from your shop when needed.