What to Sell on Etsy: The Ultimate Guide

If you have ever wondered about online entrepreneurship, there is a high chance you have come across the term Etsy. Etsy is a unique e-commerce platform that specializes in vintage, handmade, and craft supplies products. Unlike other online marketplaces, Etsy offers a niche platform where creativity and craftsmanship are cherished. Here lies an opportunity for you—to turn your creativity into a thriving online business. This comprehensive guide is specifically designed to help those who know little to nothing about Etsy, yet harbor an interest in launching their online shop on this platform.

So, what should you sell on Etsy? What are the best-selling items on Etsy? And what trends should you follow to ensure maximum profitability? If these questions are swirling in your mind, you are in the right place.

This guide will provide detailed insights into the process of selecting things to sell on Etsy, understanding Etsy trends, and pinpointing the best-selling Etsy items. It will also help you understand what is most searched on Etsy, allowing you to align your product offerings with the interests of the customers.

For many, selling on Etsy is about more than just business. It is about expressing yourself through their products, reaching out to like-minded customers, and becoming a part of a global community of artisans. However, it is crucial to balance creativity with smart business practices to succeed. Hence, this guide will offer a strategic roadmap to identify what sells best on Etsy and how to tap into this potential for success.

Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to expand your customer base or a novice crafter who wants to monetize your hobby, this guide will be a practical toolkit. It will guide you step by step, demystifying the process of launching your Etsy shop. With the knowledge acquired from this guide, you will be able to make informed decisions, ensuring that your journey on Etsy is profitable and rewarding.

Let us embark on this exciting journey of understanding what to sell on Etsy, as now is the best time to begin. Prepare to harness your creativity, understand your market, and turn your dreams into reality with Etsy.

Established in 2005, Etsy has become a unique beacon in the e-commerce landscape. It is a global online marketplace that primarily caters to small business owners, hobbyists, and artisans who sell handmade, vintage, and craft supplies items. The platform focuses on fostering a community of sellers and buyers who appreciate creativity, uniqueness, and individuality.

Unlike mass-market retail platforms, Etsy enables individuals to express their craftsmanship and connect directly with their consumers. This uniqueness has contributed to Etsy's growing popularity, making it a preferred choice for artists, crafters, and vintage item enthusiasts worldwide.

Understanding Etsy is more than just grasping its definition. It is about recognizing its community-focused approach, where buyers are eager to discover unique items, and sellers are passionate about their creations. Furthermore, Etsy encourages a direct relationship between buyers and sellers—fostering a more personalized shopping experience.

If you are wondering about what to sell on Etsy, remember that Etsy values authenticity and individuality. The best-selling items on Etsy often have a unique twist, a personal touch, or an innovative design. So, whether you are a painter, a jewelry maker, a vintage collector, or a knitting enthusiast, Etsy offers you the platform to showcase your creativity and reach out to customers who appreciate and value your craft.

Through the subsequent sections of this guide, we will dive deeper into understanding Etsy trends, identifying what sells best on Etsy, and how you can use these insights to start your Etsy journey.

As you embark on your journey to determine the best things to sell on Etsy, you may wonder whether it is worth investing your time and effort in this platform. The short answer to this is a resounding 'yes,' and here is why.

1. Access to a Global Market 

Etsy has millions of active buyers worldwide. By setting up a shop on Etsy, you are not just selling to your local or national market, but you are reaching out to customers globally. This vast customer base increases the potential for more sales and profits.

2. Niche Audience 

Etsy customers are specifically looking for unique, handmade, and vintage items. These customers value the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into the products, often willing to pay a premium for such individuality. Hence, the platform offers a unique opportunity to target a niche market interested in what you have to offer.

3. Lower Upfront Costs 

Setting up an Etsy shop is affordable, with a listing fee of only $0.20 per item. This makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs who are starting small and looking for a low-cost platform to test their business ideas.

4. Easy to Use 

Etsy's interface is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and manage your shop. Plus, Etsy offers a host of resources to help new sellers navigate the platform and optimize their shops.

5. Branding and Personalization 

Unlike other e-commerce platforms where sellers are lost amidst a sea of similar products, Etsy allows for personalization. You can effectively brand your shop, tell your story, and build direct relationships with your customers.

6. Community Building

Etsy's community comprises other sellers who are often willing to share their experiences, insights, and advice. This supportive network can be a valuable resource when you are just starting out.

However, it is essential to remember that success on Etsy requires more than just listing a product. Understanding Etsy trends, knowing what sells best on Etsy, optimizing your shop, and providing excellent customer service are all part of the equation. In the following sections, we will explore in detail what to sell on Etsy and how to navigate the platform effectively. If done correctly, selling on Etsy can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Remember, the key lies in finding the perfect intersection between what you love creating and what customers are seeking. With the right approach, Etsy could be your launchpad to a successful online business.

As you embark on your Etsy journey, understanding the best-selling product categories can provide valuable insights for your own shop. These categories indicate what customers frequently search for and purchase, helping you gauge market demand and consumer preferences. Whether you already have a product in mind or are still exploring options, understanding these top-selling categories can help align your offerings with what sells best on Etsy. 

1. Jewelry

Jewelry on Etsy ranges from handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces to custom designs that cater to a variety of tastes and styles. These items can include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and even intricate body jewelry. Successful sellers often incorporate unique materials and techniques in their creations—setting their products apart.

2. Home Decor

Home decor items on Etsy are diverse and cater to a wide array of home styles. These can include wall art, throw pillows, decorative accents, handmade pottery, unique lighting fixtures, and more. Sellers often succeed by offering customizable or personalized options that align with the latest home decor trends.

3. Stationery

The stationery category encompasses a wide range of products like handmade greeting cards, wedding invitations, personalized notebooks, unique planners, and more. High-quality craftsmanship, unique design aesthetics, and personalization options are often the key to success in this category.

4. Gifts

Etsy is a popular destination for shoppers looking for unique, thoughtful gifts. Products in this category can span across all others, but what makes them stand out is their gift-worthy appeal. Personalized items, unique handmade goods, and custom-made gifts are particularly popular.

5. Vintage Items

Items in the vintage category are at least 20 years old, ranging from clothing and jewelry to furniture and collectibles. Vintage sellers on Etsy often succeed by curating their items carefully, knowing their niche market well, and presenting their items attractively.

6. Craft Supplies

Craft supplies on Etsy include anything crafters use to create their projects. This category covers a broad spectrum, from beads, yarn, fabric, and patterns to specialized tools. Sellers who specialize in hard-to-find items or offer unique crafting materials often do well in this category.

7. Digital Downloads

Digital downloads are a popular category on Etsy that includes items like printables, digital art, website templates, educational resources, and more. Since these products are digitally downloaded by the customers, they offer the advantage of not requiring any physical inventory or shipping.

8. Clothing

From handmade clothing, unique t-shirts, and custom-made dresses to vintage garments, the clothing category on Etsy features a vast range of items. Successful clothing sellers often offer unique styles, quality craftsmanship, or niche products that cater to specific groups of customers.

9. Accessories

Accessories on Etsy can include a wide variety of items, such as handcrafted hats, scarves, belts, handbags, and hair accessories, among others. Sellers often set their products apart by offering unique designs, personalization options, and high-quality materials.

Understanding the best-selling product categories on Etsy is a crucial step in setting up a successful Etsy shop. However, remember that selling on Etsy is not just about following trends; it's also about showcasing your unique creativity and passion. The most successful Etsy shops often find a balance between following trends and staying true to their unique vision. So, use these categories as a starting point, but don't forget to infuse your own touch into whatever you decide to sell. After all, it's the uniqueness and personalization that truly set Etsy shops apart.

Identifying the best-selling items on Etsy is a critical step for prospective sellers. The online marketplace of Etsy offers an array of categories, ranging from handmade pieces to vintage collectibles; understanding the top-selling items can help new sellers shape their own success stories. By examining the popular brands in each category, one can gain insights into the strategies and practices that can lead to a successful Etsy shop. In the following section, we will delve into an exploration of some of the best-selling items on Etsy, offering a detailed description for each, accompanied by examples of successful brands that have made their mark in the respective categories.

1. Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry occupies a top-tier position among the best-selling items on Etsy. The uniqueness, artisan craftsmanship, and personal touch inherent in these pieces make them highly cherished by customers. The beauty of handmade jewelry lies in its extensive range—from minimalist designs to intricate, detailed creations—all unified by the shared aspect of being lovingly crafted by hand. Many pieces also offer customization options such as engravings, birthstone additions, or personalized messages that lend a sentimental value to the items, making them perfect for gifting. An outstanding example of an Etsy shop excelling in this domain is "Layered and Long." Their offerings showcase simplistic yet beautiful designs, offering various personalization options that cater to customers seeking meaningful jewelry. The success of "Layered and Long" reflects the high demand and potential in the handmade jewelry category on Etsy.

2. Custom Clothing

Custom clothing on Etsy provides a unique platform for individuals to express their personal style and preferences. The category ranges from clothing items featuring unique prints or designs to those with bespoke embroidery or made-to-measure tailoring. Custom clothing has an expansive appeal, resonating with those who value individuality and self-expression. An exemplary brand thriving in this space is "IsabellasCloset.” Their portfolio of trendy designs, coupled with personalization options, engages a broad audience, contributing to their popularity and high sales. Their success signifies the potential to offer custom clothing on Etsy.

3. Printable Art

Printable art has emerged as a top-selling category on Etsy, largely due to its instant accessibility and the adaptability it offers. Customers can conveniently download their chosen art pieces and print them according to their preferences, making home or office décor a quick, affordable task. The diversity in printable art styles available caters to a wide array of aesthetic tastes—from abstract and vintage to whimsical and contemporary. One prominent brand in this category, "LittleEmmasFlowers," has effectively capitalized on this trend, offering an eclectic mix of printable art. Their success points to the lucrative prospects in the printable art market on Etsy.

4. Vintage Items

Vintage items on Etsy enjoy a dedicated following, attributable to their unique character, sense of nostalgia, and often, their rarity. Vintage items span across categories like clothing, accessories, home décor, and collectibles, providing a rich variety for those seeking a piece of the past. A shop that has found significant success in the vintage clothing niche is "Vintageby2sweet." Their carefully curated collection takes customers on a sartorial journey through the decades, offering a slice of history in every garment. Their popularity underscores the demand for unique, vintage items on Etsy.

Analyzing the best-selling products on Etsy and understanding the successful brands behind these products can help potential sellers make informed decisions regarding their own product offerings. As this section has demonstrated, whether it's handmade jewelry, custom clothing, printable art, or vintage items, the key to a successful Etsy shop lies in offering quality, unique items that resonate with your target audience. As a prospective Etsy seller, you can learn from these success stories and adapt the insights to your own shop.

If you are considering starting an Etsy shop, it is essential to understand what products you can sell on this platform. As a marketplace centered around unique, creative, and handmade items, Etsy offers a broad spectrum of categories for sellers to explore. The platform encourages artisans, crafters, and collectors to share their passion and creativity with a global audience. Whether you are interested in selling handcrafted jewelry, vintage items, custom-made clothing, digital downloads, or craft supplies, Etsy could be the perfect platform for your venture. In this section, we will explore the different categories of products you can sell on Etsy, shedding light on the diversity and possibilities that this unique platform offers.

Jewelry

1. Necklaces

These can range from simple pendants to statement pieces—often handmade and customizable.

2. Rings

From minimalist bands to intricate gemstone rings, these are popular for their uniqueness and personalization options.

3. Earrings

Handcrafted earrings in various styles and materials are a customer favorite.

4. Bracelets

These range from beaded designs to cuff bracelets—often offering customization options.

5. Pendants

Unique handmade pendants, often customizable, are a popular choice for buyers.

6. Brooches

Vintage, handmade brooches are sought after for their one-of-a-kind styles and designs.

7. Hair Accessories

These include handmade hair clips, headbands, and hairpins, which can add a distinctive touch to any outfit.

8. Body Jewelry

This category includes unique pieces like nose rings, belly button rings, and more, which are often handmade.

9. Custom Jewelry

Jewelry that can be customized, such as engraved jewelry or birthstone jewelry, is particularly well-liked.

Home Decor

1. Printable Wall Art

Unique, downloadable designs that customers can print at home are a popular choice.

2. Decorative Cushions

Handmade or unique cushion covers add a personalized touch to home decor.

3. Candle Holders

From rustic lanterns to modern glass designs, distinctive candle holders are a hit.

4. Furniture

Exclusive, often handmade or vintage pieces that add personality to homes.

5. Candles

Handmade candles, often with unique scents or designs, are well received.

6. Clocks

One-of-a-kind wall clocks or desk clocks, often handmade or vintage, are widely sought-after items.

7. Wallpaper

Unique, removable wallpaper designs offer an easy way to change up home decor.

8. Vases

These range from handmade pottery pieces to distinctive glass designs.

9. Mugs

Handmade or uniquely designed mugs, often customizable, are a customer favorite.

10. Rugs

Exclusive, often handmade, or vintage rugs add character to homes.

11. Picture Frames

One-of-a-kind, distinguished frames are popular for showcasing cherished photos.

Stationery

1. Stickers

Unique stickers, often handmade, are popular for personalizing notebooks, laptops, and more.

2. Notebooks

Distinctive or customizable notebooks, often handmade, are sought-after items.

3. Journals

Unique or personalized journals, often handmade, are very popular.

4. Greeting Cards

Handmade greeting cards add a personalized touch to any occasion.

5. Prints

Distinguished prints, often handmade or digital downloads, are a popular choice among users.

6. Invitations

Customizable, often handmade invitations for weddings, birthdays, and other events are in high demand.

7. Planners

One-of-a-kind or customizable planners, often handmade, help customers stay organized in style.

8. Stationery Sets

These coordinated sets often include a mix of notepads, pens, stickers, and more.

9. Gift Wrap

Unique, often handmade gift wrap options add a special touch to gifts.

Gifts

1. Jewelry

Handmade or unique jewelry pieces make for thoughtful gifts.

2. Home Decor

Distinctive, often handmade home decor items are popular gift choices.

3. Stationery

Unique, handmade stationery items make for practical and attractive gifts.

4. Clothing

Distinguished or custom clothing pieces can make special gifts.

5. Accessories

Unique, mostly handmade, accessories add a personal touch to gift-giving.

6. Toys 

One-of-a-kind, often handmade, toys are a hit for children's gifts.

7. Gift Baskets

These often include a curated selection of items, such as gourmet foods or bath products.

8. Gift Certificates

These allow the recipient to choose something they love from the giver's Etsy shop.

9. Custom Gifts

Gifts that can be customized, such as engraved items or monogrammed towels, are particularly well-liked among consumers.

Vintage Items

1. Clothing

Unique vintage clothing pieces from past decades are sought-after items.

2. Jewelry

Period jewelry pieces, particularly those from certain eras, are always in high demand.

3. Home Decor

Distinctive antique home decor items add character to homes.

4. Accessories

Distinguished, high-quality accessories, such as hats or scarves, are quite well-liked.

5. Books

Vintage books, especially those that are hard to find, are very much in demand.

6. Toys

Age-old toys, particularly those that are collectible or from certain eras, are highly sought after.

7. Collectibles

This includes items like vintage coins, postcards, and more.

8. Ephemera

These are paper items like age-old posters, tickets, or cards.

Craft Supplies

1. Beads

These are often used in jewelry making, and unique or high-quality beads are popular.

2. Yarn

Distinctive, quality yarns are sought after for knitting and crocheting.

3. Fabric

Unique or superior fabrics are in high demand for sewing projects.

4. Tools

High-quality or unique crafting tools can make crafting projects easier or more enjoyable.

5. Patterns

Patterns for sewing, knitting, or other crafts are popular, especially one-of-a-kind or easy-to-follow ones.

6. Kits

These often include all the materials and instructions needed for a specific craft project.

7. Supplies for Specific Crafts

This can include anything from candle-making supplies to painting supplies.

8. Custom Craft Supplies

Distinguished or customizable craft supplies are popular.

Digital Downloads

1. Printable Wall Art

Unique, downloadable art that customers can print at home.

2. Greeting Cards

Distinctive greeting cards for various occasions that can be easily downloaded.

3. Patterns

Digital patterns for crafts like sewing or knitting.

4. Fonts

One-of-a-kind digital fonts that customers can use in their own projects.

5. Digital Scrapbooking Kits

These include a variety of digital elements for creating digital scrapbooks.

6. Music 

Original music tracks that are available for download.

7. Ebooks

Digital books on a variety of topics—from how-to guides to novels.

8. Other Digital Files

This can include anything from website templates to printable calendars.

Clothing

1. Women's Clothing

Distinctive or custom women's clothing items, often vintage or homemade.

2. Men's Clothing

Unique or customized men's clothing items, often handcrafted or vintage.

3. Children's Clothing

A variety of children's clothing items, often handmade and customizable.

4. Shoes

Unique or custom shoes, mostly handmade or vintage.

5. Accessories

These can include things like belts or scarves, often handmade or one-of-a-kind.

6. Custom Clothing

Clothing that is custom-made for the customer, such as tailored dresses or monogrammed shirts.

Accessories

1. Jewelry

Handmade and vintage jewelry pieces are popular accessories.

2. Bags

Unique or custom bags, often handmade, are supremely sought after.

3. Hats

Handcrafted hats are popular for their style and individuality.

4. Scarves

Unique, handmade scarves are widely sought after for their style and warmth.

5. Belts

Distinctive belts, often handmade, are sought after and easily customizable.

6. Sunglasses

Distinguished sunglasses, either vintage or designer, are popular among the users.

7. Watches

One-of-a-kind watches, often vintage or custom, are sought after.

8. Other Accessories

This can include a variety of items, from gloves to hair accessories.

Understanding what you can sell on Etsy is the first step towards building a successful shop on the platform. From jewelry and home decor to digital downloads and craft supplies, the possibilities are virtually limitless. This vast array of categories allows sellers to find a niche that aligns with their skills, passion, and the products they love to create. By choosing a product or category that resonates with your creative drive, you can build an Etsy shop that is not only profitable but also a true reflection of your unique creativity. Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently move forward with setting up your Etsy shop, bringing your creativity to life, and sharing it with the world.

As a global online marketplace renowned for its distinctive, creative goods, Etsy has been home to countless entrepreneurs who thrive on creating and selling distinctive items. Every year, new trends emerge, and you see new products trending on Etsy, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences, cultural moments, and innovative ideas from the sellers themselves. These trends offer invaluable insights to sellers and buyers alike, helping to navigate the expansive world of Etsy's marketplace. Understanding the current Etsy trends and what products and categories are trending on Etsy can serve as a compass, guiding you towards success in your Etsy endeavors, whether you are seeking to buy something that is in vogue or looking to align your shop offerings with what is resonating most with customers this year.

1. Sustainable and Ethical Products

This is a growing trend, as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. Products made from recycled materials, fair trade products, and vegan products are all popular on Etsy.

2. Handmade and Vintage Items

There is always a demand for handmade and vintage items on Etsy. These products are unique and one-of-a-kind, which makes them appealing to many shoppers.

3. Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts are always a brilliant way to show that you care for someone. They can be customized to the recipient's interests—making them even more special.

4. Home Decor

Home decor is always a popular category on Etsy. There are a wide variety of home decor items available, from handmade furniture to custom artwork.

5. Clothing and Accessories

Clothing and accessories are a well-liked category on Etsy. There is a wide variety of styles and price points available, so you can find something to suit your taste.

6. Craft Supplies

One of the best ways to get creative is by using craft supplies. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned crafter, you'll find everything you need to get started on Etsy.

7. Digital Downloads

Digital downloads are a great way to sell products that you can deliver instantly to your customers. These include printable wall art, greeting cards, patterns, and other digital files.

It is important to remember that trends can be an excellent source of inspiration and guidance, but the true spirit of Etsy lies in individuality and creativity. Success on Etsy often comes from offering products that are not only in tune with the trends but also carry a unique element—a touch of your own creativity and passion. So while you leverage these insights about Etsy trends to understand what sells best on Etsy, do not forget to bring your authentic self to your Etsy shop—because it is this authenticity that ultimately resonates most strongly with the Etsy community.

As a new seller on Etsy, one of the most critical decisions you will make is choosing what to sell. Selecting the right product can influence your shop's success, and this choice should not be taken lightly. It's essential to consider various factors, including current Etsy trends, your skill set, market demand, and your passion for what you're selling. Remember, your chosen product is not just about what sells best on Etsy; it's also a reflection of your creativity and passion. This section will guide you through the process of selecting what to sell on Etsy, step by step, ensuring you make a decision that aligns with your goals and passion.

Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Passion

When thinking about what to sell on Etsy, start by identifying your passions and skills. What is it that you excel at, and what is it that you love to do? Are you a seasoned crafter, an amateur photographer, a skilled woodworker, or a talented artist? Your passion often leads to the best-selling items on Etsy because your enthusiasm and commitment will reflect in your products' quality and authenticity.

Step 2: Consider Market Demand

After identifying your passion and skills, consider the market demand. What are customers looking for, and how well is your product idea likely to be received? Use tools like Etsy's trend reports, Google Trends, and social media to understand what customers are currently interested in. Research the best-selling Etsy items in your category to gauge market demand.

Step 3: Check Your Competition

Consider who else is selling similar products on Etsy. This doesn't mean you shouldn't sell a product if there's competition. Instead, understanding your competition can help you identify how to differentiate your product. Look for gaps in the market where your unique perspective and skills could shine.

Step 4: Understand the Practicalities

Consider the practical aspects of producing and selling your product. This includes sourcing materials, production time, pricing, packaging, shipping, and storage. These elements can significantly impact your business operations and profit margins.

Step 5: Test Your Product

Before you go all in, consider creating a small batch of your product and testing it among friends, family, or local markets. This can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your product before launching on Etsy.

Choosing what to sell on Etsy is a thoughtful process that involves considering your passion and skills, market demand, competition, and practicalities. Keep in mind that while following Etsy trends can offer guidance, your passion, and unique creativity can often lead to the creation of best-selling items on Etsy. Testing your products before the full-scale launch can provide valuable insights, helping you refine your products to meet customer needs. Remember, success on Etsy is not just about selling; it's about sharing your passion with the world and creating a product you're proud of. This guide serves as a roadmap to help you navigate this process and set your Etsy shop up for success.