Etsy Explained

Since the majority of my jewelry business right now is on Etsy I thought you might like a little insight into how Etsy works.

If you are going to use Etsy as a buyer or seller the original sign up is the same. It's pretty simple sign up, give an email and come up with a password.

The Absolute Basics on Buying:

Once you have an account you can search for things using the search bar or browse certain categories but if you know a place you like to shop (hint hint Belleza Mia) then you can favorite them so it is easier to find each time you come back to buy. You do that by clicking the favorite button that is in or near their header.

Then you can find exactly what you are looking for next time you come back to Etsy.

Once you find something you want Etsy you can go ahead and add it to your cart or there is the option to ask the seller a question about the product or to read reviews that other people have given the seller.

After you add something to your cart it will show up. Here you pick how to pay and make sure what's there is what you want. You can add a note to the seller if you need. From here you can keep shopping or check out.

Selling, Here’s What I Know:

After you create a general Etsy account then along the top it will give you the option of creating a store. To sell on Etsy your items have to be handmade, vintage (20 years or older), or craft supplies. Creating a store doesn't cost anything, but they do charge a little when you begin listing items.

The cost to list an item at first is $0.20, then when it's gets sold they charge 3.5% of the cost of the item. They bill you every month instead of every time an item is sold.

Having a store front on etsy is basically like having a booth at a craft fair, you don't own the space (or in this case the website) but you have a few options as to what to do with your space. In Etsy's case you get to upload a header picture, post shop announcements, and create a seller profile. Not a lot of customization but it's something.

Here is an visual, created by MBAonline, that gives some interesting stats about Etsy.

So, go explore. You can start at my shop, Belleza Mia, or just explore all that Etsy has to offer.

Also if you are thinking of opening a shop, or just opened one and have questions, ASK ME! I learned what I know through years of lots of trial and error and have helped a number of people set up shop and love to share what I have learned.