13+ Best Things to Sell on Etsy in 2023 (Etsy Selling Ideas)
Are you looking for some creative Etsy shop ideas to get started and make money online?
I’ve got you covered. While preparing this article, I surveyed 90+ products and categories and settled on a list of 13+ best things to sell on Etsy.
From the survey, Handmade jewelry emerged as the best product. Even though the jewelry category is under fierce competition, the market demand for jewels continues to increase on the platform.
“Handmade jewelry” remains one of the most highly searched tags.
But with over 4.3 million active shops and 60 million items for listed sale, how do you stand out from the competition?
Read the article now!
What Are The Best Things To Sell On Etsy
Many people have found success selling items on Etsy and other online selling sites and marketplaces. But what are the best things to sell and why?
- Handmade Jewelry
- Personalized Gifts
- Personalized Cards
- Printables
- Digital Artwork & Downloads
- Notebooks & Journals
- Wedding supplies
- Party decorations
- Vintage supplies
- Home decors
- Clothing
- Self-care products
1. Handmade Jewelry
One of the top-selling items on Etsy is handmade jewelry. The handmade items category features products that Etsy sellers create by hand instead of being mass-produced by machines.
Most of these jewelry pieces are from various materials, including metals, gemstones, beads, and more.
There are many reasons handmade jewelry is so popular on Etsy but mainly due to its uniqueness. The jewelry is exceptional, and probably no one else in the world has a replica.
Second, handmade jewelry sellers have a reputation for featuring high-quality materials that last longer than costume jewelry.
Handmade jewelry is a great option for things to sell on Etsy. So why choose this product to sell on Etsy?
- It’s popular with buyers and has a ready market.
- They are relatively easy and inexpensive to make.
- It requires minimal time and effort.
- With a little effort, you can create beautiful pieces of jewelry that people will love.
- It’s easy to create unique pieces that stand out from the crowd.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 5 stars
- Price range: $10-$100+
- Profit Potential: 4.7 stars
- Competition:4.6 stars (very competitive)
Average Price Point: $8-$50
2. Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are always a nice touch, showing that you took the time to think about the recipient. Customized gifts include mugs, t-shirts, keychains, ornaments, and more.
The great thing about personalized gifts is that you can add a special touch to them by adding the person’s name, initials, or a special message.
Personalizing makes the gift extra sentimental, which is sure to be appreciated by the recipient.
But why do personalized gifts stand out as a great option to sell on Etsy? Here are some reasons why:
- They are always in demand. People are always looking for unique gifts for their loved ones.
- There’s no limit to how creative you can get. You can easily add a personal touch to the gifts by including a name or pushing your creative limits.
- They are relatively inexpensive to make. You can make the gifts as simple or as elaborate as you want.
- Personalized gifts are a great way to show someone you care.
- The gift brings about a personal connection.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.5 stars
- Price range: $3-$150+
- Profit Potential: 4.6 stars
- Competition: 4.5 stars (very competitive)
Average Price Point: $5-$50
3. Personalized Cards
There is an insatiable market for personalized cards on Etsy. Like gifts, buyers love personalized cards as they show the recipient they care.
Sellers on Etsy add a special touch to the cards by adding the person’s name, initials, or a special message. The cards vary from wedding invitations and engagement cards to thank you cards.
What’s better about selling personalized products on Etsy is that there’s no limit to how creative you can get. Consequently, there’s no limit to how expensive you can price your products.
You sell the uniqueness of your personal touch and charge your level of creativity. But why do personalized cards feature in the things to sell on Etsy? Here are some reasons why:
- The cards are simple and relatively inexpensive to make. On the downside, personalized cards are generally low-cost items, so you’ll need to sell them aggressively to make a significant profit.
- The demand for personalized cards isn’t halting any time soon. People are always looking for unique gifts for their loved ones, and personalized cards are the perfect solution.
- Even though there is a lot of competition, your Etsy shop can make considerable profits if the cards are high-quality, unique, and target a specific niche.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.7 stars (always a market for this product)
- Price range: $2-$50+
- Profit Potential: 3.6 stars (low-profit margins)
- Competition: 4.5 stars (very competitive)
Average Price Point: $3-$15
4. Stickers
A sticker is a label or a piece of printed paper or plastic with pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. Etsy sellers design them to be attached to surfaces such as walls, lockers, laptops, cars, etc.
If you’re looking for something to sell on Etsy, stickers are a perfect product. You can design stickers for sale that feature designs, logos, or inspirational quotes, depending on your creativity.
But why should you start an Etsy shop selling stickers?
- They are easy to make and don’t require much time or money.
- Stickers are popular with buyers and have a ready-established market.
- The market for stickers is evergreen as new trends emerge all the time.
- Stickers are easy to ship, and you can package them together in sets.
Selling stickers doesn’t limit your creativity, as you can create unique designs that stand out from the crowd. Therefore, you can quickly build a following and establish your brand.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4 stars
- Price range: $0.25-$15
- Profit Potential: 3 stars
- Competition: 5 stars (somewhat competitive)
Average Price Point: $2-$10
5. Printables
Printables are one of the most popular categories of things to sell on Etsy. Printables are digital files that the buyer can print.
They can be anything from party invitations to planners and organizational tools.
Printables have become so popular because they offer an easy way for people to DIY their projects without starting from scratch.
You can do many things in the printables category, which is why they make great things to sell on Etsy. Here are some ideas:
- You can create templates that buyers can use to create their products.
- You can design ready-to-use products that buyers can print and use.
- You can create digital products buyers can print at home or at a local print shop.
- You can sell printables as part of a larger project, such as a party pack or a wedding stationery suite.
What’s more, you can integrate your eCommerce store or shop with Printful or Printify. These companies handle the printing process. I have a comprehensive Printful Vs. Printify reviews that you might find helpful.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.2 stars
- Price range: $1-$30
- Profit Potential: 3.6 stars
- Competition: 4.4 stars (highly competitive)
Average Price Point: $1-$10
6. Digital Artwork And Downloads
Technology is changing everything, including artwork and its delivery format to customers. Digital artwork is computer-generated art, printable art, and other digital files that the customer can download and print.
The artwork can be anything from a printable PDF to an SVG file that the buyer can produce locally with their printer or a cutting machine.
If you’re looking to start an Etsy shop but don’t know what to sell, digital artwork is a great option. But why?
- It’s easy and inexpensive to produce. You don’t have to worry about shipping costs or inventory.
- You can easily customize it for each buyer. Additionally, you can sell the same product unlimitedly.
- You can deliver the files instantly, so the customer doesn’t have to wait for their purchase.
- There is a wide range of prices for digital artwork, so you can find something that fits your budget.
- You don’t need a lot of capital to sell on Etsy.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.2 stars
- Price range: $2-$100
- Profit Potential: 3.8 stars
- Competition: 4.8 stars (Very Competitive)
Average Price Point: $5-$50
7. Notebooks And Journals
Another good option for things to sell on Etsy is notebooks and journals. These items are popular with Etsy shoppers because everyone uses personally uses them daily.
Most notebooks and journeys are made using paper, but some feature leather and cloth.
You can sell a variety of the many different types of notebooks and journals available on Etsy. However, you’ll stand out if you find your niche. You can opt to niche to bible journals, women journals, etc.
Additionally, notebooks and journals offer a great deal of customization. You can add your unique flair to these products by adding monograms, quotes, illustrations, and more.
If you’re looking to own an Etsy store, a notebook and journal are a top-selling category and a great option to focus on. Here’s why:
- They have a mass appeal, and everyone uses them.
- You can creatively personalize them to make a unique selling point.
- People use them daily, which keeps your product top of mind.
- Journals make great gifts for any occasion.
Downsides
- The average price point is low, which means you’ll need to sell a lot to make a profit.
- You may need to have an inventory to meet customer demand.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.1 stars (very competitive)
- Price range: $5-$100+
- Profit Potential: 4.3 stars
- Competition: 3.5 stars
Average Price Point: $10-$30
8. Wedding Supplies
A good percentage of top Etsy sellers retail wedding supplies. Therefore, wedding items are a good niche if you’re looking for things to sell on Etsy.
It’s a lucrative niche because people are always getting married, so there is always a need for wedding supplies.
Some of the many things you can sell in this category include wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, wedding favors, wedding party gifts, and more.
Selling wedding supplies on Etsy is a worthwhile idea because:
- The items are always in demand because there are always weddings taking place.
- They tend to be expensive items, so your business has a lot of potential profit.
- Wedding supplies are often quite personal and customizable so that you can stand out from the crowd with your products.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.1 stars
- Price range: $0.2-$250
- Profit Potential: 4.2 stars
- Competition: 3.9 Stars
Average Price Point: $5-$50
9. Party Decorations
As I researched this article, I realized that Etsy stores’ most successful party decorations offer products that appeal to a broad audience.
They also have a clear branding strategy that distinguishes their shop from the competition.
Therefore, if you’re looking to outdo the top Etsy sellers, you must offer unique and appealing products to a wide range of buyers.
Also, you’ll need to create a brand for your shop that makes it memorable and recognizable.
Starting an Etsy store for party decorations is a worthwhile investment because:
- There’s always a market for party supplies.
- People are always looking for unique and one-of-a-kind party decorations.
- You can sell to a global market.
- You have the potential to make a lot of money if you find the right niche.
- When it comes to party decorations, the sky is the limit. You can sell anything from banners and balloons to cake toppers and confetti.
Average Price Point: $5-$50
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.7 stars
- Price range: $0.10-$100
- Profit Potential: 4.1 stars
- Competition: 3.8 stars (somewhat competitive)
10. Vintage Supplies
For all you creative types out there, top-selling items on Etsy also include vintage supplies.
Vintage items include products such as old maps, postcards, and other paper ephemera that buyers can use as craft supplies or scrapbooking.
The great thing about selling vintage supplies is that, with a good source, you can easily stock your shop with rare items. What’s more, the profit margin is highly unpredictable.
It’s a popular category for people with unique old items to sell on Etsy. So why is starting a vintage items Etsy store worth it?
- The demand for vintage items is consistent.
- There are always new and exciting items to sell.
- You can find vintage supplies at a low cost.
- You can charge a higher price for vintage supplies than for new items.
Before you sell on Etsy vintage supplies or even list the products, there are a few things to remember.
- Make sure the items you’re selling are in good condition.
- Research the value of the items before you list them. Understanding the value will help you price them correctly and avoid underselling your commodities.
Average Price Point: $5-$20
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.7 stars
- Price range: $2-$4000+
- Profit Potential: 4.7 stars
- Competition: 3.5 stars (somewhat competitive)
11. Home Decors
Home decors were among the top-selling items on Etsy in 2020 due to Covid. This category of products includes a wide range of items, from wall art to table runners and everything in between.
Home decor is great Etsy store to invest in for a few reasons:
- The market demand is insatiable. People are constantly looking for ways to spruce up their homes.
- Home decor can be rewarding, especially if you personalize the products. Buyers are willing to pay good money for quality and unique products.
- The category has a wide range of products you can sell, from wall art to rugs. That allows you to niche down on what you love most.
- You can make a good profit margin on home decor.
Downsides
Home decor isn’t easy to start as you may need equipment and materials. You’ll need a complete list of inventory to get started.
You’ll also need to learn the basics. But with the right eCommerce mindset and deep passion, you’re bound to succeed in this category.
Average Price Point: $20-$200
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.6 stars
- Price range: $4-$200+
- Profit Potential: 4.2 stars
- Competition: 4.8 stars (very competitive)
12. Clothing
Clothing and accessories remain some of the best-selling items to sell on Etsy. This category includes dresses, shirts, skirts, pants, hats, scarves, gloves, and more.
Some of the reasons why the clothing category is so popular on Etsy include:
- First, clothes are something that everyone needs. Everyone has to wear clothes, so the market is guaranteed.
- Second, clothes are relatively easy to ship and cheaper. They don’t take up a lot of space so you can fit a lot of them into one box.
- Third, clothes are easy to customize. You can add your personal touches to clothing items to make them unique. Buyers appreciate such creativity because it means they can find apparel that no one else has.
- It’s easy to build a customer base around the clothing category by offering quality, special deals, and promotions. You can also create a niche market by focusing on a particular type of clothing, such as plus size or vintage clothes.
Average Price Point: $10-$100
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.7 stars
- Price range: $10-$300
- Profit Potential: 3.7 stars
- Competition: 4.9 stars (Very competitive)
13. Self Care Products
Selfcare products such as all-natural soaps, lotions, and other bath and body products have a high demand on Etsy.
If you want your Etsy store to stand out, consider selling the top-selling self-care products. The most profitable self-care products:
- Feature natural ingredients with better skin results for buyers than store-bought products.
- They are more affordable than similar products found at a department store. However, price should be a competitive factor; too cheap products are often mistaken to be of low quality.
- Are attractive packaging that will make your buyers want to gift
- The products should have a unique selling proposition that speaks to your target market. For example, if you’re targeting eco-conscious buyers, your self-care products should be made with sustainable and natural ingredients.
But why is selling self-care products on Etsy a worthwhile investment?
- Self-care products are always in demand.
- There is a wide range of self-care products you can sell on Etsy, from skincare to aromatherapy.
- The competition for self-care products is not as fierce as in other markets on Etsy.
- It’s easy to niche with self-care products and focus on a specific market.
Average price point: $10-$30.
Rating:
- Market Availability: 4.3 stars
- Price range: $5-$100
- Profit Potential: 4.0 stars
- Competition: 3.3 stars (somewhat competitive)
How To Open An Etsy Shop
You don’t need your website to sell on Etsy, but I recommend it. My article on the best web design software can guide you through creating a website easily and effortlessly.
But if you have a website, you can use it to drive traffic to your Etsy shop. You can also use it to sell items you don’t list on Etsy. If the website doesn’t have traffic yet, get one of the top eCommerce platforms and use it to scale up.
To open an Etsy shop, here are the steps:
Create An Etsy Account
To start selling on Etsy, you must have an existing consumer account. If you don’t have an Etsy account yet, go to etsy.com and click Sign in the top right corner of the home page.
A popup will emerge, and you will click the Register button. The form will prompt you to enter your email, first name, and password.
You must enter a valid email and confirm it by clicking the link in your mailbox.
The confirmation link will prompt you to sign in. After signing, Next to the cart, you will see an account icon, click on it and the drop-down menu, “sell on Etsy.”
You will be redirected to a new page with a banner and a large “open your Etsy black shop” button. Click on it.
Set The Shop Preferences
This step requires you to choose your shop language, country, currency, and Etsy payment methods.
You will also be asked whether you aim to sell on Etsy full-time or part-time. After completing this step, click “save and continue”.
A Name For Your Etsy Store
Choose a name for your shop that reflects what you sell and is easy for buyers to remember. Avoid using punctuation marks or spaces in your shop name since people will have to search for you by your exact shop name.
Once you’ve chosen a name for your shop, click Save and continue.
Stock Your Shop
Stocking your shop is perhaps the most detailed step and the most important. The step directly relates to how your store will appear to potential customers.
Let’s break down this step further:
Photos
Etsy allows you to upload a maximum of 10 photos per listing. The images help your customers estimate the product’s size, understand how it works, and imagine themselves using it.
Use high-quality images that are clear and have good lighting. Check the guidelines.
Video
You can add 5 to 15 seconds or up to 100MB video of the product on your Etsy shop listing. The video will appear on your products’ page and can be a great way to show your products in action.
Listing Details
You will need to write a title and description for your listing in this section.
You’ll also need to select the category, add some tags, choose when the listing expires, set the quantity available for sale, and partner for your product.
Inventory And Pricing
The next thing you’ll need to do is set your prices and manage your inventory. Ensure that you’re pricing your products competitively and profitably.
You can also offer discounts on your products by setting up a sale in your shop.
Variations And Personalization
You can set up variations for your listing if you’re selling products with different variations (such as size, color, or style).
You can also offer personalization for your products by setting up a custom listing.
Shipping
The last thing you’ll need to do is set up your shipping options. You’ll need to choose whether you want to ship your products yourself or use Etsy’s shipping labels.
You’ll also need to set your shipping costs and processing time.
After filling up all the details, click “save and continue.”
Set Up Payment Methods.
Etsy will need your tax filing information before you can start selling. Individuals or sole proprietors must input their legal first and last name, address, social security number, and date of birth.
On the other hand, if your business is registered, you’ll need to provide your business name and address, the type of business entity, tax identification number, etc.
You will need to input your bank account information so Etsy can deposit your earnings from sales. The banking details you need are the routing and account numbers.
After providing all the information, click Save and Continue.
Set Up The Billing.
You can set up your billing method by entering your credit card details. You must enter the card number, expiry date, and security code. You can also choose to save your credit card details for future use.
Additionally, you can enable auto-billing, which will automatically bill your credit card for transactional, listing, and payment processing fees.
After setting up your billing method, click Save and Continue.
Open Your Shop.
The last step is to review your shop policies and open your Etsy shop! Once you’ve reviewed and accepted the terms, click Open Your Shop. And that’s it! Congratulations, you’re now an Etsy seller!
Customize the shop.
After opening your shop, the next thing you’ll want to do is customize it for Etsy SEO. Additionally, you need to make it look more professional and reflect your brand identity.
You can start by adding a banner and logo to your shop. You can also change the color scheme, etc.
The best way to benefit from your Etsy shop is to create an eCommerce product launch strategy. The training equips you with the right skills to launch a product for more sales.
Additionally, you can set up your shop’s policies, such as your returns and exchanges policy, shipping policy, etc. This simple but critical step will save you time and headaches.
Things To Sell On Etsy – FAQs
1. What Is Hot On Etsy?
Handmade and personalized jewelry is the hottest category on Etsy. Although the category is highly competitive, new sellers still have many opportunities to get in on the action.
2. Is It Hard To Sell On Etsy?
Selling on Etsy is hard, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make sales. Just like any other business, the Etsy marketplace is very competitive. And to succeed, you need hard work, creativity, and dedication.
3. Is Etsy Saturated?
Every category on the Etsy marketplace is saturated, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for new sellers.
The saturation level of the Etsy marketplace is one of the reasons it’s so important to stand out from the competition.
4. Do I Need To Pay Taxes From Etsy Income?
Yes, you must pay taxes from Etsy income.
The marketplace collects your tax filing information when registering your shop. Therefore, they send your 1099-K form to the IRS. You must report your Etsy income to the IRS on your tax return.
Summary
So, what can you sell on Etsy? If you can think of it, there’s a good chance someone is looking to buy it. The sky is the limit!
According to my research, Handmade jewelry stands out as the best product to sell on Etsy!
With over 33 million active buyers on Etsy, your handmade jewelry have the potential to reach a large and engaged audience.
But how do you launch an Etsy store and make your first jewelry sale? Are you even ready to start selling? I have prepared a guide for everyone (including beginners) to help sell on Etsy. See you on the other side.