How to Start Up a Business on Etsy
Etsy, an e-commerce website specializing in handmade and vintage items, offers artists of all types a venue to sell their work online. The easy-to-use interface and reasonable fees make Etsy an affordable alternative to eBay for online sellers. Whether you make jewelry, greeting cards, clothes or collect vintage items, it is easy to set up and run a business through Etsy.
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Instructions
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Decide what product you plan to sell. Etsy only allows you to sell items you have made yourself or vintage items. Have at least 10 to 20 items ready to sell before you open your shop.
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Choose a name for your Etsy store. Brainstorm possible names and ask friends and family to look at your products and suggest name ideas. Pick a name that is catchy or easy to remember.
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Register your business with Etsy. Remember that your user name will appear in your store URL. Enter your PayPal account details.
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Photograph your items. Etsy gives you space for five photos of each item, and you should use them all. Take pictures of your items from multiple angles, and be sure to get close.
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Complete the information on your Etsy profile page. Be sure to include your location, as buyers will want to know where your items are coming from. Complete your shop policies as well. Browse some of the front-page Etsy store policies for ideas on what to include.
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List your items under "Your Etsy." You will need to enter an item description, list of materials, search tags, price, shipping cost and five photographs of the item. You can edit this information at any time during the 90-day listing.
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Ship items as they sell. Etsy will email you a notification when an item from your shop sells. Double-check the address before dropping off items at the post office.
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Pay your Etsy fees through PayPal every month. Keep creating and listing new items, and enjoy your Etsy business.
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Tips & Warnings
Invest in a digital camera with a micro setting for close-up photos of your items.
Try promoting your business through social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Keep a few customs declaration forms from the post office at home for items purchased from overseas buyers.
Check with your local tax office for requirements for registering your business in your state.
References
- Photo Credit craft a card! image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com
