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Are you looking to turn your crafting hobby into a profitable business? Or maybe you’re seeking a side hustle to boost your income?
With over 96 million active users, Etsy has become a bustling marketplace where people shop for unique items for themselves and thoughtful gifts for others.
Whether you’re an experienced seller or just starting out, finding the right things to sell on Etsy can be a game-changer for your financial goals. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to sell.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 most profitable items you can sell on Etsy to make money, whether you’re aiming for a part-time income or dreaming of turning your passion into a full-time business.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best things to sell on Etsy to grow your income!
10 best things to sell on Etsy to make money
Let’s check out some of the most popular items you can sell on Etsy:
1. Printables
Selling printables on Etsy is a hassle-free way to start your online business. The best part? You won’t need to worry about shipping because your customers will be downloading their purchases right from their computers.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the types of printables you can create and sell. Seasonal printables for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas are always in demand. Plus, there are plenty of other events to cater to, such as graduation parties, baby showers, and bachelorette parties.
Educational printables are also popular, offering teachers valuable resources to use in their classrooms. From worksheets to lesson plans, there’s a wide range of educational materials you can create.
Don’t forget about everyday essentials like grocery shopping lists, digital planners, and journals. These practical printables help people stay organized and make their lives a little easier.
When it comes to celebrations, the sky’s the limit. Birthday invitations, banners, and wall art can all be customized to suit any theme or style. And let’s not overlook the smaller details like jar labels and gift tags, which can add a special touch to any occasion.
The beauty of selling printables is that you can offer a diverse range of products to appeal to different audiences. Whether it’s a busy mom looking for a meal planning printable or a student searching for study aids, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking for a flexible and creative business opportunity, selling printables on Etsy could be the perfect fit. With a bit of imagination and design skills, you can create products that people love and build a successful Etsy shop without ever having to ship a thing.
You can find out more at How to Make Money Selling Printables Online
2. Canva Templates
Selling Canva templates is a fantastic way to earn money right from the comfort of your home. The best part? You won’t have to worry about shipping because your customers will be able to download their templates instantly.
The beauty of Canva templates lies in their versatility. Whether someone is looking to create an ebook, a presentation, or a planner, there’s a template out there for them. And once you’ve created a template, you can sell it over and over again without any extra work on your part.
Creating Canva templates is relatively straightforward, even if you’re not a graphic design whiz. Canva offers a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features that make designing easy and fun. Plus, there are plenty of tutorials and resources available online to help you get started.
Once your templates are ready to go, set up your Etsy shop and be sure to create clear and compelling listings that showcase your templates’ features and benefits. High-quality images and detailed descriptions can go a long way in attracting potential customers.
Promoting your Canva templates on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can also help drive traffic to your Etsy shop. Sharing sneak peeks, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process can pique interest and encourage sales.
You can find out more at How to Make Money Selling Canva Templates
3. Personalized cards
Selling personalized cards on Etsy doesn’t necessarily require you to be a crafting guru. Thanks to platforms like Canva, creating beautiful card designs has never been easier. With just a few clicks, you can make stunning designs that are sure to catch your customers’ eyes.
One of the great things about selling cards on Etsy is the flexibility it offers. Each buyer can order exactly what they want, whether it’s a birthday card, a thank-you card, or a holiday greeting. And because you arrange printing and shipping after the order is placed, there’s no need to worry about wastage or storing inventory.
When setting up your Etsy shop, be sure to showcase your designs in the best possible light. High-quality images and detailed descriptions can help potential customers get a better sense of what you offer. And don’t forget to highlight any customization options or special features that set your cards apart from the rest.
4. Stickers
Selling stickers on Etsy can be both fun and profitable, and you have the flexibility to offer both printed and printable options. Stickers are incredibly popular these days and are used for a variety of purposes, from decorating laptops and water bottles to scrapbooking and journaling.
The beauty of selling stickers is that you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to get started. You can easily partner with a print-on-demand service that handles the printing, packaging, and shipping of your designs. This means you can focus on creating your designs while leaving the logistics to the experts.
Another great thing about selling stickers is the low shipping costs and minimal storage space required. Since stickers are small and lightweight, they’re easy and inexpensive to ship, which can be a big selling point for customers. Plus, you won’t need to worry about storing boxes of inventory in your home or making trips to the post office.
If you’re wondering what types of stickers sell best on Etsy, the possibilities are endless. From quirky designs and cute illustrations to motivational quotes and political messages, there’s a market for just about anything.
You can find out more at How to Make and Sell Stickers Online
5. Handmade Jewelry
Etsy is a treasure trove for jewelry lovers, offering a wide range of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. What makes Etsy so appealing to shoppers is the chance to buy unique, handmade pieces without breaking the bank.
Handmade jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings) stands out as one of the top things to sell on Etsy, and there’s plenty of room to add a personal touch. Even if you’re new to jewelry making, it’s a craft that’s easy to pick up. Many self-taught artisans learn the skills from Pinterest, and with the abundance of craft supplies available, you can create beautiful pieces in no time.
For beginners, starting can be as simple as assembling ready-made components. Think of adding charms to a bracelet or attaching pendants to earring hooks. These finishing touches can transform basic pieces into something special, ready to be listed and sold on Etsy.
You can get the necessary supplies from eBay, specialty websites, Amazon, or even right on Etsy.
Wedding-themed jewelry can be especially lucrative. Personalizing items to match wedding colors or include initials can make them even more appealing to buyers.
But even if you’re not skilled in designing and crafting jewelry, don’t worry! You can still get in on the action by buying and reselling unique pieces.
The real challenge lies in getting people to notice and buy your products. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can be powerful tools for promoting and direct them to your Etsy shop.
6. Paintings
Every living space deserves a touch of beauty, something that catches the eye and warms the heart. Whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a busy kitchen, or a quiet office, the walls around us offer a canvas for personal expression.
Paintings have the power to transform any room, turning blank walls into captivating focal points. When you offer canvases, you’re not just selling a piece of art; you’re providing an opportunity for people to enhance their living spaces with something meaningful and unique.
Personalized canvases are one of the consistently popular things to sell on Etsy, and for a good reason. Unlike mass-produced items, personalized artworks offer a level of value and individuality that simple gifts can’t match.
Etsy provides a platform for you to showcase your talents, connect with like-minded individuals, and build a loyal customer base that values your work.
7. Candles
Candles have always been a favorite when it comes to home décor, and Etsy shoppers can find a wide variety of unique and creative options to choose from.
From messages and images adorning the outside to a vast range of scents and designs, the possibilities are endless. Many of these candles are lovingly handmade and come at an affordable price, making them an attractive choice for customers looking to add a cozy touch to their homes.
That’s why candles make the perfect gifts for friends, family, and loved ones – they’re versatile, thoughtful, and always appreciated.
When it comes to selling on Etsy, personalized candles stand out as one of the best things to offer if you’re looking to make money. While candles could easily be grouped under homeware, they truly deserve a category of their own due to their popularity and appeal. However, with so many options available, the key to success is finding a niche that sets your products apart from the competition.
Could your shop specialize in candles tailored to specific hobbies or interests? Perhaps you could offer designs that appeal to children or stand out with unique features like rainbow stripes, ombre effects, or a sprinkle of glitter. The possibilities are endless, and a little creativity can go a long way in making your candles stand out.
8. Custom Mugs
Mugs are a staple in almost every kitchen, offering a glimpse into the personality and interests of the household. Whether they feature cute cats, karate symbols, or vintage cars, mugs often reflect the unique tastes of their owners. That’s why custom coffee mugs have become such a popular item on Etsy. They’re versatile, appealing to a broad range of audiences, and allow for a high level of personalization.
The beauty of selling custom mugs lies in their simplicity and customization options. While some people might prefer a simple initial or a favorite movie quote on their mug, many are now seeking more personalized designs featuring photos, names, or custom quotes. This demand for unique and customized mugs presents a fantastic opportunity for sellers to tap into this trend and offer something truly special to their customers.
Creating custom mugs might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually much easier than you might think, especially with the help of print-on-demand services like Printful or Printify. These services handle the printing and shipping for you, eliminating the need for storage space to store boxes of fragile mugs. This means you can focus on designing eye-catching and personalized mugs that customers will love.
9. Home Decor
Home decors are among the top things to sell on Etsy, offering sellers a wide range of opportunities to showcase their creativity and design skills. From wall art and decorative pillows to vases and candles, there’s no shortage of home decor items that can find a place in someone’s living space.
One popular home decor item to sell on Etsy is wall art. Whether it’s framed prints, canvas paintings, or hand-lettered signs, wall art adds a personal touch to any room. Sellers can create unique designs that resonate with various themes, from inspirational quotes and nature scenes to abstract art and pop culture references.
Another trendy home decor item is decorative pillows. These versatile pieces can instantly update a sofa, bed, or chair and offer a cozy and welcoming vibe to any room. Sellers can offer a range of designs, from simple patterns and solid colors to intricate designs and personalized options.
Vases and planters are also popular things to sell on Etsy, especially among those who love to decorate their homes with plants and flowers. Handcrafted ceramic vases, unique glass vases, or quirky planters can add a touch of elegance and personality to any room. Sellers can experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out and attract buyers.
Home decors are versatile and popular things to sell on Etsy, offering sellers a chance to showcase their creativity and offer something unique to customers.
10. Party Decor
Party supplies are among the top things to sell on Etsy, catering to a wide range of occasions from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings and special events. Etsy sellers offer a variety of products in this category, including banners, party bags, decorations, cake toppers, invitations, and much more. With the growing trend of DIY parties and personalized celebrations, there’s a high demand for unique and custom-made party supplies that reflect the theme and vibe of the event.
If you’re someone who loves planning parties and keeping decorations ready for any occasion, why not turn your passion into a business on Etsy? You can sell a wide range of party supplies with the option to offer personalized suggestions and recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace where people from all over the world buy and sell unique, handmade, and vintage items. It’s like a big online craft fair where you can find everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to vintage furniture and craft supplies.
The platform has become really popular because it offers shoppers a chance to find one-of-a-kind items that they wouldn’t find in regular stores. For sellers, it’s a great place to showcase their creativity and sell their products to a global audience without needing a physical storefront.
Is it worth selling on Etsy?
Deciding if Etsy is the right platform for your business comes down to what you’re selling. Etsy stands out from big online stores like Amazon because it’s tailored for handmade, vintage, craft supply items and even digital products. So, if your products fit into these categories, Etsy could be a great place for you to sell.
With a growing number of users, Etsy offers a ready-made audience that appreciates unique and handcrafted items. It’s a platform where creativity shines, and customers are often looking for something special they can’t find elsewhere.
While there are some fees involved, they’re reasonable and won’t break the bank. This means you can start your Etsy shop without a huge upfront investment.
However, if your products don’t align with Etsy’s guidelines, it might not be the best fit for you. It’s essential to do a bit of research and see if your offerings resonate with Etsy’s community before diving in.
What are the best-selling products on Etsy?
There’s a wide range of things to sell on Etsy, but there are some categories that consistently perform well.
Digital products, stickers and printables are popular choices, offering customers creative ways to express themselves.
Wedding items are another category that’s always in demand, as couples look for personalized touches for their big day. Handmade jewelry stands out with its individual designs, giving buyers something special they won’t find elsewhere.
If you’re curious about what’s currently trending, there are tools like eRank, EverBee, and Marmalead that can help. These websites allow you to research popular keywords, check out your competitors, and even see daily sales data.
With these tools, you can also improve your search engine optimization to make sure your products get noticed. So, if you’re wondering what things to sell on Etsy that will catch buyers’ attention, these resources can help guide your choices.
How much does it cost to sell on Etsy?
Opening a store is free, but selling on Etsy comes with its own set of fees.
There’s a listing fee of $0.20 for each item you put up for sale. So, if you have a variety of products, this cost can add up a bit, but it’s a one-time fee per item.
When it comes to making a sale, Etsy takes a 6.5% transaction fee from the total order amount. On top of that, there’s a payment processing fee that varies by country.
Another thing to consider is the 15% offsite ads fee. This fee kicks in when Etsy promotes your items on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Google, and you make a sale from those ads. So, it’s kind of like a commission for the extra exposure Etsy gives you.
Lastly, don’t forget about shipping costs. If you’re shipping physical products, you’ll need to factor in those costs when setting your prices.
While there are fees to consider, they’re all part of doing business on Etsy. And with the platform’s built-in customer base and easy-to-use interface, many sellers find the costs well worth it for the exposure and sales they gain.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to the most profitable things to sell on Etsy, there’s a lot of room to get creative and find your niche. Whether it’s handmade jewelry, wedding items, or trendy stickers, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget the power of research tools to help you understand what customers are looking for.
Starting your own Etsy shop might seem daunting, but with a bit of research and a dash of creativity, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, every big Etsy seller started small. It’s all about taking that first step and putting yourself out there.
So why wait? Explore your options and get your Etsy shop up and running. With a bit of effort, you could turn your passion into a profitable business. Go ahead and give it a try!