MYO Kits on Etsy:The Complete Seller's Guide
Make Your Own (MYO) craft kits are one of Etsy's fastest-growing categories. Buyers love the convenience of everything-in-one-box, and sellers love the higher margins and repeat customers. This guide covers trending kit ideas, what to include, pricing strategies, and how to stand out in this booming niche.
πQuick Answer: What Are MYO Kits?
MYO (Make Your Own) Kits include:
- β’ All materials needed to complete a craft project
- β’ Step-by-step instructions (printed or digital)
- β’ Packaging that protects supplies during shipping
- β’ Often include tools for beginners
Why they sell well on Etsy:
- β’ Convenience β buyers don't source individual supplies
- β’ Gift-ready β perfect for birthdays, holidays, crafty friends
- β’ Lower barrier β beginners can try new crafts without buying full supplies
- β’ Experience economy β people pay for curated, guided activities
Simple Kits
$15-$35
Jewelry, keychains
Medium Kits
$30-$60
Candles, embroidery
Premium Kits
$50-$150+
Weaving, ceramics
Key Success Factor: Choose a niche where supply costs stay under 30% of your selling price.
The Business Case for Craft Kits
Higher margins, repeat customers, and growing demand
Higher Order Value
Individual supplies sell for $2-$10. Complete kits sell for $30-$100+.
Better Margins
You're selling convenience and curation, not just materials.
Repeat Customers
Crafters who enjoy one kit often buy more. Create a kit series.
Gift Market Access
Kits make perfect gifts. Tap into birthday and holiday markets.
Best-Selling Kit Categories on Etsy
Find your profitable niche
| Category | Price Range | Demand | Competition | Profit Margin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candle Making Kits | $35-$75 | Very High | High | 50-70% | Beginners, gift market |
| Embroidery Kits | $20-$45 | Very High | Medium | 60-80% | Pattern designers |
| Jewelry Making Kits | $15-$40 | High | High | 50-65% | Bead/wire specialists |
| MacramΓ© Kits | $25-$60 | High | Medium | 55-75% | Fiber artists |
| Pottery/Clay Kits | $30-$80 | Medium-High | Low | 45-65% | Ceramics experience |
| Soap Making Kits | $30-$55 | Medium | Medium | 50-70% | Scent specialists |
| Punch Needle Kits | $25-$50 | Growing | Low | 60-80% | Trend-forward sellers |
| Weaving Kits | $40-$100 | Medium | Low | 55-75% | Fiber/textile artists |
| Resin Art Kits | $35-$70 | High | Medium | 45-65% | Mixed media artists |
| Terrarium Kits | $25-$60 | Medium | Low-Medium | 50-70% | Plant lovers |
Pro tip: Use InsightAgent to check real-time demand and competition for specific kit keywords in your niche.
Top 6 Kit Categories
Detailed breakdown of popular niches
Candle Making Kits
Examples: Soy candles, beeswax candles, scented candles, container candles
Pro Tip: Include everything: wax, wicks, containers, fragrances. Great for beginners and gift market.
Embroidery Kits
Examples: Floral patterns, pet portraits, beginner samplers, modern designs
Pro Tip: Pattern designers can create unique designs. Include hoop, fabric, and threads.
Jewelry Making Kits
Examples: Beaded bracelets, wire-wrapped pendants, earring sets, charm bracelets
Pro Tip: Bundle coordinated colors and styles. Offer multiple difficulty levels.
MacramΓ© Kits
Examples: Plant hangers, wall hangings, keychains, coasters
Pro Tip: Pre-cut cords save time for buyers. Include wooden rings and beads.
Punch Needle Kits
Examples: Wall art, coasters, pillows, rugs
Pro Tip: Trend-forward niche with less competition. Include needle, fabric, and yarn.
Pottery/Clay Kits
Examples: Air-dry clay sculptures, pinch pots, ornaments, jewelry dishes
Pro Tip: Air-dry clay requires no kiln. Include tools, clay, and glazes.
Anatomy of a Successful MYO Kit
Everything buyers expect (and extras that delight)
π¦ Essential Components
1. All Required Materials
Primary materials, secondary supplies, consumables (glue, dye, fragrance)
2. Clear Instructions
Step-by-step guide with photos, skill level, estimated time, troubleshooting
3. Quality Packaging
Sturdy box, individual bags for small parts, organized layout
β¨ Value-Add Extras
Tools for Beginners
Include basic tools if targeting new crafters
Bonus Project Ideas
Show what else they can make with leftover supplies
Video Access
QR code linking to private tutorial β high perceived value
Difficulty Variations
Offer easy, medium, advanced versions
How to Price MYO Kits for Profit
The math that makes kits work
Pricing Formula
Kit Price = (Supply Cost Γ 3-4) + Labor + Packaging + Shipping Buffer
Example: Candle Making Kit
Supplies:
$12
Packaging:
$3
Labor (assembly, instructions):
$8
Shipping buffer:
$2
Cost basis:
$25
Selling price:
$45-$55
| Component | Target % of Price |
|---|---|
| Supplies | 20-30% |
| Packaging | 5-10% |
| Labor | 15-20% |
| Etsy Fees | ~13% |
| Shipping (if included) | 10-15% |
| Profit | 25-35% |
6 Steps to Start Selling MYO Kits
Your roadmap from first kit to first sale
Choose Your Kit Niche
Select a craft category that matches your skills and has market demand.
- β’ Research trending kit categories using InsightAgent
- β’ Evaluate competition levels β lower competition niches often have better margins
- β’ Consider your expertise and ability to create quality instructions
- β’ Calculate potential profit margins before committing
Source Quality Supplies
Find reliable suppliers that allow healthy profit margins.
- β’ Start with domestic wholesalers for initial testing
- β’ Order samples before committing to bulk purchases
- β’ Calculate landed cost including shipping and potential defects
- β’ Build relationships with 2-3 suppliers for key components
Create Clear Instructions
Your instructions make or break the customer experience.
- β’ Write numbered steps with photos or diagrams
- β’ Include skill level indication and estimated time
- β’ Add a troubleshooting section for common mistakes
- β’ Consider linking to a video tutorial via QR code
Design Professional Packaging
Package that protects supplies and creates unboxing excitement.
- β’ Use sturdy outer boxes or mailers sized appropriately
- β’ Organize small parts in labeled zip bags
- β’ Add branded elements (stickers, thank you cards)
- β’ Include discount code for repeat purchases
Price for Profit
Use the pricing formula to ensure healthy margins.
- β’ Calculate: (Supply Cost Γ 3-4) + Labor + Packaging + Shipping Buffer
- β’ Keep supply costs under 30% of selling price
- β’ Factor in Etsy's ~13% fees
- β’ Consider tiered pricing (Basic, Deluxe, Ultimate)
Optimize Your Listings
Create compelling listings that rank well in Etsy search.
- β’ Use all 13 tags with relevant keywords
- β’ Front-load titles with searchable terms
- β’ Include flat lay photos of all contents
- β’ Show finished project and in-progress shots
MYO Kit Market at a Glance
Kit Creation Best Practices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
βDon't Do This
- β’Don't assume any knowledge β Write instructions for complete beginners
- β’Don't skimp on packaging β Crushed or missing parts = instant refund request
- β’Don't forget tool requirements β If scissors are needed, say so (or include them)
- β’Don't use low-quality supplies β Cheap materials create bad experiences
- β’Don't ignore shipping costs β Kits are often heavy; factor this into pricing
- β’Don't copy competitors exactly β Put your own spin on popular kit types
- β’Don't forget mobile users β Digital instructions should be phone-readable
- β’Don't underestimate assembly time β Packing kits takes longer than you think
β Do This Instead
- β’Include everything needed β Nothing kills reviews like missing supplies
- β’Test your kit yourself β Complete the project using only what's in the box
- β’Over-communicate contents β List every item in your listing description
- β’Photograph the finished result β Show what they'll create
- β’Indicate skill level clearly β Manage expectations for beginners
- β’Package for survival β Kits with many small parts need extra protection
- β’Provide customer support β Answer questions promptly, offer video help
- β’Create a series β Kit #1, #2, #3 encourages repeat purchases
MYO Kit Ideas by Skill Level
Options for every maker
π± Beginner-Friendly
Low Barrier to Entry
- β’ Friendship bracelet kits
- β’ Suncatcher kits
- β’ Paint-by-number sets
- β’ Simple candle kits
- β’ Bookmark kits
π― Intermediate
Some Skill Required
- β’ Embroidery kits
- β’ MacramΓ© plant hangers
- β’ Soap making kits
- β’ Jewelry kits
- β’ Punch needle kits
π Advanced
Premium Pricing
- β’ Weaving kits with loom
- β’ Pottery kits
- β’ Resin art kits
- β’ Leather working kits
- β’ Stained glass kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling MYO craft kits on Etsy.
Kit supply costs and market demand vary. Always research current supplier pricing and Etsy search trends before investing in inventory. Certain kit components (fragrances, dyes, chemicals) may have shipping restrictions or safety requirements. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute business or legal advice.
Ready to Find Your Profitable Kit Niche?
InsightAgent shows you which kit keywords have high demand and low competition. Stop guessing which kits will sell β see real Etsy data on what buyers are searching for, what's trending, and where the opportunity is.