Things You Can SellOnline on Etsy

On Etsy, you can sell handmade items (jewelry, clothing, art, home decor), vintage items (at least 20 years old), craft supplies, digital downloads (printables, templates, patterns), and production partners items (made by approved manufacturers). You cannot sell services directly, mass-produced items without disclosure, prohibited items, or anything that violates intellectual property.

For beginners, the best products to start with are: digital downloads (no inventory, no shipping), print-on-demand (t-shirts, mugs via Printful/Printify), simple handmade items (candles, soaps, jewelry), and craft supplies (if you have wholesale sources). These have low startup costs and minimal risk while you learn the platform.

In most cases, you don't need a business license to start selling on Etsy as a hobby. However, as your sales grow, you may need to register as a business, obtain sales tax permits, or get specific licenses depending on your location and what you sell (food, cosmetics require special permits). Check your local regulations.

Top-selling categories on Etsy include: jewelry (especially personalized), digital downloads (planners, invitations, wall art), home decor (signs, pillows, candles), craft supplies, clothing and accessories (especially vintage/handmade), wedding items, and pet products. Personalization consistently drives higher sales across all categories.

Yes, but with rules: You can sell vintage items (20+ years old), craft supplies (even commercially made), and items made with production partners (must disclose). You cannot sell mass-produced goods as handmade. Reselling new items without modification is against Etsy's policies and can get your shop suspended.

Top-selling digital products: printable planners and calendars, wedding invitations and stationery, SVG files for Cricut/Silhouette, social media templates (Canva), resume templates, educational printables (worksheets, flashcards), wall art prints, and pattern designs. Digital products have 70-90% profit margins with no inventory.

Yes, Etsy remains worthwhile for new sellers who find the right niche. With 90+ million active buyers, it provides built-in traffic you'd struggle to get on your own website. Success requires good SEO, quality photos, competitive pricing, and a differentiated product. Plan for ~10% in fees and invest time in optimization.

Best-selling handmade items: personalized jewelry (name necklaces, birthstone pieces), custom home decor (signs, pillows with names/dates), hand-poured candles, handmade soaps and bath products, knitted/crocheted items (baby blankets, scarves), leather goods (wallets, bags), and pottery/ceramics. Personalization adds 20-50% more value.

Yes, you can sell food on Etsy, but it must be: non-perishable/shelf-stable, properly packaged with ingredients listed, and comply with your local food safety regulations. Popular items include baked goods (cookies, brownies), candy, spice mixes, and specialty foods. You may need a cottage food license or commercial kitchen depending on your location.

Easiest items to sell: digital downloads (no shipping), printable wall art (create once, sell forever), stickers (low material cost), simple jewelry (beaded bracelets), personalized items using vinyl cutters, and reselling vintage finds. Focus on products that don't require specialized skills or expensive equipment to start.

Etsy income varies widely: most sellers earn $0-$100/month as a side hobby, active part-time sellers earn $500-$2,000/month, and successful full-time sellers earn $3,000-$10,000+/month. Top 1% shops earn $50,000+/year. Your income depends on product margins, pricing, marketing effort, and time invested.

Don't sell: prohibited items (weapons, drugs, hazardous materials), items that violate trademarks/copyrights (Disney, sports team logos without license), mass-produced items marketed as handmade, alcohol or tobacco, live animals, services (allowed in limited categories), recalled products, or items promoting hate/violence.