Who Can Sellon Etsy?

You must be at least 18 years old to open an Etsy shop. If you're between 13 and 17, you can sell on Etsy only with direct supervision from a parent or legal guardian who opens and manages the account. The adult is legally responsible for the shop and must handle all financial transactions. Etsy verifies age through the payment setup process, so misrepresenting your age could result in account termination.

Etsy is available in most countries worldwide. However, some regions have restrictions due to Etsy Payments availability. Currently, Etsy Payments (required to receive funds) is available in 40+ countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of EU, and many others. Countries under US sanctions (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea) cannot sell on Etsy. Check Etsy's Help Center for the current list of supported countries.

Etsy itself doesn't require a business license to open a shop. However, your local government might. Business license requirements vary by country, state/province, and city. Many hobby sellers operate legally without one, but once you're making consistent income, you should check your local requirements. Sales tax permits are often needed if your state/country has sales tax. See our licensing guide for detailed information.

Etsy allows three main categories: (1) Handmade items - created or designed by you. (2) Vintage items - at least 20 years old. (3) Craft supplies - materials for creating handmade items. Digital downloads are allowed if you design them. Production partners are allowed but must be disclosed. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, hateful items, alcohol, tobacco, and items violating intellectual property.

Not directly. Etsy's focus is on unique, handmade, and vintage goods. However, there are nuances: (1) You CAN use production partners if you design the product and disclose the partnership. (2) You CAN sell craft supplies that are manufactured. (3) You CAN sell vintage manufactured items (20+ years old). (4) You CANNOT resell new mass-produced items you didn't design. Shops that violate this policy risk suspension.

Yes, businesses of all sizes can sell on Etsy, including sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations. You'll provide your business information during setup if applicable. Many successful Etsy shops are registered businesses. However, Etsy's marketplace is designed for artisans and makers, so large-scale manufacturing operations may find other platforms more suitable.

Etsy requires sellers to use Etsy Payments to receive funds in most countries. Etsy Payments accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Etsy gift cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Funds are deposited to your bank account on a weekly schedule (or more frequently with a fee). In countries without Etsy Payments, standalone PayPal may be allowed but is being phased out.

Yes, you can sell on multiple platforms simultaneously. Many sellers use Etsy alongside Amazon Handmade, Shopify, eBay, their own website, and others. There are no exclusivity requirements. However, your listings must comply with Etsy's policies regardless of where else you sell. Using inventory management tools can help coordinate stock across platforms.

You can sell digital products (PDFs, graphics, patterns, music, etc.) but you must have created or designed them yourself. You cannot resell PLR (Private Label Rights) content, templates you didn't customize significantly, or others' work. Digital products must be delivered through Etsy's digital download system or clearly explained delivery methods. Copyright and trademark rules apply strictly to digital goods.

Etsy charges several fees: (1) Listing fee: $0.20 per item (every 4 months or when sold). (2) Transaction fee: 6.5% of total sale including shipping. (3) Payment processing: 3% + $0.25 per transaction. (4) Offsite ads: 12-15% commission if Etsy's external ads drive the sale. Optional: Etsy Ads you set your budget for. Total fees typically range 10-15% of sale price.

Yes, with restrictions and proper compliance: (1) Food - many areas require cottage food licenses or commercial kitchen use. Perishables have stricter rules. (2) Cosmetics - must comply with FDA regulations (US) or local equivalents. Ingredient lists required. (3) Candles/soaps - generally allowed but may need labeling compliance. (4) Supplements/health claims - heavily regulated, avoid medical claims. Always research your specific product category's legal requirements.

Etsy enforces policies through a graduated system: (1) Warning/education for minor first offenses. (2) Listing removal for policy violations. (3) Shop suspension for serious or repeated violations. (4) Permanent ban for severe violations or pattern of abuse. Common issues: selling prohibited items, intellectual property infringement, misleading listings, fake reviews. Appeals are possible but limited. Repeated violations lead to permanent removal.