Etsy fees
Etsy charges a small fee to post each listing (it lasts a few months or until the item sells), then takes a transaction fee and a payment-processing fee when it sells. There's also "Offsite Ads," where Etsy advertises your items elsewhere and takes a cut only when an ad leads to a sale — and once your shop passes a certain yearly sales amount, taking part becomes required. Exact rates change, so check Etsy's current fees rather than an old number, and build these costs into your prices — especially on low-priced items.
New-seller payment holds on Etsy
If you're new to Etsy, don't panic if your money is held for a little while after a sale — Etsy commonly holds new sellers' funds for a number of days, and may hold a reserve, as fraud protection. It's normal and it eases as you build a track record. Plan your cash flow so a hold doesn't catch you short on supplies. Keep shipping on time with tracking, which helps your funds release smoothly.
Getting found in Etsy search
Etsy shoppers find you through search, so use all thirteen tags with the multi-word phrases buyers actually type, and put your most important words at the front of the title. Write a real description — Etsy reads it too — and fill in the attributes and materials. Use clear, well-lit photos in every slot, and a short video if you can. Think about what a buyer would search for the thing you make, and use their words.
What you're allowed to sell on Etsy
Be clear on what Etsy allows, because it's strict: only things you made yourself (handmade), genuine vintage that's at least 20 years old, or craft supplies. Reselling regular store-bought new or used items — the everyday flipping you'd do on eBay or Poshmark — is against Etsy's rules and can get your shop shut down, sometimes without warning. If you make your own goods or sell true vintage, Etsy is a wonderful home. For ordinary secondhand clothing and goods, use Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, or Vinted instead.
Etsy basics
Etsy is for handmade goods, craft supplies, and genuine vintage (generally items 20+ years old) — it is NOT for reselling regular used or new retail items, which can get a shop shut down. If you make things yourself or sell true vintage, Etsy is a great home. Good photos, keyword-rich titles, and clear shop policies matter here. For everyday secondhand goods, use a resale marketplace like Poshmark, Mercari, or eBay instead.
Etsy returns and cases
On Etsy you set your own return and exchange policy per listing, and you must honor what you promise — clear policies head off problems. If a buyer has an issue they start with "Help with Order," and if it isn't resolved they can open a case for Etsy to mediate. Etsy also has buyer purchase protection that, on eligible orders, can cover the refund without it coming out of your pocket — as long as you shipped on time with tracking and the item matched your photos and description. Honesty and good records keep you protected.
Etsy Star Seller
Etsy rewards reliable shops with a "Star Seller" badge, earned by replying to messages quickly, shipping on time with tracking, and keeping a high review rating over a few months. The badge builds buyer trust and can help sales. The recipe is the same good habits as everywhere: answer fast, ship promptly, and describe items accurately so reviews stay high. Buy your shipping labels through Etsy so tracking is added automatically.
