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Bramble Business Series: How to set up an Etsy Shop

Filed Under: Business Musings

Over the years, I’ve heard many customers ask how to setup a blog, an e-commerce shop and build a solid online business presence. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, these type of questions are becoming more common. To help you gain a following (and ultimately sell more goods),we’re introducing our Bramble Business Basics series. I hope these posts — which will cover topics such as marketing online, communicating with customers through a blog and developing a Twitter following — will help you build a solid foundation for your e-commerce business.

This post will give you an overview on how to set up an Etsy shop, which is an excellent way to break into the handcrafted online good market. Etsy is an online marketplace that sells handmade goods, vintage items and supplies. You can sell in handmade products and digital goods, and you can choose to offer coupons and sales as well. According to the Etsy blog, $100.9 million worth of goods were sold by Etsy sellers in July 2013. That’s means more than 4 million items were sold, and almost 3 million new items listed — and that’s just in one month! You can quickly see how having an Etsy shop opens you up to a wide world of potential customers. At any one time, we try to have a wide variety of cold process and melt & pour soaps in our own Etsy shop from tutorials on this blog.

ONE: Register

The first step in setting up a shop on Etsy is to register for an account. This is simple process, and looks the same as most website sign-ups. To start this process, click here. Remember that setting up an Etsy account does not mean you’ve set up a shop. This account is the first step in setting up an online storefront.  To learn more about setting up shop, read on!

 

TWO: Selling

To get starting on selling your products on Etsy,  make sure you have registered for your account and are signed in. Once you’ve done that, find the button at the top of the Etsy page that says Sell. Look over the page and when you are ready click the button at the top of the page that says ‘Open Up an Etsy Shop.’

THREE: Language and Currency

Once you’ve decided to open your first Etsy shop, it will ask you about your preferred language and currency. Go ahead and choose which ones work the best for you. Remember that whichever language you chose will be your shop’s default and you won’t be able to change it at a later point. Also, be sure to pick the correct country for your business as some Etsy seller tools are only available for certain countries.

FOUR: Set Up Shop

Once you’ve picked the correct settings (language and currency) for your shop you will be asked what you hope to accomplish by opening up your shop. This will let Etsy know what kind of tools and business you are looking to create.  For the sake and easy of this tutorial I’ve picked the option that many soapers are hoping to achieve, ‘Quit my day job and sell full time’.

 

FIVE: Pick Your Shop Name

This is one of my favorite parts. If you already have a business or website name, you can use that here. But, if this is your first time opening up a shop you have a world of possibilities before you. Be sure to do some quick web searches  before you decide on a name to make sure that nobody else has chosen the name you want for your business. You want to be able to have future and potential growth in your business so pick something that will allow you to grow.  Also remember that you will want to take a look at the name you are choosing as it is written (it can only be one word for Etsy, without any spaces) and you will want to make sure it looks right. For instance soapqueen.com makes sense when you look at it, and you wouldn’t want to end up with something like penisland.net (a pen website) and have it read funny to your potential customers.This will be your permanent shop name and you won’t be able to change it later. Pick something that can represent your business and your soap. If you need other soapers to bounce some ideas off of, check out the Teach Soap Forums.

SIX: Branding & Look

Now it’s time to customize your shop. Banners for your shop must run at a 760 x 100 pixel image size, be sure to create an image that fits within those parameters. A great free online tool for this is Pixlr. Pixlr allow you to size your images online and save them to your desktop for free.  Be sure to include a shop announcement in your store. This helps to welcome buyers, promote products and sales and draw the shopper in. The last part of this you will need to work on is the shop title. Give a short description of the kind of products you offer. Be descriptive, be precise.

 

 

SEVEN: List Items

Now it is time to start listing your items. To start listing individual soaps, bath bombs,  lotions and more, click here (make sure you are logged into your store account). The best advice I have for you here is to have great picture, that is going to be the first thing that draw a customer in your shop. You want to have good lighting, good backdrops and clear photography. To learn more about how to photograph your products, check out this blog post.

This is an individual product listing. It gives the name of the product, the price, the quantity and details about it (materials, ingredients, etc). The more information you list on a product the more likely a customer is to buy it.  You will want to include a full ingredient list so that potential customers will know exactly what they are getting. One thing to remember about listing an item on Etsy is a listing fee. To list an item on Etsy, it costs $0.20 (twenty cents) when the listing is published. A listing will last for four months or until the item is sold. If after four months the item has not been sold, then the listing will expire. This is something important to remember when adding products to your Etsy shop.

EIGHT: Get Paid!

Once you’ve set your shop up, you need to decide how you want to get paid. The more options you offer, the more customers can purchase from you. Payment methods range anywhere from credit & debit cards to Paypal to bank transfers and even the brand new Etsy Gift Cards.

NINE: Billing

You are almost done! Depending on which country you live in, you may need a credit card to open shop. These cards can either be a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or even Discover. The reason that Etsy asks you to keep a credit card on file is for means of identity verification. They want to make sure that you are who you say you are!

You are done! You have now successfully opened up your very first Etsy shop. Share it with your friends and family, attach it to your e-mail signature, and put it on your business cards.

Features of Etsy:

  • Coupons. You can now offer coupons in your Etsy stores, and there are three distinct ways to do so: Percent Discount, Free Shipping and Fixed Dollar Amount Discount. To add a coupon code to your shop, make sure it has been set to public and go to the “Your Shop” Tab. Under this tab, you will find a coupon codes button which will walk you through on creating your own coupons.
  • Etsy Gift cards  This is a new feature of Etsy. It allows anybody to buy an Etsy gift card so that they can shop anywhere on Etsy’s website, including your shop. When setting up your shop. They come in $25, $50, $100 and $250 amounts and can be used on any product or digital download on Etsy.
  • Digital Goods. Are you selling a PDF to go with your project? Or even cute custom labels that you worked on to go with that special holiday set? Etsy now offers a way to sell these items as well. To list a digital item for sell start by going to your shop as you woulds normally do when selling a physical item. Describe the item and use the drop down menus to identify the type of product it is. Once you’ve finished that, you will have a chance to select the item type of the product, make sure that the Digital File option (below) is selected.

            Once you’ve selected the item type it is time to upload your file to your Etsy shop. At this time, you can upload only five digital files per listing. Make sure that your               file is within the maximum size (20 MB). Once you’ve uploaded your files, start listing your digital good as you would with any other product, give it a good                                 description, well-done photographs and a catchy name. For tips on photographing your products, there’s a blog post here and here. Photography sells your                               products online. People can’t touch or smell your creations so make sure your photography is luscious and appealing.

  • Etsy Wholesale. Are you a wholesaler? Etsy is starting to run a beta wholesale program for those that are interested. You will have a chance to have a private marketplace where buyers can discover hard-to-find and unique products from artists and designers. If you are interested in finding out more information about this new feature of Etsy, click here.

Tips & Tricks

  • Setting up a Shipping Profile. Shipping profiles are optional ways to save a specific set of shipping information which you can apply to ANY item listing during the editing or listing process. To add or edit a shipping profile, go to ‘Your Shop’ and click on the ‘Shipping & Payment’ information. From there you will find an option that says ‘Shipping Profiles’. From there you can edit this information. Make sure that your shop is open to the public, as that is a prerequisite for working with this option. This is a great option along with copying items to save time when listing new products. The more time you save, the more time you have to produce your products!
  • Copying Items. Do you have more than one item that you want to feature? Are the details of each product the same? This little tip will actually save you a lot of time when listing items in your shop. Copying a listing (item) can actually save you time if you have many similar type of products or if you use similar (or exact) information in your listing descriptions. Instead of retyping the information from scratch for each listing, you can actually copy a similar active or sold product and edit to reflect the changes. To copy a listing, head to shop. Once there, click on ‘Listing.’ Click on the active tab. Once there, click on the listing or product and click the copy link. That’s it! This is an easy trick to make listing your products much easier and faster. Just make sure to change the product name and details that need changing before posting it live in your shop.

 

Have you set up you business on Etsy? We’d love to hear from you the tips and tricks that you learned to make it easier.

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38 Comments

  1. Hey! Your post really helped me out! I just had one question.. When setting up shop and listing an item it says you have to calculate the shipping for the item, should I just make it the standard rate or put in the farthest distance from me? I was going to make the shipping profile but I can’t find the option until I open up the shop altogether I’m guessing.

    Thanks!
    Kacey

    • Hi Kacey!

      So glad you found the post helpful! Which shipping option you choose to include is definitely personal preference. You can choose the standard rate, but if you ship a lot of packages far away from you that may not be too cost effective.

      It may help to add up your shipping costs from the last couple months and see what an average rate is for you. If you haven’t shipped packages yet, make sure to monitor your costs closely so you know what to expect. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

      • Thank you! I haven’t started shipping yet but I’ll be sure to write down my costs and compare 🙂

        • You’re welcome! That will give you a good number average to compare to. 🙂

          -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  2. Hello!

    Thank you for all your ressources…I appreciate alot!

    I’m about to start my own business but it seems very hard to find a local to create and make soaps. At home I have no place at all. So I’ll be patient I guess. :))

  3. Hi, I need some advise of what to do next. I have a hobby in making cards, invitations and party decor things. So I decided to make sell on Etsy WITHOUT checking with my state or city about license or permit first since I was just testing the water if I can actually sell anything or have the time and I still want it to be a hobby…not as an income source. I didn’t have any sell since first started until a few months ago I get a sale here and there…so altogether about $100 before account for expense and fees. seeing sale for the first I’m excited and now want to continue selling on Etsy but still on a hobby when I can basis. But now I’m very unconformable since I didn’t find out at the beginning before starting my shop about the legal aspect since I just took it to heart Etsy seller handbook stating one doesn’t need a business license to sell on their site and at the time was just testing the water and not sure if it work. So what should I do? I’m so nervous because i want to continue selling but scare that i might have violate my state juridications and maybe possibly be fine for not compiling before opening the shop. I don’t know how many times I have gone over Etsy handbook… wish they have in there stressing one should check first on the legal aspect before opening a seller account. I need peace of mind… even thinking of quitting altogether just to be safe. What should I do? Have you came across other sellers who was in similar situation when they first started?

    • Hi Christina!

      In situations like this, internet searches are very helpful! Some states require business licenses, while others don’t. Your state’s Department of Revenue website should have more information on that. You can read more in the So You Want to Sell Your Soap post: http://www.soapqueen.com/business/so-you-want-to-sell-your-soap-part-one/

      Talking to an attorney familiar with business licensing may help quite a bit as well! They can help explain the licensing process and clear that up for you. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  4. Can someone please give me some advice? I am going to be selling my homemade soap on Etsy. I live in Virginia. Do I need a business license and liability insurance to sell online? Also, as far as my labeling goes, do I really need to put my home address on the label?? I have been researching this for days now online, and can’t find anything that CLEARLY states what I can / can’t do.

    Thanks in advance for any advice!

  5. Hi,
    I sell soap and trying to set up on etsy. I need help!
    I cant get my picture to turn right side up, it stays side ways.
    Also can’t find etsy’s number for help. Any advice.

    • Hi Vontella!

      You can turn that picture right side up using photo editing software! If you have a smart phone, you can click “edit” and rotate that picture. That option is also available on Photoshop, picture viewers or any other photo editing program.

      Most computers come with some kind of program. When you open your picture on your computer, it should open with a program that allows you to rotate those pictures. For instance, when I open pictures on my computer, there are two little arrows. When you click those, it flips the picture around. Then you can click “File” and “Save.”

      Hope that helps! 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  6. Thanks for this info, it makes me feel a little better about starting things, I love the craft side but I’m not great with the computing side. I think it will be all systems go.

    Cass

    • Hi Cass!

      We are so happy to help, and I’m glad to hear this makes you feel more comfortable about getting setup! Sometimes it can be a little intimidating, but luckily it’s a lot easier than most people think! 🙂

      -Amanda with Bramble Berry

  7. Hello! 🙂
    I was wondering what should i do if i want to sell animated stuffed characters, do i need their copyright/permission?
    ~~~~~~~
    Example. I want to make a pikachu stuffed animal does that mean that i need Pokemon’s brand copyright/permission? if so, how can i do?

    • Hi Julie!

      This isn’t our area of expertise, so I would get in contact with some copyright specialists, they will probably have full info! :). However, based on my limited experience, you would be in violation of copyright law if you made that particular soap without the copyright holder’s permission. Example: if I wanted to make Elmo soap, the corporation that has the licenses to all of the Sesame Street Characters would want me to pay a licensing fee of some sort.

      Another resource is the Teach Soap Forum. You may be able to find the answer to your question there!

      Teach Soap Forum: http://www.teachsoap.com/forum/

      -Amanda with Bramble Berry

  8. I know this is an old blog post, still I’m hoping for s response.
    Should one register their business name before selling on etsy?

  9. Just a quick question about the initial etsy account. I have, to date, only purchased on etsy, and to do that I needed to set up an account with my name, address, etc.

    Is that the same account I’d use to set up a shop? I guess my question is — do we need to separate our personal use from our business use with different etsy accounts, or are we as individuals only supposed to have one etsy account regardless of use?

    Thanks in advance!

    • Hi Cindy!

      You are correct, in order to set-up a selling account on etsy, you do need a regular account first. From there, you can click on the following link to set-up your shop, which will be different than your personal account. It will only show your store and what you are selling.

      http://www.etsy.com/sell

      I hope that this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions. =)

      -Becky with Bramble Berry

  10. I recently set up a shop and in going through the settings under yo Number Four: Set Up Shop, What do you hope to Accomplish? I initially chose Sell in My Spare Time but now I want to switch to Quit my Day Job and Sell Full Time.

    Is there a way to switch over?
    And what does what option gives and the other doesn’t?

    • Hi Crissy!

      Choosing what you want to do with your shop helps to personalize what Etsy can offer to you as a shop-owner. As far changing it, you would have to contact Etsy for assistance in that and they could assist you in changing the purpose of your shop (if it is possible). I hope this helps! =)

      -Becky with Bramble Berry

  11. What a great post. I have been trying to do this for a long time and keep thinking it is to hard! Seems simple to do. If you wait until everything is perfect you never go forward. Thank You.

  12. I’ve had an Etsy shop for a while and it really is one of the easiest online shops to set up! Great guide!

    (I love your point about being careful about how the name looks… ah, the Pen Island debacle…)

    • Hi Cheyenne!

      We are so happy to hear that you have been able to use Etsy with such ease. We’ve also found it to be a great place to sell your products and can’t wait to hear more about the success of our customers stores! =)

      -Becky with Bramble Berry

    • I’m so glad that I wasn’t the only one snickering at the Penis land site. I’ve seen that one before 🙂

  13. What a wonderful resource! I think the biggest tip I can share is to *really* think through your pricing.

    Start by talking to an accountant. They can advise you on the specifics of taxes. For instance, I have to keep in mind that I pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on all earnings from my shop & blog. Labels, paper, packaging, ink – it all costs. As you mentioned, there’s an Etsy listing fee & PayPal will also take a bit of a cut.

    When you order supplies, break down the cost-per-ounce of each ingredient and keep track of it. The cost of getting those ingredients to your house via UPS or FedEx is usually significant & can’t be ignored. You need to break that shipping down and spread it out over your order so that it’s accounted for as well. Once you’ve got that $/ounce number, you’ll be able to figure out almost exactly what a bar of soap/lip balm/lotion and so forth costs you to make. (Don’t forget labels & containers in your calculations.)

    So: cost of the item to make + paypal & etsy fees + desired profit margin + 15.3% tax allowance will give you a good starting price for your product. Compare with similar shops that you admire & want to emulate then adjust as needed. Don’t give in to the temptation to drop prices too low or you’ll turn your shop into an expensive, time-consuming hobby & will burn out quickly.

    For shipping prices, I did a search and compared the prices of well established Etsy shops to get a ballpark figure to start with. I also did a few test shippings to friends out of state to see how items held up, how fast they got there and so forth.

    I’m really excited about this series! I get these types of questions often & it will be great to have a reliable resource to point people to!

  14. What about shipping? How much do you recommend we charge for that? Also, when shipping, what can be used to ship the soaps to guarantee that it gets to its destination without being damaged? Thank you!

    • Hi Marisa!

      We suggest charging the typical USPS or FedEx rate of shipping as that is what most people are willing to pay. Every soaper is different, but making sure your products are properly wrapped and packaged is going to be the best way to ensure they are not damaged. We’ve used packing foam and peanuts in our shipping, but I would also check with the Teach Soap Forum crafters to see if they can give you some tips and hints on shipping!

      Teach Soap Forums: http://www.teachsoap.com/forum/

      -Becky with Bramble Berry