The idea of launching your very own Etsy shop may have danced through your creative mind. It's a common starting point for many aspiring Etsy sellers, but what sets you apart is that you're not venturing in blindly. We've crafted this all-encompassing guide to unveil the best-selling items on Etsy.

So, prepare to embark on a journey that blends your passion with profit. Let's dive into the world of Etsy entrepreneurship with confidence and style!

Overview of the Best-Selling Items on Etsy

If you’ve never heard of Etsy, it’s a booming online marketplace boasting quirky vintage goods, original hand-made items, and amazing craft supplies sold by regular people. 

Through Etsy, creative entrepreneurs can create virtual stores and sell their creations and designs exclusively online. Whatever objects you love to craft, there’s a horde of consumers clamoring to get their hands on hand-made items made by real people. 

Some tried-and-true niches work exceptionally well on the platform and other niches that are simply too crowded to be worth your time.

It’s vital to know what the best things to sell on Etsy are. This will help avoid the disappointment that comes with seeing the wares you thought would be a hit collecting dust in your basement. 

So how do you know the best things to sell on Etsy? 

One way of determining if your product has a shot is to look at what the top Etsy sellers are selling.

Top Selling Items on Etsy by Category

If you’re considering a Category to sell in, it would be wise to select one of the following categories as these are where the buyers are. Here are 13 items that repeatedly bring in quick sales on Etsy.

1. Crafts & Supplies

The “Crafts & Supplies” category on Etsy encompasses a diverse array of creative materials and finished products. Sellers offer intricate crochet and knitting patterns for fellow crafting enthusiasts, enabling them to embark on their own creative projects. For those who enjoy hands-on hobbies, you can also find poker sets and cup turners, which cater to different interests.

In addition, stickers are an artistic expression that spans various designs and themes. Crafters and DIY enthusiasts often turn to Etsy to find unique and high-quality project materials.

This category is not only a haven for those seeking crafting inspiration but also a vibrant marketplace for sellers to showcase their creativity and reach a wide audience of craft enthusiasts.

2. Hand-Made Items

Sellers in the category offer unique products with a personal touch. From beautifully crafted wooden toys that inspire imaginative play to meticulously hand-carved invitations that add elegance to special events, this category is a testament to human creativity and craftsmanship.

Kids' clothing is another highlight in this category, featuring a wide range of stylish and bespoke outfits for the little ones. Each item exudes the care and passion of the artisans who handcraft these products, making this category a go-to destination for those seeking distinctive, artisanal pieces that stand out from the mass-produced crowd.

3. Home & Living

Within this category, there are various handcrafted furniture pieces, each designed with a unique and personal touch to elevate any home's aesthetic.

Candles, another popular item in this category, come in various scents, styles, and artistic designs. They not only serve as lighting sources but also add a cozy and aromatic ambiance to your living spaces.

Wall décor items encompass an array of artistic creations, from paintings and prints to sculptures and tapestries, offering a distinctive way to express personal style and enliven your walls.

This category is a testament to Etsy's commitment to making home environments more beautiful and inviting with products that have been thoughtfully and artistically crafted.

4. Planner Items

Sellers here offer printables, which are digital templates that can be customized for personal use. These are ideal for individuals who prefer digital planning and desire flexibility in organizing their schedules.

Stickers are a popular choice in this category, allowing users to add a creative touch to their physical planners. Etsy offers an array of unique and themed stickers that cater to different planning styles and preferences.

Planners themselves are also available, often designed with artistic covers and layouts. This category is perfect for those who appreciate the aesthetics of planning as much as the functionality, helping individuals stay organized while expressing their personal flair.

5. Wedding Items

The wedding category on Etsy is a bridal wonderland, offering an array of handcrafted and personalized elements that can make any wedding day memorable. This category features elegant veils and hats, designed to add a touch of grace and style to bridal attire. Personalized cards and invitations allow couples to express their unique love stories and themes.

Velvet purses are a trendy accessory for brides and bridesmaids, and Etsy provides a range of beautifully crafted options. Moreover, hand-crafted wedding gifts offer a chance to celebrate love with distinctive and heartfelt presents. The items in this category cater to couples seeking to infuse their special day with a touch of individuality and personal charm, turning wedding dreams into reality.

A bonus to this category is that brides are typically happy to splash out a little extra cash for their wedding (perhaps you've heard of the wedding tax), so items in this category tend to come with a premium price tag, which is ideal for sellers!

6. Paper and Party Supplies

This section of Etsy is a hub of creativity for event planning and celebrations. It offers a wide selection of paper straws, perfect for adding a fun and eco-friendly touch to your drinks at parties and events.

Custom cards are a popular choice here, allowing people to personalize your greetings and messages with style and sentiment. These are ideal for various occasions, from birthdays to special milestones.

Elegant posters are another highlight in this category, offering decorative options for events, home décor, and more. This category caters to those who appreciate the art of personalization and unique design in their paper and party supplies, making any occasion stand out with style.

7. Clothing

Here buyers can discover a variety of tops and tees, each radiating individuality and artistic flair, making every outfit a statement.

Swimwear options in this category are not just garments; they are wearable works of art designed to make a splash, turning beaches and poolsides into fashion runways.

For those in search of one-of-a-kind bottoms, the trousers offered here are the embodiment of creativity and craftsmanship, adding a touch of personality to your lower half.

And don't forget – handbags! As every woman knows, handbags are more than accessories, but expressions of style and practicality. This category is a treasure trove for those who seek to infuse their clothing collection with a touch of originality and flair.

8. Jewelry

This niche on Etsy offers a diverse collection of necklaces, each a unique adornment to elevate your neckline with individuality and charm.

Anklets, earrings, and rings abound in this category, each piece a miniature masterpiece designed to add sparkle and personality to everyday and special occasions.

Hair vines provide a touch of whimsy, transforming hair into a canvas for creative expression. The category is a showcase for those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, turning personal style into a statement with every adornment.

9. Accessories

From headbands that crown your style with flair to tutus that turn ordinary moments into whimsical adventures, this category offers accessories that reflect individuality and charm.

Scarfs, buttons, and pins serve as creative canvases, offering opportunities to showcase unique designs and express personal interests. 

Caps and cups, both functional and fashionable, provide additional avenues for personalization, transforming everyday items into statements of style. This category is the playground for those who delight in adding a distinctive touch to their attire and everyday life, where accessories become a means of self-expression.

10. Party Décor

Buyers also come to Esty to find the essentials for creating memorable celebrations. Selling artistic party decor that set the tone for an event can be worth a pretty penny.

Personalized toppers, bespoke invitations, banners that add a festive touch, and creative confetti designs are some of the most popular party offerings. This category is your go-to source for crafting unforgettable party experiences with flair and creativity.

11. Art & Collectibles

Items in this niche include a range of figurines, each a miniature masterpiece crafted with meticulous detail. These figurines often capture the essence of characters, animals, and more, making them appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Memorabilia in this category takes shoppers on a nostalgic journey, offering a glimpse into the past through unique and collectible items with sentimental value. Whether it's vintage toys, movie posters, or sports memorabilia, these treasures captivate collectors and history buffs.

Art prints are a standout feature in this category, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists who translate their works into high-quality reproductions. This category is a haven for those who appreciate artistry and craftsmanship and have a penchant for collecting unique and meaningful pieces.

12. Pet Supplies

Another Etsy best-seller is pet supplies for our furry companions. Nametags are not just practical; they're personalized pieces that ensure any pet stands out while staying safe.

Cotton collars, crafted with care, serve as comfortable and stylish pet accessories. 

13. Vintage

Etsy is a curated journey through time, featuring an array of unique and nostalgic finds. From vintage cutlery that adds a touch of yesteryears to your dining experience to rugs that exude timeless charm, each piece in this category tells a story of its own.

Vintage jeans take fashion enthusiasts on a trip back in time, offering a blend of classic style and authenticity. Fossils, as part of this category, unlock the secrets of Earth's history, giving collectors and enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of ancient wonder.

Is It Worth It To Sell on Etsy?

Yes, it is worth selling your creations on Etsy, in our opinion!

Setting up your shop is a breeze, and you only have to pay $0.20 per listing, which is cheap. There’s also a supportive community. 

With over 3 million active sellers and 60 million active buyers, Etsy is the world’s sixth-largest online marketplace. Etsy’s top sellers make tens of thousands of dollars per year from their shops.

Listing your item on Etsy thrusts it into the limelight. In other words, you’re guaranteeing eyes on your listed product across the globe. Your items could be discovered by millions of Etsy users who would never hear of your business otherwise.

The key here is to offer something so unique that no one else has it, price your products properly, and maintain a decent profit margin. 

What Is the Easiest Product To Sell on Etsy?

As you’ve probably noticed if you’ve searched for “best-selling items on Etsy,” there’s no one true answer to this question.

First-time sellers like you still need to know the type of products that will offer you the best chances of success. A beginner mistake most independent crafters make is assuming that just because they can hand-make something pretty cool, they’ll be able to sell it easily on Etsy.

While there’s no secret code or proprietary data to give you a guaranteed winning product idea, an easy product to sell should have low entry barriers, a good sales opportunity, and profitability.

You will achieve more success if you do the proper research into the market and competitors already on the platform. A quick look at the top sellers proves that jewelry and supplies for making jewelry are the best-selling items by far. So if you’re just beginning your e-commerce adventure, jewelry can be an easy item to get you started.

If you can bulk-order cheap jewelry pieces like tiny bracelets and personalize them with messages, names, and monograms, go for it! Browse subcategories to search for ideas and niches you think you could fill.

How To Sell on Etsy

You’ve found your product. Now it’s time to set up your Etsy shop and start selling. 

If you don’t have previous experience with Etsy, starting a shop may seem like a complicated prospect. Here is a step by step guide on how to sell on Etsy:

1. Set Up Your Account

Before you create a shop, you’ll need to first set up your account.

Setting up an Etsy account is straightforward. I recommend using a PC or laptop. After setting up your shop, you can manage it via the Etsy app.

You first need to register your account. You can register in 2 ways:

• by providing an email address, username, and desired password,
• or directly sign up using your Facebook, Apple, or Google account.

If you’ve previously purchased from Etsy, you can use the same account. Head to the upper right of any page and click “Sell on Etsy.” 

2. Fill Out Your Profile

Once you set up your account, you must incorporate your personality by filling out some info in your profile. As a seller, you want to stand out among the millions of other Etsy sellers. Add a personal photo and fill in your bio. People love passion – share yours!

Do your best to tell a fascinating story about yourself, how your business started, and what inspires you to find/create these unique products.  

Include your shop logo and banner to make a clear statement to your customers and fellow retailers about what your shop is about. After filling out your profile, you’ll be asked to specify basic preferences like currency and language.

3. Set Your Shop Preferences 

Click on ‘Open Your Etsy Shop‘ and then follow the prompts. Read all the policies to make certain that offering wares on Etsy is ideal for you and your business.

The next step is designating basic settings for your store. Here, you’ll set up your shop policies, determine sales tax, and accept Etsy fees. 

4. Pick a Name for Your Shop

Next, you’ll be asked to choose a name for your shop. This is the part where your creativity can come into play. Perform a search of current user names to ensure you pick something distinctive. Go for a name that reflects your personal brand.

Don’t panic if you don’t have a name just yet. You have the option to change this name when you actually open your shop.

5. Create Your Product Listing

After Etsy approves your shop name, it’s time to add items you want to sell. Your product listings are the lifeblood of your shop. Include as much detail as possible.

Creating lackluster listings can make your sales stagnate, while compelling listings will skyrocket your sales. 

So what does a great listing look like? Well, it all goes down to creating an emotional connection with your buyers through images, product titles, and product descriptions. How you execute the three components makes the difference.

Use clear photos, titles with words and phrases that buyers might search for, and awesome product descriptions with features and benefits. 

Some Etsy sellers write a one-line description and leave out the good stuff. Don’t be like them. Your descriptions should be thorough enough to highlight the item and its offerings.

The trick is to figure out what needs to be said about the product and keep it short and sweet. Avoid copying or using generic descriptions.

Posting fuzzy or grainy photos is a big no-no. Bad photos tell a lot about the quality of your craftsmanship. If you use multiple photos, pick a thumbnail photo. This will be the photo that customers will see first when searching for your product. 

Use different angles and depths to show the detail of your items.

6. Select a Payment Method

Some shoppers abandon their carts at checkout if there aren’t enough payment options. While online shopping is nothing new, some shoppers still hesitate to share their credit card details online, regardless of how secure your website is. 

You can easily avoid this lost opportunity by maximizing available payment options for your store. The payment gateways Etsy offers are PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Apple Pay.

7. Plan For Shipping

Don’t wait until you’ve completed your first sale to start thinking about how to fulfill the buyer’s order. Business ownership is all about looking ahead.

Online buyers have come to expect fast shipping, so it’s up to you to figure out your shipping logistics to avoid keeping your customers waiting.

Etsy lets you print shipping labels, determine shipping charges, and track packages from your shop. There are many options based on weight and size and domestic vs. international.

Instead of manually selecting the cost of shipping, you can let their algorithm calculate it for you. If you’re confused about the best shipping for your shop, go to the Etsy forums and ask fellow Etsy sellers. 

How you package your product is also important. To create a beautiful unboxing experience, use a material that will protect the product in transit and consider including a short personal note. This shows that you’re professional and appreciate your customers’ business.

8. Publish Your Listing!

Before setting it live, you can preview your listing to see how it’ll look to customers’ eyes.

Tips To Scale Your Etsy Business

Many folks open up a shop on Etsy and wonder why their items aren’t selling. Once you’ve mastered the basics of how to sell on Etsy, this is when you should consider scaling your business.

There are a handful of ways to get one step ahead of the game, even if you’re just getting started. 

Pick a Niche

As mentioned earlier, Etsy has over 3 million active sellers with millions of products listed. With this much competition, it’s easy to get drowned out. You’ll need to find something to stand out.

When picking a niche for your Etsy shop, take your time and don’t go with a too broad category. It’s vital that you choose a category that interests you and suits your passions. This will ensure that you’ll never grow tired of creating/finding products that fall into that category.

If you have a general idea of the type of product you plan to sell, research your competitors. Browse shops that match your talents and interests. Analyze the kind of language they use, things that make their products unique, and how they present their content. 

We are not suggesting you copy their style because if you do, you’ll likely fail. 

Also, there’s a fine line between what’s copied and what’s inspired. Subject to a copyright complaint, Etsy removes material. Devise your own style, but learn from the best.

Etsy SEO

Think about the last time you performed an online search. Chances are, you typed a keyword to find product options, right? 

The text on a site — also called web copy — is crawled by search engines like Google, which then uses that info to guide users toward or away from the site. 

This will also be the case with users who are searching for your products on Etsy. Many of your potential clients will come from internet searches. It’s vital to make your copy as search-engine-friendly as possible.

Etsy is a big marketplace, and if you do not use SEO, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd.

Without boring you with an unnecessary definition that looks like college lecture notes, Etsy SEO means setting up your shop and listings in a way that makes it easy for potential buyers to find on the internet. 

SEO is the most effective way to bring organic traffic to your shop. The Etsy search function is your main marketing channel. 

To improve your Etsy SEO, you do not have to hire an SEO expert. Use tags in your listings, utilize popular keywords in your listing title and product descriptions, and put your products in the right categories to make them easier to find. 

It might seem hard at first, but I promise that you can learn it fast!

Pricing

Each item you add must come with a price. Pricing can make or break your Etsy shop.

When starting out, it can be tempting to price products cheap in the hopes that you’ll sell more. Don’t short-sell yourself. 

Knowing how much it costs to acquire or produce your products will help you set an effective pricing strategy. This includes the value of your time and material cost. 

You also need to take business running costs and some profit into your prices. Etsy sets a fee of $0.20 per listing when the listing is created, regardless of whether the item sells. They also take a 5% transaction fee. Find ways to cut production costs so that your profit margin is higher.

If you’re already selling your wares elsewhere, pricing your items should be easy. If you’re still unsure what to price your product, do competitor research on Etsy and Google to see the average price point.

You may want to offer introductory sale pricing or special pricing to get your Etsy shop more traffic first.

Customer Service

If you really want to be successful on Etsy, don’t forget to solve your customers’ doubts. 

Etsy has become progressively more competitive over the years. Shoppers are more likely to buy from stores where they receive great service. Happy clients are key to your success. As such, do everything in your power to keep them happy. Make them feel valued so that they can buy from you repeatedly.

How can you do this? Listen to your customers and incorporate their suggestions into your products and shop.

Etsy allows you to create a personal relationship with your customers. Provide them the option to contact you by phone, email, or chat. If a customer asks a question, ensure you answer the question as promptly and completely as possible. Try to think if he or she has other questions, and answer them too. 

For instance, if a customer wants to know if you ship outside the United States. Do not just answer with a YES or NO and leave it at that. Give extra info like the average cost, processing time, and estimated shipping time. 

If any problem arises, even if you feel that the issue wasn’t your fault, respond favorably.

A good experience with your Etsy shop can go a long way. When a customer feels like they’re well taken care of, this will increase your chances of closing that sale.

Marketing

It’s now time to spread the word about your business.

Virtually all small businesses, including crafting, have a hard time in the beginning. Successfully opening your shop doesn’t necessarily equate to immediate sales and success. To increase sales, you need to work on building a presence and a customer base.

Etsy uses a 5-star rating system that buyers can use once their product is marked as “delivered.” Online shoppers rely on positive reviews to make purchasing decisions. But you’re new to Etsy, and your shop has no reviews yet.

Reach out to close friends and family to make your first sales. Ask them to leave a positive, honest review. Request them to refer you to their friends if they’re happy with their purchase. 

Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth advertising. Over 90 percent of consumers trust recommendations from people they know over ads.

You will also want to take full advantage of the easy and inexpensive exposure that social media marketing offers you. Most of your customers are on social media waiting for you to reach them. 

When it comes to the maker or crafting community, social media is a pretty big deal. Maintaining (at a minimum) Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter presence will help you build low-pressure relationships with future buyers, and keep customers updated on offers and new products.

Email can also be an amazingly effective strategy to complement your content marketing efforts. You can tell your subscribers how things are going with your business and inform them about upcoming craft fairs you plan to attend. Just don’t overshare. 

Remember, reviews expire after 100 calendar days. Etsy does this to provide updated feedback for new customers. This also means you cannot rest on your laurels. 

A practical marketing strategy is to turn your Etsy buyers into repeat customers. Encourage customers to review their experience. 

The Bottom Line

Now that you know about some of the best-selling items on Etsy and a little about becoming a successful Etsy seller, you are well on your way to a successful business! By learning what it takes to get your Etsy shop off the ground, you’ll dedicate yourself to improving its performance.

Remember, accomplishments aren’t random occurrences. Becoming successful on Etsy can take a long time. Be patient, keep showing up, and put your work out there. The right buyers will come.