Etsy is an American e-commerce company specializing in handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. The products span various categories, including jewelry, bags, clothing, home decor, religious artifacts, furniture, toys, art, and crafting tools. Vintage items must be at least 20 years old. The platform operates like a virtual craft fair, giving sellers their own storefronts for a 20-cent listing fee per item. Since 2013, mass-produced items can also be sold on Etsy. But few people know that the story of this unique platform began in New York. Learn more on new-york-future.
How Etsy Was Created
In 2005, three friends—Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik—were frustrated by the lack of an online platform where artisans could sell their handmade creations. This problem inspired them to create a solution. That’s how Etsy was born, a virtual marketplace dedicated to crafts and vintage items. The friends worked on developing the platform from an apartment in Brooklyn. Their main mission was to empower creators and connect them with buyers looking for one-of-a-kind handmade goods.
Etsy’s initial success was driven by its active community of sellers and buyers. By 2007, just two years after its launch, the platform celebrated its one millionth sale. This showed how much New Yorkers and Americans needed such a platform, as its popularity among artisans and craft lovers grew exponentially. Of course, this success was only possible through continuous improvements to seller tools and a commitment to creating a supportive environment for creative entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Etsy expanded its presence and capabilities. For instance, in 2008, the company received $27 million in venture funding, which fueled technological advancements and broader market reach. In 2012, Etsy raised an additional $40 million, focusing on international expansion into markets like France, Germany, and Australia. And in 2015, the company went public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO), achieving a valuation of $1.8 billion.
From its Brooklyn roots, Etsy has transformed into a global e-commerce leader. As of 2023, the platform connects 7 million sellers with 92 million buyers worldwide. That same year, the company reported $13.2 billion in gross merchandise sales, reflecting its significant role in supporting small businesses and independent creators.
Throughout this time, Etsy has become a symbol of unique and personalized shopping, offering a welcome alternative to mass-produced goods.
How to Sell on Etsy
Etsy not only offers unique handmade items but also gives people in New York and across the country a chance to become part of its community and express themselves as artisans. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or crafter, opening an Etsy shop can be a great way to turn your passion into a business.
What is Etsy and What Can You Sell?
Before you become a seller on Etsy, you should understand what the marketplace is all about. Etsy is an e-commerce platform that connects buyers with independent sellers. It primarily specializes in:
- Handmade and custom-made items;
- Vintage items (at least 20 years old);
- Craft supplies.
While Etsy is one of the largest markets in the U.S., the platform serves customers worldwide.
How to Create Your Own Etsy Shop
To start your shop, visit the Etsy website and click “Sign in.” If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one. Then, go to the Etsy seller sign-in page and register as a seller.
The next and equally important step is choosing a name for your shop. Follow these three simple tips for a successful launch:
- The name should be unique and memorable;
- It should be relevant to your products;
- It should be easy to spell and search for.
Next, you’ll add your product listings. Each listing should include:
- High-quality images (an Etsy logo on your packaging can help with branding);
- A detailed product description;
- Pricing and shipping information.
All of this will make your shop appealing and build trust with customers.
It’s important to remember that Etsy has grown from a small company in New York into a global creative giant. So, whether you’re from New York, Chicago, another city in the U.S., or another country, you can create your own creative shop and earn money from your crafts from anywhere in the world.
Etsy Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Sell?
Before you create an Etsy shop, you should also consider the fees and commissions. Selling on Etsy involves several costs:
- Listing fee: $0.20 per item;
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of the sale;
- Payment processing fee (varies by country).
However, Etsy also provides unique opportunities for new entrepreneurs. You can offset costs by using an Etsy coupon or taking advantage of Etsy promotions. This is a common practice in New York and the U.S.
Additionally, Etsy promotions and coupons can help increase your shop’s visibility. But remember, customers don’t just appear on their own. All of the above is not enough. To promote your shop and attract more customers, it’s highly recommended to use social media.
The story of Etsy began as a small startup in a Brooklyn apartment in New York and became a global marketplace for handmade goods, all thanks to the unique vision and problem-solving skills of its founders—Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik.