How to Get Started with Etsy.com

Getting started with Etsy.com is a straightforward process, whether you’re looking to buy unique products or embark on your journey as an independent seller.

The platform is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through the necessary steps to create an account and begin your desired activities.

Getting Started as a Buyer

If your goal is to browse and purchase items on Etsy, the process is quick and simple.

1. Visit Etsy.com: Navigate to the main etsy.com website. You can explore products immediately without an account.
2. Browse or Search:
   • Use the prominent search bar at the top of the page to find specific items (e.g., “personalized mug,” “handmade scarf”).
   • Explore categories from the menu (e.g., “Home & Living,” “Art & Collectibles”).
   • Check out the curated sections like “Editors’ Picks” or “Featured Interests” on the homepage for inspiration.
3. Create an Account (Optional, but Recommended):
   • While you can add items to your cart as a guest, creating an account (etsy.com sign in) is highly recommended for tracking orders, saving favorites, and managing your etsy.com purchases.
   • Click “Sign in” or “Register” (usually found at the top right of the page).
   • You can sign up using your Google, Facebook, Apple account, or directly with your email address. Follow the prompts to set up your profile.
4. Add Items to Your Cart: Once you find items you like, click “Add to cart” on the product page.
5. Proceed to Checkout: When you’re ready to buy, click the shopping cart icon and then “Proceed to checkout.”
6. Enter Shipping & Payment Information: Provide your shipping address and choose a payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.). Etsy ensures secure transactions.
7. Review and Place Order: Double-check your order details and confirm your purchase. You’ll receive an order confirmation email, and you can track your order in your etsy.com purchases section.

• Buyer Checklist:
  • Visit etsy.com
  • Search/Browse
  • Sign Up/Sign In
  • Add to Cart
  • Checkout Securely
  • Track Order

Getting Started as a Seller (Etsy.com/Sell)

If you’re an artisan, crafter, or vintage dealer looking to sell your creations, Etsy provides a platform to set up your own online shop.

1. Visit Etsy.com/Sell: Go to the dedicated seller page, etsy.com/sell.
2. Open Your Etsy Shop:
   • Click “Open your Etsy shop.”
   • You’ll be guided through a series of steps:
     • Shop Preferences: Select your shop language, country, and currency.
     • Name Your Shop: Choose a unique and memorable name for your etsy.com shop. This is a crucial branding step.
     • Stock Your Shop: Begin listing your products. This involves:
       • Photos: Upload high-quality photos (up to 10 per listing).
       • Details: Add a compelling title, description, and select appropriate categories and attributes.
       • Pricing & Quantity: Set your price and indicate how many items you have in stock.
       • Shipping: Determine shipping costs, processing times, and shipping profiles.
       • Tags: Use relevant keywords (tags) to help buyers find your products. Etsy allows up to 13 tags per listing.
     • How You’ll Get Paid: Enter your bank information for direct deposits. Etsy will require verification to ensure security.
     • Set Up Billing: Provide a credit card for listing fees ($0.20 USD per listing) and other charges.
3. Launch Your Shop: Once you’ve completed all the required sections and listed at least one item, you can open your shop to the public.
4. Manage Your Shop with Etsy.com Shop Manager:
   • After opening your shop, the “Shop Manager” dashboard becomes your central control panel.
   • From here, you can manage orders, edit listings, track sales statistics, communicate with buyers, and access marketing tools. This is where the ongoing work of running your Etsy business happens.
5. Promote Your Shop:
   • Utilize Etsy’s marketing tools (e.g., Etsy Ads) or promote your shop on social media platforms to drive traffic.
   • Engage with the Etsy community and encourage reviews to build your shop’s reputation.

• Seller Checklist:
  • Go to etsy.com/sell
  • Open Your Shop (Set Preferences, Name Shop, Stock Products, Set Payments & Billing)
  • Launch Your Shop
  • Utilize etsy.com shop manager for ongoing operations
  • Promote Your Listings

Whether buying or selling, Etsy aims to provide a structured yet flexible environment.

For new buyers, creating an account streamlines future purchases and tracking.

For new sellers, the guided setup process ensures all necessary information is provided before launching their digital storefront. What to Expect from Etsy.com