Etsy Store Guide: How to Successfully Register and Set Up an Etsy Shop

Etsy is a global cross-border e-commerce platform that has attracted a lot of money from handicraft makers and small merchants. Because the goods are usually unique and have a higher price, the profit margins for individual sellers are also relatively large. So, for cross-border sellers, Etsy is indeed very attractive to open a store.
Compared with other e-commerce platforms, Etsy is a low-cost, low-competition, and high-return platform. Especially when it comes to commissions, Etsy offers very competitive conditions that allow sellers to maintain higher profit margins. This also makes Etsy an ideal choice for cross-border e-commerce novices. However, since Etsy is currently closed to the registration channel of sellers in Chinese mainland, what to pay attention to when registering Etsy in mainland China has indeed become a big challenge.
Still, this restriction also means that there is relatively less competition on Etsy, and sellers have a greater chance of standing out on this platform. Although the vetting and requirements of the Etsy platform are not easy, and may even be stricter than Amazon's, as long as you are well prepared in advance and have the right information about Etsy selling, you can still successfully enter the market. Today, let's share some experiences to help you get started on your Etsy journey!

Etsy entry conditions and documents required for registration

On the Etsy platform, one of the most important things to pay attention to when signing up for Etsy is the type and origin of the product. The Etsy platform only accepts two types of "handmade" products: those that are handmade by the sellers themselves, and those that are designed by the designers themselves and commissioned by other manufacturers. For the latter, sellers must clearly inform the platform and customers to ensure transparency.

It's important to note that Etsy strictly prohibits the sale of resold items or products wholesaled from other platforms. Therefore, in order to successfully sell on Etsy, you must ensure that the products you sell meet the requirements of the platform and avoid violating the rules of the platform, which is also a key step in understanding and preparing your Etsy selling profile.

To successfully sign up for Etsy and open your own store, you first need to prepare a few key information. Here's what you'll need to provide when you sign up:

1. ID photo: You can use a valid document such as a driver's license, passport, or ID card for identity verification.
2. E-mail: It will be smoother to use a foreign email address when registering, and it is recommended to avoid using a domestic email address (such as QQ, 163). It is recommended to use Outlook, Gmail, or other common international mailboxes.
3. Phone number: You need to use a foreign number, you don't have to worry about receiving a verification code, you can search for a phone number in the corresponding country.
4. Address: Provide real address information, you can find the address through foreign properties or review sites.
5. Payment card: You will need to provide a credit card or virtual credit card, such as Wanli Huifu Card, Pingpong Fu Card, etc. Please make sure that the country of issue of the card is the same as the country of registration.
6. Receiving account: Choose a reliable payment service provider, such as Wanlihui, Lianlian, Pingpong, Aircloud Exchange, Photon Easy, etc., to ensure that the currency type is consistent with the target country.
7. Online environment: To avoid Etsy having doubts about the security of your account, use fingerprint browser software and dynamic residential IP to register. This can avoid audit failures caused by IP address attribution exceptions.
8. Mobile authenticator: Use Google or Microsoft Authenticator software for mobile verification, and try to avoid using SMS verification to improve the security of your account.
9. Ensuring that the above information is well prepared and meets the requirements can greatly improve your smoothnessOpen a storewhile avoiding unnecessary hassles in the process of opening a store.

Etsy sign-up steps

For mainland sellers, the first step to pay attention to when signing up for Etsy is to ensure that the network environment is set up. You need to use:Overseas network environmentto avoid Etsy's censorship of IP addresses. The most cost-effective solution is to use a fingerprint browser with an IP proxy. You can choose to look for a service provider that offers both services separately, or use something like that:DICloak Fingerprint ViewerSuch a tool.

The advantage of DICloak browser is that it is able to emulate different fingerprint environments and can create independent browsing environments by configuring different proxies. This can not only effectively avoid being recognized by the platform as relevant to the system, but also greatly reduce the risk of account being blocked, which is fully compliantSell on Etsyrequirements. As a result, using a tool like DICloak will make it much smoother for you when creating an Etsy shop.

Visit www.Etsy.com
First, go to the Etsy website and scroll to the bottom of the page to check if the country and currency match the region you want to sign up for. If not, the IP addresses do not match, and you need to suspend the registration and change the IP address. Once you've made sure your network environment meets the requirements, click the "Start Registration" button in the top right corner of the page.

Log in to your email and confirm the Etsy email:Enter your registered email address and confirm the verification email sent by Etsy to that email address. Make sure that the verification is successful and continues.

Go to "Sell on Etsy":Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the page and select "Sell on Etsy".

Next, follow the prompts to set up your store step by step, and here are six steps:

1. Select Country and Currency: Select the country and currency that match your registered region.
2. Give your business a name: Give your Etsy shop a unique name and make sure it's catchy and easy to remember.
3. Listing: When listing products, note that fields marked with * are mandatory, while fields marked with "optional" are optional. Try to improve the information, make sure the product description is clear and accurate, especially the pictures, and do not pick up the images from the Internet to avoid being penalized due to copyright issues.
4. Fill in your profile and receiving account: Provide the necessary personal information and link the receiving account to ensure that the account information is complete and accurate.
5. Fill in the payment credit card information: Enter the credit card information used for the payment and make sure that the card information is correct.
6. Two-factor verification: During the two-factor verification step, you'll be asked to enter a verification code. The 10 sets of verification codes here must be properly saved to avoid being unable to log in to the store due to the inability to complete the second verification, resulting in unnecessary losses.

Congratulations! You've successfully registered your Etsy shop. Follow the steps above and you're ready to start your journey to selling on Etsy! Through this process, you have worked for:Sell on EtsyLay the groundwork to ensure that the information is complete and accurate, and you can start listing products and doing business after successful registration.

Etsy selection method

In cross-border e-commerce,Seven points rely on product selection, and three points rely on operationThe principles are widely recognized. Product selection, operation and talent training are the three pillars that maintain the development of the platform. A clear product selection strategy can help sellers avoid unnecessary detours and provide a strong boost for the rapid development of the brand. Here are some of the core methods and strategies for selecting products on Etsy.

1. Holiday selection

Holidays are an important sales node for cross-border e-commerce. U.S. consumers have the habit of shopping and giving gifts to each other during the holiday season, so it is especially important to choose products for the holidays. Common e-commerce shopping seasons include New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Back to School, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Selection skills:

• Following the cultural customs and holiday traditions of the target market, it is easier to impress consumers by choosing products with humanistic feelings.
• Seize the opportunity of the holiday traffic explosion and put related products on the shelves in advance in a "fast, accurate and ruthless" way.
• According to the characteristics of the festival, create unique products that fit the theme and increase the user's desire to buy.

2. Selection of data analysis tools

Using data analytics tools can help Etsy sellers better understand market demand and quickly capture potential business opportunities.

• Google Trends is a free data analysis tool that can show the search popularity and growth trend of keywords to help sellers determine market demand. Clarify the relationship between search volume and demand, and products that have recently soared in popularity are often hot spots in the market. Combined with the trend of regional demand, reasonable stocking to avoid overstocking or short supply.
• Keyword Tool Dominator This is a keyword search tool covering multiple platforms such as Google, YouTube, Amazon, etc., which provides powerful data support for product selection. Free users can analyze 3 sets of keywords per day, and paid plans start at about $16 to unlock more features. With the help of this tool, you can explore the popular keywords that consumers pay attention to, and provide direction for product selection and promotion.

3. Social media selection

Social media is another important channel for Etsy sellers to select products. atFacebook、Instagram、Pinterestand other platforms, sellers can:

• Search for relevant keywords, view data on popular posts and ads, and analyze ad interactions.
• Adjust product selection strategies based on real-time hotspots and consumer preferences.
• Quickly capture new market outlets and launch products that are in line with trends.

4. Category selection

Etsy mainly sells handicraft products, and the main categories include: jewelry, clothing, home life, wedding supplies, etc. When selecting a category, sellers need to pay attention to:

• The first-level category has a large traffic, but the competition is also fierce, and novice sellers can start with the third-level category.
• Choose an area that you are familiar with, and differentiate your products to improve your competitiveness.
• Clarify the needs of the target market, accurately position, and enhance the attractiveness of the product.

Popular categories on Etsy

On the Etsy platform, some categories have attracted a large number of consumers due to their uniqueness and high customization. Here are some of the most popular categories on Etsy for you to choose from.

jewelry

Jewelry is one of the most popular categories on the Etsy platform, with more than 17 million items under the "Jewelry" category on the platform. In particular, private customized jewelry is very popular among consumers, especially DIY jewelry and jewelry engraved with names. For buyers with individual needs, Etsy offers an excellent market opportunity.

Product selection suggestions:

• Provide customized and personalized jewelry products to meet the needs of consumers for uniqueness.
• There is a high demand for DIY jewelry and personalized lettering jewelry, such as name necklaces.
• Attention is paid to high-quality materials and design details to enhance the attractiveness and added value of the product.

Stickers

Stickers are a very popular fashion product for young people, especially on Etsy. Products include wall stickers, post-it notes, labels, notepads, and custom stickers for weddings and christenings. The retail price of stickers is usually concentrated in the range of 3-7 US dollars (about 21-49 yuan), and it is very suitable for novice sellers because of its small size, low price, and easy transportation.

Product selection suggestions:

• When you open a store for sticker-related products, you can design unique patterns that can appeal to young consumers according to fashion trends.
• Customization services are available, allowing consumers to design personalized stickers according to their needs.
• Because of the low start-up capital, stickers are ideal for novice sellers.

Wedding supplies

Wedding supplies are another popular category on Etsy. Every bride-to-be wants to bring a unique and personal element to their wedding. Creative wedding supplies on the Etsy platform, including wedding invitations, wedding decorations, balloons, table cards, bouquets, and banners, meet the market demand for customized wedding supplies.

Product selection suggestions:

• Create creative and personalized wedding accessories for the wedding market to appeal to consumers who are looking for a unique wedding experience.
• Design products with cultural characteristics or in line with current wedding trends to increase market competitiveness.

Craft supplies

Etsy is a platform that focuses on original and innovative designs, and the craft supplies category is also very popular here. With the continuous improvement of consumers' demand for spiritual culture, more and more people choose to buy handicrafts with artistic flavor and creativity. Ribbons, fabrics, stickers, yarns, fake flowers, gemstones, and bracelets are highly original crafts that often attract customers because of their unique charm and the brand story behind them.

Product selection suggestions:

• Introduce unique handicraft materials or handicraft products, with a focus on the uniqueness and creativity of the product.
• Create a brand image with a sense of story and increase consumers' emotional identification with the product.

Children's clothing

Children's clothing is also a popular category on Etsy. Parents are willing to buy high-quality, personalized items for their children's clothing. Children's clothing on Etsy tends to pay attention to detail and design, offering customized, unique styles.

Product selection suggestions:

• Personalized children's clothing is available, such as custom patterns and name embroidery.
• Emphasis is placed on the safety and comfort of fabrics to meet parents' high requirements for quality and comfort.
• These categories are among the most popular product categories on Etsy. If you plan toOpen a store, you may wish to consider these directions, combine the characteristics of the platform and market trends, and choose the products that suit you for sale.

Notes on Etsy selection

On the Etsy platform, product selection is the key to the success of your store. In addition to choosing a category with high market demand, there are also some details to consider to ensure that the product can operate on the platform stably for a long time. Here are some important things to look out for when choosing products on Etsy:

1.Avoid infringements and violations

The Etsy platform attaches great importance to intellectual property protection, and has a strict punishment policy for products that infringe copyrights and patents, and serious infringement can even lead to the banning of the store. Therefore, the seller is inSell on EtsyBefore that, it is necessary to conduct sufficient market research to ensure that the selection of products does not involve the risk of infringement.

Suggestions to avoid infringement:

• Before choosing a product, check whether the product in question involves a patent or registered trademark, which can be checked on the relevant website (such as USPTO).
• Avoid selling products that are counterfeit or infringing in design. The protection of intellectual property rights on the Etsy platform is very strict, and in the event of infringement, the store may be suspended.
• Avoid selling prohibited product categories on the Etsy platform, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, medical drugs, violent products, etc.

2.Lightweight products

Most sellers on the Etsy platform mainly self-ship, so you need to pay attention to the volume and weight of the product when selecting products. Heavier products not only have higher logistics costs, but also complex after-sales and return issues, which brings operational difficulties. Especially for small sellers who have just started to operate, lightweight products are more suitable.

Lightweight selection suggestions:

• Choosing a product that is small in size and light in weight will not only reduce transportation costs, but also avoid increased losses due to breakage during transportation.
• Lightweight products tend to be more suitable for Etsy sellers, which can improve the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of the store.

3.The price range is reasonable and controllable

On the Etsy platform,Sign up for EtsyProduct pricing must be taken into account. Too low pricing will make the seller face too small profit margins, resulting in difficulties in later operations; Overpricing can be a discouragement for consumers. Therefore, a reasonable pricing range is crucial.

Pricing strategy recommendations:

• Conduct market research to understand the price range of similar products and ensure that your products are priced competitively.
• Product profit calculation formula: product profit = retail price - supplier quotation - international logistics cost - comprehensive cost (including labor, platform fees, packaging and promotion costs, etc.).
• Pricing should ensure that all costs are covered and that there is sufficient profit margin to support subsequent promotion and operations.
• With the right selection and pricing strategy, your Etsy shop can gain a foothold in the market, attract more buyers, and remain competitive in the long run.

4. Market demand and trends

The success of product selection depends on market demand. Sellers should understand the fashion trends of a certain category of products through data analysis tools, keyword research, and observation of consumer needs. Through these methods, it can help sellers identify hot-selling categories in advance and avoid blindly listing products that have no market demand.

Details of Esty's pre-operations

On Etsy, the details of the operation in the early stage are crucial, especially for new stores and new accounts, and establishing a stable operation model can effectively avoid account bans and help stores grow better. Here are some details to pay special attention to when operating in the early stages:

1.Number maintenance and login rules

In the initial operational phase of Etsy,Raising numbersVery important. In order to avoid abnormal behavior detected by the platform, sellers need to maintain normal account activity and stable login habits.

Notes:

• Login rules: Try to avoid frequent login and logout operations to avoid letting the platform think that your account has abnormal behavior.
• Maintain a consistent IP address and device: It is recommended to always use the same computer and browser to log in to your account in the early stage to avoid frequently switching devices or IP addresses. It is best to use one browser and IP for each account, which helps the platform to identify and build trust.

2.Frequency of listings

For new stores, the frequency of listing needs to be gradual.Avoid high-volume listingsproducts, so as not to put undue pressure on the Etsy platform, leading to security audits or account issues.

Suggestion:

• Initially, you can gradually increase the number of products to ensure that each listing does not exceed a reasonable range, which can help prevent the platform from suspecting your store of "spamming" or other abnormal behavior.
• Put new products on the shelves regularly, but don't put a lot of products on the shelves at once, and keep a certain rhythm and interval.

3.Store information remains stable

New stores should not easily modify their registration information。 Modifying the registration information may trigger a security audit of the platform, which may affect the reputation and normal operation of the store.

Suggestion:

• Keep the basic information of the store unchanged and avoid changing key information such as the registered email address and address at will, especially when the account is just registered.
• Amendments to the registration information will only be considered if it is truly necessary and the amended information will be in compliance with the platform's regulations.

4.Avoid using blocked IPs

If your Etsy shop is unfortunate enough to be banned, don't log in to your account with the banned IP again. The use of banned IPs may result in further flagging or banning of the account by the platform.

Suggestion:

• After your store is blocked, try to change your IP address and don't log in again with the device and IP address that was previously blocked.
• Use clean devices and a stable network environment as much as possible to avoid triggering the platform's security mechanism again.
• These pre-operation details are the basis for ensuring the healthy development of Etsy stores, and only by establishing good accounts and operating habits can we make steady progress on the platform and avoid unnecessary risks.

Multi-account management tool for cross-border sellers: DICloak fingerprint browser operates Esty account

Cross-border sellers face some challenges when managing multiple Etsy accounts, especiallyAccount Linked RiskandInefficient managementproblems. These challenges not only affect the operational efficiency of sellers, but can also bring the risk of account bans. To solve these problems,DICloak Fingerprint ViewerIt provides a professional multi-account management solution to help sellers operate multiple accounts more securely and efficiently.

Challenges when managing multiple Etsy accounts

• Account Linking Risk: If multiple Etsy accounts use the same device, similar browser fingerprint, or the same IP address, the platform may link those accounts, resulting in account restrictions or bans. This correlation risk is the biggest challenge faced by many cross-border sellers.
• Inefficient management: Maintaining multiple Etsy accounts takes a lot of time and effort, and sellers have to switch accounts frequently to manage them, which not only increases operational costs, but also can lead to account errors or missed business opportunities due to improper operation.

DICloak Fingerprint Viewer solution

DICloak Fingerprint Browser provides cross-border sellers with an efficient and secure multi-account management tool that can help sellers solve the above challenges. Here are the core features and benefits of DICloak Fingerprint Viewer:

1. Separate browser environment: DICloak creates a completely separate runtime environment for each Etsy account, ensuring that each account has its own browser fingerprint and local storage. This independence can effectively avoid account linking and reduce the risk of being detected by the platform.

• Each account is logged in through a different device environment to ensure that fingerprint information is unique and not duplicated.
• Simulate different browser and device characteristics to avoid cross-account correlation detection.

1. Custom browser fingerprint: DICloak supports comprehensive browser fingerprint customization, and sellers can customize content including User-Agent, screen resolution, Canvas fingerprint, fonts, and plugin information. These customization options can emulate the operational characteristics of a real device, effectively preventing the platform from association detection through browser fingerprinting.
2. Batch operation function: DICloak supports batch creation and import of multiple browser environments, which is suitable for cross-border e-commerce operators who need to manage multiple Etsy accounts or social media accounts. The batch management function can significantly improve management efficiency and reduce the time cost of single account operation.
3. Easy-to-use interface: DICloak provides an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to configure the management environment for multiple accounts, even for sellers with no technical background. The simple operation process reduces the learning cost and enables sellers to get started quickly.

How do I manage multiple Etsy accounts with DICloak?

• In the DICloak interface, select Create or Import Browser Environment in bulk to set up individual browser information for each Esty account. Ensure that the fingerprint information is unique for each environment, simulating different device operations.
• Import Esty accounts and passwords to DICloak in batches, and after the configuration is completed, all accounts can be securely logged in from an independent environment.
• After the configuration is complete, you can use DICloak to easily switch between different accounts to achieve batch operations, while ensuring that each account is completely independent and avoiding associated risks.

Tip: If you need to modify the environment information (such as the environment name, group, account platform, or proxy information), you can complete the operation directly on the environment homepage to simplify and improve the process.

As a global cross-border e-commerce platform, Etsy has attracted a large number of small merchants and handicraft sellers due to its low cost, low competition, and high returns. Although Etsy closed the registration channel for sellers in Chinese mainland, its competition is relatively small, bringing more opportunities to sellers. When signing up for Etsy, sellers need to pay special attention to the entry requirements of the platform, including the type of product, the source, and the relevant information that needs to be prepared. Understanding and complying with these regulations and being well prepared can help reduce risk and increase your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions about selling in Esty

Can Etsy Chinese open a store?

As a global e-commerce platform, Etsy is open to sellers from all over the world. Therefore, Chinese can completely set up shop on Etsy.

What information do I need to set up an Etsy store?

Based on the premise of originality and handicraft, the platform has attracted many sellers to set up shop to sell homemade handicrafts and actively participate in activities such as online community exchanges, offline gatherings, and craft fairs or exhibitions. The materials required for Etsy registration include ID photo, email address, phone number, address information, payment card, receiving account, mobile authenticator software, product photo, IP network, and browser environment.

Which countries can I sell in Etsy?

At present, Etsy supports stores in many countries and regions around the world, including but not limited to the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and other developed countries. These countries and regions have relatively complete e-commerce infrastructure and consumer groups, which provide a broad market space for Etsy sellers.

Can Etsy ship from China?

At present, Etsy has no requirements for Chinese cross-border sellers to ship goods, and sellers can choose to ship directly from China and a third-party US overseas warehouse. Domestic direct delivery mode: After receiving the buyer's order, the seller will ship the goods directly from the country, which can be transported by commercial express, special line small package and postal small package.

How much does Etsy cost?

Generally, the transaction commission on Etsy is 5% of the total turnover of each transaction (including the product price and shipping costs). For example, if you sell an item for $100 and charge $10 for shipping, the commission paid to Etsy is ($100) 10) 5% = $5. Payment Processing Fees: Payment processing fees are fees incurred when buying and selling transactions through the Etsy payment platform, such as credit cards.