Skip to main content

    Sell on Etsy

    Turn your craft into income.

    What sells well

    • Handmade quilts + blankets.
    • Knitted + crocheted items.
    • Vintage items from your collection.
    • Woodworking pieces.
    • Painted artwork.
    • Personalized + customized items.

    Setup costs

    • $0.20 per listing fee.
    • 6.5% transaction fee.
    • 3% + $0.25 payment fee.
    • No monthly subscription.
    • Total fees about 10% of sale.
    • Worth it for crafters.

    Process basics

    • Create Etsy seller account.
    • Photograph items in good light.
    • Write descriptions + measurements.
    • Set price (cover materials + time + fees).
    • Calculate shipping or offer free.
    • List + wait for buyers.

    Senior-friendly perks

    • Work from home.
    • Set your own pace.
    • Use existing skills.
    • Share your craft with the world.
    • Modest income from passion.
    • Stay mentally engaged.

    Photography tips

    • Natural light by window best.
    • Plain background — white sheet works.
    • Multiple angles — 5+ photos per listing.
    • Show scale with object near.
    • Snapseed app for free editing.
    • Phone camera is enough.

    Pricing strategy

    • Materials cost + 3x markup minimum.
    • Don't undervalue handmade.
    • Research similar listings.
    • Account for shipping carefully.
    • Free shipping increases sales.
    • Add 10% buffer for fees.

    Start with 5 listings

    Don't overthink it — start with 5 of your best handmade items. Photograph well, write clear descriptions, set fair prices. Etsy handles the rest. First sale takes a few weeks typically. Once you see your work selling and people loving it, motivation grows. Many seniors earn $200–$2,000+ monthly from Etsy doing crafts they already enjoy.