Everyone knows Etsy is a booming website, and there are much more than 11 things to make and sell on Etsy. Since its beginning in 2005, it’s been the well-known haven of the artist, carpenter, crafter, sewer, antique seller and overall creative enthusiast.
Etsy is clearly a successful business tool, as number one on the 10 Most Successful Etsy Shops in 2015 has an overall sale of 448,192. One reason for this success is because buyers love to support small businesses. Even though they may pay a little more, it’s more satisfying to support a carpenter working out of his home garage than a huge corporation like Walmart or Ikea. Plus, everything about Etsy says unique. There are goods on this site unmatched anywhere else. That’s because everything on Etsy must be either handmade, vintage (older than 20 years) or craft supply.
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It doesn’t require much talent to run a successful Etsy business. So why not try at least one of the 11 Things to Make and Sell on Etsy. You might be surprised at the results.
11. Furniture
If you have a few extra scraps of wood in the shed and know how to use a power saw, go to work on making a coffee table. Some sell for up to $2,000 on Etsy. Or, if your dresser is looking worn and tired, repaint and repurpose it (perhaps in the popular shabby chic style) and make it new for a grateful and possibly high paying customer.
10. Jewelry & Accessories
This is one of the easiest yet most profitable commodities to sell on the web, especially on Etsy. From simple friendship bracelets to elaborately charmed necklaces, every online shopper loves a unique piece of jewelry at the right price.
9. Clothes & Linens
New style trends surface every day, and many of them can be found on Etsy. A sewing machine and the knowledge of how to use it could prove extremely profitable with a site like this. Graphic tees are also a great way to go. Get your own design easily printed through sites like Society6.
8. Stationery & Paper Goods
Postcards, greeting cards, or other paper goods can be easily scanned and mass printed with your own design. Or, if you have a knack for calligraphy, craft personalized (more on that later) gift tags for the creative gift giver.
7. Décor
Seasonal décor is never a bad business to go into on Etsy. Basket-weaver? Easter baskets. Flower arranger? Fall themed faux bouquets. Seashell collector? Drill holes in them, string some twine through and sell them as beach-themed Christmas ornaments.
6. Paintings, Signs, Sketches, Art
Don’t let your skill with the paintbrush go to waste. Paint a picture, find a corresponding frame and sell it. You’d be surprised how much even silly doodles or simple graphics sell for on Etsy. If you’re more of a computer geek than an artist, try graphic art. Use simple programs like The Print Shop to craft a design all your own. The possibilities are endless with the 11 Things to Make and Sell on Etsy.
5. Vintage items
The only way to sell on Etsy without hand-crafting your merchandise, barring it’s not a craft supply, is to sell items that are at least 20 years old. But if you’re willing to part with that comb and brush set your grandmother gave you, give it a try.
4. Engraved, Monogrammed, Personalized or Customized Goods
You can buy a tote bag anywhere, but you can’t buy a monogrammed tote bag anywhere, exactly to your desired size and pattern. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you could make money in no time by embroidering a favorite design on a plane cloth surface. Or buy a wood-burning tool and engrave initials, symbols, phrases or anything the customer requests.
3. Storage Essentials
Canisters, jars, shelves and related items are a favorite among online shoppers. Paint or decorate mason jars with unique designs and sell them in pairs. Buy an old vase from the goodwill and spray paint it. Your customers will think it took a lot more time and effort than it did.
2. Event Materials
Wedding goods especially are popularly sold on Etsy. From cute cake toppers to intricate veils, it’s the bride’s go-to for a unique wedding unlike any other.
1. Craft Supplies & Tools
Maybe that big pile of fabric scraps is getting out of hand. Maybe you have more yarn than you know what to do with. Etsy businesses sell everything from crochet kits to jar labels to doll parts to scrapbook paper in their Craft Supplies & Tools section. According to the Etsy website, “craft Supplies are tools, ingredients or materials intended for use in the creation of a new handmade item. Commercially made materials that are ready to use as finished goods may not be sold as craft supplies on Etsy.”
There is no end to the creative, money-making opportunities available through Etsy, whose motto is “your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage and supplies.” No matter your talents, you can make a profit by exercising a little entrepreneurship and creativity. But now you know at least 11 Things to Make and Sell on Etsy.
