Does Everything You Sell on Etsy Have to Be Handmade?

Etsy is a unique marketplace, known for its handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. Items listed for sale on Etsy must adhere to certain guidelines, with the primary requirement being that they must be handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. However, the requirements and allowances can sometimes be confusing, particularly regarding what is considered handmade and the flexibility available for sellers.

Handmade Items: The Core Requirement

Handmade items are those that are made and/or designed by the seller. This core requirement is often what comes to mind when people think of Etsy. Handmade items can range from clothing to jewelry to home decor, and they are typically unique and crafted with care.

Expansion of Options: Selling Non-Handmade Products

While the primary requirement of handcrafted items remains, Etsy has relaxed its policies to some extent. This means you can now sell non-handmade products, including those made by others, as long as they meet certain criteria.

Print on Demand (POD) Products

One popular option available on Etsy is selling print on demand (POD) products. POD allows you to create your designs and have them printed on a variety of products, such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs. Print on demand services like Printful and Printify can help you manage this process without the need for substantial upfront production costs. Simply create your designs and integrate them with Etsy using these platforms, and you can start selling immediately.

Key Steps to Selling POD on Etsy:

Create your designs using your preferred design software. Set up an account with a print on demand service like Printful or Printify. Integrate the print on demand service with your Etsy store. Select the products you want to print your designs on and list them on Etsy. List your designs and associated products on Etsy.

Legal Considerations and Copyright

When selling POD products, it's important to be aware of copyright issues. Ensure that any designs you create are original or that you have the necessary permissions to use copyrighted material. This step is crucial to avoid any legal issues that could harm your business.

Other Non-Handmade Options

In addition to POD products, Etsy has also opened up the marketplace to sell vintage items, with the caveat that they must be 20 years old. This includes clothing, accessories, and other collectibles. This allows sellers to offer a wider range of products that can attract a broader customer base.

Additional Selling Opportunities

The new wholesale division on Etsy is aimed at sellers who can offer their own items for retailers to buy in bulk. This division provides an additional opportunity for sellers to increase their business scale while maintaining the handmade and vintage elements.

Key Points to Remember:

Handmade, vintage (20 years old), and craft supplies remain the primary categories. POD products are now an allowed option as long as they meet the requirements. Vintage items must be at least 20 years old. The new wholesale division is for sellers who can supply their own items to retailers. Always ensure your products comply with Etsy's policies to avoid removal or restrictions.

Etsy continues to evolve, providing more opportunities for sellers while maintaining its core values of handcraft and authenticity. By leveraging these options, you can expand your product range and reach a wider audience, all while staying true to the spirit of the platform.