Etsy is Set to Take an Even Bigger Cut of Your Hard Earned Dollars

I admit it... I tried the Etsy thing and I hated it. The competition is so fierce on the site that it's nearly impossible to thrive - unless you're willing to pay extra for ads and other perks. 

Now it's about to get even more difficult for struggling Etsy shops to keep their heads above water. Etsy just announced fee hikes and new tier structured plans. The plans launch in 2019 and include what Etsy is calling:

• Standard (no monthly fee)
• Plus ($10 Monthly fee)
• Premium (Fees yet to be announced)

Fees will be jumping from 3.5% to 5%. Ouch.

Below is the email I received the other day. It included a lovely, heartwarming video and a link for sellers who want to know more about how Etsy is bilking cottage businesses out of even more money. I chose not to include those in this post. 

If you have any feedback I'd love to hear it. Feel free to post your comments below.

The Email:

Dear Seller Community,

We’re writing to tell you about some changes at Etsy. We’ve been helping sellers on their creative journeys for 13 years now. We’ve focused on making Etsy the best place to run your creative business, and we’ve listened to sellers like you to learn more about what you need from us. 

Now, we’re planning to invest even more in bringing buyers to Etsy, building seller tools, and improving your seller experience. To help make this happen, we’re updating our fees, and we’re adding some new features. 

Effective July 16, Etsy’s transaction fee will increase from 3.5% to 5% and it will also apply to the cost of shipping. All other fees, including listing fees, will remain the same.

We’re also introducing new optional feature packages designed around the needs of sellers at different stages of growth, so you can access the right tools at the right time for your business. 

If you’re happy with the services you currently use on Etsy, you can still access all the tools that are currently available to you without paying a monthly subscription fee. But if you want to do more, we’ll be offering two new plans: Etsy Plus, with tools to help businesses grow and express their unique brands, will be available in July. Etsy Premium, with more advanced tools for larger-scale businesses, will launch in 2019. 

Explore our video and website to learn more about what’s changing and look for more information in the weeks to come. We’re excited to see what’s next for all of us as we continue to invest more in growing your business, together.

Etsy Shop Advertising

Like this clickable ad? It links to my Etsy Shop. I can create an eye-catching clickable ad that links to your Etsy Shop (or any other website).

Etsy Shop Promotional Articles



Etsy Shop Article Services Photo - copyright Susan Barton

Just about everyone has heard of eBay. Whether you buy or sell products and/or services online, chances are you’ve at least visited the eBay website. I was, at one time, an avid eBay seller. I had a great deal of success selling my handcrafted items and made a nice part-time income from my sales. But, over the years eBay’s rising fee costs and propensity to show favoritism towards super sellers was making it difficult for the little guy (or gal) to survive on their site. So what’s an online seller to do? Well, if you sell vintage products, handcrafted items, craft supplies or provide a unique business service Etsy might be just what you need.

Over the coming months I will be featuring unique Etsy Shops and their owners right here on my blog. It is my sincere hope that this will help to gain interest in Etsy Shop owners who make a part-time or full-time income from producing their quality handcrafted items.

A Little Bit About Etsy:

For just .20 per item, sellers can list their products for four months (or until the item sells) in a beautifully structured, easily designable Etsy Shop. Etsy was first developed in 2005 and in just a few short years it has become a successful outlet for online sellers. And it’s no wonder because the site attracts millions of visitors each day.

Sellers have the ability to include five free photos with every listing. This is an exceptionally generous deal for just .20 per listing. Etsy provides a wealth of assistance, instruction and advice on how to make listings searchable, professional and eye-catching. They truly want your shop to succeed and their comprehensive tutorials are proof positive of this fact.

Have Your Etsy Shop Featured in a Custom Article

If you specialize in handmade or vintage products or unique business services I urge you to give Etsy a try. There is absolutely no membership fees, so registering is FREE. If you would like me to write an article for you please visit my very own Etsy Shop.

Selling Your Handcrafted Items

If you frequently receive compliments and requests for your needlework, pottery, jewelry, candles, quilts, furniture, toys or any number of handcrafted products then you already know there’s a market for your goods. Turning a hobby into a business is a natural progression. Cottage industries are being created everyday and with good reason. Designing and producing handmade items from your home is an affordable way to start a business.  There’s no additional overhead, you can make your own hours and creating an original piece of artwork with your own hands is extremely gratifying.

Online Auctions

Finding the right outlet to sell your handmade merchandise is fairly simple. There are several to choose from. Online auctions like eBay and artisan sites like Etsy and DaWanda are thriving. One of a kind, unique handcrafted products are always in high demand and these sites make the most of this fact. Artists who list their items often will soon find themselves becoming successful sellers with loyal followings.

Flea Markets

Flea markets are excellent places to test your product. Just about every community has a flea market or farmer’s market. Buyers are always looking for novelty items for themselves or loved ones. Consulting with local chambers of commerce or checking area periodicals will provide a list of neighborhood markets. Cost for a one-time set up or yearly membership is usually minimal and quite affordable. Don’t overlook indoor flea markets either. These have the added benefit of being a permanent set up and the weather is never a consideration.

Holiday Bazaars

The holidays are a hobbyist’s best time of year. Holiday bazaars, church sales and craft fairs are popular at holiday time. Sales at these venues are usually highly successful. People are in good spirits and looking for unique gifts. Gear your creative efforts towards holiday-related items. If your area doesn’t have any of these sales scheduled, consider coordinating one yourself. Put ads in the paper, talk to local schools and churches. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how many people will be glad to participate.

Many Americans take pleasure in a wide variety of hobbies. Earning money from an enjoyable pastime is an added bonus. A hobby can easily be turned in to a business. With a little bit of imagination, ingenuity and a quality handcrafted product you can tap in to this reliable outlet. Bringing the rest of the family in to the production process makes this a family cottage business. Many businesses started this way. Why shouldn’t yours?