How to Make Money on Etsy – A Beginner’s Guide for UK Sellers

If you've ever thought about selling your crafts, printables, or personalised gifts online, Etsy might be the perfect place to start. Known for its handmade, vintage, and unique items, Etsy is one of the best platforms to turn your creativity into income — even from your kitchen table.

But is it really worth it? And what do you need to know before jumping in?

In this post, I’ll break down exactly how Etsy works, what you can sell, how much you can earn, and whether it’s the right platform for you.

💡 What is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace that focuses on handmade goods, vintage items, craft supplies, and digital products. It’s a go-to platform for people looking for something unique — whether it's personalised gifts, home décor, wedding items, or niche digital downloads.

Unlike eBay or Amazon, Etsy is more boutique-feeling, and buyers tend to be looking for quality over quantity. That’s great news for small sellers — especially if you want to stand out.

🛍️ What Can You Sell on Etsy?

You’d be surprised by what does well on Etsy. Here's a quick list of popular categories:

• 🖼️ Printables – planners, budgeting sheets, wall art, invitations

  
  

• 🕯️ Handmade goods – candles, jewellery, soap, crochet, keyrings

  
  

• 🎁 Personalised gifts – mugs, baby items, bags, T-shirts, pet tags

  
  

• 🏠 Home décor – signs, wreaths, cushions

  
  

• 🧵 Craft supplies – beads, stickers, embroidery kits

  
  

• 🧓 Vintage items – clothing, accessories, homeware (20+ years old)

  
  

• 📥 Digital products – templates, SVGs, logos, Lightroom presets

  
  

You don’t need to be an artist or crafter — digital products are a popular, low-cost option that require no inventory or postage!

🛠️ How Does Selling on Etsy Work?

Getting started is easier than you might think:

1. Create an account and open your Etsy shop (name it, set currency etc.)

   
   

2. Add your listings – this includes product photos, title, description, tags, and price

   
   

3. Choose how you deliver – physical or digital, shipping rates or instant download

   
   

4. Get paid – when someone buys from you, Etsy handles the payment and takes their fees

   
   

5. Deliver the order – post it off or let them download it

   
   

The platform walks you through everything step by step — and there’s loads of guidance for beginners.

💰 How Much Can You Earn on Etsy?

This varies massively depending on what you sell and how much time you put into it. Some sellers make £50 a month, while others bring in £1000+ consistently.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Seller Type	Monthly Income (Estimate)
Hobby seller (few items)	£50–£200
Consistent part-time	£200–£800
Full-time business	£1,000–£5,000+

You’ll usually start small, then build over time as your shop gets reviews and repeat buyers.

💷 What Are Etsy’s Fees?

Etsy isn’t free — but the costs are fairly manageable, especially once your shop picks up momentum.

• £0.15 listing fee per item (lasts 4 months or until sold)

  
  

• 6.5% transaction fee (based on item + shipping total)

  
  

• Payment processing fee (4% + 20p for UK sellers)

  
  

• Optional: Ads, offsite ads, subscriptions

  
  

💡 Example: If you sell an item for £10 + £1.95 shipping, you’ll pay about £1.05 in total fees.

🧠 Is Etsy Beginner-Friendly?

Yes — Etsy is a great place for beginners. It’s easy to set up, and they’ve got loads of support articles, forums, and seller tools. You don’t need a website or technical knowledge.

You do need to be patient. Sales often start slow until you build up product listings and reviews — but once you get going, it can be a lovely steady income.

📈 Tips for Succeeding on Etsy

• 🖼️ Take great photos – bright, clear, and show the item in use

  
  

• 📝 Use strong keywords – think like your buyer: what would they type in?

  
  

• 💬 Write a friendly description – include size, materials, processing time, etc.

  
  

• ⭐ Encourage reviews – these help boost visibility and trust

  
  

• 🛍️ List multiple items – the more you have, the more chances you have to be found

  
  

• 🧵 Niche down – people love themed shops (e.g. "Pet Gifts" or "Self-Care Printables")

  
  

• 📦 Be clear on shipping times – especially for custom or made-to-order items

🛒 Is Etsy Worth It?

If you’re creative, organised, and happy to put in a bit of time upfront — yes, Etsy is definitely worth trying. Whether you're making things by hand or designing digital products in Canva, it’s a brilliant way to earn money doing something you enjoy.

It’s especially great for:

• Stay-at-home parents

  
  

• Students

  
  

• Creatives

  
  

• Printables and passive income sellers

  
  

• Anyone tired of the 9–5

Even if it starts as a hobby or side hustle, you never know where it might lead.

✨ Final Thoughts

Etsy is more than just a shop — it’s a chance to build something yours. Whether you’re crafting with your kids around you, creating digital downloads from your laptop, or packaging orders at the kitchen table, you’re building a brand and an income stream on your own terms.

It’s not instant riches, but with time and heart, it really can turn into something amazing.

So if you've ever thought, "Maybe I could sell that?" — take this as your sign to give it a go.

Visit Etsy