Etsy.com is a popular side hustle for many people, including a favorable option as a retirement side hustle. Etsy is an online marketplace, much like a vast digital craft fair, where individual sellers from around the world can set up their own virtual shops to sell their handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. Think of it as an online shopping platform, but instead of finding products from big brands or retailers, you discover unique, often handcrafted goods made by independent creators. On Etsy, you can browse through a wide array of items, including jewelry, art, clothing, home decor, and more. Each shop on Etsy is run by an individua,l or a small team, giving the platform a personal and handcrafted feel. The website is user-friendly, making it easy to search for specific items, interact with sellers, and make purchases securely, even if you’re not familiar with online shopping.
As of this writing Etsy has over 5 million sellers that use the Etsy platform to sell products. If you are a creative person, or can use technology to help you be a creative person, then Etsy could be a great way to earn extra income. Starting a business in retirement can be done from home with an Etsy business.
Learning More About An Etsy Business
To find success on Etsy, a blend of creative and practical skills can pave the way for a rewarding journey. Before you start too far down the path using other Etsy resources we suggest you start with the Etsy Seller’s Manual (https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/subtopic/getting-started?ref=handbook). It has a lot of very useful articles and the link above is their getting started section. It’s a good idea to review these articles to understand the types of things you need to think about when making the decision to go down the path of using Etsy to make additional side income.
To effectively review other Etsy shops selling similar products, start by identifying the main keywords that describe your product, as these will help you find relevant shops. Once you’ve done this, use these keywords to search on Etsy and explore the results. Pay close attention to how these shops price their items, their product descriptions, photography, and overall brand presentation. It’s also beneficial to read customer reviews to gain insights into what aspects customers appreciate or feel are lacking, which can help you improve your offerings. Additionally, take note of each shop’s policies regarding shipping, returns, and customer service to ensure your policies are competitively positioned. Keeping an eye on trends in product offerings, materials, or styles can also provide a competitive edge. Finally, observe how these shops engage with their community and customers through social media and Etsy, as effective engagement can enhance customer loyalty and shop visibility. By conducting this thorough review, you can identify the type of expectations customers would have of your own Etsy shop.
How To Choose What Products To Sell On Etsy
One of the most challenging tasks people face, especially when looking for retirement side jobs is choosing the right products. Opting for low-competition product categories can be a strategic approach to creating a successful presence on the platform.
Identifying low-competition product categories on Etsy involves several strategic approaches. Start by narrowing down your focus to very specific niches within broader categories, such as specializing in eco-friendly jewelry rather than general jewelry. Utilize Etsy’s search feature to gauge competition by typing in potential product ideas and observing the number of results—fewer results may suggest lower competition. Additionally, employ tools like Etsy’s trend reports or Google Trends to identify emerging interests that may not yet be saturated on the platform. Delve into subcategories that receive less visibility; for example, explore niche areas like “artisanal ceramic kitchen knobs” under the broader “home decor” category. Reading customer reviews in major categories can also help you spot gaps in the market where customer needs aren’t fully met, indicating potential for products that are in demand but scarce. Consider seasonal and regional products that might face less competition due to their time-specific or regional relevance. Lastly, if you possess a unique skill or craft, think about how you can create distinctive products that few others are offering.
Below are some possible suggestions for product categories. Doing your own research is important because what is considered a low-competition product can change over time.
Pet Memorial Products: Items like custom pet memorial stones, personalized memorial jewelry, or handcrafted urns cater to pet owners looking for unique ways to remember their pets.
Eco-Friendly Party Supplies: As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, eco-friendly party supplies such as biodegradable decorations, reusable straws, and compostable tableware are niche markets that can appeal to environmentally conscious party planners.
Specialized Gardening Kits: With the rise of home gardening, kits for specific plant types, like bonsai trees, succulents, or herbs, that include seeds, pots, and care instructions could attract gardening enthusiasts.
Ethnic Musical Instruments: Providing unique, traditional musical instruments like handcrafted kalimbas, Native American flutes, or Irish tin whistles can cater to music enthusiasts looking for specific cultural items.
Home Office Decor for Small Spaces: As remote work becomes more common, products designed to optimize and beautify small home office spaces, like compact desk organizers, vertical wall planners, and multifunctional furniture, could meet the needs of this growing market.
Cultural Or Regional Artifacts: these products embody the essence of specific cultures or regions, such as traditional art, crafts, or recipes from underrepresented areas, carving out a niche market on Etsy.
Educational tools and kits : There’s a growing market for educational materials that cater to unique learning needs or cover unconventional subjects. This category can include DIY science kits, language learning tools, or homeschooling resources tailored to specific subjects, offering lucrative side jobs for women.
Setting up an Etsy shop
Setting up an Etsy shop is a pretty straightforward process and an excellent opportunity for side jobs for women. The first step involves creating an Etsy account, which serves as your primary account for managing your shop, akin to opening an online storefront. Once you’ve logged into your account, you should look for the ‘Sell on Etsy’ option and choose ‘Open your Etsy shop,’ which kickstarts the setup process.
During the setup, Etsy will guide you through several steps to establish your business properly. You’ll be prompted to set your shop’s preferences, including the language, country, and currency. These choices are crucial as they determine how your products will be listed and viewed by customers. Choosing a unique and memorable name for your shop is something you will need to do. Utilizing resources like ChatGPT or conducting a general Google search can aid in this process. It’s important to adhere to Etsy’s specific guidelines for shop names to ensure uniqueness and compliance. If your chosen name is taken, you might need to try different variations.
Skills to Acquire To Be a Successful Etsy Shop Owner
Whether you’re designing jewelry, clothing, art, or home decor, your personal touch and originality can make your offerings stand out in a crowded marketplace. Equally important is your knack for photography, as captivating images are key to showcasing the beauty and detail of your creations, enticing shoppers to take a closer look. Communication skills also play a significant role, as building strong relationships with your customers through prompt, friendly, and helpful interactions can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.
For honing your creative skills and craftsmanship, online platforms like YouTube offer an abundance of tutorials and workshops led by experienced artisans and crafters. Engaging in online forums and Etsy’s own seller community can be invaluable for improving communication skills, as you can learn from the experiences of others and receive feedback on how to effectively interact with customers. Additionally, social media platforms and blogs dedicated to small business and DIY crafts are rich sources of tips and inspiration for product presentation and customer service.
Etsy additional Money Making Ideas
Integrating add-ons into your Etsy shop not only enriches the shopping experience but also sets your offerings apart in a crowded marketplace. One popular add-on is customization, which allows customers to personalize their purchases with options like engravings, color choices, or adding personal messages. This level of personalization is especially appealing for those shopping for unique gifts or wanting something tailor-made to their preferences. Another thoughtful addition is offering gift wrapping services, providing customers the convenience of sending beautifully wrapped presents directly to recipients, making your shop a one-stop destination for special occasions. Expedited shipping is yet another valuable add-on, catering to the needs of last-minute shoppers or those needing their items in a hurry, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Consider also the appeal of product bundling, where you can offer sets of complementary items at a bundled price, which not only provides value to the customer but can also increase your average order size. Lastly, including care and maintenance products for items that require upkeep, such as leather goods or specialty fabrics, can add value to your customer’s purchase, ensuring they have everything they need to enjoy their items for years to come. These add-ons not only improve the overall customer experience but also enhance the perceived value of your products, potentially leading to increased sales and customer retention.
In summary, establishing an Etsy shop is a popular way to make additional income and a good possibility as a retirement side hustle. It does take time to develop a presence on Etsy, but working a little on it 5 days a week is a great approach to learn and adapt your store to what you are learning. It’s a strong community on Etsy, with lots of people to help you along your journey.
For more side hustle ideas for preretirement or already retired, visit sidehustleforretirees.com