Can You Resell Items on Etsy? Unraveling the Rules and Best Practice

In the exciting world of e-commerce, a frequent question pops up - can you resell items on Etsy? This popular online marketplace platform is known exclusively for its handmade and unique products offered and operates under specific guidelines. Of course, flipping products is the main goal of the platform, but it's necessary to know the rules and practices to be a successful reseller. 

So, Can You Resell Items on Etsy?

Etsy, known as one of the best online selling platforms, offers a unique opportunity to sell items online and make money. As an online reseller, it's important to understand that while Etsy is primarily celebrated for handmade and vintage items, the platform does allow reselling in certain categories. These categories are primarily craft supplies and vintage goods. 

However, any online reseller must adhere to Etsy's specific guidelines, which emphasize authenticity, quality, and the uniqueness of items. This focus has helped Etsy carve out a distinctive niche in the e-commerce world.

How to Start an Etsy Shop?

Starting an Etsy shop can be an exciting venture for those looking to enter the world of online selling, whether as a reseller or creator of unique products. To have a successful Etsy shop and to get more sales, it's crucial to begin with a clear plan and understanding of the platform. First, identify what you intend to sell, ensuring it aligns with Etsy’s guidelines and appeals to its community. 

For resellers, this means focusing on things that fit into the platform's categories. Next, set up an online store with a compelling shop name, detailed product descriptions, high-quality photos, and transparent policies. A reseller canmake goods discoverable by understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization) rules. Also, consider how you'll handle logistics like shipping and customer service.

Reselling Criteria for Items

Are you wondering how does selling on Etsy work? It's good to know that there are specific standards for goods that can be resold. Items need to fall into three categories - craft supplies, vintage goods, and handcrafted stuff. Each listing must clearly state the nature of the item, ensuring transparency and adherence to Etsy's guidelines. Here are some of the details about each category.

Craft Supplies Are Ideal for Gaining Devoted Buyers of the Shop

For those looking to start a resale business and gain devoted buyers who frequently return to replenish their materials, this category is ideal. That's so because it caters to the platform's audience, who are often craft enthusiasts. 

There is a constant demand for quality and unique crafting materials. It's ideal to always search for supplies that are high in demand. Some of these supplies include:

• Unique beads and jewelry findings,
• High-quality fabric and sewing materials,
• Candle-making supplies and kits,
• Custom stencils and stamping supplies,
• Crafting accessories.

Vintage Items Gain the Most Attention on the Etsy App

Anything vintage is highly sought after among buyers on this multi-vendor marketplace platform. The charm lies in their uniqueness and the stories they carry, which appeals to a wider range of enthusiasts and collectors. 

It's possible to capitalize on this trend when you find a niche that would appeal to a lot of people. Etsy's community of buyers often looks for pieces that add a touch of nostalgia. Some of the examples of vintage items that sell best are:

• Retro home decor,
• Vintage accessories and clothing,
• Antique jewelry,
• Old books and ephemera,
• Classic games and toys,
• Vinyl records and audio equipment,
• Vintage photography and cameras.

Handmade Items Sell Exceptionally Well

Handmade trinkets are a cornerstone of the success of this app. Among the top-selling categories are handcrafted jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, customized home decor, unique clothing and accessories, handcrafted soaps, and organic skincare. For artisans whose goal is to make their items stand out, the key lies in showcasing their inventory effectively.

High-quality photographs that highlight the intricate details and artistry of each piece are crucial. Crafting compelling product descriptions that narrate the story behind the item adds an emotional connection. Utilizing social media to share the creation process and final products can draw a wider audience to the shop.

Here's a video with additional tips on how to sell anything.

What Is Etsy's Policy for Handmade and Vintage Items?

For anything handcrafted, the platform stipulates that everything listed must be created or designed by the seller. This rule prohibits reselling, creatively repackaging commercial items, curating collections of others' handmade goods, selling goods made or designed by another seller not in your store, and offering traditional handicrafts or fair trade things not designed or made by you. 

In contrast, reselling is permitted in the Vintage and Craft Supplies categories. Vintage stuff must be at least 20 years old. Etsy enforces these policies strictly and reserves the right to remove listings that do not comply, with sellers remaining responsible for any listing fees incurred. 

Here’s the Guide to Etsy’s Selling Fee for Any Sold Item

Beyond the platform's specific rules regarding the sale of handcrafted, vintage, and craft supply items, sellers must be well-versed in the fee structure on Etsy. For each item sold, sellers encounter a listing fee of 16p per item. Upon a sale, a transaction fee of 6.5% of the total order amount (including the item cost, shipping, and any gift wrap charges) is applied. 

On top of this, payment processing fees vary by country but generally include a set rate plus a percentage of the total sale price. These fees are integral to pricing strategies and overall store profitability. For accurate estimates, use the Etsy Fee Calculator.

Make Reselling Products Easier With Crosslisting Software

You can do everything right and according to the best practices and rules and still see no increase in sales. The problem might be that there isn't a buyer interested in a particular listing. This obstacle can be overcome with the help of multichannel listing software. When you invest in a crossposting tool, it will be possible to post on eBay, Vinted, Shopify, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and Depop. 

Apart from this, the crossposting app manages all listings from one place. With additional features such as the Sell Similar feature and Autodelisting feature, crossposting software allows for smooth business operations. So, subscribe to Zipsale, a great selling software, today.