What am I not allowed to sell on Etsy?

Etsy prohibits the sale of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, hazardous materials, weapons, mature/pornographic content, and items violating intellectual property or promoting hate/violence. Also restricted are live animals, human remains, certain animal products, recalled items, and financial services. Items must be handmade, vintage (20+ years), or craft supplies.

What is not allowed to sell on Etsy?

The following types of items are prohibited or restricted on Etsy: Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Medical Drugs and Devices, and Items making Medical Claims. Animal Products and Human Body Parts and Fluids. Dangerous Items: Hazardous Materials and Devices, Recalled Items, and Weapons.

How much can you sell on Etsy before paying tax in the UK?

HMRC lets you earn £1,000 a year through websites like Etsy without worrying about income tax. If you had sales of more than £1,000 a year with Etsy, you need to submit a tax return.

Can I sell anything I want on Etsy?

Everything listed for sale on Etsy must either be made, designed, handpicked or sourced by you. All items sold on Etsy must also follow our Prohibited Items Policy. It is your responsibility to make sure your shop and its items are in compliance with Etsy's policies.

Why are sellers boycotting Etsy?

Buyers and sellers on Etsy are protesting the platform until merch celebrating the Trump administration's Florida detention center is taken down. Calls to boycott Etsy are growing since “Alligator Alcatraz” merch popped up on its marketplace.

New Etsy Sellers: Do This or Etsy Won’t Give You SALES!

What's the most profitable thing to sell on Etsy?

The 15 best things to sell on Etsy

• Custom t-shirts. T-shirts are a go-to item in most people's wardrobes, so it's no surprise there's an interest in original designs to stand out. ...
• Embroidered items. ...
• Artwork and prints. ...
• Stickers. ...
• Digital downloads. ...
• Handmade jewelry. ...
• Vintage items. ...
• Wedding supplies.

Is it risky to sell on Etsy?

Think of Etsy's security like a well-guarded craft fair. You'll find multiple checkpoints and protections designed to keep you safe. The platform's commitment to safety isn't just lip service. Etsy has implemented several measures to protect buyers and sellers every step of the way.

Does HMRC check Etsy?

Digital platforms like Vinted, eBay, Etsy and Depop must report your earnings to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you sell more than a certain amount.

What are the downsides of selling on Etsy?

Limited brand control

For most Etsy sellers, it's not a big deal as these limitations apply to everyone. However, what worries some is the limited control over the shop itself. Since you don't own your Etsy store but act more as a renter of retail space, you can't influence what happens to the platform.

How much can you earn without declaring?

I heard that I don't need to do anything until I'm earning over £3,000? That's not true. If you're earning over £1,000 from side hustles, you'll still need to tell HMRC. At the moment, you tell HMRC by doing a Self Assessment tax return.

Do you have to declare what you sell on Etsy?

Income Tax: If your Etsy sales are considered a business activity, your profits are subject to Income Tax.

How to get 10 sales a day on Etsy?

With that in mind, we asked Etsy sellers to share their tips for doing just that.

1. Add More Listings. The more listings you add to your shop, the better your chances of getting found by shoppers, which could eventually lead to more sales. ...
2. Refine Your Product Photography. ...
3. Go Global. ...
4. Track Your Progress. ...
5. Celebrate and Reflect.

What is the hottest thing to sell on Etsy?

Etsy best sellers Wood items PDF list 2025 - 2021 years. Best selling wood items, top sellers

• Planner Templates.
• Digital Prints.
• Prints.
• Templates.
• Women's Sweatshirts.
• Pet Portraits.
• Calendars & Planners.
• Drawings & Sketches.

Why are vendors leaving Etsy?

Serious sellers are shifting to their own websites, building direct customer relationships, and focusing on long-term growth. It takes work, but it's the only way to own your business—without being at the mercy of a platform that puts profits over people. If you sell on Etsy, start thinking about your next move now.

Who is Etsy's biggest competitor?

Etsy's biggest competitors include Amazon Handmade, for its massive audience and fulfillment options, and Shopify, for sellers wanting a customizable, independent store. Other key rivals depend on the product, with eBay offering broad reach, Redbubble for artists, and platforms like Goimagine focusing specifically on handmade goods.
 

How to beat the Etsy algorithm?

To rank high on Etsy, ensure your product listing page is optimized with relevant keywords in any titles, tags, or product descriptions. Make sure to keep customers satisfied by responding to any issues as soon as you're aware of them, and try to only use high-quality photos and videos.

How much does an average Etsy seller make?

Here Are Some of Our Key Findings: Average Earnings: On average, an Etsy seller earns about $35,583 in revenue per year and around $2,965 per month. Top Sellers: Top Etsy shops far exceed average figures—boasting lifetime revenues nearing $20 million and annual revenues over $2 million.

Why have my Etsy sales suddenly stopped in 2025?

A drop in visits to your shop or sales can mean any number of things, such as increased competition, changing trends, a shift in purchasing behaviour, and more. There may also be issues with your shop that result in your items appearing lower in Etsy search results, such as: Your listings have quality issues.

Are there dodgy sellers on Etsy?

Shopping on Etsy can feel like treasure hunting, but there are real pitfalls that could leave you disappointed or even scammed. From dodgy sellers to quality issues, I've seen it all during my time selling on the platform.