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23 Inspiring Etsy Shop Ideas for Online Sellers

Written by:

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by:

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

23 Inspiring Etsy Shop Ideas for Online Sellers

Etsy is a global online marketplace where crafters and small businesses can offer unique handmade items and personalized gift ideas. As of 2023, the platform has more than 92 million active buyers and more than seven million sellers. 

If you’re thinking about starting an Etsy business, you’re not alone. Some of the items you could sell on Etsy include resin art, crochet products, clothing, jewelry, candles, stickers, and more. Check out our list of Etsy business ideas and see if anything sparks your interest.

1. Candles

How to start a candle business

To start, pick natural scents and high-quality waxes like soy or beeswax. Try different smells, shapes, and colors to make candles that are unique. For a bit of luxury, think about adding things like dried flowers or essential oils.

You could add custom scents or words to the labels to make the products more personal. Putting your candles in pretty boxes can make them look better and be ready to give as gifts.

2. Crafts

How to start a craft business

There are a lot of projects to choose from, so pick ones that match your skills, like pottery, woodworking, or art made from old things. Having a theme or style that you stick to helps people recognize your brand.

Tell a story about each piece, like what inspired it or what materials were used. This link can give buyers a deeper understanding of the things they buy.

3. Resin Art

resin art business idea

You can make beautiful art, jewelry, and home decor with high-quality plastic and bright colors. To make your goods stand out, add unique things like flowers, sand, or metal flakes.

Draw attention to how each piece is different, especially if there are no two that are the same. Photos that are of good quality and show depth and detail can make your resin art look more appealing.

4. Beauty Supplies

beauty supply business idea

If you’re creating soaps, lotions, or cosmetics, focus on organic and cruelty-free ingredients. Customizable items or kits can attract a broader audience.

Clearly label all ingredients and benefits. Providing samples can encourage larger purchases.

5. Stickers

How to start a sticker business

Make stickers that fit certain areas or fashion trends. Make sure they last a long time on surfaces like computers or cars by using strong materials and good printing.

Sell sets or bundles with a theme. These are great for gifts and fans. Show them off in creative and appealing ways in your pictures.

6. Crystals

How to start a crystal business

Source high-quality, ethically mined crystals. Offering a variety can attract different customers, from collectors to those seeking healing stones.

Educate your customers about each crystal’s properties and origins. Packaging them with care instructions can add value.

7. Sewing Patterns and Garments

How to start a sewing business

Design unique patterns that cater to various skill levels. For garments, focus on exceptional fabrics and finishing to stand out.

Offer customization in sizes or colors. Detailed tutorials or videos can help buyers feel supported.

8. Crochet

How to start a crochet business

Crochet items ranging from clothing to plush toys. Using eco-friendly or luxury yarn can appeal to niche markets.

Offer pattern customization or kits for those who want to crochet their own. Seasonal items often sell well.

9. Balloons

How to start a balloon business

Specialize in balloon kits for parties or custom balloon creations. Use high-quality materials to ensure longevity and ease of use.

Offer themed kits for different events. Clear instructions and safety tips can improve the user experience.

10. Essential Oils

How to start a essential oils business

Find clean, high-quality oils. Adding blends for special health benefits can help your product stand out.

Teaching people how to use and gain from each oil can be a great way to sell them. Think about gift sets or subscriptions.

11. Vinyl Decals

How to start a vinyl cutting business

Offer a wide range of designs, from inspirational quotes to car decals. Ensure your decals are easy to apply and remove.

Provide custom options and installation instructions. Videos showing the decals in use can be very persuasive.

12. Personalized Mugs

How to Start a Mug Printing Business

Focus on quality ceramics and use techniques like sublimation printing to ensure durability. Experiment with colors, fonts, and graphics to offer a wide variety of customization options.

Show your mugs in use, such as in a cozy home setting or as part of a morning routine. Offer sets for families or couples as unique gift options.

13. Bracelets

bracelets business idea

Use quality materials such as sterling silver, beads, or leather. Offer different styles like charm bracelets, bangles, or friendship bracelets that cater to various tastes.

Provide options for personalization, such as engravings or customizable charm selections. Packaging bracelets in attractive boxes can enhance their appeal as gifts.

14. Sea Moss

sea moss business idea

Source high-quality, organic sea moss. Offer it in various forms, such as dried, gel, or powdered, to cater to different customer preferences.

Educate your customers about the health benefits and various uses of sea moss. High-quality, informative listings can set your products apart.

15. Personalized T-shirts

How to start a t-shirt business

Invest in good quality t-shirts and printing methods. Offering unique designs or the ability to customize text and graphics can make your shirts stand out.

Use lifestyle shots that show people wearing the t-shirts in various environments. Offering bundle deals can also attract buyers looking for multiple items.

16. Bath Bombs

How to start a bath bomb business

Use skin-friendly ingredients and experiment with shapes, colors, and scents. Adding elements like glitter or flower petals can make your bath bombs more luxurious.

Present them as part of a spa-like home experience. Gift sets with themes (relaxation, energizing, romantic) can appeal to specific customer needs.

17. Pottery

How to Start a Pottery Business

Craft unique pieces that showcase your artistic style, whether it’s rustic, minimalist, or colorful. High-quality finishing and functionality are key.

Use videos to show your creation process, adding a personal touch and authenticity to your brand. Offer custom orders for customers looking for something truly unique.

18. Gift Boxes

How to start a gift wrapping business

Curate boxes around different themes, such as holidays, birthdays, or wellness. Include a variety of items that complement each other well.

Offer customizable options where buyers can pick contents based on the recipient’s tastes. Detailed descriptions and stories behind each item can enhance value.

19. Lip Gloss

How to start a lip gloss business

Create glosses that are moisturizing with appealing shades and perhaps a signature scent. Using natural and safe ingredients can attract a health-conscious audience.

Offer sets of different colors or finishes and provide detailed photos showing the gloss on different skin tones.

20. Embroidery Art

How to start a embroidery business

Use high-quality threads and fabrics. Experiment with different styles, from traditional to modern, to appeal to a broad audience.

Offer custom embroidery options, such as portraits or favorite quotes. Showcasing the detailed work in high-quality images can captivate potential buyers.

21. Glitter

How to start a glitter business

Produce biodegradable glitter to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Offer a variety of colors and particle sizes for different uses, like crafts or cosmetics.

Market your glitter for specific projects or events (e.g., festivals, weddings) and provide ideas and tutorials on how to use it creatively.

22. Cricut Projects

How to start a cricut business

Design and sell vinyl stickers, home decor, and personalized gifts using your Cricut machine. Offer a variety of designs and materials.

Provide DIY kits with instructions for those who own Cricut machines. Showcasing completed projects can inspire customers and illustrate versatility.

23. Phone Case

How to start a phone case business

Offer unique designs or customizable options that cater to a wide audience. Use durable materials to ensure the cases are both functional and fashionable.

Feature the cases in lifestyle photos to show how they look in use. Offer models for different types of phones to cater to a larger market.

FAQs

Do you need an LLC to sell on Etsy?

The short answer is no. An LLC is not necessary for artisans, craftspeople, and other producers looking to sell goods on Etsy.

Having said that, operating your Etsy shop as an LLC could be a wise decision to make in order to protect you and your business partners from potential liabilities. LLCs will allow you to better scale your business while creating new avenues to raise capital, transfer equity, and still operate as a pass-through entity for tax purposes.

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23 Inspiring Etsy Shop Ideas for Online Sellers