16 Best Selling Items on Etsy for 2024

by Stanley

16 BEST SELLING ITEMS ON ETSY

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that thrives on creativity and uniqueness, offering handmade, vintage, and custom items. 

If you’re an aspiring seller, identifying the best selling items on Etsy is crucial to ensure your success. Understanding what’s in demand can set you apart and drive your sales.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top-selling items on Etsy in 2024, from personalized gifts and handmade jewelry to digital downloads and craft supplies. 

Armed with this knowledge, you can refine your product offerings and tap into trending categories.

Moreover, we’ve provided essential tips for starting a successful Etsy business to help you stand out in a competitive market. 

Jumpstart your Etsy venture with insights into what products are hot right now.

A List of the Best Selling Items on Etsy

When browsing Etsy, you’ll discover a wide variety of popular items that are top sellers. These items often catch the eye of millions of shoppers. Here are some of them:

1. Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry

Handmade jewelry is one of the best selling items on Etsy due to its uniqueness and personal touch. Many shoppers prefer custom-made pieces that reflect their style and story.

Handmade jewelry has a growing demand on Etsy. Consumers seek unique designs that can’t be found in mainstream stores. 

There’s a particular interest in items like honey calcite silver cuff bracelets and 925 Sterling Silver Spinner Rings. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for these one-of-a-kind items, making this category highly lucrative for sellers.

Pros

  • Customization: Personalized jewelry appeals to customers wanting something unique.
  • High Profit Margins: Generally low production costs with significant markups.
  • Diverse Designs: Endless possibilities with materials like gemstones, metals, and beads.
  • Loyal Customer Base: Repeat buyers seeking matching or complementary pieces.

Cons

  • Time-Consuming Production: Creating custom pieces can be labor-intensive.
  • Supply Chain Issues: Sourcing quality materials can be unpredictable.
  • High Competition: Saturated market with numerous sellers.
  • Trend Sensitivity: Styles and preferences can change quickly.

Earning Potential

The profit margins for handmade jewelry can be substantial. 

Selling prices often range from $50 to over $200, depending on the complexity and materials used. 

Taking into account production costs and Etsy fees, you can expect net profits to be between 40-60%.

2. Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts

Personalized gifts are highly popular on Etsy due to their unique and customizable nature. 

Items like customized mugs, engraved jewelry, and personalized prints are available for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays.

A trend worth noting is the growing demand for eco-friendly options, with many buyers prioritizing sustainably made gifts. 

Etsy has become a go-to marketplace for these customized items because it allows buyers to express their individuality through thoughtfully crafted presents.

Pros

  • Unique Selling Proposition: Personalized items stand out because they cater to individual tastes and preferences.
  • High Demand: Consumers often seek custom gifts for special occasions, ensuring a steady market.
  • Higher Price Point: Customization allows sellers to charge a premium compared to non-personalized items.
  • Customer Loyalty: Personalized products often lead to repeat business as satisfied customers return for future gifts.

Cons

  • Increased Production Time: Customization requires additional time for engraving, printing, or crafting each item.
  • Higher Error Risk: Mistakes in personalization can lead to increased returns and refunds.
  • Inventory Management: Less standardization can complicate inventory tracking and management.
  • Higher Shipping Costs: Customized packaging often involves added weight and materials, potentially increasing shipping fees.

Earning Potential

Personalized gifts can offer lucrative profit margins, particularly when factoring in the premium prices they can command. For instance, a custom mug might cost $5 to produce but can sell for $20, yielding a $15 profit.

3. Vintage Clothing

Vintage clothing

Vintage clothing remains a popular niche on Etsy, attracting buyers who appreciate unique, pre-loved fashion. With the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, vintage clothing offers both style and environmental benefits.

Trends show a significant interest in styles from the 1960s to the 1990s, reflecting a love for nostalgia. 

Shoppers seek out rare finds that stand out from modern fast fashion. This aligns with broader consumer behaviors that favor sustainable and second-hand fashion, making vintage clothing a go-to category for eco-conscious buyers.

Pros

  • Unique Pieces: Every item is one-of-a-kind, ensuring that customers get something unique.
  • High Demand: Increased interest in sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.
  • Broad Market: Appeals to a wide range of ages and fashion tastes.
  • Higher Price Points: Vintage items often sell for more due to their uniqueness and condition.
  • Nostalgia Factor: Taps into buyers’ emotional connections to past eras, increasing the likelihood of purchase.

Cons

  • Sourcing Challenges: Finding high-quality vintage clothing at reasonable prices can be difficult.
  • Storage Issues: Requires ample storage space to keep items in good condition.
  • Size Limitations: Vintage sizes can be inconsistent with modern sizing, which may lead to returns or customer dissatisfaction.
  • Condition Variance: Items may have flaws or signs of wear that need to be disclosed.
  • Shipping Costs: Can be high, especially for international orders due to the often delicate nature of clothing.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for vintage clothing on Etsy is promising. Depending on their rarity, brand, and condition, items can sell for anywhere from $20 to $200 or more. 

High-demand pieces, such as branded vintage jeans or designer dresses, can command higher prices. Your profit margin depends on how effectively you source items.

Assuming you acquire items for $5-$30 each, you could mark up prices for a 2-4x return. Keep in mind the costs of cleaning, repairs, and premium shipping, which can affect your overall profit. 

4. Handmade Home Decor

Handmade home decor

Handmade home decor items are among the best sellers on Etsy, driven by unique designs and customizable options. They cater to a wide range of aesthetics and tastes, making them highly attractive to buyers.

Handmade home decor thrives because consumers seek unique, personalized items. Items like handmade wall art, custom furniture, and decorative fabrics cater to buyers’ desire for originality.

Trends show increased interest in sustainable and eco-friendly decor, with many buyers preferring materials like reclaimed wood or organic fabrics. 

Etsy’s marketplace is ideal for these items, making it easier for sellers to reach a targeted audience seeking distinct decor pieces. The popularity of minimalist and bohemian designs also significantly boosts sales in this category.

Pros

  • Unique Appeal: Handmade items appeal to buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces not found in mainstream stores.
  • Customization: Offering customizable options allows you to cater to specific buyer needs.
  • High Perceived Value: Handmade items often carry a higher perceived value, enabling you to charge premium prices.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials: Using sustainable materials can attract environmentally conscious shoppers.
  • Creative Freedom: You have the freedom to experiment with designs and styles without adhering to mass production norms.

Cons

  • Time-Consuming: Handmade items often require significant time to create, which can limit production volume.
  • Higher Costs: The cost of materials and labor for handmade items is generally higher.
  • Scalability Issues: Scaling up production while maintaining quality can be challenging.
  • Marketing Efforts: Requires substantial effort in marketing to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
  • Shipping Sensitivity: Fragile items can be damaged during shipping, leading to potential losses and customer dissatisfaction.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for handmade home decor can be lucrative due to high-profit margins. For example, a set of watercolor eucalyptus prints may cost around $3 to produce and can sell for $13 on Etsy. 

Custom furniture pieces can command even higher prices, often several hundred dollars per item.

5. Digital Downloads

Digital downloads

Digital downloads are immensely popular on Etsy due to their convenience and the diverse range of products they encompass. These items, ranging from planners to prints, offer flexibility for both buyers and sellers.

Users enjoy purchasing and instantly accessing items like planners, artwork, and sewing patterns. 

The global market for digital planners alone is projected to reach $1,472.98 million by 2031, illustrating the strong demand for these products.

Printable sewing patterns are a favorite among crafters, reflecting a trend towards DIY and sustainable living. 

Another growing category is digital prints and posters, appealing to home decorators and gift-givers alike. This versatility is a key factor making digital downloads highly sought after on Etsy.

Pros

  • Instant Delivery: No need for physical shipping, leading to faster transactions and happier customers.
  • Low Overhead Costs: You can avoid the costs of physical inventory, storage, and shipping.
  • Scalability: One digital file can be sold to unlimited customers.
  • Flexibility and Creativity: Allows for a wide range of products from planners to artworks, catering to various niches and tastes.
  • Minimal Environmental Impact: Digital products do not require physical materials, reducing waste.

Cons

  • High Competition: The popularity of digital downloads means there is a lot of competition, making it harder to stand out.
  • Copyright Issues: Ensuring your designs are unique and not violating copyright laws is crucial.
  • Customer Support: You may need to provide support for technical issues customers encounter with downloads or usage.
  • Markup Limitations: Price points need to be competitive, which can limit your ability to charge premium rates.
  • Piracy Risk: Digital products can be easily shared or pirated once purchased.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for digital downloads on Etsy is promising, given the low production costs and the ability to sell unlimited copies. 

For example, digital planners can be sold for prices ranging from $5 to $20. With minimal overhead, you keep a significant portion of the revenue.

You can achieve a steady income if you focus on high-demand products like printable sewing patterns or digital art prints. 

Considering the average selling price and factoring in minor costs for design software or stock images, you could realize profit margins of 80-90%.

6. Craft Supplies

Craft supplies

Craft supplies have grown into a lucrative category on Etsy, appealing to a diverse audience of hobbyists and small business owners. 

People love creating their own pieces or adding a personal touch to ready-made items. 

Popular items include felting wool roving, which is used for needle or wet felting, and unique digital downloads. Seasonal and themed supplies also perform well, aligning with holiday crafting trends.

Pros

  • High Demand: There’s a robust market for supplies like fabric, beads, and digital designs.
  • Scalability: Easy to scale up production as demand increases.
  • Low Storage Needs: Many supplies are lightweight and compact.
  • Repeat Purchases: High chances of repeat customers returning for crafting needs.
  • Diverse Audience: Appeals to hobbyists, professionals, and schools.

Cons

  • Competition: High competition from numerous sellers.
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Demand may vary with seasons and trends.
  • Quality Control: Maintaining consistent quality can be challenging.
  • Storage Space: Requires organized storage to handle various small items.
  • Shipping Costs: Can vary widely depending on the size and type of craft supplies.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for craft supplies can be substantial, especially if you can source materials at low cost and sell them at a competitive price. For example, selling natural DIY supplies like acorn tops or fabric at $6 a pack can yield good margins.

Typical Costs and Margins:

  • Production Costs: Can be as low as a few cents per item.
  • Selling Price: Digital downloads can range from $3-$10 each.
  • Profit Margin: Often exceeds 50%, especially for digital items.
  • Shipping Fees: Usually low due to the lightweight nature of most supplies.

7. Handmade Candles

Handmade candles

Handmade candles are a hot seller on Etsy, loved for their unique designs and customizable scents. Buyers are drawn to the craftsmanship and personal touch of each candle. 

Trends show that consumers prefer natural and eco-friendly products, making soy and beeswax candles very popular. Unique scents and creative designs, such as sculptural shapes and personalized labels, also capture attention. 

On Etsy, handmade candles benefit from the platform’s focus on artisanal and unique items, aligning with broader consumer shifts toward sustainable and personalized goods.

Pros

  • High Demand: Consistently one of the top-selling categories on Etsy.
  • Customizable: You can offer a variety of scents, colors, shapes, and labels to cater to different tastes.
  • Eco-friendly Options: Soy and beeswax candles appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
  • Gift-Worthy: Candles make great gifts, boosting sales around holidays.
  • Home Decor Appeal: Doubling as decor pieces, they attract buyers focused on home aesthetics.

Cons

  • Fragile: Prone to damage during shipping, requiring careful packaging.
  • Seasonal Peaks: Sales might peak around holidays, causing fluctuations in income.
  • Production Time: Handmade candles can be time-consuming to make.
  • Storage: Requires adequate space for curing and storing finished products.
  • Competing Listings: High competition due to many sellers offering similar products.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for handmade candles on Etsy is promising, with successful sellers often pricing their items between $15 and $30. 

Production costs vary, with raw materials like soy wax and essential oils averaging around $5 per candle. 

8. Wedding Items

Wedding items

Wedding items are some of the most profitable products on Etsy, appealing to a wide and engaged audience. These items are particularly popular due to the customization and uniqueness that Etsy sellers provide.

Wedding items usually cater to the specific needs and preferences of couples planning their special day. Trends within this category include custom wedding invitations, personalized decorations, and handmade accessories. 

Seasonal spikes in demand often align with peak wedding seasons, typically spring and summer. On Etsy, the appeal is strong due to the ability to offer unique, often handmade or customizable items which can’t be easily found elsewhere. 

Pros

  • Customization: High demand for personalized products that can cater to individual preferences
  • Frequent Purchases: Weddings typically have high budgets and multiple purchasing needs, from invites to decorations
  • Seasonal Demand: Consistent demand peaks during wedding seasons, providing predictable sales cycles
  • High profitability: Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for unique and high-quality wedding items

Cons

  • Seasonality: Sales may drop during the off-peak wedding seasons, affecting consistent income
  • Competition: High competition among sellers may necessitate standout, unique offerings to attract buyers
  • Production Time: High levels of customization can result in longer production times, potentially delaying orders
  • Quality Control: Ensuring high quality for custom items can be challenging and may require significant back-and-forth with customers

Earning Potential

The earning potential for wedding items on Etsy can be substantial. For example, sellers can charge $50-$200 for custom invitations or $20-$100 for handmade decorations. 

Production costs may range from $10-$50 per item, depending on materials and complexity. Shipping fees can add to the expense. 

Despite these costs, the profit margins can be impressive, often between 50% and 80%. This niche offers consistent profits when managed well, especially during peak wedding seasons.

9. Baby Products

Baby products

Baby products are a popular and lucrative category on Etsy, attracting customers with unique, handcrafted items that cater to the needs and aesthetics of new parents and their infants.

According to Etsy, items like farm-themed baby clothes and unique hand-crafted care instructions are particularly popular. This trend reflects a growing market for unique, high-quality baby items that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Pros

  • High Demand: The constant arrival of new babies ensures a steady demand.
  • Customization: Options for personalization make these products highly appealing to buyers.
  • Organic Materials: Items made from organic materials are especially sought after.
  • Sentimental Value: Products like keepsake items or handmade toys offer emotional value to buyers.

Cons

  • Safety Regulations: Ensuring compliance with safety standards can be complex and costly.
  • High Competition: A saturated market means standing out can be challenging.
  • Production Time: Handcrafted items can be time-consuming to produce.
  • Material Costs: High-quality, organic materials often come at a premium.

Earning Potential

Baby products can be highly profitable due to their value-added features like personalization and organic materials. For example, handcrafted baby bodysuits on Etsy often sell for around $20-$30. 

Production costs, including fabric and labor, typically range from $10-$15, allowing for significant profit margins. 

10. Pet Supplies

Pet supplies

Pet supplies on Etsy include items like customized collars, unique pet furniture, and handmade toys. This niche attracts pet lovers looking for unique and high-quality products for their furry friends.

Pet supplies are increasingly popular on Etsy due to the growing trend of pet pampering. Many owners consider their pets as part of the family, driving them to seek out personalized and hand-crafted items. 

Items like the Laser Engraved Personalized Dog Collar and the White Felt Cat Bed are in high demand due to their customization options and unique designs. 

Pros

  • Personalization: Customizable options cater to the unique needs of pet owners, increasing customer satisfaction.
  • High Demand: There is a consistent and growing market for pet products as pet ownership rises.
  • Unique Products: Handmade items can stand out due to their uniqueness and craftsmanship.
  • Loyal Customers: Pet owners are likely to become repeat buyers due to their constant needs for their pets.

Cons

  • Production Time: Handmade items can take longer to produce, leading to longer wait times.
  • Materials Cost: High-quality materials can be expensive, reducing profit margins.
  • Market Saturation: The pet supplies market is competitive, requiring unique products to stand out.
  • Shipping Challenges: Bulky or delicate items may lead to higher shipping costs and potential damages.

Earning Potential

Earning potential for pet supplies varies. For example, a personalized dog collar can sell for around $30-$50, with production costs of $10-$20, leading to a profit margin of roughly 50%. 

Unique items like felt cat beds can be priced between $50-$100, depending on material costs.

11. Art Prints

Art prints

Art prints are highly popular on Etsy due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. These prints range from abstract designs to family portraits, catering to various tastes and preferences.

Consumers are increasingly interested in decor that reflects their personality and style. Digital downloads have made purchasing art prints easier and more affordable, contributing to their high demand. 

This trend aligns with the growing market for personalized and unique home decor items. Many buyers seek contemporary and modern art pieces to enhance their living spaces.

Pros

  • Wide Market Appeal: Art prints attract a diverse customer base, from minimalists to enthusiasts of intricate designs.
  • Low Production Costs: Digital art prints, in particular, have minimal production costs, making them highly profitable.
  • Personalization Options: Offers scope for custom orders, allowing artists to cater to specific customer requests.
  • Scalability: Easy to reproduce and fulfill orders, especially digital downloads, which can be automated.
  • Visual Impact: Highly shareable on social media platforms, potentially driving organic traffic to your shop.

Cons

  • High Competition: The market is saturated with countless artists and sellers, making it challenging to stand out.
  • Quality Control: Ensuring print quality can be difficult, especially when outsourcing production.
  • Shipping Costs: Physical prints require careful packaging and can incur substantial shipping costs.
  • Intellectual Property: Protecting your designs from being copied or misused can be a concern.
  • Customer Expectations: Meeting varied customer expectations regarding print quality and design can be demanding.

Earning Potential

Digital prints, which cost nothing to produce once designed, can sell for $5-$50 each. 

Physical prints, depending on size and quality, sell from $15 to $100 per piece. Factoring in production costs (typically $2-$20) and shipping fees ($5-$15), profit margins can be quite attractive. 

12. Face Masks

Face masks

Face masks have become essential items on Etsy. Their popularity surged due to their necessity and the desire for personal expression. Sellers offer a variety of styles, patterns, and materials, catering to different tastes and needs.

Etsy saw a significant increase in face masks sales with 12 million units sold in April 2020, generating about $133 million in sales. This consumer demand was driven by the need for reusable and aesthetically pleasing face coverings. 

Shoppers look for unique designs that reflect their personal style, including handmade and customized options. The popularity of face masks on Etsy reflects larger trends towards personalized, sustainable products.

Pros

  • Customization: Many Etsy sellers offer personalized masks, which attract buyers looking for unique items.
  • Variety: Various designs, colors, and materials allow for broad customer appeal.
  • Handmade Appeal: Buyers favor handmade products for their perceived quality and uniqueness.
  • Reusable: Sustainable and eco-friendly options are popular, reducing reliance on disposable masks.
  • Affordable: Prices generally range from $4 to $12, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Cons

  • Competition: High number of sellers makes it challenging to stand out.
  • Regulations: Non-medical grade masks need clear disclaimers to avoid legal issues.
  • Limited Pricing Power: The low price point might limit profit margins.
  • Consumer Fatigue: Interest may fluctuate depending on public health guidelines.
  • Production Time: Handmade masks require more time and effort than mass-produced alternatives.

Earning Potential

Face masks on Etsy typically sell between $4 and $12. Let’s assume production costs, including materials and labor, are around $2 per mask. 

Selling a mask at $10 can yield a gross profit of $8. Considering Etsy’s fees (5% transaction fee plus 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee), approximately $7 is left net per sale.

13. Eco-Friendly Products

Eco-friendly products

Eco-friendly products on Etsy cater to the growing consumer interest in sustainable living and responsible consumption. These products range from reusable items to sustainably sourced materials.

Eco-friendly products have seen a significant rise in demand. Consumers are more informed and concerned about their environmental footprint. 

On Etsy, items like reusable unpaper towels, eco-friendly gifts, and sustainably made home decor are popular. Shoppers are particularly interested in reducing waste and choosing products with minimal environmental impact. 

Sustainable goods on Etsy have become an attractive alternative to conventional products, fitting into broader minimalism and ecological responsibility trends.

Pros

  • High Demand: Increasing environmental awareness drives the demand for eco-friendly products.
  • Unique Appeal: Handmade and custom items often attract more buyers.
  • Positive Brand Image: Selling eco-friendly products can improve your store’s reputation.
  • Diverse Product Range: Items can include everything from reusable napkins to upcycled art.

Cons

  • Higher Production Costs: Sourcing sustainable materials can be more expensive.
  • Limited Supplier Availability: Finding reliable sources for eco-friendly materials can be challenging.
  • Niche Market: While growing, the eco-friendly products market is still smaller than conventional items.
  • Educational Effort: You may need to educate customers about the benefits of your eco-friendly products.

Earning Potential

Market research indicates that consumers are willing to pay up to 20% more for sustainable items. For example, a reusable paper towel set may sell for $12.00 on Etsy. 

Let’s say production costs are around $5.00. After Etsy’s seller fees (around 5%) and shipping, you could still see a profit of roughly $6.40 per set. 

14. Handmade Soap and Skincare

Handmade soap and skincare

Handmade soap and skincare products are popular on Etsy due to their unique ingredients, customizability, and artisanal quality. These items often attract eco-conscious consumers seeking natural and organic skincare solutions.

Trends show a preference for niche markets like vegan, cruelty-free, and small-batch products. 

Etsy provides a platform rich in personalized, artisanal items that appeal to buyers who value sustainability and handcrafted goods.

Shoppers are also drawn to aesthetic packaging and eco-friendly materials, which are key selling points in this category. 

The versatility of these products makes them suitable for various consumer preferences and needs, from gentle cleansers to exfoliating bars.

Pros

  • Customization: Ability to create custom scents, shapes, and sizes attracts a diverse customer base.
  • High Demand: Growing interest in natural and organic skincare.
  • Unique Selling Points: Handmade, eco-friendly, and often featuring premium ingredients.
  • Repeat Purchases: Consumable nature leads to regular reorders.
  • Gifting Potential: Often purchased as gifts, driving higher volume sales especially during holidays.

Cons

  • Production Time: Handmade processes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
  • Cost of Ingredients: High-quality, organic ingredients can be expensive.
  • Regulations and Compliance: Must adhere to cosmetic regulations, which can be complex.
  • Competition: Highly saturated market on Etsy, making it challenging to stand out.
  • Shipping Challenges: Fragile products require careful packaging and can increase shipping costs.

Earning Potential

Handmade soaps typically sell for $5-$10 per bar, while skincare products vary widely. Production costs, including high-quality ingredients and packaging, can range from $1 to $3 per unit. 

15. Custom Apparel

Custom apparel

Custom apparel is a popular and profitable category on Etsy, attracting buyers seeking unique, personalized clothing items

Shoppers are increasingly looking for bespoke items that reflect individuality and personal style. 

Personalized shirts and hoodies are particularly popular for events like weddings, family reunions, and holidays. On Etsy, custom shirts and hoodies are frequently searched, reflecting an ongoing consumer interest in unique and customizable fashion pieces.

Pros

  • High Demand: There is a constant demand for personalized clothing items for various events and personal use.
  • Unique Selling Point: Offering customization adds a unique touch that mass-produced retailers can’t match.
  • Higher Price Points: Custom items can usually be sold at a higher price because of their unique nature.
  • Loyal Customers: Customers who appreciate personalized products tend to return for more purchases.
  • Creativity: Allows shop owners to showcase creativity and stand out from competitors.

Cons

  • Time-Consuming: Customizing each item can be time-intensive, especially for bulk orders.
  • Complex Logistics: Managing customization options and ensuring accuracy can be challenging.
  • Higher Production Costs: Personalized items often have higher production and material costs.
  • Risk of Errors: Mistakes in customization can lead to unhappy customers and returns.
  • Dependence on Trends: Trends in fashion can change rapidly, requiring continuous updates to product lines.

Earning Potential

The potential earnings for custom apparel depend on several factors, including the cost of materials, customization time, and selling price. 

For example, a custom t-shirt typically costs around $7-$10 to produce and can sell for $20-$30 on Etsy. This provides a healthy profit margin of 50-70%. 

Popular items like premium hoodies can have even higher margins, with production costs of about $15 and selling prices around $45-$60. 

16. Stationery

Stationery

Stationery items are consistently popular on Etsy, with unique, personalized designs driving most sales. These items cater to both personal and professional needs, attracting a wide range of customers.

The trend for custom and aesthetically pleasing stationery is strong. Customers often seek out unique designs for wedding invitations, personalized notepads, and decorative planners. 

The growing interest in home offices and remote work has also boosted demand for stylish desk supplies.

Moreover, stationary with eco-friendly materials is gaining traction, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. The market is saturated with creative and artistic pieces, making it essential to offer unique designs that stand out.

Pros

  • Personalization: Provides numerous opportunities for customization, increasing customer appeal.
  • Low Shipping Costs: Most stationery items are light and compact, reducing shipping expenses.
  • Repeat Business: Customers frequently return for additional items like planners or greeting cards.
  • High Margins: Handmade and custom-designed pieces often allow for higher profit margins.

Cons

  • High Competition: The market is saturated, making it challenging to stand out.
  • Time-Intensive: Customization can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
  • Seasonal Demand: Certain items may only be in demand during specific seasons or events.
  • Complex Packaging: Items like wedding invitations may require intricate packaging to avoid damage during shipping.

Earning Potential

Custom notepads can sell for $10-$20 with production costs as low as $2-$5, allowing for significant profit margins.

Tips to Start a Successful Etsy Business

Starting an Etsy shop requires careful planning, strategic execution, and ongoing management. 

To stand out in a competitive marketplace, focus on product research, listing optimization, pricing strategies, marketing efforts, and top-notch customer service.

Product Research and Selection

Google Trends

Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable products. Use tools like Etsy Rank, Marmalead, and Google Trends to discover trending items. 

These tools help analyze search volumes and competition, giving you insight into what sells easily on Etsy.

Look for gaps in the market where demand is high, but supply is low. Consider categories like stickers, custom jewelry, and handmade home decor, which are often top sellers. Pay attention to seasonal trends and avoid oversaturated markets. 

Optimizing Listings

Creating compelling product listings is key. Start with keyword optimization to ensure your products appear in search results. Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags.

High-quality photos are essential. Showcase your product from multiple angles and include close-ups. Write detailed descriptions covering size, material, production process, and shipping details. Utilize Etsy’s tags and categories to enhance discoverability. 

Pricing Strategies

Choose a pricing strategy that balances profitability with competitiveness. 

  • Cost-plus pricing adds a standard markup to your costs, ensuring you cover expenses and make a profit. 
  • Competitive pricing involves setting prices based on what similar products are sold for on Etsy. 
  • Value-based pricing reflects the perceived value to the customer, allowing for higher margins.

Use Etsy’s pricing calculator to ensure you account for all fees, including listing fees ($0.20 per item), transaction fees (5%), and payment processing fees. 

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing is crucial to drive traffic and sales. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your products. Engage with potential customers and share behind-the-scenes content.

Email marketing helps you reach existing customers with new product announcements and promotions. Invest in Etsy Ads to increase visibility in search results. 

Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service builds a loyal customer base. Respond to inquiries promptly, ideally within 24 hours. Address complaints professionally and offer solutions, such as refunds or replacements, when necessary.

Encourage positive reviews by following up with customers after their purchase. Personalize communication to build relationships. Great customer service can turn first-time buyers into repeat customers. 

FAQs about Best Selling Items on Etsy

Different aspects can determine the success of selling on Etsy, from specific high-demand items to emerging trends for 2024. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and boost your sales.

Is Selling on Etsy Worth It?

Selling on Etsy can be quite profitable, but it comes with its challenges. It’s a great platform with over 90 million active buyers, giving you access to a large audience. Top sellers often see great success by specializing in unique, handmade items.

Etsy charges listing fees and transaction fees, which can cut into your profits. However, many sellers find that the exposure and sales volume make it worthwhile. 

What Is the Most Sold Item on Etsy?

Jewelry is consistently among the most sold items on Etsy, with items like gold chains and pearl necklaces topping the lists. These items attract buyers due to their appeal and variety.

Printable art and customized goods also rank high. They offer personalization that many Etsy shoppers seek, making them highly successful.

What Sells the Easiest on Etsy?

Items like posters, minimalist city maps, and personalized pet portraits are easy to sell due to their simplicity and broad appeal. 

Several sellers succeed by targeting niche audiences and creating printable designs, saving customers time and money.

Digital products, such as planners and SVG files, often face lower competition and have high demand, making them easier to sell.

What Sells Best on Etsy 2024?

For 2024, look for trending items like personalized jewelry, sustainable products, and digital downloads. Market research suggests that customers are leaning towards eco-friendly and unique items.

Printable wall art and custom planners are predicted to be popular due to their practicality and customization options. Keeping an eye on emerging trends can help you stay ahead in this competitive market.

Final Thoughts: Capitalizing on the Best Selling Items on Etsy

Etsy is one of the largest eCommerce marketplaces for selling custom and handcrafted products.

It’s the perfect platform for those who are trying to turn their crafting hobbies into a source of income.

Hopefully, through this list, you were able to find a product that can help you get your Etsy business off the ground.

If you think that you don’t have the creative spark to start an Etsy business but still want to sell online then you can try dropshipping instead.

There are no restrictions on what you can sell as a dropshipper. The only thing you need is to find a reliable supplier and that’s where NicheDropshipping comes in.

We can help you source your desired products at reasonable prices – all you have to do is request a sourcing quote and let us know your requirements!

About the Author

stanley nieh ceo

Stanley​

Over 10 years of experience in foreign trade
Helped 2k+ customers improve their dropshipping businesses

Leave a Comment