20 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money

So you’re tired of your bank account looking as empty as your motivation on Monday mornings? 🙂 I totally get it. After years of analysing financial trends and helping people build sustainable income streams, I can tell you that Etsy isn’t just another “get rich quick” scheme; it’s actually a legitimate goldmine if you know what you’re doing.

Trust me, I’ve seen people transform their financial situations by selling the right products on this platform. Some of my clients went from struggling to pay bills to earning five-figure monthly incomes.

The secret? Choosing the right products to sell. Ready to turn your creative skills into cold, hard cash? Let’s break down exactly what sells like hotcakes on Etsy and why these items are practically printing money for smart sellers.

What Is Etsy?

Think of Etsy as that cool artsy friend who connects creative folks with people who actually appreciate handmade quality. This global marketplace isn’t your typical Amazon clone; it’s specifically designed for unique, handmade, vintage, and digital products.

Here’s what makes Etsy special: you don’t need a fancy website or tech skills to start selling. The platform handles all the heavy lifting while you focus on what you do best, creating awesome stuff people want to buy.

With over 96 million active buyers prowling the site looking for that perfect something, you’d be crazy not to grab a piece of this pie. And honestly, in today’s gig economy, having multiple income streams isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

Why Should You Sell On Etsy?

Let me hit you with some financial truth bombs. Traditional employment is basically putting all your eggs in one very fragile basket. What happens when that basket breaks? You’re screwed, financially speaking.

Etsy gives you two massive advantages:

First, you skip the expensive website setup. No need to spend thousands on web developers or worry about hosting fees. Etsy provides everything you need to create a professional-looking storefront.

Second, you can sell digital products with zero inventory costs. That’s right, create once, sell forever. It’s the closest thing to passive income you’ll find without needing a trust fund.

From a financial perspective, Etsy sellers enjoy profit margins that would make traditional retailers weep with envy. When you’re selling digital downloads, your profit margin can hit 95% or higher. Even physical handmade items typically see margins between 40-70%.

20 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. After analyzing thousands of successful Etsy shops and tracking market trends, I’ve identified the products that consistently generate serious income. These aren’t random guesses; they’re data-driven recommendations based on actual sales performance.

Ready to discover what’s actually making money right now?

Best Things To Sell On Etsy

1. Bags

Bags are like the Swiss Army knife of fashion accessories; everyone needs them, and people buy multiple styles for different occasions. I’ve watched sellers make $3,000-$8,000 monthly just from custom tote bags and purses.

The beauty of bags? High perceived value. A bag that costs you $12 to make can easily sell for $45-$65. Your customers see it as both functional and fashionable, justifying the premium price point.

Women especially go crazy for unique bag designs. Whether it’s canvas totes with witty sayings or leather crossbody bags with personalised monograms, the demand never stops.

2. Fanny-Packs

Don’t laugh, fanny packs are having a serious comeback, and the numbers prove it. The global fanny pack market is exploding, especially among festival-goers, travellers, and millennials who prioritise both style and functionality.

These little goldmines cost pennies to produce but sell for $25-$50 each. Plus, they’re incredibly lightweight to ship, keeping your fulfilment costs low and profits high.

Festival season alone can generate massive sales spikes. Smart sellers time their marketing around Coachella, Bonnaroo, and other major events to capitalise on seasonal demand.

3. Poly Scarves

Here’s a product most people overlook, which makes it perfect for getting in early. Poly scarves are lightweight, versatile accessories that appeal to fashion-conscious buyers year-round.

The profit margins are absolutely insane, material costs under $3, selling prices between $20-$35. Do the math, and you’re looking at 600-1000% markup potential.

These scarves photograph beautifully, making them perfect for social media marketing. Instagram influencers love featuring unique scarf designs, giving you free promotion when they tag your products.

4. Mugs

Everyone drinks something, and everyone needs mugs. It’s simple market logic. The global mug market is projected to hit $27.23 billion by 2028, and custom designs are driving much of that growth.

Mugs offer incredible customisation opportunities. From funny sayings to personalised photos, the possibilities are endless. Holiday-themed mugs alone can generate massive fourth-quarter sales spikes.

Pro tip: Focus on niche markets like dog lovers, teachers, or specific professions. A mug saying “World’s Okayest Dog Mom” will outsell generic designs every time.

5. Journals And Notebooks

The self-improvement and mindfulness trends have created a $billion+ market for customised journals. People are obsessed with goal-setting, gratitude practices, and personal development, and they’ll pay premium prices for the right tools.

Profit margins on journals are typically 70-80% since production costs are relatively low. A journal costing $4 to produce easily sells for $15-$25.

The beauty of this market? Repeat customers. Once someone finishes their journal, they need another one. Build a brand around specific themes (fitness tracking, wedding planning, etc.) and watch customer loyalty skyrocket.

Best Digital Products To Sell On Etsy

This is where the real money lives. Digital products eliminate inventory, shipping, and storage costs while offering unlimited scalability. Create once, sell forever; it’s beautiful.

6. Printable Wall Art

Home decoration is a multi-billion dollar industry, and printable wall art captures this market at incredible profit margins. Your customers get instant gratification (immediate download), and you get 95%+ profit margins.

Successful wall art sellers report monthly incomes ranging from $2,000 to $15,000+. The key is understanding that trending aesthetics, minimalist designs, motivational quotes, and seasonal themes consistently perform well.

Kitchen and bedroom art particularly sells well because people redecorate these spaces most frequently.

7. Digital Planners

While physical planners still have their place, digital planners are exploding in popularity. They’re eco-friendly, customizable, and perfect for people who live on their tablets and smartphones.

The planning industry is worth over $300 million annually, and digital formats are grabbing an increasing market share. Teachers, students, and working professionals represent your primary target markets.

Create planner templates for specific niches, meal planning, workout tracking, budget management, and charge $8-$25 per download.

8. Social Media Templates

Every business needs a social media presence, but most don’t have design skills. You can fill this gap profitably. Small businesses spend $5,000-$15,000 annually on marketing materials, and templates offer them an affordable alternative.

Instagram story templates, Facebook post designs, and Pinterest graphics are in constant demand. Bundle related templates together to increase your average order value from $5 to $25-$40.

The recurring nature of social media means customers need fresh content constantly, creating natural repeat business opportunities.

9. Digital Stickers And Clip Arts

This market might surprise you with its profitability. Digital sticker packs selling for $3-$8 can generate substantial income when you achieve volume sales. One seller I know makes $15,000 monthly selling cute animal stickers.

Digital planning enthusiasts and scrapbookers consume these products voraciously. Create themed collections, holidays, emotions, and activities to appeal to different customer segments.

The production time is minimal once you develop your design skills, making this a highly scalable income source.

10. Online Courses

If you have expertise in any area, online courses represent premium pricing opportunities. While most Etsy products sell for under $50, courses routinely command $97-$297 price points.

The online education market exceeds $200 billion globally and continues growing. Whether you teach crafts, business skills, or creative techniques, there’s audience demand.

Course creation requires more upfront work, but the revenue potential far exceeds simple products. One successful course can generate $5,000-$50,000+ in sales.

Best Things To Make And Sell On Etsy

Physical products require more effort but often command higher prices and generate stronger customer loyalty. Here are the makers’ favourites:

11. Custom Rugs

Home decor spending has exploded as people invest more in their living spaces. Custom rugs tap into this trend while offering exceptional profit margins; materials cost $15-$30, and selling prices reach $80-$200.

The key is targeting specific room types and aesthetic styles. Bohemian rugs, minimalist designs, and nursery themes consistently outperform generic options.

Rug customers tend to be higher-income homeowners willing to pay premium prices for unique pieces that reflect their personality.

12. Custom Curtains

Window treatments are another overlooked goldmine in home decor. The market is projected to reach $17.43 billion by 2028, driven by home renovation trends and remote work setups.

Custom curtains command premium prices because they’re functional necessities, not just decorative items. Customers need specific sizes and colours, creating natural customisation opportunities.

Focus on trending patterns and colours to stay relevant. Earth tones, geometric patterns, and blackout functionality are currently hot sellers.

13. Tote Bags

Tote bags combine the profitability of bags with environmental consciousness. The eco-friendly movement drives consistent demand, especially among younger demographics concerned about sustainability.

Production costs range from $3-$8, while selling prices hit $20-$45. The markup potential rivals designer accessories without the brand investment requirements.

Canvas totes with clever sayings or artistic designs perform exceptionally well. Consider seasonal themes and local references to maximise appeal.

14. Handmade Craft And Decor

This category offers unlimited creative possibilities. Candles, pottery, knitted items, and wooden crafts all find eager audiences on Etsy. The key is developing signature styles that make your products instantly recognisable.

Handmade items justify premium pricing because customers pay for uniqueness and craftsmanship. A handmade candle costing $4 to make easily sells for $18-$28.

Focus on trending home decor styles like farmhouse chic, Scandinavian minimalism, or bohemian aesthetics to maximise market appeal.

15. Vintage Items

Vintage represents a pure profit opportunity since you’re reselling existing items at marked-up prices. Successful vintage sellers report 200-400% profit margins on carefully curated pieces.

The vintage market thrives on scarcity and nostalgia. Items from specific decades or featuring particular brands generate premium prices from collectors and enthusiasts.

Develop expertise in specific vintage categories,mid-century furniture, 1980s fashion, and antique jewellery, to command higher prices through specialised knowledge.

Best Things To Sell On Etsy For Passive Income

True passive income products generate sales while you sleep. These items require upfront work but minimal ongoing effort:

16. Ebooks

Digital books offer the ultimate passive income potential. Create once, sell infinitely with zero additional production costs. Successful Etsy ebook sellers generate $1,000-$10,000+ monthly from their digital libraries.

Niche topics outperform general subjects. Rather than writing about “business success,” focus on “Etsy shop optimisation” or “handmade jewellery marketing.” Specific audiences pay higher prices for targeted information.

Prices for ebooks are between $7-$27, depending on length and specialisation level. Include bonus materials like templates or worksheets to justify premium pricing.

17. Greeting Cards

The greeting card industry generates $7+ billion annually, and digital cards capture a growing market share. Create printable cards that customers download and print at home for immediate use.

Holiday cards, birthday designs, and special occasion themes sell consistently throughout the year. Bundle related designs to increase average order values from $2-$3 per card to $8-$15 per pack.

Personalisation options like customizable text or photo insertion command premium prices and create customer loyalty.

18. Clutch Bags

Evening bags and clutches target higher-income demographics attending social events and professional functions. These customers prioritise style over price, creating premium pricing opportunities.

The clutch market is projected to grow significantly as social events resume post-pandemic. The wedding season alone generates massive sales spikes for formal accessories.

Focus on versatile designs suitable for multiple occasions rather than ultra-specific themes. Neutral colours with subtle embellishments appeal to broader audiences.

19. Pin Buttons

Political seasons, social causes, and fandoms drive consistent pin button demand. Production costs under $0.50 per unit with selling prices of $3-$8 create excellent profit margins.

The beauty of pins lies in impulse purchase behaviour. Customers often buy multiple designs in a single transaction, increasing your average order value automatically.

Trending topics and viral memes create explosive sales opportunities for sellers who move quickly on current events.

20. Wine Tumblers

The personalised drinkware market benefits from gifting occasions year-round. Birthdays, holidays, weddings, and corporate events all drive demand for customised tumblers.

Stainless steel tumblers cost $6-$10 to produce but sell for $20-$35. Add personalisation like names or custom designs to command premium prices and reduce competition.

Wine enthusiasts represent a particularly lucrative target market willing to pay for quality accessories that enhance their drinking experience.

How To Sell On Etsy In 6 Easy Steps

Ready to start your Etsy empire? Here’s your step-by-step roadmap to success:

1. Create An Account

Visit Etsy.com and sign up using your email address. Choose a strong password and verify your account through the confirmation email. This basic step unlocks access to Etsy’s entire seller ecosystem.

Pro tip: Use the same email address you’ll use for business communications to maintain consistency across all platforms.

2. Open Your Etsy Storefront

Click “Sell on Etsy” to begin the shop setup process. You’ll choose your shop name (make it memorable and relevant), select your location, and specify your currency preferences.

Critical decision point: Your shop name becomes your brand identity. Choose something that reflects your products while being easy to remember and spell. Avoid numbers and special characters that confuse customers.

3. Upload Products

Create compelling product listings using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Etsy allows up to 10 images per listing; use them all to showcase different angles, uses, and styling options.

Photography matters enormously. Products with professional-looking photos sell 3x more than amateur snapshots. Invest in good lighting or learn basic photo editing skills using tools like Canva to make your products shine.

Price strategically by researching competitor prices and calculating your true costs, including materials, time, and Etsy fees.

4. Choose How You’ll Get Paid

Set up your payment processing by providing bank account information for direct deposits. Etsy processes payments automatically and transfers funds to your account within 3-5 business days.

Consider whether you’re operating as an individual or business entity for tax purposes. This decision affects your payment setup and future tax obligations.

5. Set Up Billing

Add a payment method for Etsy’s selling fees. You’ll pay $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fees, and payment processing fees. Budget these costs into your pricing strategy to maintain profitability.

Important: These fees are tax-deductible business expenses, so track them carefully for year-end reporting.

6. Customise Your Etsy Storefront

Create a professional shop appearance with banner images, logo, shop policies, and compelling shop description. Your storefront represents your brand; make it memorable and trustworthy.

Include clear shipping, return, and payment policies to build customer confidence. Unclear policies create hesitation and reduce conversion rates.

Add your personal story to create emotional connections with potential customers. People buy from people they like and trust.

Final Thoughts

Listen, there’s no magic formula for Etsy success, but there are definitely products that make money faster than others. Digital products offer the highest profit margins, physical crafts provide premium pricing opportunities, and passive income items generate long-term wealth.

The key isn’t finding the “perfect” product; it’s choosing items that match your skills, interests, and financial goals.

Remember, every successful Etsy seller started with zero sales and zero reviews. The difference between dreamers and achievers is taking that first step. Which product will you list first?

Your financial future is waiting; now go make it happen! 🙂