Discover the True Costs of Selling on Etsy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Listing Fees
   1. Initial Listing Fee
   2. Auto Renew and Multi Quantity Fees
3. Transaction Fees
4. Etsy Payments Fee
   1. Eligible Countries for Etsy Payments
   2. Alternative Payment Options
5. Examples of Fee Breakdown
   1. Agate Earrings Listing
   2. On Sale Shirt Listing
6. How to Increase Profit on Etsy
7. Conclusion

Etsy Fees: A Complete Guide for Sellers

If you've been considering starting an Etsy shop, one of the important aspects you need to understand are the fees associated with selling on the platform. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the various fees that Etsy charges its sellers and provide examples to help you better understand the impact these fees may have on your profits.

1. Introduction

Before diving into the specifics of Etsy fees, it's important to note that this guide does not cover advertising fees. We'll solely focus on the fees directly associated with listing and selling items on Etsy. Additionally, if you're planning to start a shop, there's an opportunity to get 40 free listings by using a referral link mentioned by the author.

2. Listing Fees

When it comes to listing fees, the first charge you'll encounter is the initial listing fee of 20 cents. This fee is charged for each new item you list on Etsy, regardless of whether it sells or not. The listing fee is valid for four months or until the item is sold. If the listing expires without a sale, you have the option to relist it either manually or automatically, in which case another 20 cents will be charged.

2.1 Initial Listing Fee

The initial listing fee of 20 cents is a one-time charge that occurs when you publish a new listing. It is important to keep in mind that this fee is charged even before any purchase is made and covers a four-month period or until the item is sold. If the listed item doesn't sell within the given timeframe, it will expire.

2.2 Auto Renew and Multi Quantity Fees

Etsy also offers the option to set listings for auto-renewal when they expire. This feature ensures that your items stay active on the platform without the need for manual relisting. However, enabling auto-renewal incurs the same 20 cent fee for each renewed listing. The same concept applies to listings with multiple quantities. If a customer purchases multiple units of the same item, Etsy considers it as multiple renewed listings, resulting in additional fees.

3. Transaction Fees

In addition to listing fees, Etsy also charges a transaction fee for every item sold. This fee is calculated based on 5% of the total amount paid by the customer, including the cost of the item and shipping fees. Notably, if you offer a sale or coupon on your items, the transaction fee is calculated based on the discounted price paid by the customer, not the original price.

4. Etsy Payments Fee

Using Etsy Payments as the payment processing system for your shop brings another fee into play. Etsy Payments is a mandatory option for sellers in certain countries, as specified by Etsy. In such cases, sellers must have Etsy Payments enabled in their shop. The fee for using Etsy Payments in the United States is 25 cents plus 3% of the total amount paid by the buyer, including shipping costs.

4.1 Eligible Countries for Etsy Payments

Etsy Payments is available in a wide range of countries. Sellers residing in these countries have no option but to use Etsy Payments and pay the associated fee. It is recommended to check the list of eligible countries provided by Etsy to see if this fee applies to your shop.

4.2 Alternative Payment Options

If you reside in a country that is not eligible for Etsy Payments, there are alternative payment options available. These options allow you to use different payment processors without incurring the Etsy Payments fee. It's important to explore these alternatives and select the one that suits your business needs.

5. Examples of Fee Breakdown

To help you better understand how the various fees impact your profits, let's analyze a couple of examples:

5.1 Agate Earrings Listing

Suppose you live in the USA and want to sell agate earrings priced at $45.20 with free shipping. Upon listing the item, an initial fee of 20 cents is charged. If the earrings are sold, the fee breakdown would be as follows: $45.20 (total amount) + 20 cents (listing fee) + $2.24 (transaction fee) + $1.60 (Etsy Payments fee). Ultimately, you would receive $41.16, with Etsy retaining around $4 for fees.

5.2 On Sale Shirt Listing

Consider another scenario where a shirt is listed for sale at a discounted price of $12.12, with a separate shipping fee of $3.31. The total transaction value, including shipping, amounts to $15.43. After paying the 20 cent listing fee, 77 cents transaction fee, and 71 cents Etsy Payments fee, the seller would receive $13.75 as profit.

6. How to Increase Profit on Etsy

If you find that your profits are not meeting your expectations on Etsy, there are strategies you can employ to increase your earnings. One such approach is adjusting your prices to ensure a reasonable profit margin. While raising prices may seem unfavorable, it is crucial to achieve profitability and sustain your business on the platform.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the fees associated with selling on Etsy is vital for any aspiring or existing seller. By familiarizing yourself with the listing fees, transaction fees, and Etsy Payments fees, you can better manage your pricing and optimize your profits on the platform. Remember, Etsy fees may seem substantial, but they are essential for maintaining a thriving business.