Psychic Readings on Etsy: 5 Key Tips

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Listing Tarot Readings and Psychic Readings as Physical or Digital Products
3. The Reserve System on Etsy
4. The Star Seller Program
5. Mandatory Ads for Etsy Sellers
6. Using Off-Site Ads on Etsy
7. The Threshold for Off-Site Ads Enrollment
8. Considerations for Starting Your Own Website
9. Hiring Virtual Assistants for Etsy Shop Setup
10. Risks of Allowing Others to Access Your Etsy Account
11. Setting Up Your Etsy Shop for Free Using Affiliate Links

Selling on Etsy: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting

Etsy has become a popular platform for entrepreneurs looking to sell their tarot readings, psychic services, and other spiritual products. However, there are several crucial factors you should be aware of before diving into the world of Etsy entrepreneurship. In this article, we will discuss ten essential things you need to know to have a successful start on Etsy.

1. Listing Tarot Readings and Psychic Readings as Physical or Digital Products

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when setting up your Etsy shop is whether to list your tarot readings and psychic services as physical or digital products. Traditionally, it was recommended to list them as physical items to have more control over processing times. However, recent changes in Etsy's policies suggest that listing them as digital files may be more advantageous.

Pros:

• Qualify for the Star Seller Program
• Avoid the reserve system

Cons:

• Potential confusion for buyers
• Limited control over processing times

2. The Reserve System on Etsy

The reserve system on Etsy is a recent development that has caused frustration among many Etsy sellers. Etsy may hold your money for a certain period, ranging from 30 to 180 days, as a precautionary measure. To avoid the reserve system, consider listing your tarot readings and psychic services as digital products and providing a clear explanation of turnaround times in a digital file.

3. The Star Seller Program

The Star Seller Program is an optional program on Etsy that sellers can qualify for. It offers benefits such as increased visibility and sales boosts. To qualify for the program, sellers must meet certain criteria set by Etsy. Listing your tarot readings and psychic services as digital products can increase your chances of qualifying for the program.

4. Mandatory Ads for Etsy Sellers

Etsy has introduced a new policy where sellers are required to use ads once they reach a certain income threshold. This means that once you earn $10,000 USD in a calendar year on Etsy, you will be automatically enrolled in the off-site ads program. These ads come with an additional 15% fee, which may impact your profitability.

5. Using Off-Site Ads on Etsy

Off-site ads are a type of advertising offered by Etsy to promote sellers' products and services outside of the Etsy platform. While off-site ads are currently optional for sellers earning less than $10,000 USD, understanding their benefits and drawbacks can help you make informed decisions about using this advertising feature.

6. The Threshold for Off-Site Ads Enrollment

If you reach the $10,000 USD income threshold on Etsy, you will be automatically enrolled in the off-site ads program. This means that even if your subsequent year's earnings are below this threshold, you will still be required to use off-site ads. To avoid this, consider setting up your own website and redirecting your customers there once you approach the income threshold.

7. Considerations for Starting Your Own Website

Once your Etsy shop starts generating substantial income, you may want to consider setting up your own website. This not only gives you more control over your business but also allows you to avoid mandatory Etsy requirements, such as the enrollment in off-site ads. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix make it easy to set up a professional-looking website even with minimal technical skills.

8. Hiring Virtual Assistants for Etsy Shop Setup

While it may be tempting to hire a virtual assistant (VA) to set up your Etsy shop for you, it can come with risks. Etsy tracks IP addresses, so if the VA you hire is associated with another shop that violates Etsy's policies, your shop could be unjustly flagged and shut down. It's advisable to never let anyone log into your Etsy account and instead have them assist with file preparation.

9. Risks of Allowing Others to Access Your Etsy Account

Allowing others to access your Etsy account, including virtual assistants or anyone else, poses risks to the livelihood of your shop. If the person accessing your account is involved in any policy violations, your account may be erroneously shut down as a result. Avoid this by handling all shop setup tasks yourself and only using VAs to assist with preparatory work.

10. Setting Up Your Etsy Shop for Free Using Affiliate Links

If you're struggling financially and can't afford to invest upfront in setting up your Etsy shop, there is a workaround. By using someone else's affiliate link, you can sign up for Etsy and receive your first 20 listings for free. Alternatively, you can share your shop's affiliate link with friends and earn free listings once they sign up.

In conclusion, starting a successful Etsy shop requires careful consideration of the platform's policies and opportunities. By understanding the nuances of listing types, the reserve system, mandatory ads, and alternative options like creating your own website, you can position yourself for success in the competitive world of online selling. Be cautious in procuring outside help and explore cost-effective methods like affiliate links to minimize financial burdens. Good luck on your Etsy journey!