Step 1: Get Inspired On Etsy
There are countless ways to find inspiration on Etsy, from their blog and carefully curated ‘picked for you’ pages, to collections made by fellow shoppers. Here’s a sneak peek at my favourite ways.
Find Inspiration Through These Platforms
You can consider the ‘Editor’s Pick’s’ pages as the place with the most inside information thanks to Etsy’s editors themselves. These folks know Etsy better than anyone—and how lovely that they regularly share their favourite finds with us. These items are conveniently divided into multiple categories. To learn more about how Etsy is committed to small businesses and the planet, they have established the “Creating Change Together” hub. It’s a great way to shop according to these values and to support sellers from the Black, AAPI, and Latinx and the LGBTQIA+ community. For even more shopping inspiration, take a look at Etsy’s blog. It’s updated weekly with new shopping rounds and stories from the sellers’ community. Whether you’re looking for a cosy tracksuit, creative gifts, or want to discover new talented sellers, countless ideas await you on the Etsy blog.
Compile Your Favourites List
Worried you won’t remember all the items you come across? No worries! Just tap the heart icon to save an item to your favourites – you can revisit your favourites later and receive updates, for example, when they go on sale or are restocked. You can also compile your favourites into a collection! Following your favourite shops on Etsy is also very easy. When you find a shop that appeals to you, simply tap the heart icon next to the shop name to follow them. They are automatically added to your favourite shops on your profile, and you also receive updates about their latest items, coupons, and sales.
Download The Etsy App
The Etsy app is the way to fully enjoy Etsy! You get exclusive early access to sales, can effortlessly track your orders, and receive real-time updates when your favourite items are discounted. There simply is no better way to follow Etsy anytime and anywhere. Curious? Download the app here.
Step 2: Find The Best Shops On Etsy
Once you’ve gathered enough inspiration, it’s time to start searching seriously. Thanks to smart filters, handy badges, and gift guides, finding your most beautiful purchases has never been easier!
Use Search Filters And Features
They’re simple to use and do the work for you—what more could you want? Just type what you’re looking for in the search bar and then use filters like price, category, and delivery time to refine the results. The shops with the best match will appear at the top! Looking for something specific but can’t find the right words? No problem! In the Etsy app, you can now use images to find that one item you’ve set your sights on. Just tap the camera icon in the search bar and upload an image or take a photo of the product on the spot. Etsy will show you all the items that look like it!
Pay Attention To The Badges
You’ll occasionally come across badges on Etsy. Some badges relate to specific items, some apply to a shop itself. An item with a bestseller badge, for example, has sold a lot over the past year, letting you know it’s a real favourite. If you see a top seller badge at a shop or item, it means the seller scores high on customer service, timely shipping, and response time.
You can also filter on specific badges in a search on Etsy!
Step 3: Personalise On Etsy
A huge plus to shopping on Etsy is the endless possibilities for personalisation and customisation. Also, a perfect gift idea! On Etsy, there are plenty of sellers ready to work with you to create something that perfectly meets your needs. Tick the ‘personalisable’ box when searching to find these sellers. Personalisation on Etsy ranges from a subtle touch to fully custom-made, so there’s a perfect option for everyone.
Personalise Your Items
Explore the endless possibilities, from personal labels to engraved pots. Many products offer the option to add details such as initials or a date, directly when ordering. There’s no further personal contact with the seller, so provide the information accurately! Also, always read the product description and shipping time carefully.
If you’re really looking for custom work, that’s possible too! Whether you dream of a custom-made piece of furniture or a special dress, there’s surely an Etsy seller who can make your idea a reality. Start a chat with a seller to create your perfect item together!
Ready-Made Personalisation
Custom work obviously takes longer for the seller to produce. So, for those with less time, Etsy offers many items that are quick to deliver, with a personal touch. Think of jewellery with birthstones, for example!
Step 4: Shop Wisely Within Your Budget
As sellers set their own prices, Etsy offers a wide range of articles for every budget. Thus, Etsy can be incredibly affordable – reasonably priced products of good quality. With these tips, you’re sure to find a good deal!
Use Price And Sale Filters
When searching on Etsy, you can easily filter on sale to see items that are currently discounted. Working with a specific budget? You can also filter by price, with pre-set limits. For example, you can search for items under GBP 20. Also, sale events are an excellent opportunity to snag your favourite items for a steal! Make sure to check the offers for well-known sale moments, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to maximise your savings during Etsy’s sale events!
Keep an eye on the deals page in the Etsy app, where you’ll find an overview of all items currently on sale.
Make An Offer
Another way to find items that fit your budget is by using the bid feature, which allows you to find the perfect price for an item together with the seller. You can only make an offer on selected items – sellers of these items are willing to determine a price that works for both of you.
Step 5: Score Free Shipping On Etsy
There’s a good chance you can get free shipping on Etsy! Thanks to search filters and handy badges, it’s super simple to find items that will be delivered to your home, without extra costs. You can also find items that need to arrive by a specific date (for example, for a birthday, or Christmas gifts…) and even from sellers in your own area!
Filter On Free Shipping
While searching on Etsy, you can filter on free shipping. Items with a badge for free shipping should be shipped to the address registered in your Etsy account for free.
Search For Local Sellers
You can also filter your search results by location to find Etsy sellers in your area, which increases the chance of free or affordable shipping, and can help reduce shipping time. This also supports local artists in your area, making the shipping much more sustainable!
Opt For Digital Downloads
Even better than free shipping is no shipping at all. On Etsy, you can purchase art in the form of digital downloads! There are two types of downloads: direct downloads and custom-made downloads. Direct downloads are ready-made files available as soon as your payment is processed. If you’ve paid with PayPal or a credit card on Etsy, it may take a while before you receive the download link. Once your payment is confirmed, the file is available for download. Then you just need to print it out and frame it! With custom-made downloads, the seller will start working according to your wishes after you’ve bought them. The seller sends the files to you once they’re finished. Fantastic, right?! Another digital option without shipping? An Etsy gift card!
Step 6: Checkout Your Etsy Basket
Once you’re satisfied with your shopping basket, it’s time to place your order and check out! Here are a few features that Etsy offers at this step.
Pay With Klarna
Thanks to Klarna’s flexible payment options, you can pay for items on Etsy in instalments or pay in full later. Most shops now offer Klarna as a payment method: read our article on the benefits of Klarna for more information!
Donate Your Change At Checkout
Another reason to feel good about shopping on Etsy? If you make a purchase in US dollars, you’ll have the option at checkout to round up your change to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to the Etsy Uplift Fund. This fund was launched in 2021 and supports non-profit organisations that promote equal opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Step 7: Write A Review On Etsy
Leaving a review on Etsy is a nice way to show appreciation for the seller’s work. Sharing your opinion on the quality of the item, the speed of shipping, and the contact with the seller helps businesses improve. But it also helps other shoppers decide, how nice is it to read reviews yourself before buying something? Leaving a review is quick and easy, and you can also add photos! Forgot to mention something in your review? You can edit your review multiple times within 100 days after posting.
That’s it, the ultimate guide for the best shopping experience on Etsy!
Hopefully, you’ve become as inspired as I have. Etsy is not just a marketplace; it’s a community where unique, handmade, and personal items tell a story. It offers a chance to support creativity while finding items that are truly special.
Remember, every purchase you make not only enriches your own life but also supports an independent seller somewhere in the world. So keep searching, discovering, and share your love for unique creations with the world. Etsy awaits you, full of treasures yet to be discovered!
This article, originally authored by Florence, was first published in TrustDeals.co.uk on 1 March, DOI: https://www.trustdeals.co.uk/articles/the-ultimate-guide-to-shopping-on-etsy. It is reprinted here with permission from the publisher and the author(s). Any modifications made to the article since its original publication are noted in the text.
