If you have an Etsy business....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The answers really depend on what you are trying to sell.

They only allow vintage (over 20 years old, so made before 2025), supplies, handmade original artisan items created by the store owner, and print on demand of original artwork (not things like college logos, pro sports teams or movie/TV/anime characters. Those are all trademark violations and will get your shop shut down with all the funds held back and refunded)

It is not an "open it and thousands of passive income dollars will pour into your bank account" type of website, in spite of what the tiktok scammers and gurus claim.

You can make a little money, or a lot, depending on what your niche is and how skilled you are at your craft.

If you give an example of what you intend to sell, I would be happy to give my opinion on it

Maybe that was the original intention of the site. However, now for every business that fits your description there are 10 drop shippers shipping from China and such.

[Anonymous]

The plants and seeds on Etsy are really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

Do you have to pay income taxes from sales generated on Etsy? Do you write off shipping fees as business expenses ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

Do you have to pay income taxes from sales generated on Etsy? Do you write off shipping fees as business expenses ?

Yes, you must include Etsy income on your taxes. If you are over your state or federal limits, Etsy will issue you a 1099 in January.

You can deduct expenses on your taxes as a self employed person, but you will also need to pay SS/Med on it, double what your employer withholds since you are self employed and have to pay both the emplorer and the employee portion.

Very likely, the amount you earn your first year will be too little to pay withholding taxes on, but as you earn more you will need to pay quarterly estimated deposits to the federal government or get hit with a penalty.

Etsy charges and pays state sales taxes, but you will still nesd to file for your county of residence, either quarterly or monthly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

Do you have to pay income taxes from sales generated on Etsy? Do you write off shipping fees as business expenses ?

Yes, you must include Etsy income on your taxes. If you are over your state or federal limits, Etsy will issue you a 1099 in January.

You can deduct expenses on your taxes as a self employed person, but you will also need to pay SS/Med on it, double what your employer withholds since you are self employed and have to pay both the emplorer and the employee portion.

Very likely, the amount you earn your first year will be too little to pay withholding taxes on, but as you earn more you will need to pay quarterly estimated deposits to the federal government or get hit with a penalty.

Etsy charges and pays state sales taxes, but you will still nesd to file for your county of residence, either quarterly or monthly.

^^ looks like it's not quite a simple side hustle as you think op.

Consider being a vender at a holiday craft show or your seasonal local artisan fair

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The answers really depend on what you are trying to sell.

They only allow vintage (over 20 years old, so made before 2025), supplies, handmade original artisan items created by the store owner, and print on demand of original artwork (not things like college logos, pro sports teams or movie/TV/anime characters. Those are all trademark violations and will get your shop shut down with all the funds held back and refunded)

It is not an "open it and thousands of passive income dollars will pour into your bank account" type of website, in spite of what the tiktok scammers and gurus claim.

You can make a little money, or a lot, depending on what your niche is and how skilled you are at your craft.

If you give an example of what you intend to sell, I would be happy to give my opinion on it

I’ve purchased a lot of items that are not vintage. Your description is wrong.

God I hate smug posters. No where did the PP say Etsy only allows vintage items.

It's like they can't read or something.

I dunno, PP’s point still stands—tons and tons and tons of mass-manufactured “fashion” on Etsy these days, which fall under none of the listed categories

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Etsy is impossible now. As a consumer and seller. So much garbage from Chinese knockoffs. People buying on temu and reselling. Terrible.
Some good vintage art and wares left and original art but so hard to find among the muck.

I’ve had good luck. Only one set of vases was cheap mass produced, and they were taken down after fewer than 100 sales. They’re nice, but I paid too much.

Everything else handmade or custom. Waiting on a table now. Fingers crossed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

I’m pp. There are thousands of these, so be sure to stand out, and vary your items if you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original question.

OP, what are you trying to sell and how much money do you think you need to make from Etsy?

OP here. I sew and I was considering selling holiday-specific pennant-style signs. (I don't want to get into too much detail here.) This is partially about making money, but also about reigniting some of my creative energy. I've had the same part-time office job for a decade now, and I feel like I need a new challenge, especially as the kids get older.

I’m pp. There are thousands of these, so be sure to stand out, and vary your items if you can.

There are very helpful experien ed sellers in the sellers forums, that can help answer any questions you have with set up, photography and marketing.

You will want to start now for holiday sales. It can take a minimum month or two or longer to even get your first sale.