The best Etsy side hustles are:
- Pottery making
- Homemade dog treats
- Macrame decor
- Custom artwork
- Selling printables
- Digital downloads
- Unique homemade items
- Wooden crafts
- Handmade jewelry
- Stickers
Etsy has numerous success stories of entrepreneurs making it big on the platform. For example, we learn about Lindsay Ann and Courtney Joy from a Starter Story feature. In 2017, the sisters started a selling handmade flower and resin jewelry venture as a side hustle. They have since achieved notable succes. Their Etsy store garnered over 5,000 product sales and resulted in a revenue of $65,000 within the first year.
Another inspiring story highlights Jessica Yasuda, the founder of Chasing Planner Peace. She started selling planner inserts on Etsy. Overtime, she diversified her product line. She did this by including dividers, notepads, and her branded planners. Currently, Chasing Planner Peace reports an annual income of $270,000. This shows potential success in starting side hustle on the Etsy marketplace.
Meanwhile, not all sellers immediately hit a lucrative idea. For example, Redditor jplarose80 only made $12 at first. They later changed strategy and began selling digital products, which led to an earning of $2,000.
As an online entrepreneur since 2014, I know how challenging it can be to sell products online. I had to invest in paid ads to attract traffic and sales for my online shops. Also, I had to try different products and business models to keep making money online.
We show you 17 best Etsy side hustles you can try to earn extra income. We also highlight real-life examples of Etsy entrepreneurs for your inspiration. Plus, we give you some useful tips on starting your own Etsy store.
1. Pottery
Offering pottery products at your Etsy shop is a great way to earn side income. In fact, Statista says 66 percent of U.S. consumers own indoor pottery - a substantial market. With this, you can tap into the growing trend in the United States.
You can price your products between $14.09 and $49.00. For instance, Julia E. Dean is a skilled pottery seller at Etsy. She has accumulated 16,213 total sales since 2011, with an average review rating of 4.8 or higher.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for pottery:
2. Homemade Dog Treats
Selling homemade dog treats on Etsy can be a good side hustle, especially since there is a huge market of pet owners. In fact, the American Pet Products Association states that dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S. Also, 65.1 million of households in the country own a dog. This vast number of potential customers creates an excellent opportunity for you as an Etsy vendor.
According to top Etsy picks in the Homemade Dog Treats category, you can price your gourmet dog treats between $10.00 and $23.99. SydneysDogCookies is an exemplary seller from Ocala, Florida. In fact, the business has reached Star Seller status. It also completed 10,191 sales since 2017. To enhance your earnings, consider offering variety packs, special promotions, or seasonal treats.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for homemade dog treats:
3. Macrame Decor
Macrame decor is a niche market that sells well online. According to Hobbycraft, they have seen a significant 149% increase in searches for macrame on their website. This indicates a growing interest in this type of decor. Additionally, FinModelsLab reports that successful macrame decor boutique businesses aim for an annual revenue growth rate of 10-15%.
Based on Etsy's picks from the macrame decor category, prices can range from $19.00 to $177.50 per piece. It depends on design, size, and usage. For instance, WallKnot is a Star Seller from the City of London. They specialize in macrame wall hangings for bedroom decor. So far, WallKnot has achieved 40,283 sales since 2015 with an average review rating of 5 stars.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for macrame decor:
4. Custom Artwork
Art enthusiasts and even casual buyers check out Etsy for printable wall art, customizable arts, and gifts. According to McKinsey, 76% of consumers express a greater likelihood to purchase from brands that offer personalization. Furthermore, 78% are more inclined to recommend and make repeat purchases from such brands. This trend emphasizes the significant opportunity to incorporate personalization into your custom artworks.
Etsy's Picks suggest pricing for custom artwork ranging from $5.40 to $48.75 per piece. PunoPrint specializes in printable wall art and customizable arts and gifts. Since introducing custom arts in 2020, PunoPrints has achieved remarkable success. They accumulated 88,697 sales and gained 17,592 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for custom art:
5. Sell Printables on Etsy
Selling printables on Etsy can be a good side hustle. Buyers want access to digital products they can purchase and use for their own purposes. As per GrowingYourCraft, the advantage of printables lies in the ability to create a design once and sell it indefinitely. You can utilize tools like Canva or Corjl to produce your own printables and upload them to Etsy.
Etsy's recommended pricing for printables ranges from $1.79 to $3.00 per item. An example is CreativeJamCo, a London-based seller that started its Etsy business in 2020. So far, they have already achieved 346,572 sales and 30,599 admirers. Earnings can vary widely, according to a Medium article by business owner Sarina Chiu. Some make as little as $25 a week while others earn thousands every month.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for printables:
6. Digital Downloads
Digital products, unlike physical items, are only made once and can be repeatedly sold online. This makes it a good idea for an Etsy side hustle. However, Fluid Commerce stated that digital products often have a lower perceived value. Additionally, product development for digital items requires substantial planning and testing that makes it a time-consuming process.
Etsy's bestseller results suggest that you can price your digital products between $6.60 and an impressive $119.70. For example, HelloMarketingStudio offers digital marketing templates for real estate agents. Their store has already garnered 48,429 sales and 7,425 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for digital downloads:
7. Unique Homemade Items
Unique homemade items attract a niche market on Etsy and other online marketplaces. According to Ask Your Target Market's survey, 30% of respondents frequently purchased handmade items. Meanwhile, 40% have done so at least once or twice. This highlights a significant opportunity because you can cater to a market that appreciates the uniqueness of homemade products. As noted by Rural Handmade, one of the primary challenges is competition from mass-produced items that are often cheaper and are more widely available.
Etsy's curated picks show a wide price range for homemade items. It spans from $11.20 to $269.99. For instance, MaggiesFarmAromatics, is a small business specializing in natural ingredients and essential oils. It has completed an impressive 62,184 sales since 2020.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for unique handmade items:
8. Wooden Crafts
Selling wooden crafts items on Etsy can be a unique way to make money on the platform. Homeowners check out artisan marketplaces and ecommerce sites for unique wooden handicrafts ranging from intricately-carved sculptures to home furniture. According to Brandon Gaille, the demand for wood carvers in the United States is projected to grow by 6% through 2026. This suggests that there is a continuous demand for wooden products.
Etsy’s Picks indicate that the pricing range for wooden crafts can vary from $8.00 to $67.99. An example is iHolyLandCrafts that is based in Lake Mary, Florida. It offers handmade Olive Wood crafts from The Holy Land. Since 2017, they have achieved 3,653 sales and garnered 935 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for wooden crafts:
9. Handmade Jewelry
Handmade jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets sell well on Etsy and other ecommerce sites. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 22% of Americans have made online purchases of handmade products. Additionally, Data from GWI's jewelry market research indicates that married average-income women aged 25 to 34 are the most frequent buyers. Meanwhile, individuals aged 45 to 54 with an annual income of $200,000 invest the most in jewelry. It highlights a substantial and growing market for you.
Etsy's curated picks reveal a pricing range for handmade jewelry, spanning from $15.50 to $27.86. NecklaceDreamWorld is a Star Seller based in North Carolina, United States. They specialize in handmade personalized jewelry. Since its launch in 2019, the shop has accumulated an impressive 164,481 sales and garnered 15,069 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for handmade jewelry:
10. Stickers
Stickers are seeing an increase in popularity on Etsy and other online shops. According to WifiTalents, the global sticker industry is expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2027. The rising demand for pre-designed and customized stickers makes this an ideal side hustle for sticker makers.
Based on Etsy's Picks, sticker prices can range from $1.85 to $10.00. For instance, LilyLlamaPrints is a family-run print shop based in Miami, Florida. They began their Etsy venture in 2020. As of the latest update, LilyLlamaPrints has completed an impressive 104,010 sales and garnered 9,494 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for handmade jewelry:
11. Baby Clothes
Baby clothes are in high-demand online, especially among new parents and gift-givers. According to Mercari US CEO John Lagerling, the spending on kids and baby items in the U.S. is expected to reach $182 billion by 2030. This signifies a lucrative opportunity for those looking for a good Etsy side hustle.
Etsy's top picks suggest that you can price your handmade and customized baby clothes competitively, ranging from $16.08 to $38.34. For instance, BabyShop77, which is based in California and specializes in cute baby apparel. It includes customized baby blankets. Since their establishment in 2019, BabyShop77 has garnered an impressive 82,265 sales and 3,147 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for baby clothes:
12. Handmade Soaps
Handmade soaps can be a promising niche. With this Etsy side hustle, you cater to the rising demand for eco-conscious and quality skincare products. While the handmade soap market is thriving, it's essential to note the competition. The Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild reports around 300,000 soap-making businesses in the U.S. Meanwhile, 95% of soapmakers are women.
FinModelsLab notes a steady increase in revenue for handmade soap businesses, with an average annual income ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Etsy's Picks reveals that handmade soaps are priced between $11.20 and $62.00. It shows the potential for profitable returns. NaturalAmor offers natural personal care products based in LA, California. It exemplifies success with 70,136 sales and 9,498 admirers since 2020.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for handmade soaps:
13. Crochet Items
Crochet items like toys and wearables attract a lot of buyers on Etsy. According to a Craft Yarn Council survey, approximately 18.2 million Americans know how to crochet. This widespread interest also translates to a tougher competition. SocialZedpr also estimates that a skilled crocheter might earn up to $20 per hour.
Etsy's Picks show a pricing range for crochet items between $1.86 and $39.80. It showcases the diverse income potential in this side hustle. An exemplary seller is ToyStoryPatternsAU that is based in Australia. It specializes in crochet pattern toys such as bunnies, cats, and bears. With an average review of 4.8 and a remarkable 177,499 sales, this seller showcases the global reach achievable through Etsy.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for crochet items:
14. Vintage Collectibles
Vintage collectibles are among the most sought-after items online. Buyers often seek after these for their historical charm and sentimental value. Recent research from Emarsys reveals that three in five (60%) US consumers regularly purchase vintage items. The study of 2,041 American shoppers highlights that 23% seek vintage pieces for home decoration, 19% for sentimental value, and 17% as a retro hobby. This indicates a significant opportunity for you to cater to the demand for vintage collectibles.
Etsy's most loved items show a price range for vintage collections between $13.99 and $30.99. ShopGoodWitch offers curated vintage fashions from Grand Rapids, Michigan. ShopGoodWitch owner is a former model for fashioners like Issey Miyake and Georgio Armani. Since 2014, ShopGoodWitch garnered 11,707 sales and 6,169 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for vintage collectibles:
15. Sell Canva Templates on Etsy
Selling Canva templates on Etsy can be a potential side hustle for creatives. Canva reports a significant growth in team accounts on their platform. It doubled to 12% of its users in the past year. With 800,000 teams now paying for their accounts, the platform's widespread popularity suggests a substantial market for Canva templates. Additionally, Stock Photo Secrets reveals that approximately 85% of Fortune 500 companies worldwide are Canva users. This likewise indicates a broad user base with potential for template purchases.
Etsy's most loved results showcase a pricing range for Canva templates from $1.97 to $20.66. tinacreativeco is from Winnipeg, California. She sells Canva templates for a distinct form, such as wedding planners, budget planners, and digital product mockups. Tina is a designer, photographer and marketer. As of now, her shop has completed 60,190 sales since 2022.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for Canva templates:
16. Handcrafted Candles
Handcrafted candles serve as popular home decor items on Etsy. Candlescience reports that 7 out of 10 U.S. households use candles. This shows a big potential market you can target as you sell candles online.
According to Etsy's Picks, you can price your candles between $10.50 and $48.00. A successful example is MLTDCandleCompany. It offers a wide range of candles, reed diffusers, car diffusers, candle sets, and room and linen spray. With 19,386 sales and 2,519 admirers, MLTDCandleCompany showcases the income potential in the handcrafted candle niche.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for handcrafted candles:
17. Sell Photography Prints on Etsy
Selling photography prints on Etsy can be an excellent Etsy side hustle. A research conducted by the Professional Photographers of America reveals that 45% of consumers plan to purchase photography in the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, Etsy's Picks data says you can sell your photography prints from $18.00 to $45.50. AllysonBrownPhoto is a Star Seller that offer fine art photography prints and travel inspired wall art. Allyson is a trained graphic designer and award-winning photographer. She started on Etsy in 2014 and now completed 15,892 sales and 5,924 admirers.
Here are some of the best Etsy side hustle ideas for photography prints:
Can Etsy Be a Good Side Hustle?
Yes, Etsy can be a good side hustle if you choose the right category. Successful Etsy sellers earn around $43,000 to $46,000 per year on average, with top earners making over $65,000 per month, according to Sale Samurai. This range of potential income shows lucrative financial aspects. However, take note that you can’t achieve that overnight.
On Reddit, users share their experiences selling on Etsy. One user, bigblued, started selling on Etsy full time after 5 years. He shared that only works because he started selling on various platforms like Amazon, eBay, Redbubble, and their own website.
Another Reddit user stated that it took him 4 years to sell on Etsy full time. He shared that the success came from diversifying his offerings, doing a mix of handmade items, supplies, and vintage products across three Etsy shops. He also sells on eBay and Mercari and participates in events. His best year was in 2021, making about $40k in profit.
Note:
Success on Etsy varies based on your niche and the time you invest. It's not an overnight achievement, but with the right approach and dedication, Etsy can indeed be a profitable side hustle.
What are Some Low-Cost Etsy Side Hustle Ideas?
Printables and digital downloads are some of the low cost Etsy side hustles because it doesn’t require huge upfront costs for materials.These ideas are budget-friendly because you don't need to spend much on materials. For design, you can use Canva for free, but there's also a premium version called Canva Pro. It costs $12.95 per month or $119.40 per year. If you're running a business, there's Canva Enterprise starting at $30 per user per month. This makes it a flexible choice – you can start with no investment or go for a premium subscription for extra design features. Either way, you can create and sell these digital products on Etsy.
What are the Most Profitable Etsy Side Hustles?
The most profitable Etsy side hustle is selling jewelry. In 2021, jewelry sales went up by almost 38% and reached $94.2 billion, as per the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that people spend around $136.33 on jewelry. It nearly doubled the amount from the previous year. This high demand makes selling jewelry a lucrative Etsy side hustle. What makes it profitable is the option to make handmade or customized jewelry. According to Deloitte, 45% of people aged 25 to 39 are interested in personalized fashion accessories and jewelry. This creates you a huge space to offer handmade jewelry on Etsy and offer customization.
One successful Etsy shop in this category is CaitlynMinimalist. They started in 2014 and have achieved remarkable success, with over 2 million in sales. CaitlynMinimalist is based in the US and has received a Start Seller badge. Since the launch, they've made 2,772,440 sales and gained 411,959 admirers. Some of their featured items include personalized name necklaces, duo baguette birthstone rings, and dainty initial tag necklaces.
Conclusion: Why Local Lead Gen Biz is Better Than Selling on Etsy?
Local lead gen biz is better than selling on Etsy because of its low cost, minimal competition and high ROI. Local lead generation works similarly to digital real estate. With as little as $500, you can start creating your own lead website as a digital asset. You'll rank it on search engines like Google, aiming for the sweet spot. Afterward, you can rent it out to local businesses that need leads for $500 to $2,500 monthly per website.
The reason local lead gen is a wise choice is that you can set it and forget it, still generating a passive income. Unlike Etsy, where you need to constantly update your offerings and monitor trends to stand out. Moreover, local lead gen is easier because of local competition that is around 10-20 companies rather than global competition on Etsy. According to Etsy's Q1 Report, the platform had 7.9 million active sellers. This indicates a really tough competition.
In lead generation, your profit margins can be as high as 95%, as you're generating free traffic and selling information (leads) rather than physical products. This profit margin is significantly better compared to Etsy side hustles. OneShop suggests a profit margin of 30% to 40% for most Etsy sellers, almost half of what you can achieve with local lead gen.
Personally, I've been doing lead gen since 2014 and I make $500 to $3,000 monthly from each of my websites. Today, I earn up to $52,000 per month from owning multiple lead gen sites.
So, if you're seeking a side hustle other than selling on Etsy, local lead gen biz is a significant win. It offers a low investment, predictable monthly passive income, and an impressive profit margin.
