Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing. Here's what you actually keep.
Example: You sell an item for $35 + $8 shipping = $43 total.
Etsy keeps: $0.20 (listing) + $2.80 (6.5%) + $1.54 (payment processing) = $4.54
You keep: $43 - $4.54 - $8 materials = $30.46 — before your time, tools, and taxes.
Yes, if: You have a differentiated product, you're willing to invest in SEO and photos, you can ship under 1 lb (to keep shipping costs predictable), your niche isn't oversaturated.
No, if: You're selling generic products easily found elsewhere, you're making items that cost more to make than you can charge, you hate packaging and shipping.
• Price before you make — calculate all fees and costs first
• Photography is 80% of the sale — use natural light and a clean background
• Etsy SEO is critical — use all 13 tags and a keyword-rich title
• Offer个性化 options — custom work commands higher prices