Can you sell manufactured goods on Etsy?

Can you sell manufactured goods on Etsy?

Manufactured goods designed by you or commercial craft supplies may be sold on Etsy if you disclose the production partner in the listing. Products which you had no participation in designing or making cannot be sold on Etsy.

Imagine, selling manufactured goods on Etsy and earning a full-time income. Your products which you designed are loved by people everywhere!

Selling manufactured goods on Etsy is possible, if you follow the rules.

Luckily for you, I’m going to show you what you can and can’t sell on Etsy. I’ll even tell you some things to avoid so you don’t get your selling account removed. 

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Can you sell manufactured goods on Etsy?

You can sell manufactured goods on Etsy if you had a role in the design. Manufactured goods which you did not design, create, or participate in making cannot be sold. Etsy requires you to disclose when products are manufactured and not handmade.

Do items have to be handmade to sell on Etsy?

Etsy prefers handmade items, but you can also sell vintage and manufactured goods you helped design. You should have a role in creating or producing the goods being sold on Etsy. Simply altering a product would not be acceptable to sell.

Also, you can’t use stock photography on Etsy. All product photography must be your own original work. Make sure you familiarize yourself with Etsy’s image requirements before using a photo you didn’t take.

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What cannot be sold on Etsy?

You cannot sell prohibited items, services, or items that infringe upon intellectual property rights on Etsy. Additionally, you cannot resell items on Etsy or any item that you did not make yourself.

Selling prohibited items is against Etsy’s Terms of Use. Think of prohibited items as items that may be illegal, harmful, or spread hate and discontent. Examples of prohibited items include:

1. Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Medical Drugs
2. Animal Products or Human Remains
3. Dangerous Items such as weapons or recalled items
4. Hate Items
5. Illegal Items
6. Internationally Regulated Items
7. Pornography or Mature content or items
8. Violent Items or items that promote violence

Etsy does not allow the sale of services, because Etsy is a place for providing original and tangible goods. However, it may be acceptable if your service provides a tangible good, like content writing. Tailoring a dress would not be acceptable because nothing new was created.

Avoid selling any product that may infringe on intellectual property rights. Etsy can shut down your account if you’re found selling someone else’s intellectual property.

What can you sell on Etsy?

Etsy allows you to sell handmade, craft supplies, and vintage goods. Products should be unique to Etsy and not readily found elsewhere. Additionally, you can sell personalized or made-to-order items.

Etsy classifies you as either a maker or designer if you’re going to sell handmade goods. Makers create the products with their own tools and hands. However, designers create artwork and may use a production partner.

Your relationship with production partners must be disclosed. Tell your customers your partner’s name, location, relationship, and how they assist you.

Etsy allows you to sell craft or party supplies that you didn’t make. Your products should be a component used in crafting or to assist in parties. Don’t try and pass off clothing or other resold items as a craft or party supply.

Vintage goods are classified as anything over 20 years old. However, you need to be able to show proof of the items age or your listing might be removed. Etsy won’t like it if you say your parents have had it for over 20 years.

At the end of the day, Etsy wants you to be transparent about your business practices. Do you make everything yourself? If not, you should probably disclose how the product is made.

Summary: Can you sell manufactured goods on Etsy?

As you can see, you can sell manufactured goods on Etsy if you helped make it. Simply reselling items won’t cut it for Etsy. Etsy also allows you to sell handmade, craft supplies, or vintage goods.

Avoid selling prohibited items or anything that could be seen as risky. As with most companies, you can’t sell anything illegal, could be seen as violent, or causes hate and discontent. You also can’t sell services or infringe on intellectual property.

Make sure you have transparency in your Etsy business. Etsy wants to protect their brand of having handmade and unique items. Sellers who try and violate Etsy’s rules won’t be selling for long.