Starting an Etsy shop as a teenager or minor can be an exciting way to explore your creative side and make some extra money.
However, it does come with some special considerations, since Etsy has several rules and regulations for minors operating businesses.
This guide will walk you through the steps of starting an Etsy shop as a minor, from choosing the products you’ll sell and setting up the shop, to promoting it and managing your finances.
With that said, let’s get started!
How To Sell On Etsy as a Minor?
If you are a minor or a teenager under 17 years old and want to start an Etsy shop then you can easily do it but you cannot create your own account on Etsy, according to Etsy guidelines you need to take help from someone who is older than 17 years. It can be your sibling, dad, guardian, etc.
You have to create an account using their information like their card details, bank account, tax details, etc.
Once that is done, you can use their account to sell your items on Etsy.
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Can Minors Or Teenagers Sell On Etsy? Is It Legal?
Yes, minors or teenagers can legally sell on Etsy, as long as you are following the Etsy guidelines and rules for teenage sellers.
Here are some points to remember:
- Your parent or guardian will have to set up your Etsy account on your behalf.
- Your parent or guardian will need to provide a credit or debit card to be used for Etsy payments.
- You have to mention your parents or guardian as the shop owner on your shop’s about us section
- Your parents or the guardian has to take the responsibility to handle all the finances and taxes related to the Etsy shop
What Can I Sell On Etsy As A Teenager?
The type of product you can sell on Etsy has nothing to do with your age, whether you are a teenager or an adult you can sell whatever you want until you are following the Etsy guidelines.
In short, you can sell handmade items, vintage items, and craft supplies on Etsy.
You can also sell digital products, as long as they meet Etsy’s guidelines.
Some popular ideas for teenage Etsy shops include:
- Handmade Jewelry
- Vintage clothing
- Handmade soaps and candles
- Art prints
- Stickers and stationery
Digital products like printables and graphics can also be a great option for teenage Etsy sellers.
How To Start an Etsy Shop as a Teenager
Here is the step-by-step guide to starting an Etsy store as a minor.
1. Deciding On What Products To Sell
The first step is to decide what products you’d like to sell.
To do this, think about what kinds of things you like to make or what hobbies you have that could be turned into a business.
For example, if you’re a talented painter, you could sell your artwork on Etsy.
If you’re into sewing, you could make and sell handmade clothes, bags, or other accessories.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing what to sell, so get creative!
Once you’ve decided on the products you’d like to sell, it’s time to set up your Etsy shop.
2. Set up Your Etsy Shop
If you’re a minor, your parent or guardian will need to set up the Etsy shop on your behalf.
To do this, they’ll need to create an Etsy account and provide their credit or debit card information, as well as their legal name and address.
Once the account is created, they can add you as a shop member.
As a shop member, you’ll be able to add and manage products, process orders, and interact with customers.
Your parent or guardian will be the shop owner, and they’ll be responsible for managing finances and taxes related to the Etsy shop.
To get started, go to etsy.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Sell on Etsy” option.
From there, follow the prompts to set up your shop.
Your parent or guardian needs to fill out the necessary information like Name, Address, Email, Payment Details, bank Account, etc.
Be sure to fill out the “About” section of your shop, and include information about your parent or guardian as the shop owner.
You should also add a shop logo and cover photo that represent your store identity.
Now your shop is set up and it’s time to start adding products!
3. Start Adding Products/Listings
To do this, click “Add a listing” from your shop’s dashboard.
From there, you’ll be able to select the product type, upload photos, add a product description, set a price, and choose shipping options.
Repeat this process for each product you want to sell.
Once you’ve added all of your products, your Etsy shop is officially open for business!
4. Promote Your Etsy Shop
Now that your Etsy shop is up and running, it’s time to start promoting it!
There are a few different ways you can promote your Etsy shop:
Social media: Share your products on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Be sure to use relevant keywords and hashtags to reach a larger audience.
Blog: Create a blog and write blog posts about your products, use SEO to gain some organic traffic from Google, and divert that traffic to your Etsy shop.
Word of mouth: Tell your friends and family about your Etsy shop, and ask them to spread the word.
What Do You Need as a Teenager To Start an Etsy Shop
As a teenager, you will need the following to start an Etsy shop:
1. Parent or Guardian
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to help you set up your Etsy shop. They will need to provide their credit or debit card information, as well as their legal name and address.
2. Credit/Debit Card & a Bank Account
You will need to provide a credit or debit card to be used for Etsy payments.
As a teenager, it is obvious that you won’t be having any credit cards that’s why you can use your parents, or guardians’ credit cards with their permission.
You can use their bank account as well to receive payments from customers on Etsy.
3. Creative Skills
You need to have some creative skills to be able to create unique products to sell on Etsy. Whether you knit or crochet clothing, design jewelry, or make custom mugs or t-shirts, make sure to perfect your craft before you start selling.
4. Some Investment
Depending upon the type of products you are going to sell, you will require some money upfront.
Starting an Etsy shop can involve some upfront costs. You’ll need to purchase materials and supplies to make the products, and you might want to invest in marketing also to promote your shop and gather sales.
However I suggest you start small, you can consider selling digital items are they do not need any expensive raw materials, shipping, packaging, etc.
Digital products like planners, and printables you can easily create with a free tool like canva and sell on Etsy.
How Much Money Can You Make On Etsy As a Teenager
There is no limit to how much money you can make on Etsy as a teenager. It all depends on the products you sell, your pricing, and how well you promote your shop.
Some Etsy sellers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others are making a full-time living from Etsy.
Remember, the key to success on Etsy is offering unique, high-quality products at a fair price. If you can do that, you’ll be well on your way to making money as a teenager on Etsy!
Final Words
Running your Etsy shop takes time and effort, but it can be a great way to earn some extra money as a teenager.
Just be sure to follow the Etsy guidelines, and get your parent or guardian’s permission before getting started.
Happy selling!
Hey there! I’m Rohit Lohia, a passionate SEO enthusiast and the proud founder of Branded Bucks. I’m all about helping small business owners achieve success online through my blog. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore ways to make money online and build a thriving digital presence.