The TRUTH About Etsy (My Thoughts After 6 Months)

[@markonbusiness]

Do you sell anything on Etsy? Let me know your thoughts and experiences on the platform under this comment.

[@RickHenderson]

Very interesting. Do you make your website designs yourself? I've been on Etsy since 2016. I was happy with the small amount of sales I made (it is passive income after the design is posted essentially except for Customer Service). I closed it down in April and I'm starting it back up again now. I watched a video saying a lot of completely opposite to what others are doing: Very basic keyword research, no real niching down past the first level, but the key is... posting to more than one platform. Become a business owner, not an Etsy seller.

[@mrrooster4876]

Min wage avg here in the US is not 7 something an hour it's over 10 and the entire country moves to 15 next Jan.

[@ghilly_one1720]

100000% Yes. 98% of KZbinrs clickbait “create digital products on Etsy to make huge passive income” and then show other selllers’ revenue $ because they can practically guarantee video views. It becomes clear that it’s their own KZbin channel bringing in their own income. Good on you to tell it like it is. Everything you say is absolutely correct.

[@markonbusiness]

Thank you. Yes, it is becoming the norm for finance channels to run content like that and I wanted to point it out and break away from it.

[@jonathanwilliams3846]

absolutely correct. they show no verifiable proof of their net profit such as their tax returns.

[@QuotesIncl]

FINALLY SOMEONE TELLS THE TRUTH!!! I hate these big youtubers who just shows the top 0.0001% of the platform and btw, allura doesnt count if the shop runs a sale when you analyze the shop. LOVE YOU MARK!

[@markonbusiness]

Thank you! That's a good point, Alura doesn't take into consideration discounted prices.

[@Holyenforcer69]

You know Mark, originally I thought you were full of crap mate. You were essentially doing what hundreds of other KZbinrs were doing, making it seem like Etsy is a walk in the park and as a result, the day after I subscribed to your channel, I unsubscribed because bad information on this platform is a dime-a-dozen. This video has restored my faith in you as it was honest and to the point. Please continue this trend and stay clear from the noise that is misinformation on KZbin. P.S. I have once again subscribed. :)

[@markonbusiness]

Thanks Shaun, I appreciate the re-sub :) I intend to move away from Etsy videos and only post the occasional store update here and there.

[@dexterous7516]

The shop suspension happened to me too, Brand new account, no products listed, I did not even get time to fill all the necessary things like adding logo. It was suspended about 3-4 hours after it was created. What is strange is that my other shop is active. For past week I have been emailing them and trying to contact support to explain why my new shop was suspended while my old account are working fine but no one has even bothered to reply. Either they should suspend all accounts or reinstate the suspended one. this makes no sense. I had designs ready for publishing for Halloween but it is already too late for that now. As per Etsy's own policy if my one account is suspended I cannot have other account, so because of this I am not putting any effort in posting in other shop either as I am afraid they will just suspend that too and I would have just wasted my time. I 100% agree with you that Etsy cannot be considered the main source of income. The way they are treating sellers is just horrible plus so much hidden fees.

[@markonbusiness]

Their support team is terrible. Sorry that it happened to you as well.

[@ERICA-on3ep]

Did you declare your new shop on your old shop?

[@dexterous7516]

@@ERICA-on3ep yes I did but after the fact. I basically registered the account, uploaded a dummy digital download product with aim of deleting it later, went to get dinner and after I logged back in later, boom, the account was suspended.

[@kixadach7661]

Great video Mark, I do sell physical products on Etsy, and my shop is like 6 months old (including 2 months of suspension for nothing), but I can agree with you 100%, Etsy is not what they paint it is...and selling on Etsy can be an option but, creating your own brand on Etsy only is completely wrong idea. it's too risky and costs are already significant and there is no any predictability to it..

[@nogginnogg1788]

Great video. All it was missing was some suggestions for the best alternatives to Etsy, whether that's another platform or how to go it alone.

[@jonathanwilliams3846]

you'll earn far more petsitting or doing uber

[@kawaii_princess_castle]

These KZbin videos of successes are conning us so much!!

[@DocFear]

As a successful Etsy seller... no you don't need a dedicated team or social media following. Six months isn't enough for most shops to really be successful or for you to learn everything you need to be successful on Etsy. It's a business if you treat it like a get rich quick scheme you get burned. Yes normal people aren't motivated for one year... that's why they stick to 9-5 jobs while successful people don't whine and go do. You should know... you have a succesful KZbin channel. Obviously you've been motivated for over a year for its success or you would have quit when you were still getting nearly no views. Same deal with Etsy... sometimes it takes time and tlc to get where you want to go.

[@markonbusiness]

Fair enough, however I'm curious to know what you sell. Because my point was that you can't become successful with the AI generated images advertised by KZbinrs.

[@Faastuu]

@@markonbusiness you can't because it is a oversaturated niche and there is not a huge public to cover that

[@prakashjay5785]

Thank you for your valuable comment regarding Etsy. Appreciated 😊

[@skiihigh12real]

Oh sush way back when i was much younger before 2020- 2024 soon to be 2025 started, Etsy is a big pain . If you find my recent 2 comments today you’ll understand but they are bad people.strangers ignore too . I have to stop using Etsy . I left high school for a reason that you’ll never understand. Now I’m 29 almost 30 on January 18th, I still won’t go back to Etsy . I did put about me like I’m born with microcephaly disability struggle academically before I left too and it’s like people have favoritism that as money so they go to others to buy and I believe they dislike me because I’m born with a disability. This is what America behaves and other countries. They even take your money for example you make a sale they take you list a product you give Etsy money and it’s dumb. I’ve been supper patient with places like Etsy a long time . I’ve never been to Canada before and I got to see my real dad for 29/ 30 years sence birth and even Canada back home this year the people so kind and love seeing my art and even the Canada airport . My step mom I first met was telling me an art and craft fair in Canada that was willing to help and meet some one that does the fair event. Etsy don’t do that America don’t behave nice like that . America don’t like mixed people and I’m brown Jamaican Chinese Italian Jew Lebanese Greek French Canadian Métis 7th generation indigenous (native Indian). I don’t like America even though I’m born here and the bad attitude they have and how to don’t help others . I just hope I’ll get my citizenship in Canada quick . But American companies no good too . I don’t trust model agency’s at all because people like Victoria justice and I would love people wear my jewelry I make and my original art merchandise that is so fantastic original as a fashion jewelry designer that runs in the family in Jamaica as a Riettie and a artist that paints . Places like Etsy is bad . 0:11

[@clintj]

Thank for putting in all the work and sharing your experience and honest thoughts with us.

[@padmakumarviswanath5581]

As a designer, I was eagerly planning to start a printable art business on Etsy. However, after watching your video, I've decided to abandon those plans. You know how challenging designing can be and how much effort we put into creating our work. Facing the possibility of not earning as expected or having our account suspended would be a significant waste of time and money. I'm grateful for your honest insights about running a business on Etsy - this has truly been an eye-opener. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@John315]

I'm on my eighth month on Etsy, i've gathered all the info and advice i could from all the "successful" KZbinrs and all i have, is four sales. That's it. And my fourth sale was back in June...

[@markonbusiness]

Hopefully you see more success, John!

[@timetonic]

"hope you found this video useful" ... yes, immeasurably! thank you so much for being real and doing something right. the value for me alone is significantly outstanding and i really hope your future endeavors go well because of this. These products have new meaning!

[@markonbusiness]

Thank you so much, I'm so happy that you found it useful!

[@bl4ckm4mba1]

This reminds me of amazon FBA back in the day when KZbinrs were selling expensive courses and all it was, was a pipe dream.

[@cookiesleague]

curious about the selling websites. can you make a video about it? or if you already have, gonna look it up later. Ive been binging your channel

[@demischi3018]

Thank you for telling the truth!

[@danielshaw4847]

Thanks for making this. I tried to sell shirt designs in Etsy, I signed into my account one day and all my listings were deleted. Extremely frustrated I did not list again.

[@markonbusiness]

I'm sorry to hear that, Daniel. It's exactly why you can't rely on Etsy as a main source of income.

[@vezirmertcan]

Number 5 is drastically on point! I was suspended on day 1. I had one listing, was about to add many but my head's chopped off as soon as I stepped on Etsy's unstable territory. No explanation, no reason. Just like that. It can be their house and their rules. The problem is that they have unwritten rules and they don't care to reveal or explain them. We are expected to figure them out by trial and error... on a mine field. As if that isn't enough, those unwritten rules tend to change slowly and silently which leads to more casualties on seller's side. Not a fan of Etsy. Will not go back there.

[@EJourdanLewis]

I opened a shop on Etsy with 10 digital products, made a sale within 24hours. I then jumped into print on demand. A week later Etsy suspended my account and it’s been almost six weeks now totally locked out. I didn’t violate anything but I guess that’s a side hustle that’s just not meant for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@markonbusiness]

Happens to so many people. Sorry it happened to you as well, hope you find more success with your digital products.

[@Manuklens]

This guy speaks facts! I really appreciate this type of content...

[@markonbusiness]

Thank you very much!

[@jb-x0]

Great, We need more truthful videos like this.

[@abrahampetrow6750]

Thank you for not lying to everybody while you are trying to get more views.

[@deejayhamm]

I have a successful Etsy shop and I can say you don't have to keep posting new products all the time to make money. I post maybe a few new products a year and my sales are very consistent.

[@a8aexplorers]

Amazing ❤

[@jonathanwilliams3846]

a rare exception

[@jenmarkosian8720]

How long have you had your shop for?

[@deejayhamm]

@@jenmarkosian8720 4-5 years

[@dosgringoscroata]

Man thanks for being honest and not being a douche that uses random numbers to get clicks on their videos.

[@darcybrown7369]

thanks for this honest review, I'd be interested to know your experience of Creative market/Envato or similar

[@babs926]

I really admire your honest reviews ❤ keep it up 👍 😊

[@markonbusiness]

Many thanks!

[@skiihigh12real]

I use to sell on Etsy , people are rude they ignore others and don’t buy . Its like you need to be famous or use ads to gain and they have people that’s born disabled like me

[@Timstokesart]

Thanks for the lessons you learnt.

[@markonbusiness]

Thank you for watching! 🙏

[@VulgarTruth]

Dude Ive been watching all these scammers selling courses all day.. etsy , drop shipping etc.. you are the first to start your video without saying how many milliona youve earned haha😂😂

[@iriii3224]

Hello! Thank you for your video, I know it was posted a while ago and I might not get an answer but I am in the same boat, I opened a second shop, got suspended right away and they will not open it, my first shop is still running but I am scared it might close it, I see that your template shop was open until like 2 months ago, was that your first shop, and if you have any idea why they closed it 1 year after your other shop was suspended? These random suspensions do not make any sense..

[@kris4897]

I just don't understand why etsy closes accounts without any reason, they're getting so many bad reviews. Where's the point ?

[@markonbusiness]

They're suspending shops to control the market. If a user appeals the suspension, it shows they might be a serious seller, hence they reactivate (sometimes).

[@kristinaanikonovaa]

I also have an Etsy shop with digital products made with midjourney since may. I lost money in the first 3 months. In September I had my first little plus and now October looks good so far, but I guess Etsy is a long time game. I would say the first year is for testing out etc and of course it should only be a sidehustle. I think it is possible to achieve a good income with Etsy and digital products but a lot of commitment is needed

[@markonbusiness]

Yes, most people need to understand that it's years, rather than months. And even then, it isn't guaranteed.

[@RickHenderson]

The key is to sell on more platforms then just Etsy.

[@kristinaanikonovaa]

@@RickHenderson depends. I already doubled what I made in October. So I see the potential on Etsy. I also sell on creative fabrica but it’s not gaining as much traffic as on etsy

[@jonathanwilliams3846]

it only pays to sell on the biggest platforms: etsy, ebay and amazon. @@RickHenderson

[@arturvladimirovich8105]

Hi, thank you for your honesty, I'm watching you from the second video, keep up the good work. Unfortunately, there will be no millions of views, people need more golden mountains, but you will gather your regular audience. I wanted advice to know if I plan to sell design templates, which platform to choose for this: Gumroad/Creative market/Etsy?

[@markonbusiness]

Hi Artur! Thank you very much. I'd rather have 10 viewers like you than millions of viewers drooling for a million dollars in 10 days. To answer your questions, I recommend Etsy, although I'm currently trying Gumroad and Creative Market as well, maybe I'll make a video on those as well in the future.

[@Beatriz.722]

I plan to sell my web design templates, is it still recommended? Can you make a video about etsy ads?

[@markonbusiness]

To be clear, I don't use Canva Pro for websites, I use that for my marketing templates. There are a tonne of drag & drop platforms you can use for building websites and it's the only business that has worked for me on Etsy so far.

[@miluga]

I´ll just say thank you very much!!

[@wishananda]

Thank you for your honesty!! Etsy is high maintenance!

[@markonbusiness]

It really is!

[@bryllupsfotofilm]

And after all you have to pay tax of this incomes in your country

[@markonbusiness]

Yes, tax implications are an entirely different story altogether.

[@ProfZoomer]

I opened 2 Etsy shops one month ago and one of them was suspended after 2 days, after many post on twitter and one appeal they unbanned my shop after 18 days claiming it was due to an error with their bot. Just don't panic guys when your new shop is suspended, send an appeal, describe your workflow (how do you obtain designs etc.) and keep spamming their twitter. Btw. I keep asking myself "WEN LAMBO?!" 😭

[@markonbusiness]

To be honest, Etsy support is terrible. Which is why I think lambo will never come there.

[@marsyas.]

Tbf that's a good profit margin you've got there. Doing POD tees and my profit is less than 10%. And I don't even have that many loss leaders 😢. But yeah a permanent suspension is what I dread each freaking day in this platform

[@markonbusiness]

POD is always less profitable due to lower margins, but yeah, I do get your point. I hope nobody gets a permanent suspension, that'd be cruel.

[@katandpancho5513]

The truth. How depressing.

[@markonbusiness]

Had to be told

[@jonathanwilliams3846]

14 years of pod. i'm a bucknell grad still living in low income housing with food stamps I can barely afford my 7 year old hyundai. this is far beyond depressing. my family can't understand why i don't get a real job. neither do i.

[@stbricep1]

nice video thx for the infos

[@fabiancurto6484]

Looks like Etsy is a horrible idea . Thanks for your honest review

[@markonbusiness]

I wouldn't say it's a horrible idea, but anybody hoping to make the money advertised by KZbinrs is going to be disappointed. You CAN make money on Etsy, but not that much.

[@investingwithu]

Great video, my Etsy sales come mainly through my YT channel

[@Agui007]

Where does this misinformation about money come from about "making money"?? For one thing... Most physical money is a small percentage. Most is largely non existent data. And lastly you don't "make money" you accumulate numbers.

[@mishapopovych3830]

Will you drop one more video about shop solds during September?

[@markonbusiness]

I will, yes, it's in the works! :)

[@mishapopovych3830]

@@markonbusiness thank you for your work!

[@trinelarson6655]

Etsy is Monopoly

[@willhaimerl]

You should change your video title to "the TRUTH about KZbinrs who make videos about Etsy". Cickbait crap is all over the place.

[@markonbusiness]

Since I'm speaking about my own experience on the platform, having sold website templates for 8 months now, I felt it was appropriate to title it the way I did.

[@ShadyRapture]

Were you selling websites for a one time fee and paying the monthly hosting fee after? If that’s what you’re doing then ya no wonder you failed.