1. The Handmade Loophole

Etsy is for "handmade, vintage (20+ years), and craft supplies." But "handmade" includes items you design and have produced - print-on-demand, custom cuts, assembled items.

Key: Add personal touches. Custom labels, hand-written thank you notes, unique packaging all count toward the handmade feel.

2. Etsy SEO is Different

Etsy's search weighs recency heavily. New listings get boosted, then decay. Unlike eBay, you can't just "set and forget."

Strategy: Renew listings weekly. Each renewal costs $0.20 but resets your search position. Budget $5-10/month for renewals on your best sellers.

3. Tags Are Everything

You get 13 tags per listing. Use ALL of them. Mix broad terms ("gift for mom") with specific ("personalized wine glass").

Research: Type your product in Etsy search, look at autocomplete suggestions. Those are real searches people make.

4. Star Seller Badge

Etsy's Star Seller badge requires: 95% message response rate, 95% on-time shipping, 95% 5-star reviews, $300+ sales.

Worth It? Yes - Star Sellers report 20-30% more sales. The badge builds trust.