Etsy selling 101: how old do you have to be to sell on Etsy

So you’ve been crafting up a storm, and now you’re ready to turn your hobby into a hustle by opening your own Etsy shop. Awesome!

But if you’re still in high school, you might be wondering if you’re even allowed to sell on the site. Don’t worry, Etsy welcomes sellers of all ages – as long as you meet their minimum age requirement.

Under 18? Don’t fret. Etsy allows teens 13 and up to open a shop with the help of a parent or legal guardian.

Etsy’s age requirements for sellers

So, you have an amazing handcrafted item or vintage find you’re dying to sell on Etsy. Before you start setting up your first Etsy shop, there are a few age requirements you’ll need to be aware of.

Etsy allows people of all ages to buy from shops, but sellers must be at least 13 years old. If you’re under 18, don’t fret – you have a couple of options. Ask a parent or legal guardian to open an Etsy shop on your behalf. They will be the official business owner, but you can still create and sell your items. Your guardian will need to provide their consent for you to use the Etsy account owners’ names.

Another choice is to wait until you turn 18 to open your Etsy shop.

While waiting is no fun, spending time developing your product line and building up an inventory means you’ll be ready to hit the ground running once you meet the age requirement.

For those 18 and up, all you need to get started is an email address, credit or debit card, and government-issued ID to verify your age. Etsy uses this information to confirm you meet the minimum age requirement and to process Etsy payments. They take privacy and security very seriously, so your details are kept strictly confidential.

Turn your passion into profit and start selling your goods on Etsy. Build your little e-commerce empire and gain entrepreneurial experience. As long as you meet the minimum age, Etsy is open for your business!

Why does age matter for Etsy sellers?

Selling on an online marketplace isn’t just for adults. If you’re under 18, you can still open an Etsy shop, but there are a few rules you’ll need to follow.

Etsy requires all shop owners to be at least 13 years of age. If you’re between 13 and 17, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian’s appropriate permission to open a shop.

Why does age matter? There are a few reasons:

1. Legal requirements. Etsy has to comply with local laws like COPPA that protect minors’ privacy and personal information. Requiring parental consent for underage sellers helps ensure shops follow the rules.
2. Maturity and responsibility. Running an Etsy shop requires a certain level of maturity to handle customer service, shipping, and money management. Etsy wants to make sure younger teens have guidance from a parent or guardian.
3. Restricted items. Minors can’t sell certain goods like weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Their shops may face additional scrutiny to prevent inappropriate items from being listed.

The good news is often a successful Etsy shop owner started selling as teens with their parent’s help. With their support and mentorship, you can gain valuable entrepreneurial experience. You’ll learn skills like how to photograph and list products, provide great customer service, budget, and market a small business.

So if you have a creative hobby, a talent for crafts, or an interest in selling vintage goods, don’t let your age stop you. Talk to your parents about opening an Etsy shop as a family project. Work together to build a successful business and enjoy this opportunity to learn side by side.

Options for underage sellers: parents or guardians

If you’re under 18, you have a couple of options for selling on Etsy. The first is to have a parent or legal guardian open an account in their name, then turn over control of the shop to you. The second is for you to open your account under Etsy’s “Underage Seller Policy.”

• Parent or guardian account

The simplest option is to have your parent or legal guardian manage an Etsy shop on your behalf.

They will go through the account setup process using their information, then add you as a “Shop Member” which will give you full access to create listings, fulfill orders, and communicate with customers.

Legally, the account will still belong to the parent or guardian, but you can operate the shop. This allows underage sellers to get experience running their own Etsy business with guidance.

When you turn 18, Etsy requires the account to be transferred to you. Your parent or guardian will need to contact Etsy support to begin the transfer process.

All customer feedback, reviews, and sales history will move with the account, so you won’t lose anything you’ve built up.

• Underage seller policy

If you want to open your own standalone Etsy account, you must apply through their Underage Seller Policy program.

You will need to provide additional information like a birth certificate to verify your age, as well as have a parent or guardian co-sign and consent to your application.

If approved, you will have full control and responsibility over your shop. However, there are a few additional restrictions for underage sellers.

For example, you cannot offer gift cards or sell items like alcohol, tobacco, or firearms. You also cannot participate in the Etsy ads program.

Once you turn 18, the Underage Seller restrictions will be lifted from your account automatically.

You’ll then have full access to all the benefits of a regular Etsy seller.

The most important thing is to make sure you follow all the rules for underage sellers to keep your shop and account in good standing. With time and experience, you’ll gain valuable skills in running your own creative business.

Building your Etsy shop under 18

So you’re under 18 but have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to start selling your handmade goods or vintage finds on Etsy? Don’t worry, Etsy allows people of all ages to open their shops.

However, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take.

Get permission from your parents or guardians

Since you’re a minor, you’ll need consent from your parents or legal guardians to open an Etsy shop. Have them create an account on Etsy and then add you as a “Shop Member” to give you full access to operate the shop. They will still need to maintain ownership of Etsy accounts until you turn 18.

Set up and design your shop

You don’t have to go through the trouble or expense of building your website if you can master Etsy SEO. Once you have permission and access, select your shop language, country, and currency, then click Save and continue. You can start creating product listings, choose a shop name, write a shop story and policies, pick a theme, add photos, and do everything else needed to build your shop.

Handle the money

As a minor, you cannot legally enter into financial or contractual agreements.

So, your parents or guardians will also need to handle your financial information and all money-related parts of running an Etsy shop like processing orders, accepting Etsy payments, withdrawing money, filing taxes, and managing a business bank account.

Etsy fees and all other costs will be the responsibility of your parents or guardians as well.

Consider opening a custodial account

To start making money from your Etsy shop sales, you may want to open a custodial brokerage account or savings account where your parents or guardians manage it as the custodians’ separate bank account until you reach the age of majority in your state.

They will still oversee the account, but you can actively contribute to it from your Etsy shop earnings.

With your parents’ or guardians’ permission and involvement in the right areas, you absolutely can build a successful Etsy store or Etsy shop as a minor.

Developing your product idea and brand

Developing a strong product idea and brand for your Etsy shop is key to success. You’ll need to determine what types of handmade goods or craft supplies you want to sell, then build a cohesive brand around your products.

Finding your niche

Think about your hobbies, talents, and interests. What do you enjoy making? Knitting sweaters, carving wooden bowls, baking artisanal bread, and other handmade items?

Focus on a specific product category you’re passionate about.

This will make it much easier to establish yourself as an expert in that area.

You can anticipate changes to market trends, the platform’s algorithm, customers buying patterns, and a lot more as time passes by.

Creating high-quality product listings

To sell on Etsy successfully, you need to create listings that showcase your products in the best light. High-quality photos and thorough descriptions are key.

• Title

Choose a title that’s descriptive but concise, around 5 to 10 words. Mention the item type, color, pattern, or other details that make it unique.

• Description

Write a few sentences describing your product’s physical attributes, dimensions, and materials. Discuss its condition for vintage or used items.

• Policies

State your shop policies clearly, including details on shipping, returns, custom orders, and production time. Be upfront about any imperfections or wear for used goods.

• Price

Price competitively based on the quality, condition, and value of your item. Check completed listings for comparable products currently for sale in your shop category. Price too high and it won’t sell on Etsy; too low and you’ll miss out on potential profit.

Marketing your Etsy shop

Now that you’ve set up your Etsy shop, it’s time to start spreading the word about your new business venture! There are just so many areas you will need to explore and master as a business owner.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Promote on social media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your products and connecting with potential customers.

Post photos of your items, share behind-the-scenes shots of your creative process, run contests and giveaways, and engage with your followers by liking and commenting on their posts as well.

• Offer coupons and sales

Running a sale or coupon promotion is a great way to increase traffic to your shop and boost sales. Be sure to place etsy ads of your sales and coupons on your social media accounts and in your shop announcements to spread the word.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. While Etsy’s official policy requires sellers to be 18 or older, don’t let your age stop you from opening an Etsy shop if you’re truly passionate about your craft and want to know how to make money.

With the help of a parent or guardian to set up the account, even younger makers can start building their creative business and customer base. So go for it—start crafting, photographing, and listing those items.

Your Etsy selling adventure awaits!

Etsy selling under 18 FAQs

Selling on Etsy is a great way for creative entrepreneurs of any age to start their own business, but there are a few extra steps to take if you’re under 18.