How to Open an Etsy Shop: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hello everyone! Today, I want to share the exact path we follow when opening an Etsy shop, the experiences we’ve gained, and the step-by-step tips you need to pay attention to when setting up your account.
If you get excited and say, “Let’s just open the shop already!” you might make a mistake. Skipping the necessary preparations and rushing can lead to your account being closed immediately. Here is the road map you should follow step-by-step:
Preparation Phase: Collect Cookies and Be Patient
Open a Buyer Account First: Do not try to open a seller account directly. First, create a buyer account.
Spend Time on the Site: For a few days, browse Etsy like a normal user, examine products, and add those you like to your favorites. Your goal is to avoid robotic behavior and prove to the system that you are a real human by collecting “cookies.” Avoid trying to buy something as soon as you open the account; otherwise, your account may be found suspicious and closed.
Prepare Your Documents
Have Necessary IDs Ready: Keep your ID (or passport) ready for a photo shoot.
Set Up Your Credit Card: You must have a credit or debit card registered in the name of the person opening the shop, which is open for international and online shopping. Using your spouse’s or sibling’s card will result in your account not being approved. Also, try to choose private banks as state banks can sometimes experience payment issues.
Find a Free Listing Link: Instead of registering from scratch, get a referral link from another seller or a friend. When you open an account through this link, you won’t pay the standard $0.20 listing fee per item, and you can list your first 40 products for free.
Step 1: Set Basic Shop Preferences
Shop Language: Always choose English to appeal to a global audience.
Shop Country: This is the most critical part because this information cannot be changed later. If you are opening from Turkey as an individual or a sole proprietorship, select “Turkey.” If you have a US company, select “United States.”
Currency: Generally, USD is selected. However, if your bank account is in Turkish Lira and you want to avoid Etsy’s 2.5% currency conversion commission, you can set the currency to TL. If you are proceeding with a US company, definitely choose USD.
Step 2: Determine Your Shop Name
Find a Suitable Name: Find a global name between 4 and 20 characters, with no spaces and absolutely no special characters.
Generate Alternatives in Advance: You cannot take a name that is already being used by someone else. To avoid stress during the setup screen, check the availability of alternative shop names by searching them in Etsy’s search bar before reaching this stage.
Step 3: Enter Business Type and Bank Information
Choose the Business Type Correctly: If you are opening an account from Turkey, it is recommended to proceed with the “Individual / Sole proprietorship” option, as Corporate/Limited company info can sometimes create errors in the system (especially in the trade registration number section). If you have a US company, you can choose LLC (Incorporated Business) according to your company type.
Complete Bank Details: Write your US bank information in this part. We are using Mercury and Wise mostly. If you are linking a Turkish bank account, write your bank’s full name (e.g., Türkiye İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA), your IBAN without spaces, and your bank’s Swift code carefully.
Add Your Tax Number: Even if you don’t have a company, to avoid an extra 20% VAT fee in the future, get your Individual Tax Number via the Digital Tax Office and enter it into this screen adding “TR” to the beginning.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification (Persona)
Prepare for the Camera: The system will verify your identity via the “Persona” app. To make the process more practical, click the “use another device” option on your computer screen.
Verify from Your Phone: Scan the QR code or send an SMS/Email link to your phone. After clicking the link, take and upload a clear photo of your ID (or passport).
Take a Selfie: Complete the live selfie verification by looking into the camera and turning your head right and left as guided by the system. After the process, return to your computer screen and continue the setup from the “Shop Manager” tab.
Step 5: Pay the Shop Setup Fee
Pay the one-time setup fee that Etsy charges new shops using the credit card you prepared. This fee is approximately 826 TL for Turkey (or between $15–$30). Double-check that the name on the card exactly matches the name of the shop owner. If opening with a US company, it is around $29.
Step 6: Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Download Google Authenticator: Since international SMS delivery issues can occur, make sure to download the Google Authenticator app to your smartphone.
Scan the QR Code: Scan the QR code provided by Etsy into the Authenticator app and enter the 6-digit password it generates into the system.
Store Backup Codes: In case your phone is lost or broken, be sure to save the Backup Codes Etsy provides to your computer or a secure place.
When you follow these steps completely, your shop opening will be successfully finished, and you will be ready to list your first product.
I hope this guide eases your mind while opening your shop and ensures a smooth process. Happy selling!