Learn how to sell on Etsy India

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How to Sell On Etsy from India – A Guide From Setup to Sales (2025)

Thinking of selling on Etsy from India but confused about the latest rules? Here’s the 2025 update every Indian seller needs to know before opening a shop.

Udhay

Digital Content Manager at Qikink

Udhay

Digital Content Manager at Qikink

how to sell on etsy india qikink

Are you a creative entrepreneur, artist, or small business owner in India who wants to showcase your creations to millions of people worldwide?

If you’ve been wondering, Can I sell on Etsy from India?

The answer is yes. Etsy is not only available to Indian sellers, but it’s also one of the most accessible platforms for selling hand-crafted jewellery and vintage goods that reflect Indian culture and artistry.

Etsy has evolved into a global marketplace renowned for its selection of handmade goods, vintage items, and digital downloads. They have 5.9 million active sellers worldwide, all of whom are turning their innovative ideas into successful small businesses, with over 90 million active buyers. It offers Indian sellers a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage.

This guide will show you precisely how to sell on Etsy from India, taking you from the very first setup steps to achieving your sales goals.

Key Takeaways

  • Etsy is Open for You: New Indian sellers are actively being onboarded in 2025.
  • Essential Requirements: A valid GSTIN and a Payoneer account linked to your Indian bank are crucial for receiving your international earnings.
  • Focus on Global Sales: As an Indian seller, you’ll be selling to a worldwide audience, as domestic sales within India are currently not supported on Etsy.
  • Diverse Marketplace: Etsy thrives on unique, handmade, vintage, and craft supply items. Your Indian artistry and exceptional products are in high demand globally.
  • Strategic Approach: Success on Etsy hinges on high-quality product photos, keyword-rich listings, smart pricing, and excellent customer service.

Why Etsy is Great for Indian Sellers?

Etsy is a global online marketplace that connects creative entrepreneurs with customers who value handmade, unique, vintage, and personalised products. Launched in 2005, Etsy officially started its journey in India in 2018, aiming to connect India’s rich heritage of artistic, Handmade, and unique vintage products with a global audience.

Why sell on Etsy India?

Etsy is a global marketplace-Sell On Etsy from India-Qikink

Now, is selling on Etsy worth it?.

For Indian sellers, yes, it’s worth it, and here’s why:

1. Global Reach, Instant Audience:

One of the most significant advantages is that Etsy provides access to a massive built-in audience of nearly 90 million active buyers from around the world. Instead of having to build your website from scratch and spend a lot on marketing to attract visitors, Etsy brings the customers directly to you.

2. Part of a Creative Community:

Etsy is more than just a marketplace; it’s a community that values handmade, creative, and unique products. When you sell on Etsy, you’re joining a platform that:

  • Helped small businesses earn nearly $4 billion in 2021
  • Supports creative entrepreneurs through local and global policies
  • Aims to be eco-friendly with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2030
  • There are no big warehouses, just independent sellers like you sharing what they love with the world.

3. Simple, powerful tools

Etsy makes it easy to run your business so you can focus on creating what you love.

  • Manage from anywhere: Use the Etsy Seller app to track orders, update listings, and reply to buyers on the go.
  • Easy payments & promotions: Accept payments smoothly and use free tools to promote your shop on Etsy and social media.
  • Track and grow: Get insights with detailed stats to understand what’s working and boost your sales.

4. Etsy Ads, Offsite Ads

Etsy provides you with everything you need to promote your products and expand your brand globally.

  • You can easily create posts for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more without requiring any special skills.
  • With Etsy Ads, your listings become more visible in search results, while Offsite Ads promote your products on sites like Google, Facebook, and Instagram.
  • You only pay a fee when a sale is made through these ads. You can also run sales or offer coupons to attract new customers or re-engage visitors who have shown interest.
  • With these tools, it’s easier than ever for Indian sellers to reach a wider audience and expand their business.

5. Help When You Need It

Etsy is committed to helping its 1.7 million sellers succeed, whether you’re just starting out or already running a growing shop.

  • You can reach Etsy’s support team by email or request a phone call whenever you need help.
  • The Seller Handbook is packed with valuable tips and best practices, and you’ll also get the Etsy Success newsletter delivered to your inbox with advice to boost your shop.
  • Plus, you can connect with other sellers, ask questions, and share experiences through Etsy’s community forums and Teams. You’re never alone on your Etsy journey.
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Etsy India onboarding 2025 (Update)

  1. Has the onboarding of new sellers in India started?
  2. Can I start selling on Etsy from India now?

Yes, sellers in India can now open new shops on Etsy.
Etsy has resumed onboarding for Indian sellers, and if you’re looking to start in 2025, now is a great time to join.
There are a few new updates sellers must know to get started smoothly.
In this section, we’ll share all the latest details, including the necessary documents, payment information, setup instructions for your shop, and what to expect when selling internationally.

  • You must pay a one-time setup fee of $10 USD during the onboarding process on Etsy.
  • New sellers in India must verify their GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).
    The payment processing fee on Etsy for Etsy Payments in India is 5% + 25 INR.
  • Indian shops enrolled in Etsy Payments are currently unable to accept domestic sales.
  • Sellers in India must also sign up for a Payoneer payment account to accept Etsy Payments.
  • Etsy only deposits funds in USD to your Payoneer Payment Account each Monday at 9 pm in India.
  • Payoneer supports currency conversion for withdrawals in USD, EUR, GBP, and INR for India.

How Etsy Payments Work for Indians?

etsy payments india​: Overview

Etsy Payments-Sell On Etsy from India-Qikink

Suppose you’re selling your creations on Etsy. How do customers pay you, and how do you get that money into your bank account?

That’s where Etsy Payments comes in. It’s Etsy’s primary system that makes getting paid easy and safe for both sellers and buyers.

When your shop is set up with Etsy Payments, your customers have multiple payment options available to them, regardless of their location. They can use:

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit/Bank Cards
  • Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
  • PayPal (yes, even though you get paid through Etsy Payments, buyers can still use PayPal at checkout)
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Additionally, local payment options are available, including Klarna (in select countries), iDEAL (Netherlands), and Sofort (Austria and Germany).

For Indian sellers, Etsy uses Payoneer to process payments. This means your earnings from sales on Etsy will be sent to your linked Payoneer account, which can then transfer the funds to your Indian bank account in INR.

What are the requirements to enrol in Etsy Payments?

  • Indian Address & Bank Account: You’ll need a valid residential address and a working bank account in India. Etsy sends your sales money to your bank via Payoneer, not directly to PayPal or credit cards.
  • Card for Fees: Have a valid credit, debit, or reloadable prepaid card ready. You use this to pay Etsy fees that your sales don’t cover.
  • Seller Type: Choose if you’re an Individual or a Business(if you have a registered company).
  • Verification: To ensure safety and compliance, Etsy will request verification of your identity and bank account.

Pro Tip for Indian Sellers:

Etsy sends your payments to your Payoneer account in USD. Payoneer then automatically converts the money to INR and transfers it to your Indian bank account, usually within 48 hours.

Keep an eye on two things here:
1. Payoneer’s conversion rates: The exchange rate Payoneer offers might be slightly different from the daily market rate.
2. Payoneer’s withdrawal fees: Payoneer may charge a small percentage (up to 3% of the transaction amount) for withdrawing funds from your Payoneer account to your Indian bank account.

How to choose an individual or a business seller when you enrol?

When setting up your Etsy shop, you’ll be asked to choose whether you’re registering as an Individual or a Business. It’s essential to select the correct option to avoid delays in verifying your account or receiving payment.

  • Choose Individual if you’re selling as yourself and your bank account is in your name.
  • Choose Business if your bank account is in your business or trade name, even if you’re a sole proprietor.

If you’re registering as a business, it must fall under one of these categories:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Private Limited
  • Public Limited
  • Partnership
  • LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
  • Trust
  • NGO
  • HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
Information for individual sellersInformation needed for business sellers
  • Country of residence
  • First and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Permanent Account Number (PAN)
  • Nationality
  • Taxpayer address
  • Phone number
  • Valid and regular Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN)
  • Bank account info
  • IFSC code
  • Account Number
  • Country
  • Type of Business
  • Name of legal entity (business name)
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Valid and regular Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN)
  • Primary shop owner information
    • First and last name
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Date of birth
    • Permanent Account Number (PAN). This must be your personal PAN number.
  • Bank account info
    • IFSC code
    • Account Number

Using Payoneer for Etsy Payouts

Payoneer is a global payment service that lets you receive money from platforms like Etsy and transfer it to your local bank account. Indian sellers use Payoneer to get their Etsy payments in INR.

Etsy works with Payoneer to welcome more sellers from more countries, including India!
Before Payoneer, it was challenging for Etsy to offer its own Etsy Payments in many parts of the world due to varying banking regulations. By partnering with Payoneer, Etsy can now:

  • Offer Etsy Payments to more sellers: This means more people, like you in India, can easily set up a shop and sell.
  • Purchase Protection: This makes buyers feel safer, which is beneficial for your sales as well.
  • Provide a secure way to get paid: Payoneer is a regulated financial company, so your money is handled securely and safely.
In short, Payoneer acts as a secure bridge, enabling Etsy to connect Indian sellers with global buyers, making it easier for you to receive your earnings.

How Payoneer Works with Etsy?

  • When you make a sale on Etsy, the money is sent to your Etsy Payment account, and then automatically transferred to your Payoneer account every Monday.
  • From Payoneer, you can either withdraw the funds to your Indian bank account or use the balance for other transactions.
    Withdrawal usually takes 2–5 business days. You can’t receive payments directly from Etsy buyers through Payoneer.
  • Etsy sends payouts in USD, but Payoneer converts them to INR during the bank transfer.
Best Payment Gateways in India

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How to sell on Etsy India?

The process to get your shop up and running is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Etsy Seller onboarding process.

Step 1: Creating Your Etsy Account

create a new etsy seller account qikink
  • To start selling on Etsy, you’ll need to set up an account. Visit Etsy and create an account. Click this link to start selling on Etsy and Get Started.
sign in option etsy marketplace qikink
  • You’ll be prompted to create a new account. You can sign up using your email address, or for a quicker start, you can connect with your Google, Facebook, or Apple account. Just follow the on-screen instructions to enter your basic details like your name and email.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Shop Preferences

opening a new etsy shop qikink print on demand
  • Once your basic account is created, Etsy will guide you through setting up your shop. This is where you tell Etsy about your business.
new account business setup in etsy qikink

Step 3: Naming Your Shop

etsy shop name in onboarding qikink
  • You’ll need to choose a unique name for your Etsy shop.
  • Your shop name should be between 4 and 20 characters long, and no special characters, spaces, or accented letters.
  • Please keep it simple, memorable, and reflective of your products or services.
  • Etsy will check if the name is already taken. If that’s the case, you’ll need to try a different one.

Step 4: How you'll get paid

  • During shop setup, you’ll be prompted to enrol in Etsy Payments. This is mandatory. You’ll be redirected to Payoneer’s website to either create a new Payoneer account or link an existing one. This is how you’ll receive your earnings from Etsy.

A few important things to keep in mind:

  • Once saved, your bank country can’t be changed.
  • To use Etsy Payments, you’ll need to first sign up with Payoneer, a third-party payment provider that we partner with to make selling possible in certain countries. Learn more about Payoneer.
  • As an India-based shop, you’ll only be able to make export sales and won’t be able to accept local orders from buyers in India.
  • You’ll also need to provide a valid GSTIN to enrol in Etsy Payments.
payoneer sign up in india qikink
  • If you need to sign up for a new Payoneer Payment Account, you’ll be asked to enter your personal details to verify your identity and your financial information to receive your sale funds.
payoneer account to receive etsy payments qikink
  • Next, please fill in your contact details. To complete this step quickly, provide accurate address details, including the country name, street name, zip code, and phone number. To proceed to the next step, enter the OTP sent by Payoneer.
  • Next, fill in the security details, such as your Payoneer account password and PAN (Permanent Account Number).
adding bank accounts in etsy seller account qikink
  • You need to provide your bank details to complete the verification process. After filling in your bank account details, you must agree to their terms and conditions, as well as pricing and fees. And click submit.
  • Once Payoneer verifies your info, you will be enrolled in Etsy Payments.

Step 5: Set Up Your Product Listings

This is a crucial step for attracting buyers.

  1. Add a Listing: Click on “Add a listing” to start adding your products.
  2. High-Quality Images:
    • Upload up to 10 high-resolution images and one video per listing.
    • Use natural light and a clean background.
    • Show your product from multiple angles and in use.
    • Etsy recommends images with a minimum of 2000 pixels on the shortest side and 72 PPI resolution.
  1. Compelling Titles: Use descriptive keywords in your title so buyers can find your product through Etsy search.
  2. Detailed Descriptions: Explain what your product is, how it’s made, its materials, size, and any unique features. Tell a story about your item!
  3. Tags and Attributes: Use all 13 available tags with relevant keywords to help your item appear in more searches. Select the appropriate attributes (such as colour, material, or occasion) to categorise your listing further.
  4. Pricing: Set a price that covers your materials, labour, Etsy fees (including listing, transaction, payment processing, and the one-time $10 setup fee charged when you first open your shop), and your desired profit.
  5. Shipping: Set up your shipping profiles, clearly stating your processing times and shipping costs.

Step 6: Review and Open Your Shop

Before officially opening, Etsy will prompt you to review all your shop sections, including your shop policies (such as return, exchange, and shipping policies). Make sure everything is clear and accurate. Once you’re verified, you can hit the Open your shop button and begin your journey as an Etsy seller from India.

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What Can You Sell on Etsy from India?

One of the most exciting aspects of starting your Etsy journey is discovering what you can sell on Etsy that genuinely resonates with buyers. Etsy stands out because it focuses on unique, handcrafted, and special items.

Broad Categories on Etsy

Etsy primarily categorises products into three main types:

  1. Handmade: This is the largest and most popular category. It includes anything you design and create yourself, from a hand-stitched bag to a custom painting or a unique piece of jewellery.
  2. Vintage: Items that are at least 20 years old and have a distinct history. This could be antique collectables, vintage clothing, or retro home decor.
  3. Craft Supplies: Materials, tools, or ingredients that help others create their crafts. Think unique beads, specialised fabric, patterns, or crafting kits.

Best Selling Items on Etsy in 2025

If you’re selling from India, a smart way to find top-selling items on Etsy is to look at global trends and also focus on what India is already known for, such as handmade and artistic products. Trends may change, but Indian crafts and designs consistently maintain a strong appeal.

Here are some popular categories and product ideas to help you get started:

1. Selling Digital Art on Etsy

Digital art encompasses a wide range of products, including printable wall art, digital planners, social media templates, custom digital portraits, seamless patterns for fabric printing, and even digital stickers.

Ideas: Mandala colouring pages, Indian motif digital patterns, printable wedding invitations with traditional designs, custom digital caricatures, social media templates for small businesses.

Benefits: This is a fantastic option for Indian sellers as it involves no physical inventory, no shipping costs, and high-profit margins. Once you create a design, you can sell it an unlimited number of times.

2. Selling Jewellery on Etsy

From everyday wear to special occasion pieces, jewellery is a consistently popular category on Etsy.

Ideas:

  • Handmade: Oxidised silver jewellery, Meenakari enamel work, Kundan sets, terracotta jewellery, embroidered fabric necklaces.
  • Traditional: Temple jewellery replicas, antique-inspired pieces, tribal jewellery.
  • Modern: Minimalist silver and gold-plated pieces with unique Indian stone settings, personalised initial pendants.

3. Selling T-Shirts on Etsy (Print-on-Demand)

You create the design, and a print-on-demand partner (like Qikink) handles printing your design onto a T-shirt (or other apparel) and shipping it directly to the customer. This means no inventory management for you.
Ideas: T-shirts featuring Indian cultural quotes, spiritual symbols, unique regional art, humorous slogans with an Indian twist, or personalised designs for Indian festivals.

This includes original paintings, art prints (both digital and physical), illustrations, and even sculptures.
Ideas:

  • Paintings: Original acrylic, oil, or watercolour paintings inspired by Indian landscapes, culture, or abstract themes.
  • Prints: Affordable prints of your original paintings, digital illustrations of Indian deities, folklore, or vibrant street scenes.
  • Illustrations: Children’s book illustrations, custom family portraits in an Indian style, and whimsical character designs.

How to Make Phone Cases to Sell on Etsy?

Custom phone cases are a trending item. You can either design them and use a print-on-demand service or physically decorate blank cases.

To sell phone cases, you can partner with a print-on-demand company. You upload your unique design. When a customer buys a case with your design, the POD company prints it and ships it.

Other Niche Ideas with Strong Potential for Indian Sellers:

  • Home Decor: Think handcrafted tapestries, block-printed cushion covers, ceramic pottery, carved wooden items, unique Diwali decorations, or spiritual wall hangings.
  • Personalised Gifts: Items that can be customised with names, dates, or special messages. This could range from custom-engraved wooden items to personalised mugs or even bespoke portraits.
  • Craft Supplies: Unique Indian beads, traditional textiles by the yard, natural dyes, wooden carving tools, or specialised embroidery threads that aren’t easily found elsewhere.
  • Vintage & Antiques: Sourcing authentic vintage Indian textiles, jewellery, decor pieces, or small collectables can be a niche for those with an eye for history.
  • Spa & Relaxation: Handmade soaps with traditional Indian ingredients, essential oils, natural incense, or Ayurvedic wellness products.

Conclusion

Selling on Etsy from India offers a fantastic opportunity to reach a global audience. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, 2025 presents even more opportunities for Indian sellers to work in Etsy’s extensive marketplace of buyers looking for unique, handmade, and personalised products.

From setting up your Etsy shop to adding products and managing payments, the process has become easier and more accessible than ever.

Whether you’re starting with Print on Demand or selling handmade crafts and vintage items, the key to success lies in offering high-quality products, understanding Etsy’s platform and tools, and engaging with your customers in a meaningful way. If you want to sell or purchase something one-of-a-kind and precious products, Etsy may be a game changer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Etsy had paused Indian seller onboarding in late 2023, but that has now changed. As of 2025, Indian sellers can once again open new Etsy shops, sell internationally, and receive payments via Payoneer. A valid GSTIN and a one-time $10 setup fee are required.

No, it is not entirely free to sell on Etsy. While it’s free to create an Etsy account, this will include various fees once you start listing products and making sales:

  • Listing Fee: You pay USD 0.20 for each item you list (this fee renews every four months or upon sale).
  • Purchase Transaction Fee: Etsy charges 6.5% of the total sale price (item price + shipping + gift wrapping).
  • Payment Processing Fee: This varies by country (for India, it’s generally 5% + ₹25 per transaction).
  • One-Time Shop Setup Fee: New Indian sellers may be charged a one-time fee of USD 10 when opening their shop.
  • Other Potential Fees: These may include currency conversion fees and off-site ads fees.

In India, individuals (aged 18+) and registered businesses (like Sole Proprietorships, Private Limited, LLPs, etc.) with a valid GSTIN and PAN can sell on Etsy. They must also use Payoneer to receive international payments, as Etsy currently does not support domestic sales within India.

As of 2025, all Indian sellers on Etsy are required to provide a valid and active GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).
Etsy is required to collect and remit taxes (like TCS and TDS) on your behalf, and they need your GSTIN to comply with Indian tax laws. If you don’t provide one, your shop may be suspended and your payments withheld.

Yes, you can make money selling shirts on Etsy. Success depends on unique designs, competitive pricing that covers fees, and effective marketing to reach a broad audience. Many sellers use print-on-demand services to make money selling t-shirts.

The time it takes to make your first sale on Etsy varies greatly, but it’s common for new sellers to wait anywhere from a few weeks. Some sellers get sales much faster, even within days, while for others it can take longer.
Factors such as product uniqueness, photo quality, effective keyword usage (SEO), and your marketing efforts significantly impact how quickly you start selling.

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About the author

Udhay

With more than 4 years of hands-on experience, Udhay is a reliable partner for enhancing product landscape and digital content management in Qikink.

Udhay

With more than 4 years of hands-on experience, Udhay is a reliable partner for enhancing product landscape and digital content management in Qikink.

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