10 Top Etsy Side Hustles: Highest Paying Products For 2024
Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by John Cirelly
Etsy is an amazing platform to start a side business, especially if you’re a bit creative. Below are 10 Etsy side hustles with some of the largest profit margins and the highest sales volume that you can try for yourself.
1. 3D Print Figurines on Etsy
3D printing figurines on Etsy taps into a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts.
By designing and producing unique figurines, you can cater to fans of various themes, from pop culture to personalized miniatures.
This venture requires a blend of creativity, technical skill in 3D modeling, and a bit of patience for the printing process.
The time commitment can vary, from a few hours for designing and modeling to several more for printing and post-processing, depending on the complexity of the designs.
Getting Started
Dive into the world of 3D printing by first mastering a 3D modeling software—many of which are free like Blender or Tinkercad.
Understand the preferences of your target market by researching trending themes or directly engaging with potential customers through social media or forums.
Invest in a reliable 3D printer that suits your production needs, starting with smaller, less expensive models to keep initial costs low.
Build a portfolio of your designs to showcase on your Etsy shop, attracting buyers with your unique creations.
What You’ll Earn
The earning potential from selling 3D printed figurines on Etsy can be quite attractive.
Prices for custom figurines can range from $20 to over $100 each, depending on size, complexity, and customization level.
Considering material costs and Etsy fees, you could net a profit margin of approximately 50-70% per item.
With consistent sales, especially of higher-priced, personalized figurines, reaching or surpassing $1,000 a month is achievable with a well-curated and marketed Etsy store.
2. Sell Etsy Printables
Selling printables on Etsy is a fantastic way to generate income with minimal ongoing effort after the initial design phase.
You create digital files for things like planners, art prints, or educational materials that customers can buy and print themselves.
This model’s beauty lies in its scalability; once a design is listed, it can sell repeatedly without additional production costs, making it highly time-efficient.
With a keen eye on trends and a bit of marketing savvy, you can turn your creative designs into a steady stream of passive income.
Getting Started
Kickstart your printable business by pinpointing which types of printables are in high demand but have lower competition on Etsy, like specialized planners for teachers or budget trackers for new parents.
Master a specific design tool that aligns with the type of printable you want to create; for intricate art prints, Adobe Illustrator might be your go-to, whereas Canva offers simplicity for planners and worksheets.
After designing, present your products attractively by creating mockups that show potential buyers exactly how they can use your printables.
Finally, leverage social media and Etsy ads to drive traffic to your listings, focusing on seasons or events to maximize sales potential.
What You’ll Earn
The earning potential for Etsy printables varies widely based on your niche, pricing strategy, and how many listings you maintain.
Generally, sellers price their printables between $2 and $20, with virtually no overhead costs after the design is complete.
If your store gains traction, earning between $500 to $2,000 a month is within reach, with top sellers making significantly more.
The key is to maintain a broad and regularly updated selection of designs to encourage repeat purchases and attract a wide audience.
3. Sell Digital Pattern Downloads
Selling digital pattern downloads on Etsy offers a creative outlet for designers and a profitable opportunity to tap into the DIY and crafting community.
This involves creating patterns for various crafts, like knitting, sewing, or crocheting, and selling them as downloadable files.
Once you’ve created a pattern, it can sell an unlimited number of times, offering a steady income stream with minimal additional effort.
The time you’ll invest primarily revolves around the initial design process and customer support, making it a flexible option for those with fluctuating schedules.
Getting Started
To carve out a successful niche in digital patterns, start by researching which types of crafts are trending and see where your interests could fill a gap in the market.
Focus on creating clear, detailed patterns that cater to your chosen niche, ensuring they’re accessible for beginners yet engaging for more experienced crafters.
Use high-quality images and detailed descriptions to showcase your patterns, helping potential buyers visualize the end product.
Connect with the crafting community on platforms like Instagram and Ravelry, gathering feedback to refine your designs and drive traffic to your Etsy store.
What You’ll Earn
The price for digital patterns on Etsy can range widely, from $5 to $20, depending on the complexity and demand for the craft.
With minimal costs involved after the initial design phase, your profit margins can be quite high, often exceeding 90%.
Sellers who consistently produce high-quality, in-demand patterns can realistically aim to make $500 to $1,000 monthly after establishing their store.
Successful sellers often branch into related niches or offer bundled patterns to increase their earnings potential further.
4. Offer Customize Clothing on Etsy
Offering customized clothing on Etsy allows you to cater to customers looking for something unique and personal.
This can range from personalized t-shirts and hoodies to bespoke dresses and tailored suits.
The appeal here is in the customization; customers love buying clothing that speaks to their personality or commemorates special occasions.
The time commitment depends on your process for customization and your ability to manage orders, but it’s a business that can grow with you as you streamline your operations.
Getting Started
Dive into the customized clothing market by first determining your niche—whether it’s graphic tees, embroidered hats, or custom-fit garments.
Invest in the necessary equipment, like a high-quality printer for heat press designs or an embroidery machine, depending on your focus area.
Develop a seamless process for taking custom orders, possibly through a detailed listing that allows buyers to specify their preferences.
Create a standout brand by showcasing your unique designs and customer transformations on social media, drawing in those looking for personalized clothing options.
What You’ll Earn
Customized clothing on Etsy can command a wide range of prices, typically starting at $20 for simple custom tees and going up to several hundred dollars for more intricate or tailored items.
Your profit margin will depend on the cost of materials and the complexity of customization but expect it to be around 50-70%.
With effective marketing and quality products, hitting a monthly income of $1,000 to $2,000 is achievable once you’ve built up your reputation and customer base.
High-ticket items like bespoke suits or wedding dresses can significantly boost your earnings with just a few sales.
5. Sell Unique Furniture on Etsy
Selling unique furniture on Etsy allows you to showcase your craftsmanship and appeal to customers in search of one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes.
This venture is perfect for those with a passion for furniture making, whether it’s upcycling vintage finds or crafting custom pieces from scratch.
Your success will hinge on your ability to create distinctive designs that resonate with buyers and on the quality of your workmanship.
Time investment varies significantly based on the complexity of the furniture you’re creating and your production capacity.
Getting Started
Begin by identifying a niche that aligns with your skills and passion—be it mid-century modern restorations or bespoke farmhouse-style tables.
High-quality photos and detailed descriptions in your listings will help your pieces stand out.
Consider offering customization options to attract a broader audience, allowing customers to choose finishes or design elements.
Utilize social media platforms, especially Pinterest and Instagram, to showcase your creations and behind-the-scenes processes, building interest and attracting traffic to your Etsy store.
What You’ll Earn
The price point for unique furniture on Etsy can vary widely, from modestly priced upcycled pieces starting around $100 to custom-made items that can fetch thousands of dollars.
Your earnings will depend on the materials used, the time invested in each piece, and the uniqueness of your designs.
Furniture sellers can see profit margins ranging from 30% to 50%, with custom and higher-end pieces generally yielding higher returns.
Building a strong brand and customer base could see you earning $2,000 to $5,000 monthly, with top sellers making significantly more from high-ticket items.
6. Sell Unique Jewelry
Selling unique jewelry on Etsy is an excellent way to express your creativity while reaching customers looking for something special and personal.
This market thrives on individuality, allowing you to explore various styles, materials, and techniques.
Whether you’re drawn to fine jewelry, funky costume pieces, or artisanal crafts, there’s a niche for you.
The time you’ll invest depends on the complexity of your designs and your production methods, but jewelry making can be both rewarding and flexible, fitting around other commitments.
Getting Started
Zero in on a style or theme that not only excites you but also has a demand on Etsy. This could range from sustainable, eco-friendly pieces to personalized birthstone jewelry.
High-quality photographs that capture the beauty and detail of your work are crucial for standing out.
Build an engaging brand story around your creations to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Use social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to showcase your process and final products, drawing potential customers to your Etsy shop.
What You’ll Earn
The earning potential for unique jewelry on Etsy varies greatly, depending on your niche, material costs, and the exclusivity of your designs.
Simple handmade pieces might start at $15, while more elaborate or fine jewelry can command prices of several hundred dollars or more.
With a solid brand and consistent marketing, earning $1,000 to $3,000 per month is achievable.
The key to higher earnings lies in creating a loyal customer base and offering pieces that stand out in Etsy’s crowded marketplace.
7. Offer Custom Pet Portraits
Offering custom pet portraits on Etsy taps into pet owners’ deep affection for their furry friends, providing a unique opportunity to blend artistry with animal love.
Utilizing AI tools like Midjourney, you can transform pet photos into realistic-looking watercolor paintings or other artistic styles, offering a modern twist on traditional pet portraiture.
This approach not only saves time but also allows for creative flexibility, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.
The time investment per portrait can be significantly reduced with AI assistance, making it possible to handle a higher volume of orders.
Getting Started
Start by familiarizing yourself with AI art tools, experimenting with different styles to create a portfolio that showcases your range.
Offer options for customization, such as background choices and the inclusion of the pet’s name, to make each portrait feel personal and unique.
High-quality, clear photos from customers are crucial for the best results, so provide clear guidelines on what types of photos work best.
Market your services by sharing before-and-after portraits on social media, emphasizing the transformation and emotional impact of your work.
What You’ll Earn
Custom AI-generated pet portraits on Etsy can be priced from $40 to over $100, depending on the complexity, size, and whether the portrait is digital or printed.
With minimal costs for digital products and reasonable costs for printing and shipping if offering physical prints, the profit margin can be quite high.
Successful sellers in this niche can easily earn between $1,000 to $2,000 per month, especially with effective marketing and customer service.
Repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers can further boost your income, making this a potentially lucrative endeavor.
8. Sell Print on Demand Artwork on Etsy
Selling print-on-demand artwork on Etsy offers a streamlined way to sell your art without the need for stocking inventory.
You create the art, and a third-party company handles the printing and shipping directly to your customers.
This model is ideal for artists looking to sell their work on a variety of products, from posters and canvas prints to phone cases and apparel, without the upfront costs of traditional retail.
If you’re not super artistic, you can use an AI tool like Midjourney to create design profitable designs, making this a great AI-powered side hustle.
Getting Started
Begin by researching print-on-demand services to find one that offers the quality and range of products you want to sell. I personally love Printiful. They’re super easy to work with and have great margins.
Next, create some digital designs for your clothing. If you’re an artist, you’ve got this covered, if you’re not, check out Vexels.
It’s a platform that creates designs specifically to convert sales, and they make it super simple to customize designs to your liking.
Set up your Etsy shop with detailed listings, including mock-ups of your artwork on the products to give customers a clear idea of what they’re buying.
Be sure to optimize each of your Etsy listings to get featured in Etsy search for some nice recurring revenue each month!
What You’ll Earn
The earnings from selling print-on-demand artwork can vary based on the products you offer and your pricing strategy.
Typically, artists set their profit margins by adding a markup to the base cost of each product, which can range from $5 to $50 or more per item.
With strategic marketing and a steadily growing catalog of designs, it’s possible to earn $500 to $2,000 per month.
Success in this niche depends on your ability to create art that resonates with buyers and effectively market your Etsy store.
9. Make and Sell Candles on Etsy
Making and selling candles on Etsy is a great way to tap into the home decor market, offering customers a range of scents, colors, and styles.
This craft combines creativity with the appeal of handmade, bespoke products, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with fragrances and decorative elements.
The time required to start a candle-making business can vary, focusing on the initial setup, sourcing materials, and perfecting your candle recipes.
Once established, the process can be streamlined to manage orders more efficiently, allowing for a scalable business model.
Getting Started
To kick off your candle-making venture, begin by learning the basics of candle-making, including safety practices, through online tutorials or workshops.
Source high-quality materials and experiment with different scents and waxes to create a unique product line.
Consider your branding and packaging, which play significant roles in attracting customers on Etsy. I personally like the candles with witty names.
Utilize high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions in your listings to convey the quality and uniqueness of your candles.
Engaging with your followers on social media and offering seasonal or limited-edition scents can also help maintain interest and attract new customers.
What You’ll Earn
Candles on Etsy can range in price from $10 for basic models to $50 or more for large, elaborately scented candles with unique designs or eco-friendly ingredients.
Your profit margin will largely depend on the cost of materials and shipping, with most sellers maintaining a 50-70% margin.
Establishing a strong brand and loyal customer base can lead to monthly earnings of $1,000 to $3,000, with the potential for more during peak gift-giving seasons.
Success in this niche requires consistency in quality, effective branding, and responsiveness to trends and customer feedback.
10. Sell Fun Card/Board Games
Selling fun card games and board games on Etsy opens a creative avenue to tap into the growing market of tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
This venture is perfect for those with a knack for game design and a love for creating engaging, entertaining experiences.
Developing a game involves not just the design of the game mechanics but also the artwork and narrative, making it a multifaceted project.
The time commitment can vary widely, from the initial concept and design phase to production and shipping, depending on whether you’re creating handcrafted editions or working with a manufacturer for larger runs.
Getting Started
Begin by thoroughly researching and playing various card and board games to understand what makes them successful and enjoyable.
Develop a unique game concept that fills a gap in the market or offers a new twist on classic mechanics.
For production, consider options like print-on-demand services for cards and game components to minimize upfront costs.
Utilize social media, crowdfunding platforms, and gaming forums to build anticipation and gather feedback, ensuring your game meets the expectations of your target audience.
What You’ll Earn
The pricing for card and board games on Etsy can vary significantly, from $15 for simple card games to $60 or more for elaborate board games with extensive components.
Profit margins depend on production costs, which can be kept low with print-on-demand services or by offering digital downloads of your game.
With a well-received game and effective marketing, monthly earnings of $500 to $2,000 are achievable, with the potential for more as your game gains popularity.
Can Etsy be a good side hustle?
Etsy can indeed be a fantastic side hustle for many reasons.
It provides a platform for creative individuals to monetize their hobbies or craftsmanship, turning passion projects into profitable ventures.
Etsy’s global reach allows sellers to access a wide customer base, increasing the potential for sales beyond local markets.
The flexibility of managing an Etsy shop means you can adjust your commitment based on your schedule, making it an ideal option for those looking to supplement their income without the constraints of a traditional part-time job.
Can you make $1000 a month on Etsy?
Yes, making $1,000 a month on Etsy is entirely feasible, especially with dedication and a strategic approach.
Start by selecting a niche that aligns with your interests and has a strong market demand.
Focus on creating high-quality, unique products and utilize Etsy’s SEO to improve your shop’s visibility.
Connecting with your customer base and using social media for promotion can also drive traffic to your shop.
With consistent effort and by leveraging the insights gained from initial sales to refine your offerings, reaching a monthly income of $1,000 or more is a realistic goal for many Etsy sellers.
What is the most profitable item on Etsy?
The most profitable items on Etsy include handmade soaps, digital prints, and furniture.
According to recent trends, handmade soaps top the list with a profit margin exceeding 60%, appealing to consumers looking for organic, custom, and unique cleansing options.
Digital art prints follow closely, offering a 50% profit margin due to low production and distribution costs, catering to customers seeking affordable, instant ways to spruce up their living spaces.
Custom furniture ranks third, with about a 30% margin but a higher overall total profit per item, as consumers are willing to pay a premium for bespoke pieces that fit their specific space and style requirements.
These items showcase the diverse opportunities on Etsy for creative entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses.
