Starting an Etsy for artwork

[ShyMer]

So I've been meaning to start an Etsy to sell artwork for a while now, but I'm afraid I don't know how to get started.

I don't feel worried about actually creating the shop (people have told me it's really easy to set up) , but I'm afraid of potential obstacles along the way.

I plan to sell original watercolors, digital paintings, and prints.

I guess my question is for people who have their own shops- what things should I know before I get started? What things should I be aware of?
Also if anybody has any tips for shipping artwork or selling it in general, I'd love to learn from your experience.

Thank you <3

[MermaidCelesteFL]

I don't own an etsy shop, but I have friends that do, as well as other friends in the "commissioned art" community.

First thing is that you're going to want as many examples as possible, and be sure that they look appealing in the pictures. Please, no snapshots of pictures. They don't turn out well.

Second, make sure your prices are comparable to your quality and expertise. A good way to do that is to ask the community what they think.

As for shipping, I wish I could help you out there. But when it comes to digital works, most artists send the print to me in my Dropbox, and I can upload it and use it in whatever I want to do with it.

[PearlieMae]

One place to start is the Etsy Sellers Handbook. Another is to look up on Etsy the things you are going to be selling to see how other people do it. Remember to look at people's policies as well.

Then, DIVE IN!

[Yulia]

Allow yourself to make mistakes, and learn from them.
It's hard, but necessary.

[Ciriun]

I was considering using Etsy for selling some digital art, but I can't for the life of me wrap my head around the whole sales tax thing.

[PearlieMae]

You only have to add sales tax to people who buy from you that are in your state.

[Ciriun]

Okay, looking into it more there are apparently income taxes for Etsy stuff as well. Having never filed taxes on my own, I can tell I'm way out of my depth on this. I had no idea selling stuff online was so complicated. Seems pretty ridiculous to me and more hassle than it is worth for the amount I was planning to charge.

[PearlieMae]

Well, the hard part is actually making some sales. All you have to do is report how much money you made from your Etsy account, minus the cost of your supplies. It's not rocket science.

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