How to sell on Etsy Canada: A beginner’s guide

Got an amazing idea and wondering how to sell on Etsy in Canada? You're in the right place! This guide is your complete roadmap to launching and growing a successful Etsy shop.

Etsy is a massive global marketplace with over 95 million active buyers, and to stand out, you need a plan. Let’s get you started on turning your creative passion into a thriving Canadian business.

Why sell on Etsy?

Etsy has carved out a unique niche online by focusing on handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies, thereby setting itself apart from other marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. ​

You can still sell on Etsy even if you’re not hand-crafting products. If you’re looking to sell products like custom t-shirts or hoodies, partnering with a print-on-demand (POD) company like Printful is the perfect option. As long as the designs on the products are your original creations, you’re good to go.

How to sell on Etsy in 7 steps

Let's break down how to start an Etsy shop from scratch. We’ll cover everything from creating your account to optimising your shop for Canadian buyers.

1. Create your Etsy account

First things first, you need an Etsy account. This is quick and free.​

Head over to Etsy, click Sign in in the top right, and then select Register. Fill in your details, and just like that, you’re in!​

2. Open your Etsy shop

With your account created, it’s time to build your shop. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and choose Sell on Etsy.

Source: Etsy

Etsy will guide you through the initial setup. You’ll also be asked to set a few preferences, like language, country, and currency – Canada and Canadian Dollar are available here. ​

Next, you'll choose a shop name. Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect right away – you can change it later.

3. Find your niche and unique selling point (USP)

To make money on Etsy, you need to know who you’re selling to. With millions of sellers on the platform, your unique selling point (USP) is what will make you stand out and be memorable. What do you offer that no one else does?

A strong niche helps you target a specific audience that’s passionate about what you create. For example, someone looking for a "t-shirt for Canada Day barbecue" is a more motivated buyer than someone just browsing for "t-shirts."

Finding your niche is about connecting your passion with an eager-to-buy audience. For more ideas, check out our post on the most profitable print-on-demand niches.

4. Create high-quality products

On Etsy, quality is everything. The platform is built on craftsmanship and creativity. Your products need to look amazing and feel authentic to capture buyers' attention.​

A great product on Etsy tells a story. Whether it’s a hand-drawn design on a hoodie or a stunning piece of wall art, the key elements are the same.

​Jewelry listing from CaitlynMinimalist, currently best-selling shop on Etsy. A perfect example of stunning, clear visuals and a personalized approach to every detail. Source: Etsy

• Exceptional design: Your original artwork is the star. For handmade items, your attention to detail and the quality of materials is crucial.

• Stunning visuals: Your photos are your virtual storefront. Use clear, well-lit images from different angles. Show close-ups of the design, fabric texture, and details.

• Clear descriptions: Be precise. Your description should include materials, dimensions (in centimeters and inches for wider appeal), colour options, and care instructions. This builds trust and helps customers make confident decisions.
  
  

5. Add your products

With your shop created and your niche defined, it’s time to add your products. In Etsy lingo, these are called "listings." You'll need to create at least one listing to officially open your shop. We recommend starting with five to ten listings to give your store a full and professional appearance.​

For each listing, you’ll add:

• Photos and video: Upload up to 20 high-quality images and a short video to showcase your product.

• Listing details: Write a compelling title and description packed with relevant keywords.

• Inventory and pricing: Set your price in Canadian Dollars (C$), specify the quantity available, and add variations like sizes and colours.

• Shipping details: This is where you set your shipping rates. We'll talk more about making this work for your Canadian customers later.
  
  

Source: Etsy

If you're using Printful, this step is even easier. Just connect your Etsy store to your Printful account, and you can push products directly from our Catalog to your shop, complete with mockups and descriptions.

6. Set up payments and billing

Now for the fun part – getting paid. You’ll need to provide your personal info and bank details so Etsy knows where to send your money. Specify whether you're selling as an individual (a sole proprietorship) or a registered business (like a corporation).

The easiest way to manage payments is with Etsy Payments. This lets your customers pay using credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and more, all processed securely through Etsy.

You’ll also need to add a credit card for billing. While opening your shop is free, Etsy has fees for listings and sales, which will be charged to this card.

7. Customise your storefront

Your storefront is your brand’s home on Etsy, so use it to make a great first impression!

• Upload a banner and shop icon: These are the first things visitors see. Use them to showcase your brand’s style and the products you sell.

• Write your shop story: Share your passion. Tell shoppers why you started your business. A personal connection builds trust and loyalty.

• Add featured listings: You can highlight four listings at the top of your page. Choose your bestsellers or seasonal items, like toques for winter or tank tops for a sunny summer weekend.

• Create an announcement: Use this space for important updates, like sales for Boxing Day or shipping deadlines for holidays.
  
  

SymbolicImports uses Featured items to highlight their seasonal products. Source: Etsy

Understanding Etsy fees for Canadian sellers

Opening an Etsy shop is free, but there are fees involved in selling. Here’s a breakdown for Canadian sellers, with all amounts in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

1. Listing fees

For every item you list, Etsy charges a flat fee of C$0.27. This fee is charged whether the item sells or not. Your listing is active for four months, and you'll be charged the same fee to renew it, either manually or automatically.​

2. Transaction fees

When you make a sale, Etsy takes a transaction fee of 6.5% of the total order amount, which includes the product price, shipping, and any gift wrapping.

3. Payment processing fees

For shops using Etsy Payments in Canada, there’s a payment processing fee. The rate for Canadian sellers is 4% + C$0.25 of the total sale amount. This fee is deducted from the sale before the funds are deposited into your account.

4. Advertising fees​

Etsy offers two ways to advertise:​

• Offsite Ads: Etsy advertises your listings on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. You only pay a fee if a shopper clicks on one of those ads and makes a purchase within 30 days. The fee is either 12% or 15% of the order total, depending on your shop's annual revenue.

• Etsy Ads: You can set a daily budget to promote your listings directly within Etsy's search results. You pay per click, and you have full control over your budget and which listings you advertise.
  
  

5. Handling Canadian taxes (GST/HST)

This is a crucial topic for any Canadian business owner. As an Etsy seller, you are responsible for managing your sales tax obligations with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Here’s the key rule: you must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST once your business's worldwide revenue (not just profit) reaches C$30,000 in four consecutive calendar quarters. Once you cross this threshold, you'll need a GST/HST number and must add the appropriate tax rate to your sales based on your customer's province of residence.

Etsy provides tools to help you set up tax rates for different provinces. However, it's always best to consult with a Canadian accountant or bookkeeper to ensure you're compliant.

Etsy selling tips to kickstart your success

Your shop is open! Now, let’s get it in front of shoppers. Here are some tips on how to make money on Etsy.​

1. Optimise your listings for search engines

Search engine optimisation (SEO) helps customers find your products. Think like a buyer – what words would they use to find your item?​

• Use keywords: Research keywords with tools like Google Trends and eRank. Include them in your titles, descriptions, and tags. Be specific. Instead of "hat," try "embroidered beanie for autumn."

• Use all 13 tags: Combine broad terms with long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) to capture different types of searches.

• Organise with categories: Use categories to organise your shop. This helps with Etsy search and makes it easier for customers to browse your products. If you sell apparel, you could categorise by design theme (e.g., "Canadian Nature," "Hockey Life").
  
  

2. Stand out with amazing product photos and videos

Etsy is a visual platform. Your photos and videos do the selling.

• Use natural light: Shoot near a window on a bright day for the best, most accurate colours.

• Showcase your product: Take photos from multiple angles. Include close-ups to show off texture and design quality. Use lifestyle mockups to help customers imagine themselves using your product.

• Add a short video: A quick video showing the product being held or worn can dramatically increase buyer confidence.

**3. Promote your shop on social media**

Marketing is key to growth. Share your products where your target audience browses most.

• Choose the right platform: Instagram and Pinterest are fantastic for sharing product visuals, like photos of apparel and art prints. TikTok is perfect for showing your design process and connecting with a younger audience.

• Share behind-the-scenes content: People love to see the creative process in action. Post videos of you designing, or talk about the inspiration behind a new collection.

• Engage with your community: Run contests, ask for feedback, and collaborate with Canadian influencers in your niche.
  
  

4. Offer fast, local shipping

Shipping can make or break a sale. For Canadian shoppers, seeing fast, affordable, and duty-free shipping is a huge relief.

This is where working with Printful gives you a massive advantage. With our fulfilment centre right here in Canada, your orders are produced locally and shipped to your Canadian customers quickly via carriers like Canada Post. This means no surprise customs fees or long international shipping times.

You can even offer free shipping by building the cost into your product price. It's a powerful psychological perk that can significantly reduce cart abandonment.​

5. Provide outstanding customer service

Great reviews are gold on Etsy. They build trust and social proof.​

• Be clear and honest: Make sure your product descriptions, sizing charts, and shipping times are accurate. When you partner with Printful, order samples first so you know exactly what your customers are getting.

• Communicate promptly: Respond to questions and concerns quickly and politely.

• Encourage reviews: Include a friendly note in your order confirmation asking customers to leave a review if they love their purchase.
  
  

Why you should use Printful to sell on Etsy in Canada

If you’re in Canada and want to start selling custom products on Etsy, Printful is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to do it. Printful is a print-on-demand service that connects directly with your Etsy store. That means you can create and sell custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, and more, without ever having to handle inventory, packaging, or shipping yourself.

Here’s why Canadian sellers love using Printful:

• No upfront costs or inventory risk: You only pay for an item after you’ve made a sale. It’s a low-risk way to test designs and products without having to buy in bulk.
  
  

• Seamless Etsy integration: Printful connects directly with your Etsy shop, automatically syncing your products and orders so you can manage everything from one place.
  
  

• Local fulfillment in Canada: With a Printful facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canadian sellers (and their customers) benefit from faster shipping times and lower delivery costs within Canada.
  
  

• Wide product range: From apparel to accessories and home decor, you can create over 460 unique, high-quality items that represent your brand.
  
  

• Branding options: Add custom packaging inserts, branded labels on apparel, and more.
  
  

• Reliable quality: Printful handles every order with care, ensuring consistent print quality and customer satisfaction.
  
  

Printful makes it simple for Canadians to launch a custom product business on Etsy. You get to focus on creativity while Printful takes care of production and shipping.

Ready to start selling on Etsy?

You now know how to sell on Etsy Canada! Launching a shop takes dedication, but it’s an incredibly rewarding way to share your creativity with the world.

Be consistent, keep learning about marketing and trends, and most importantly, have fun with it. Your passion is what will make your brand special.​

For more deep dives into eCommerce, design, and marketing, check out our free Printful Academy courses. Now, go on and build that amazing Canadian business!