Etsy Shopping Secrets

Secrets For Shopping & Saving On Etsy

Every crafter and artist knows that there’s only one website where they can showcase their art or even buy materials.  That website is called Etsy.  

There are so many different items you can find there, and they’re not limited to just artsy pieces.  You can find clothes, home decor, knitwear, minimalist jewelry, smartphone accessories, even things for your big day, and much more. 

However, the pieces you will find are often one of a kind handmade goods that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. And the people who sell them are mostly hobbyists who are eager to share their talent with the public.

This means that there may be some items that will cost more than the items you’ll find commercially. But the good news is, there are some things you can do to save so much time and money on your next Etsy purchase.

Here are 7 of the best money saving secrets for shopping on Etsy. 

Mastering Etsy

One of the easiest ways Etsy users can save is by learning how to navigate the site to your advantage.  You simply need to take a look around so you can be familiar with all of the features.

Especially if you have a new account, did you know you can filter your shop preferences by a specific category or look at similar items that you have purchased in the past?

When it’s time to look for a specific item you want to purchase, make sure you set the lowest price filter, which is found on the left-hand side of the page (on a pc).  This will filter your search results and help you stay within your budget. While still getting your perfect gift or new items for yourself.

Shop Post-Season

The best time to find a costume for Halloween or a decoration for Christmas is right after these holidays. I bought some of my favorite items from Etsy stores this way last year. Buying at the end of the year is a way better option than buying at the highest price.

This is a great time to score on these items since the demand has dropped, and they will often be on sale or have a flash sale. This is an easy way to save so much money.

The best part is that you can even try to purchase the item well in advance, before the rush begins, or just before the available shipping date to receive the item in time. This is the easiest way to receive your family members’ one-of-a-kind items or gifts on time.

When it’s down to the wire and there’s only a day or two left to purchase in order to receive it in time, you might find the item you’ve been wanting on markdown. I do this often with my favorite shops.

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Opt For Etsy Local 

Another way you can save extra money from Etsy sellers is by choosing to shop Etsy locally. To do this just click Custom under Shop location on the left hand side of the page.

Then type in your city, town, state, and/or country and choose the correct location from the dropdown. The page will refresh with only items from shops in the correct location.

Shopping Etsy locally can help save you money on shipping costs, which is always a good thing.

Buy In Bulk

When you’re buying from an online store, the best way you can save on costs is by choosing to buy from just one seller.  If you buy multiple items, you might be able to get a discount.

I do this a lot with small businesses, especially if they have an online shop. I have bought most of my collections of handcrafted jewelry this way, and I usually get free unique items for buying in bulk.

Also buying multiple items from one seller could mean fewer shipping fees.

Watch Out For Promotions

Etsy often runs limited time promotions or limited editions just like other online stores.  Often new sellers will offer a promotion to gain exposure or an online presence for their Etsy store.  Many experienced sellers offer promotions as well, so they can generate new customer interest.

By keeping a close watch on these promotions and product listings, you’ll know when it’s the best time to pull the trigger on a purchase of an item you’ve had your eye on, and this is a better way to shop.

You can also search for sales. Just type in the word sale prior to your search terms. Such as: Sale bracelet and you’ll get a page full of bracelets that are on some sort of promotion from a percentage off to possible free shipping.

Beware Of Sponsored Items

If an item has the word Sponsored on it, chances are the shop owner paid for an ad to have that item show up higher on the page. What that means for you is a higher cost, someone has to pay for that ad, right?

So, just be careful and pay attention to the price and if waiting might be better on a particular item.

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Become A Fan

You can also favorite and follow an Etsy shop that you like.  This way, you can stay up-to-date on any new products or ongoing promotions.

Most shop owners also have accounts you can follow on all the social media platforms. Some even show their whole process . All you have to do is search the store name and find their socials.

You can also befriend the seller and send them a message on Etsy.  If you play your cars right to them, you might even be able to wrangle a discount if you ask for one.  Remember that each shop is run by an individual and you can ask them of they have coupons or special deals coming up.

Etsy is a great place to find one of kind items for a gift or your own home. But, saving money is always an incentive, too. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something for yourself in the way of clothes or home decor, why not check out Etsy?

Do you have a favorite shop on Etsy? Leave it in the comments below so we can all check them out.