Etsy Insights: Learnings to Take Into the New Year
Hi everyone,
I’m Isabella from the Community team, stopping by with a gentle note as we all step into the new year!
As you plan for 2026, this is a great moment to pause, reflect, and gather a few meaningful insights from the tools at your fingertips. Here’s a reminder of a few that might help. 🧡
1. Study Your Shop Data 🗓️
Take time to dig into your shop stats: the number of views you got at different times of the year, where these views originated from, and how often views converted to sales. You may also have a ‘Year in Review’ you can look over, which is more than a recap—think of it as your personal roadmap to growth!
You can use all of these insights to better understand your shop’s performance and identify patterns to build on this year (and celebrate how far you’ve come 🎉).
2. Explore Marketplace Insights 🔍
While your own data tells part of the story, Etsy’s Marketplace Insights is here to help you see the bigger picture—what’s trending, which way buyer behavior is leaning, and which categories show promise. You can also explore your own category further to discover relevant listing keywords that can help you reach new buyers.
Balancing reflection with forward thinking can help you plan for the next chapter of your shop.
3. Lean on the Etsy Community 💞
If you haven’t yet, now’s the perfect time to connect with fellow sellers. The new Community Hub offers a refreshed space to network, collaborate, and find support from people who truly get the creative journey.
Join a team, ask for a shop critique, or dive into education threads and insights—you’ll gain new perspectives and inspiration that can spark fresh ideas for the year ahead.
What did 2025 teach you about your shop and what’s one thing you’re excited to try in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.
Admin
LittleMoonArtCraft
·7 months ago2025 taught me the value of refining rather than expanding. Instead of constantly adding new styles, I focused on improving resolution, texture, and how artwork translates on large screens inside real homes. I also realized that people are looking for originality and distinction rather than endless variations of the same best-selling designs. This process taught me to trust my own creativity, better understand what people are actually seeking, and create designs that speak to different moods and personalities. Designing specifically for Frame TV displays helped me better understand how scale, color balance, and detail affect the viewing experience. In 2026, I plan to push this approach further by creating more immersive, screen-first artworks and refining my listings to align with how buyers truly search and decorate.
MsKaynar
·7 months ago2025 reminded me that consistency and thoughtful presentation truly make all the difference. I focused on creating calm, modern artworks designed for everyday interiors, and this helped my shop reach the right audience. I also learned how important it is to understand buyer intent and refine listings so the art connects with the spaces people actually live in. In 2026, I’m excited to explore new floral and neutral compositions, and to experiment with fresh mockup styling that better shows how my pieces come to life in real homes.
PhoneCasesFashion
·7 months ago@PhoneCasesFashion 2025 taught me how powerful consistency and clear branding really are. When I focused on a cohesive aesthetic and optimized my listings instead of constantly changing directions, my shop started to feel more “trustworthy” to buyers.
It also reminded me that quality visuals and detailed descriptions matter just as much as the design itself—especially for phone cases where protection and style go hand in hand.
In 2026, I’m excited to experiment more with storytelling in my listings and test a few bolder, limited-edition designs to see how my audience responds. Looking forward to learning and growing alongside everyone here!
ShifanTrendHub
·7 months agoHello everyone! I’m a small business owner on Etsy, and this platform has given me an amazing opportunity to grow my shop and reach customers worldwide. Etsy truly supports creativity and handmade businesses. Your support means a lot to me, and every order helps my shop grow. Thank you for supporting small businesses on Etsy!
CONEON
·7 months ago"Hi Isabella! Thank you so much for these encouraging tips. Reflecting on my 2025 data has been eye-opening, and I’m really looking forward to engaging more with the Community Hub this year. 2026 is going to be a year of growth!"
ValyrianStitch
·7 months agoThanks a lot. Will be investing more time into the insights now.
PawPets
·7 months agoThanks for your suggestions.
HAWAIWOOLRUG
·7 months agoWe want to sell natural and high-quality carpets. If we receive an order, we will do our work with full dedication and hard work.”
Anshalsaddlery
·7 months agoEven when customers don’t immediately say thank you, that kindness always finds its way back—through a sweet message, a loyal repeat customer, or even a sudden boost in sales. 💛
LullabyBayUKGifts
·7 months agoThank you for the quick insigts and suggestions. I've made changes to my shop already! I'm still very new to this and have not really focused on improving traffic to my shop (or even looking at the stats!) But I've set it as one of my main goals for this year to really delve into how Etsy works and how I can get it to work for me and my shop. Thank you! It's great to be here!
RadiantHeart1111
·7 months agoHey everyone, I’ve been on Etsy for about a year and a half now — not that long — and I really wish I had more visitors and sales. I’m doing my best to work with how Etsy operates. Over the past year, I’ve learned how important it is to be clear about your brand and to really build it up, and that’s where I’ve been putting most of my focus.
I’ve been learning about keywords, titles, and all the SEO side of things… and wow, it’s a lot! Do any fellow artists have tips or advice they’d be happy to share?
One thing I also wanted to mention is that I’ve noticed some sellers seem to be reselling mass-produced items, which is a bit disheartening. It would be great if Etsy monitored this more closely.
Thank you for creating this platform — I’m working hard to make it work for me and my small business.
chevintage
·7 months agoHello everybody, my name is Che. i'm excited to make this platform as my full time career. any one? please give me some advise how to sell it consistently ?
PrairiePrimitives
·7 months ago@FidosFlowers I'm seeing several posts in languages other than English. Do we no longer have an easy way to translate these posts ... as we did with the old forums?
SabahStyle
Hi @PrairiePrimitives 👋 We understand how important it is to be able to connect easily across languages. At this time, the most accurate and seamless way to translate content in the new Community Hub is by using your web browser’s built-in translation tool or a translation extension. These tools are designed to work across most websites and provide fast, precise translations. For example, if you’re using Google Chrome, right-click anywhere on the page and select ‘Translate to [Your Language]’. You can also install the Google Translate or browser extension for quick translations on any site. All of that said, I'm noting the feedback around an in-platform translator tool -- thank you as always for sharing your feedback with our team!
PrairiePrimitives
·7 months agoI learned (or re-learned!) that when I'm working in overdrive getting ready for local craft fairs, I can't ignore my shop. I've known this for years but I'm also afraid of listing everything I'm making because what if it actually all sold (or even a lot of it, if not all of it)??? I usually don't want to list the newest handmade items, because I want my craft fair booth to look well-stocked and have things those shoppers haven't seen before!
Yesterday I applied for 3 local shows ... so I've got my work cut out for me!!!
CBGWorkshop
·7 months agoIn my 9 1/2 years selling on Etsy the main thing I have learned is that if I approach after-sale customer service issues with humility and a focus on my customer's experience and satisfaction (rather than on my profits or ego) then good things will happen.
chevintage
·7 months agonice view
CactusCountryAntique
·7 months agoMaybe this is not the right forum but I have a suggestion. Etsy needs to make offers that are excepted binding as other sites do. Rather than have "fishing" by customers have their method of payment linked to the offer. If an offer is accepted then payment is taken at that time. It is a waste of shop owner's time to accept offers from customers then they don't pay. Additionally, I sell antiques and collectibles on your site not crafts. Is there a group that sells similar items to mine on Etsy. If there is I would like to join that group. Thanks for your hard work to help me grow my business .
PrairiePrimitives
·7 months agoCheck out Etsy Teams! If you don't see one that's quite the right fit, you can start your own Etsy Team!
I agree with making offers binding (like eBay does).
rioritajewelry
·7 months agoI have joined a new group of artists and it was excting to meet them on social communities.
It contributes to creativity.
Thank you for your wonderful advice .
Anshalsaddlery
·7 months agoWe are looking for support and guidance from the authorities and the community to improve this process. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your opinions and suggestions.
Anshalsaddlery
·7 months agoThank you for sharing this. It’s very helpful. I joined a 5 month ago and have been struggling with sales but looking forwards to what this new year brings my way. I definitely have tons to learn!
DremsDesigns
·7 months agomerhaba burda bulunmak etsy topluluğuna katılmak mükemmmel bir duygu ben 1 aylık küçük bir dükkanım sizin iç görüleriniz bana umut verdi henüz bir ürün satamamış olsamda hayelllerimi mağazama yansıtmaya devam ediyorum biliyorumki burada sizlerle olmak beni gururlandırıyor motivasyon için teşekkkürler ❤️Community ekibi Etsy de bulunmayı seviyorum❤️
TuttiCreative
·7 months ago2025 taught me how important it is to slow down and truly listen to my shop data instead of reacting emotionally. I noticed clear patterns in what my customers respond to and the times when they are most engaged. ✨
Moving forward more intentionally in 2026 excites me — refining my listings, experimenting more thoughtfully with keywords, and focusing on intention-driven creation. My products are reaching people all over the world, and being here is wonderful. Thank you. 💗💗✨
Much love,
Tutti Co.
YellowOaksLLC
·7 months agoFamily emergencies have made it hard for me to get where I would like to be in my shop. But what I learned in 2025 is to be thankful for the progress I have made. Every shop is different and everyone has a different story to tell. Also, I have learned that I need to work harder on my photos and that is what I intend to do for 2026. I also need more items in my shop. I will continue to add items. After all, this is what I like to do!
PrymieGoodsDesign
·7 months agothanks you for learn
MaddelynDigital
·7 months ago · EditedThank you for this insight.
I have only been an Etsy seller for 2 months, so 2025 wasn't quite the learning curve. However, I will take on everyone's comments and apply them to my listings and branding for hopes of opportunity and success. I feel I am not doing enough at times, but I feel when someone purchased a product for the first time, I felt like I was floating in the clouds! That high lasted a week! Haha, but yes I too look forward to this year and I have a lot of hard work in front of me, so head down for me! Tips like this make my work all that more focused and gives me direction. So thank you all. Happy new year everyone!
HarmonyLoops
·7 months agoThank you for sharing this. It’s very helpful. I joined a year ago and have been struggling with sales but looking forwards to what this new year brings my way. I definitely have tons to learn!
YourFrugalFriend
·7 months agoWhen are Marketplace Insights going to have a longer date range?
InBazarDesign
·7 months agoThank you for sharing these thoughtful insights, it’s always refreshing to reflect and plan with intention. We at Inbazar Design are excited for new opportunities and collaborations in 2026. If anyone would like to connect or explore our collection, we’d love to hear from you. Wishing everyone growth and creativity in the new year!
EternalRoseFR
·7 months ago2025 really reminded me that consistency and storytelling matter just as much as the product itself. Even when views didn’t immediately turn into sales, I learned a lot from how people interacted with my listings, photos, and descriptions—and that feedback has been invaluable.
For 2026, I’m excited to focus on refining my branding, improving my visuals, and experimenting with new designs while staying true to the handmade, emotional side of my creations. I also plan to lean more into keywords and trends from Marketplace Insights to reach the right audience.
If anyone’s curious, I’ve been building a shop centered around meaningful, handcrafted pieces made to be gifted and remembered—always happy to hear feedback or connect with fellow sellers. Wishing everyone a creative and successful year ahead! ✨
digitstr
·7 months ago2025 taught me how important consistency and the right keywords are in digital products. I learned to analyze which designs get the most interest by using data. In 2026, I plan to focus on designing more niche-focused and original digital products by closely following trends. ✨
PagesPlayful
·7 months agoI’m brand new here and just opened my shop in 2026, so this post is incredibly helpful and encouraging.
Right now, I’m learning to slow down, study the data, and build strong foundations from the start instead of rushing. Reading insights like this reminds me that growth is a journey, not an overnight result.
For 2026, I’m excited to learn, experiment, and improve step by step, especially by listening to buyers and learning from this community. Grateful to be starting this journey alongside so many experienced and creative sellers. 🧡
Wishing everyone a meaningful and successful year ahead.
CushionCrafterStore
·7 months agoHi everyone,
2025 was not just a year of creating and selling for me; it was a year of getting to know the people behind every message, every question, and every piece of feedback. Especially with custom-made products, I clearly saw how meaningful trust and sincere communication truly are.
As I step into 2026, I aim to use the insights Etsy provides more thoughtfully, refine my products and keywords, and continue offering my customers a smoother, more enjoyable, and worry-free shopping experience.
The shared experiences, inspiring ideas, and being part of this community mean a great deal to me.
Thank you all.
ABINTERNATIONALCRAFT
·7 months agoThank you for sharing these insights, Isabella! ✨
2025 taught me the importance of consistency, smart pricing, and understanding international shipping challenges. In 2026, I’m focusing on improving my listings, using Marketplace Insights more effectively, and staying active in the Etsy Community to keep learning and growing.
Shop: Ab International Craft
https://www.etsy.com/shop/abinternationalcraft
IMaccessory
·7 months ago2025 taught me that my shop truly reflects what I pour into it.
The more creativity, time, and heart I invest, the more it gives back. This year really confirmed that extra love matters—from thoughtful packaging, handwritten thank-you notes, and surprise free gifts, to quick responses and going the extra mile with repairs, sizing adjustments, or small favors at no charge.
Even when customers don’t immediately say thank you, that kindness always finds its way back—through a sweet message, a loyal repeat customer, or even a sudden boost in sales. 💛
In 2026, I’m excited to try something new:
I plan to work with a professional who can better analyze Etsy’s data to help me improve performance, minimize costs, and maximize sales—so I can grow smarter while continuing to create with heart.
Imaccessory
TheSorceressDen
·7 months agoI took a moment to slow down while some personal adjustments were made at home. It definitely reflected on my sales and views. Consistency is absoulty key. So I want to build my shop back up to get farther than I was in 2024. Ya know. Since 2025 was "relaxed"
Adaness
·7 months ago2025 taught me, above all else, to be patient and how even the smallest details (like those little notes in the packaging!) can make a huge difference. I realized that the connection I build with my customers is just as valuable as the product itself :)
In 2026, I want to produce more, build more connections, and continue to put the same care into every package. I'm excited to grow this journey together with small but meaningful touches.
https://adaness.etsy.com
HoryalfAtelier
·7 months agoHello everyone, I'm Flora, a single mother and craftswoman, and the owner of HoryalfAtelier. This is a newly registered shop from the past year. I've been observing the ETSY platform for a long time, wavering between trying and worrying. It was my child who encouraged me, telling me to be brave and do what I love. I incorporate my reflections on the beautiful moments in life with my child into my creations. Each piece I handcraft at Horyalf represents a tangible symbol of love, a genuine expression of my emotions. As a new seller, I yearn to mature in all aspects and greatly appreciate your encouragement and guidance. Thank you!
SATOANA
·7 months agoHislidenKnitwear
·7 months agoHello! I'm the Store Manager from HislidenKnitwear. I’ve been on Etsy for nearly 15 years, but the past year has been challenging both personally and professionally, which limited how much I could focus on my shop. When I returned my attention to Etsy, new U.S. customs tariffs were introduced, requiring a full reassessment of pricing, margins, and product strategy. Since tariff costs vary widely by material and item type, I’ve been reviewing classifications carefully and shifting some focus from heavier pieces like sweaters to items with relatively lower tariff impact, such as hats and shawls. Even with these adjustments, rising costs in production, tariffs, and Etsy fees make it difficult for international sellers to remain competitive. I’ll continue adapting through 2026, but this will be a decisive year in terms of long-term sustainability. I appreciate Etsy asking for seller feedback. Thank you.
HandmadeBarefootShoe
·7 months agoHello, I am the store manager of Handmade Barefoot Shoes.
https://handmadebarefootshoe.etsy.com
The first half of 2025 was generally not bad for our store. However, tax regulations in the US created some difficulties for us in the second half of the year. Fortunately, this situation partially recovered within a few months.
However, in the final months of 2025 and the first days of 2026, our visitor and sales numbers dropped significantly. We are trying to understand whether this decline was due to seasonal effects or a mistake in the policy we followed at our store.
We are looking for support and guidance from the authorities and the community to improve this process. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your opinions and suggestions.
FabHello
·7 months ago2025 taught me the value of understanding my shop data and listening closely to customer preferences. Reviewing my stats helped me refine my designs and improve the overall shopping experience. In 2026, I’m excited to focus more on trend-driven colors, thoughtful customization, and continued growth for my shop. You can see my latest work here: https://fabhello.etsy.com
ZacharoKarakonstanti
·7 months agoTo 2025 ξεκίνησε πολύ καλά και μέχρι τον Αύγουστο ήμουν πολύ ικανοποιημένη με τις πωλήσεις των έργων μου. Δυστυχώς όμως λόγω του νέου οικονομικού πλαισίου των εισαγωγών στης Ηνωμένες πολιτείες Αμερικής, τα ελληνικά ταχυδρομεία απέστειλαν την αποστολή τους προς ΗΠΑ επ αόριστο. Έτσι στέλνοντας τα ζωγραφικά μου έργα μέσω ιδιωτικών εταιρειών μεταφοράς τα έξοδα αποστολής μου αφαιρούν το μεγαλύτερο κομμάτι του κέρδους μου!!Εύχομαι αυτό να αλλάξει το 2026!!
OxMoronShop
·7 months agoI have recently opened an Etsy store. What I noticed is that the stats shown are never accurate making it difficult to "Study Your Shop Data". Just as an example if have had over 200 unique sales but when I sort the stats by amount of order it only shows the articles that have sold the most which comes out to around 60 sales. It simply doesn't show me the actual data. Why is that? It's actually very bothersome as I had to go through all pages of my listings tab to get accurate data to calculate my expected sales etc.
I assume this is supposed to be a feature and not a bug but I can't see the benefit in not getting accurate information in an easily accessible way.
Best,
Patrick
BlockOraHaus
·7 months agoThanks for sharing, Isabella!
2025 helped me clearly understand my shop performance, seasonal demand, and what truly converts views into sales. In 2026, my focus is on stronger SEO, better product presentation, and using Marketplace Insights more strategically while staying connected with the Etsy Community.
https://blockorahaus.etsy.com
Itsybitsytinytown
·7 months agoThank you for sharing your tips for 2026, Isabella.
I started my Etsy shop in December 2025, focusing on digital products for toddlers and preschoolers. This year, I plan to learn more about the Etsy marketplace, improve my SEO, and develop strategies to grow my shop, increase views, and convert them into sales.
KazaRugs
·7 months agoThanks for sharing, Isabella!
2025 taught me to focus more on what actually converts, not just views.
In 2026 I’m excited to refine my listings using Marketplace Insights and grow more consistently.
https://kazarugs.etsy.com
ArtisanAlleyCA
·7 months agoHi Isabella,
Once I've learned the procedure selling to the USA due to the tariffs, how to sell my products sourced and made in Canada, I did have a few sales in December. All in all a very poor showing for the year and hoping for a better one in 2026. If I could make a suggestion to the Etsy staff: You should make it possible to charge a calculated shipping rate for domestic Canadian shipments and charge a Flat Rate World wide. Currently this is not possible and one is forced to either one or the other. I think the shipping charges ate up most of my profits.
myvintagepeace
·7 months agoI have realized that I had a lot more sales to the USA than I thought. I have stopped selling to the USA at this point because of the tariffs. 35% is too much to add to the cost of the Vintage Clothing I am selling. Each one weighs and measures differently so I am not able or wanting to put a fixed amount for postage. Instead of one sale a week I am lucky to have one sale a month or less. 2026 started out fantastic but ended poorly for me.
MaxGallows
·7 months agoI learned that my shop can make money. I am excited to try to make more money in 2026. As a great mind once said, "I like money."
CeramicPassionarta
·7 months agoI used to love selling on Etsy and have had a surprising amount of success
The sad fact is that once a shop becomes “successful “Etsys fees then cripple the shop.@25% total fee payable to Etsy (to include a marketing fee and the usual Etsy fee ….)for the life of the shop!…. becomes unsustainable .
Etsy advise pricing accordingly but Ultimately the seller (me)becomes uncompetitive .For example I sold a pair of Staffordshire dogs £170 plus £70 pp to USA.(Incidentally The poor buyer had to pay @£25 tax upfront ).After Etsy fees I am left with £170…and out of that shipping will cost me £70 (plus new tax.)The item cost me £50 …profit £50 minus new tax ,minus 20 % income tax!I have spent half an hour listing item and at least one hour packing it to ensure secure shipping for its Atlantic Crossing….So sadly I have no option and will be shutting my shop very shortly!
CanaryTK
·7 months agoFees are everywhere; we're just laborers enriching the Etsy boss. Haha
CeramicPassionarta
·7 months agoyes absolutely!
CeramicPassionarta
·7 months agoThey will end up killing off the goose that lays the golden egg!
SuperSoftCreationsCo
·7 months agoHi Isabella 👋, thanks for creating this forum. As a new shop, which has started to make sales, I realised that consistency and reflecting on my data is what helped me the most. 📈
I was able to make improvements on my listing e.g. images, titles, tags, etc and this has really helped boost the shop traffic! I am excited for what the new year in 2026 has to offer! 🤗
Shop link: https://supersoftcreationsco.etsy.com
Best Wishes,
SuperSoftCreationsCo
Anshalsaddlery
·7 months agoI will continue to improve my shop and develop more original products and categories.
ZEENATRUG
·7 months agoThank you for the helpful insights, Isabella! ✨
Reviewing shop data, marketplace trends, and connecting with the Etsy community are great reminders as we plan for 2026. Looking forward to applying these learnings and trying new strategies in the year ahead.
https://zeenatrug.etsy.com
EdamameColorsMuseo
·7 months agoHello, thank you and your team for the support.
Although I have only joined the Etsy family for a short 3 months and my traffic is still very low, in the new year I will continue to improve my shop and develop more original products and categories.
DorsetShellGifts
·7 months ago · EditedShop stats tell us next to nothing, the market insight tool is very useful though, as it shows there's not much point in bothering with anything other than the main keyword(s) as literally no one is searching is for them, even colours. It also shows that there's far less customers than competition, so probably not worth bothering with anything at all unless it's a cheap, fast turnover item that's easily mass produced.
Omtozen
·7 months agoHello!! 2025 showed me how important it is to stay consistent and adaptable. For 2026, I’m excited to explore new ideas, refine my products, and continue learning as a seller.
Thank you always for your support and encouragement.
ButterflyFeetDigital
·7 months ago · EditedSometimes change is hard. That alone is part of why adjusting to the new forums is a bit difficult. I hope that gets easier in the new year. Other than that, I plan to just keep on doing the work. And enjoying the creative outlet.
StylishStoneJewelry
·7 months agoHello Isabella! Happy New Year! thanks so much for this inspiring information! 2025 taught me to focus on short and effective listing tiltles. In 2026 I am working on that and keeping an eye on etsy marketplace imnsight. Thanks again. Take care.
MULTICOstudio
·7 months ago2025 taught me the importance of consistency, quality, and building a strong visual identity.
In 2026, I’m excited to launch new curated vector collections and connect more deeply with the Etsy community through collaboration and feedback.
Looking forward to learning and growing together!
Happy New year ....
Sanacreativerugs
·7 months ago2025 taught me the importance of understanding my shop data and buyer behavior more deeply. Focusing on stats, keywords, and listing performance really helped improve visibility and sales.
In 2026, I’m excited to explore Marketplace Insights more, refine my listings further, and stay active in the Etsy Community to keep learning and growing.
Shop Name: Sanacreativerugs
Shop Link: https://sanacreativerugs.etsy.com
VivereCollective
·7 months agoThank you for these insights, Isabella! While I'm excited to scale my shop in 2026, the ongoing 'EU-origin delivery ETA bug' has been a major roadblock for my growth since late 2025. I truly hope the Community and Engineering teams can prioritize fixing these technical carrier discrepancies so that our accurate shipping speeds are finally reflected to buyers."
BeOceanMindedART
·7 months ago2025 taught me that things can change over night on this platform. After mastering SEO, which took years, I now have to jump through more hoops to appeal to an AI algorithm. No matter how much mass production and revenue is rewarded on Etsy, I’m going to continue creating real art. I’m going to keep going. No for the money, but because passion truly runs through me.
At the end of the day, the people that do find my shop love my art. I truly think authenticity over shines the slop on here. A massive amount of sales is nothing compared to someone listing items that are thoughtful, quality, and handmade
BrandonSheaJewelry
·7 months ago2025 taught me that that there is space for us and our items on Etsy. I'm new so learning the marketplace is challenging.
In 2026 I am going to increase the number of products, variations and really improve on presentation and SEO-friendly keywords.
Have a great year everyone!
ChacaraBoutique
·7 months agoThank you very much for the good informations
VivereCollective
·7 months agoHappy new years, thanks for good sharing.
DYEGRL
·7 months agoHappy new year thanks for sharing!
ChillwolfArt
·7 months ago · EditedHappy New Year, and Thank You for sharing!
In the past year, I have seen quite a few Sellers come to the Forum, begging for help after they have contacted Etsy about various Shop related issues, and received zero response. They state they have gone thru an endless loop in "Help", and they don't know where else to turn. They may have issues with Verification (or rolling Re-Verification), or their Shop has been Hacked (that alone, we know hasn't died off since the start of this new Forum; most likely there are Sellers who have not found their way here as of yet). But the fact remains, it's nearly impossible for them to receive the help they need. And oftentimes, Chat gives incorrect answers to their problems. Or blows them off and says they will pass the issue on to a "specialist" (which often is code for "See ya").
Many times, Forum Moderators will move a Thread into a different Category. It would be most helpful if they would comment in Threads where the OP is having difficulty with the issues described above, and perhaps get that person the help they need (either directly or indirectly).
Thank You for your consideration.
ETA: Forgot to add; last year for the first time, I added Alt Text (thumbnail photos only), and used Etsy Labels.
NikkiDunayDesigns
·7 months agoWould you please explain, what Etsy labels and Alt text are?
Thanks so much.
ChillwolfArt
·7 months ago · Edited@NikkiDunayDesigns Etsy Labels are shipping labels that you purchase directly on Etsy. This past year was the first time I used them. The rates are cheaper than the retail prices you would pay should you get postage at the counter. Etsy charges you the price you pay for the Labels. Here is the Etsy Labels Calculator, so you can get estimates.
https://www.etsy.com/shipping/us/price-your-postage
After your Order and before you ship, on the "Orders" Page, click the little Truck Icon to get the label. All you do is fill out the information (it looks similar to that page I sent you above). You buy the label and print it. (I don't have a label maker, so I print mine on regular paper, cut it out and tape to the box. I covered the entire label with shipping tape (to keep it safe, but make sure there are no wrinkles in your tape).
Alt Text is Alternative Text for Buyers who are visually impaired. You would describe exactly what was in the photo. I put it on my thumbnail photo only. When you upload your photo into your listing, click onto the photo. Scroll down and you will see a box to type your Alt Text into.
I will find the information from Help about this. Be right back:)
Here you go.
https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406604492823-How-to-Add-a-Text-Alternative-to-Your-Listing-Images?segment=selling
SpiritualSHIMAYA
·7 months agoIn 2025, I improved my Etsy experience primarily thanks to the Community Hub forums — the shared knowledge, real seller insights, and thoughtful discussions made a real difference for my shop.
For 2026, I’m planning to increase my ad budget and test all three advertising strategies — hoping it won’t be “money thrown to the wind,” but a meaningful investment in growth.
Wishing everyone a creative 2026 and many cha-chings 🛎️😉
nayofashop
·7 months agothanks for that
NuriartDeko
·7 months agoThank you so much for the information; it's very useful. This year I want to improve the photos in my articles and try to improve some of the listing titles that haven't been very successful.
LunaSolStyles
·7 months agoThank you for this post very informative 💗
uncostumed
·7 months ago"If you haven’t yet, now’s the perfect time to connect with fellow sellers. The new Community Hub offers a refreshed space to network, collaborate, and find support from people who truly get the creative journey."
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Buyers now have access to the ENTIRE forum. It is no longer a secure space to connect with fellow sellers to learn how to be a better shop owner as buyers can read and post on every board and use what they learn to scam sellers (and Etsy) out of refunds and sales. Can fixing this be Etsy's top form priority?
SabahStyle
Hello @uncostumed 👋 Buyers do not have access to the entire forum. The only publicly viewable boards are Announcements, Etsy Success, and Technical Issues. The remaining discussion boards within the Community Hub are gated to logged in sellers only. We are aware of an issue that is allowing some non-active shop accounts to post, and our engineering team is working on a fix. In the meantime, please continue reporting any concerning posts so our moderation team can take a look.
uncostumed
·7 months agoThank you for working on this issue to restore seller trust in the forums. It means a lot to me.
SabahStyle
Of course! It is so important to us to continue to improve the seller experience.
BeaconwoodDettman
·7 months ago@SabahStyle Thank you so much for responding to this comment. I started reading and posting in the Forum in 2021 and occasionally, an Etsy moderator will add a comment and it's really exciting to see this - you guys are the source of truth!
An idea for 2026: Would it be possible to have greater Etsy staff engagement in the Forum?
I realize this is a slippery slope and could/would be a full-time job. I think posts like "How do I respond to this buyer's message about ____?" are fine to let sellers share opinions and perspectives. But for posts related to Etsy policies, it would be so refreshing to see an Etsy staff person reply with a link to the Seller Handbook. Also, posts related to specific transactions with a specific buyer, perhaps an Etsy staff person could direct the poster to Etsy Support, rather than have other sellers try to respond.
Thank you for considering!
SabahStyle
@BeaconwoodDettman , hi there! Our team really appreciates the thoughtful suggestions and hearing how meaningful it is when Etsy staff participate in the Forums 🧡
The Community Hub is first and foremost a peer-to-peer space where sellers can connect, learn from one another, and share perspectives. At the same time, please know that there are dedicated teams at Etsy who regularly read the Forums and that your voices here absolutely help inform improvements across Etsy, even when we’re not always visible in the conversation.
We hear the feedback that there's an opportunity for us to be present in the Forums clearly as well. As we look ahead in 2026, we’re planning to deepen and expand Etsy staff engagement in this space in a more intentional way, especially where it can add clarity or point sellers toward the right official resources.
As a reminder, for the most up-to-date guidance on policies or help with specific transactions, contacting Etsy Support or referencing the Seller Handbook and Help Center remains the best path. The Forums complement those resources by offering community insight and shared experience.
Thanks again for your kind words, your ideas, and for being such a thoughtful part of the seller community. We really appreciate your patience as we continue to evolve and improve the Community Hub experience.
BeaconwoodDettman
·7 months agoThat is fantastic, thank you so much!
EverywhereUR
·7 months agoAre the boards visible to the general public, marked as such. If, not it would be a good idea.
SabahStyle
Hello @EverywhereUR 👋 Board descriptions have been updated to indicate which discussion boards are publicly viewable, and which are private to logged in users only. Only the Announcements and Etsy Success boards and viewable to the public. All other boards are gated so that only logged in users can view or engage. Thank you for your feedback!