Etsy help!!

[Thoughtsfortheday]

I wonder if anyone uses Etsy to sell homemade goods on could give me a bit of advice.

My mum and I have set up a little business page on Instagram to sell some of her lovely home knitting, it’s lovely stuff and quite cool/current, ombré wool, Embroidery wording, stitched pictures etc and there does seem to be a market for it though we are right at the start of the journey!!

I have half set up an Etsy account so I can link it through our Insta page but the fact that we are winging this is giving me the fear that I haven’t done enough research.

Is Etsy worth it, I’ve read they take a 4% fee but unsure if it’s taken once you have sold your item or just for putting the listing up, if it’s the latter would I be stupid to set one up just now until we have had a bit more interest on other platforms/word of mouth...

My sister also mentioned tax, what is the best way forward, should I set this up right from the start or do we only have to earn a certain amount before need to start paying...

Any other advice, words of encouragement would be welcomed, as someone that has been out of work for a long time due to having children the responsibility of this is blowing my mind a little bit!!

Anyone?

this thread might be helpful

I have a Etsy shop and it definitely worth it
The fees come off automatically when you sell an item so you are not left with a big bill at the end of the month .
I’m in my first year of selling and I’m so pleased I opened a shop
It is ideal for handmade items and is the best place for you to sell them
you can link your Instagram account to your shop page
I would suggest opening a shop and listing a few bits to start with just to see if there is any interest.
Then only if it does really well after a couple of months you will have to register your shop with the HMRC
You start paying tax Usually after the first year or if you have made over £12000 . Which I recommend using quick books from the start to keep track of sales and expenses
So easy to use

It might seem a little confusing but honestly it’s so easy to set up and keep track of everything.
Do it ! :)

Another little tip
Keep your descriptions simple with what has been used to make the item and measurements.
It’s saves a lot of time with the listing process and customers happy as they do not need to know the history behind the material and that it belongs to a great great granny ect :) just need to know the basics

Wow thanks guys, having had a read I’m feeling a lot more optimistic about the whole thing.

You have to register as self-employed if you make £1000 or more in the year.

Unless you’ve literally registered the business as a business. HMRC website is good for this www.gov.uk/set-up-business

I forgot to say it sounds lovely, and good luck!