How to Sell on Etsy from Ukraine — Tips for Beginners

Do you make crafts and want to enter the international market? The Etsy marketplace is a great platform for selling abroad. It’s the largest handmade goods service that allows you to customize your store. In this article, DiFFreight experts share useful tips for a successful start.

How to Start Selling on Etsy from Ukraine

Let’s begin with step-by-step registration:

1. Log in to your buyer account.
2. Click the profile icon.
3. Select the "Sell on Etsy" option.
4. Click "Open your Etsy shop."
5. Set your shop preferences: language (English is recommended), country (Ukraine), and currency — US dollars ($USD).
6. Create a shop name and click "Name your shop."
7. Add products. To open your shop, you need to list at least one item. Upload high-quality photos, add a title, description, price, shipping cost, and delivery time. Include relevant keywords for search.

Then connect payment systems:

• Download the Google Authenticator app.
• Open a Payoneer account and link your Ukrainian bank card.
• Go back to Etsy. When entering payment card details, use the same card that you used to create the Payoneer account.
• Link your Payoneer account.
• Choose a two-factor authentication method. In Google Authenticator, scan the QR code or enter the numeric code to complete the setup.
• You will receive secret backup keys (store them in a safe place and don’t lose them).
• Your account will be verified within 7–21 days.

Another common question from beginners is how to sell legally on Etsy from Ukraine. Freelancers must pay taxes, but Payoneer offers one advantage. When creating an account, you can choose from the following types:

• Individual
• Individual (corporate)
• Business (corporate)

All of these options are suitable for private entrepreneurs (FOP) and allow funds to be transferred to Ukrainian business accounts. The only difference is in taxation: entrepreneurs pay according to their tax group, while individuals must declare income independently — the tax rate is 19.5%.

Another financial aspect to consider when selling on Etsy from Ukraine:

• Etsy marketplace fee: 6.5%
• Etsy Payments: from 3% to 6.5% + a fixed $0.30 per transaction
• Payoneer withdrawal fee to Ukrainian cards: 2%

In total, you lose about 14% on transactions alone. An alternative solution is PayPal — you can also withdraw funds to your FOP account from there.

Etsy Promotion Tips

Let’s go over the basic essentials every beginner should know.

• Focus on SEO and Keywords

The real secret often lies not in complex tactics but in understanding how buyers search for products. Don’t fight over high-volume generic queries — focus on specific phrases (e.g., minimalist silver moonstone ring). Write complete product descriptions: include keywords in titles, tags, attributes, and the first lines of your listings.

• Improve Visuals

Etsy customers shop with their eyes — photos and videos are powerful sales tools:

• High-quality photos and videos from different angles give a complete picture of the product. Listings with videos get more attention from both Etsy and shoppers. Record a short 5–15 second clip showing texture, scale, or how the item is used.
• Use infographics directly on the images (subtly!). Mention sizes, options, or special features. It’s a quick way to deliver essential info to those who may not read the full description.
• Maintain a consistent style. It helps your brand look professional and makes your products instantly recognizable.
• External Traffic → Internal Ranking

If you’ve already built a presence on TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest, that’s a big plus. Etsy considers external traffic as a positive signal, which can improve your product listing's search ranking.

Direct external traffic not only to your shop’s homepage but also to individual products. Etsy Ads works great in parallel: while you attract new users externally, ads help convert warm audiences within the platform.

Selling on Etsy is an exciting but also challenging process. You’ll need to adapt to new algorithms, stay up to date with changes, and compete for visibility among many sellers.

Potential Issues with the Platform

Main drawbacks:

• High fees and charges. We mentioned payment commissions earlier, but Etsy also charges for opening a store (one-time), for each listing, digital taxes, etc. On average, you'll lose about 20% to various services.
• Significant competition. The marketplace includes creators from all over the world.
• Etsy does not handle order fulfillment, customer communication, shipping, or returns. You only receive product exposure from the site.
• Strict moderation. All materials are reviewed for copyright. You can get banned without explanation. You cannot rename your store after opening it. We recommend carefully reading the user agreement before registering.

The main challenge for Ukrainians is international shipping. Since the marketplace does not offer fulfillment, warehouses, or its own logistics, you need to find a reliable courier or freight carrier. At the same time, you must provide reasonable shipping costs for your clients.

Air freight is immediately ruled out due to high prices, and sea freight is too slow.

DiFFreight — Your Logistics Partner for Working with Etsy

Before you start selling on Etsy from Ukraine, explore our company's logistics solutions:

• delivery of small packages to Europe — parcel service within 7 days;
• international road freight for large shipments or warehouse storage.

During a consultation with our experts, you’ll learn more about each method. We’ll help you choose the best option based on your volumes, product type, and budget.

Etsy is the leading brand in the market of handmade, designer, and vintage products. However, working with the marketplace may seem difficult for beginners, especially due to issues with withdrawing funds and international delivery. That’s why it’s essential to choose a reliable logistics partner who will get your parcels to customers in the U.S. and Europe!