How To Post on Etsy Anonymously For Listings

Etsy is an American e-commerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to sell vintage items, craft supplies, and handmade items. The popularity of Etsy has steadily risen since being founded in Brooklyn, New York on June 18, 2005. In 2020 alone, Etsy experienced roughly 4.3 million Etsy sellers and more than 39.4 million buyers.

There are a few pros and cons that come alongside using an online marketplace such as Etsy, Amazon, eBay, or Shopify for selling items. On one hand, algorithms and search engine optimization (SEO) can help you reach an unfathomable amount of potential buyers. On the other hand, your personal information and data privacy can be at risk. 

Using Etsy is an excellent way to create your own small business, monetize your hobbies, or make some money on the side. You just need to be careful about protecting yourself, or you can end up being the victim of identity theft. 

How To Open Your Etsy Shop Step-By-Step

Before you can post a new listing to the Etsy listing page, you’ll have to open your own Etsy shop. You’ll need to sign in or create an Etsy account so that you can run your shop and buy from other shop owners. 

You’ll need to include a profile picture and a short bio so that potential customers know who you are. However, you’ll have the option of three different display names that you can use to represent yourself:

Username

You’ll need to register a username when you create your account. You’ll be able to sign in to your account using this username or the associated email address.  

The username that you select will be in the web address of your Etsy profile: “http://www.etsy.com/people/username” 

Shop Name

The shop name that you select will represent your Etsy business. As a business owner, you’ll have the ability to change the name of your Etsy store whenever you want. However, that can affect any brand loyalty that you might have built. 

You’ll still have your username, but the shop name will have its own unique web address: “http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopname”

Full Name

There is no requirement to include your full name on Etsy, but doing so can make it easier for friends to find you. You’ll be able to include your real name, initials, nickname, or several names if you have more than one shop manager.  

It’s best not to use your real name here, especially if you are concerned about staying anonymous online.

Follow these steps to make any changes to the name(s) in your profile:

1. Locate the “You” option.
2. Open “Account Settings.”
3. Choose “Public Profile.”
4. Go to the “Your Name” field and select “Change or Remove.” 
5. Enter the name of your choice.
6. Confirm by pressing “Save Changes.”

How To Set Up Payment and Billing

You’ll need to provide some financial information to receive funds from your Etsy sales. Unfortunately, there’s no way that you can avoid connecting your bank account to Etsy. 

While you’ll have the option to use payment methods including prepaid cards, credit cards, or a PayPal account, you’ll still need to enter a valid bank account.

1. Locate the “How You’ll Get Paid” page on your Etsy account.
2. Enter your personal information.
3. Select the country where your bank is located.
4. Fill in the details of your bank account and verify the information.
5. Confirm by selecting “Save and Continue.”
6. Add a credit, debit, or prepaid card.
7. Select “Open Your Shop,” and your shop will be live on Etsy.

Take Additional Security Measures

Etsy provides a two-factor authentication security measure that can help protect your account. Enabling this feature will result in a verification code being sent to your phone if there is a sign-in attempt from an unrecognized device or browser. 

There are three ways that you can receive this notification:

• An authenticator app on your mobile device
• An SMS text message
• A phone call

Create Your Storefront, Establish Policies, and Market 

An online business isn’t a physical store, but you should treat it like one. The homepage of your Etsy shop is essentially the lobby of your business. You should use various templates to make it as appealing as possible. 

The policies of a business can help to close a sale or end it prematurely. Your Etsy shop is now officially a business and you’ll need to establish shop policies for it. Try to keep in mind important business factors such as shop preferences, production time, processing time, and shipping.

You’ll need to successfully market yourself as a new seller. Using social media as a marketing tool can get your shop trending and help drive traffic to your shop. 

It might be a good idea to include coupons, but remember there are payment processing fees, shipping costs, listing fees, transaction fees, other Etsy fees, and Etsy charges to cover. Discounts can help you sell more products, but they can also eat into your potential profits.   

How To List an Item in Your Shop

Once you’ve established your Etsy online store, it’s time to list the item or items that you want to sell. You won’t be able to list anything anonymously, but posting through your shop will prevent Etsy users from learning your real identity. 

Listing an item in your Etsy shop is pretty simple, but it involves several steps:

1. On the Etsy website, click “Shop Manager.”
2. Select “Your Shop” if you are a new seller or “Listings” if you’ve previously sold items.
3. Choose “Add a Listing.”
4. Add a photo or video of the item and select a thumbnail image.
5. Enter any listing details to help improve the results of an Etsy search. 
6. Create a product description to help customers understand your product. 
7. Include inventory, pricing, and shipping details.
8. Select “Preview” to view the listing like your customers will, select “Save as a Draft” to work on it later, or select “Publish” to finish your listing. 
9. There will be a $0.20 listing fee charged to your Etsy Payment account, and the item should appear within 24 hours. 

Stay Safe Online and Off

You need to stay safe online whether you’re selling items as an online business or just looking for some extra cash on Etsy. It’s nearly impossible to sell anything without providing some personal information. However, there are ways that you can shield your private data. 

Using the Burner app will provide you with a second phone number that you can use as your business number. Any information involving your business or item selling can be rerouted through Burner, keeping your personal phone number private. 

Download Burner today to create your second number and enjoy a free seven-day trial. 

Sources:

Identity Theft | USAGov

Why Discounting is Almost Always a Bad Idea | FSR Magazine

6 Policies Your Retail Business Needs to Succeed | Entrepreneur

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