Hajra Naz
Are you a creative person living in Pakistan with a passion for crafting unique handmade items? Are you interested in selling your creations online on a platform that connects millions of buyers and sellers from around the world? If yes, then Etsy might just be the perfect place for you! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to sell on Etsy from Pakistan.
Explaining Etsy:
Etsy is a digital marketplace that has a particular focus on offering handmade and vintage goods. The platform was launched in 2005 and has grown to become a global marketplace with millions of active buyers and sellers. Etsy offers a great opportunity for individuals with creative talent to showcase their unique creations and connect with customers from around the world.
Why Pakistan is not allowed on Etsy?
One of the biggest problems for Pakistani sellers who want to sell their products on Etsy is that they don’t have a good way to get paid. Etsy requires sellers to have a credit card or bank account that is linked to a country that is approved by Etsy so that they can receive payments for their sales. Unfortunately, many Pakistani sellers can’t do this because their local banking system doesn’t allow it.
Another reason why Pakistan is not on Etsy’s approved list of countries is due to concerns over intellectual property rights. Etsy takes the protection of intellectual property very seriously and has strict policies in place to prevent the sale of copyrighted items. However, Pakistan has a history of piracy and counterfeiting problems, which probably played a role in the country’s removal from Etsy’s approved list.
But don’t worry sellers, we have other alternative methods to sell our products on Etsy from Pakistan. Let’s discuss these methods.
How to Sell on Etsy in Pakistan?
Let’s talk about how to sign up for an Etsy account in Pakistan. As a result, you should have the following details to create an ETSY account:
- Address from any country that Etsy has approved
- Phone number from any country that Etsy has approved
- Bank information
Method for selling on Etsy from Pakistan
If you are from Pakistan and interested in selling on Etsy without the risk of being banned, there is an alternative method to follow. However, it requires the assistance of a relative or friend who is living in one of the Etsy-approved seller countries. You can ask them to create an Etsy account on your behalf and provide their address and phone number as part of the registration process.
Once the account is set up, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or VPS (Virtual Private Server) to access the account from Pakistan and begin selling on it.
This method is considered safer, and many people have currently effectively utilized it to sell on Etsy.
It is vital to take note that Etsy has strict policies in regard to account ownership and selling items. Subsequently, it is fundamental to guarantee that you adhere to every one of the guidelines and guidelines to keep away from any likely issues.
Setting Up Your Etsy Shop.
Before you begin selling on Etsy, you want to set up your shop. This is the way you can make it happen:
Step 1: Sign Up
The first step to making an Etsy account is to join. You can do this by visiting the Etsy site and tapping on the “Sell on Etsy” button situated in the upper right corner of the screen. When you click on the button, you will be provoked to make an account. Then you have to add your personal information to create an account like;
- Email address
- First and last name
- A strong password
Step 2: Pick a Shop Name
After signing up, you really want to pick a unique shop name that reflects your brand and the sort of items you sell. Ensure the name is memorable and simple to spell.
Step 3: Add Your Shop Data
Next, you must add your shop information, such as your location, shop policies, and shipping information. Make sure you provide accurate information, especially regarding shipping times and costs.
Step 4: Set Up the Payment Method
Etsy offers various payment methods, including PayPal and Etsy Payments. Choose the payment method that works best for you and your customers. But as you know PayPal is not working in Pakistan, perhaps you can go to getsafepay and find a way to get one.
The Best Payment Method for Etsy in Pakistan
Payoneer
If you have an Etsy account in Pakistan your preferred payment method is Payoneer.
- Go to your Payoneer Dashboard and sign in with your credentials
- Next, click on the “Get Paid” option located on the left-hand side menu.
- Go to “Receiving Accounts” and click.
- View the list of approved accounts for receiving money.
- Choose “GBP (British Pound)” for “The United Kingdom” and “USD” for “The United States” respectively.
- You can now see the details.
- Enter this information in your Etsy account.
- Etsy now allows you to receive payment for sales.
TransferWise
Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a digital payment platform that allows people to send and receive money internationally at a low cost. It was founded in 2010 in the United Kingdom and has since expanded to over 80 countries, including Pakistan.
To use Wise in Pakistan, you would need to create an account on the Wise website or mobile app.
You can then add funds to your account utilizing a bank transfer or a debit card. When you have funds in your account, you can send cash to one more Wise user in another country or make an exchange to a bank account in Pakistan.
Wise offers two kinds of transfers in Pakistan:
- A bank transfers
With a bank transfer, the cash is sent directly to the recipient’s bank account, and it generally takes 2-3 work days for the transfer to be completed.
- A mobile wallet transfers
With a mobile wallet transfer, the cash is sent to the recipient’s cell phone, and it is generally accessible in practically no time.
It is a simple and reasonable method for sending and getting cash globally in Pakistan.
Now it is absolutely dependent upon you, which payment you decide to seek on Etsy.
Step 5: Add Your Items
When your shop is set up, you can begin adding your items and make a posting of these items. Ensure you take great photos of your things and write detailed descriptions. Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to make it simpler for clients to find your items.
Shipping and Logistics
To transport your items to clients on Etsy, you have two choices to look over:
The first choice is to gauge the number of items that you’ll sell and send a group of those items to a third-party warehouse. From that warehouse, you can transport orders directly to your clients.
The second choice is to work with a third-party logistics company that will deal with the packing and delivery of your items for you.
. This option is usually more cost-effective and involves using carriers like DHL, IDHS, or FedEx. Mostly the preferable option is IDHS because its charges to ship products are low compared to others.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so you need to evaluate them carefully before making a decision.
Dropshipping from Pakistan on Etsy
Many people are attracted to the idea of dropshipping on Etsy because it seems like an easy way to sell physical products without having to hold inventory or manage to ship.
However, it’s important to note that Etsy has strict policies regarding dropshipping. Specifically, they do not allow dropshipping through Amazon or AliExpress. This means that if you are dropshipping from Pakistan, or any other country, and using these platforms as your supplier, your shop is at risk of being shut down.
Instead of dropshipping, we recommend finding reputable suppliers that can provide you with quality products at a reasonable price. This approach may require more effort and investment upfront, but it can help you build a sustainable and successful Etsy business in the long run.
Dropshipping can sometimes be seen as a less genuine way of doing business, and may not align with the values of Etsy’s customers because Etsy is a community-driven platform that values authenticity and transparency.
Print-On-Demand
Print-on-Demand (POD) is a famous answer for e-commerce businesses around the world, including Pakistani Etsy dealers. With Unit, you can work with partners who will deliver and satisfy your orders while you center around planning your items. Etsy, one of the biggest e-commerce platforms, allows Pakistani sellers to cooperate with POD companies like Printful and Printify. These companies offer products like clothes, accessories, and home decor items you can customize with your designs. When a customer orders, the POD partner prints and ships the product directly to the customer for you.
Advantages of POD
- By using POD, Pakistani Etsy sellers can offer many customized products without buying inventory or production facilities.
- You can start your business with low investment and grow gradually as you get more customers and orders.
Tips for Selling on Etsy from Pakistan
Now that you have set up your shop on Etsy, it’s time to start selling. Here are a few tips to assist you in achieving success:
Research Your Competition
Before you start selling, research your competition to see what other sellers are offering and at what price. This will help you price your items competitively and make your shop stand out.
Use social media
Social media plays a very important role in online businesses. By using social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, you can promote your Etsy shop and reach a wider audience.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Make sure you provide excellent customer service by responding to customer inquiries promptly and resolving any issues or concerns they may have.
Stay Active
Stay active in your shop by adding new products, updating your listings, and participating in promotions and sales offered by Etsy.
Conclusion
Selling on Etsy from Pakistan can be a rewarding experience for individuals with creative talent. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips provided, you can start selling your unique handmade items on Etsy and connect with customers from around the world.
