About Etsy
Etsy is a global online marketplace unique for its focus on handmade, vintage items, and craft supplies. Founded in 2005, it connects millions of buyers with independent sellers—often artisans and crafters—who create unique, often personalized goods. Unlike mass-market retailers like Amazon, Etsy’s brand identity is built on “keeping commerce human,” supporting small businesses, and offering one-of-a-kind items ranging from jewelry and clothing to home decor and digital art.
Etsy Affiliate Program Overview
The Etsy Affiliate Program allows partners to earn commissions by referring traffic to Etsy products. It is particularly popular among lifestyle bloggers and DIY enthusiasts.
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | E-commerce / Retail / Arts & Crafts / Vintage |
| Product Type | Physical Goods (Handmade, Vintage, Supplies) & Digital Downloads |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPS (Cost Per Sale) / CPA (Cost Per Action) |
Etsy Affiliate Program Offers
Etsy provides a robust set of tools for affiliates but has strict policies regarding the type of content and traffic they accept to maintain their brand safety.
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Banners, tracked text links, curated pages, category-specific product feeds, and a newsletter with trends. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 30 days for web browser clicks; 7 days for app clicks. |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Websites, Blogs, and Social Media (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook).
Note: Social creators may be directed to the “Creator Collective” sub-program. |
| Accepted Countries | Global (United States, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and “Rest of World”). |
| Explicit Content | Prohibited. Sites containing sexually explicit or violent material are not accepted. |
| Religious or Political Content | Restricted. Etsy generally rejects sites that are exclusively religious or political, or those promoting hatred/intolerance. Content must be consistent with Etsy’s “inclusive” brand values. |
Etsy Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The program is straightforward with a flat-rate commission structure, though it operates through a third-party network (Awin).
| Feature | Details |
| MLM | No (Multi-Level Marketing is not involved). |
| Commission Rate | 4% Standard Publisher Rate (User-Generated Content/Social can sometimes be 2%). |
| Commission Structure | Percentage of the order value (excluding shipping costs and taxes). |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly or Bi-monthly (dependent on Awin’s payment cycle to the affiliate). |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer (ACH), International Wire, Check. |
| Minimum Payout | $20 (Standard Awin threshold). |
Suitable Affiliates for Etsy Affiliate
Etsy is highly visual and niche-oriented, making it suitable for creators who focus on aesthetics, uniqueness, and personal touches.
- Bloggers: Highly Suitable. especially those in niches like Home Decor, DIY/Crafts, Weddings, Gift Guides, and Vintage Fashion.
- TikTokers: Suitable. Ideal for “Etsy Finds,” unboxing videos, and small business support content.
- KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Suitable. Reviews of personalized gifts or unique items perform well.
- KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Suitable. Can drive trends for specific handmade aesthetics (e.g., Cottagecore).
- Influencers: Suitable. particularly on Instagram and Pinterest where visual appeal drives clicks.
- YouTubers: Suitable. Great for “How-to” tutorials (using craft supplies) or “Haul” videos.
- Video Editors: Less Suitable. Unless they run a channel about editing assets/digital downloads found on Etsy.
- Livestreamers: Suitable. Live shopping or showcasing handmade products can drive immediate traffic.
Etsy Affiliate Software
Etsy does not use in-house software. They utilize the Awin affiliate network for their global program (and previously ShareASale for some regions). This means you must apply and manage your links through the Awin dashboard.
3 Alternatives for Etsy Affiliate Program
Here is a comparison of Etsy with three major competitors: Amazon Associates (Handmade), eBay Partner Network, and Redbubble.
| Comparison Factor | Etsy Affiliate | Amazon Associates (Handmade) | eBay Partner Network | Redbubble |
| Average Bill (AOV) | ~$30 – $40 | Varied (High basket potential) | Varied (Auction & Buy It Now) | ~$40 – $50 |
| Entry Fees | Free (Awin may require a $5 refundable deposit) | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $20 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly/Bi-monthly | Monthly (Net-60) | Monthly (Net-30) | Monthly |
| Commission | 4% (Fixed) | 10% (specifically for Handmade category) | 1% – 4% (Category dependent) | 10% (Base rate) |
| Conversion | Moderate (~1.5% – 2%) | High (~5% – 10%) | Moderate | Moderate (~2% – 3%) |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, Feeds, Curated Pages | SiteStripe, Native Ads, Banners | Smart Links, Banners, API | Impact Radius Links, Banners |
