The trading volume of MediaMarkt’s marketplace was 90 percent higher than in the same quarter last year. The platform is contributing to the improved profitability of parent company Ceconomy. The marketplace will soon launch in Turkey, with Switzerland and Hungary next in line.
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Planning your next big adventure? Whether you’re backpacking through the Himalayas, road-tripping across Europe, or chasing sunsets on a tropical island, the right travel gear can make thedifference between smooth sailing and “Why didn’t I pack that?!”panic moments.Let’s be honest — half the battle of travel is knowing what to bring, and the other half is finding gear that actually survives the trip. So, let’s dive into how to pick the best travel gear for your journey, alongwith some trusted brands that seasoned travelers swear by.Step One: Know Your AdventureYour travel gear checklist should start with the kind of trip you’re taking.
Continue readingUnlike massive marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy focuses specifically on handmade, vintage, and craft supply items. This creates an ecosystem where creativity meets commerce, and small businesses can thrive alongside established sellers. Etsy has grown exponentially, more than doubling its seller count since 2019, proving that there’s room for newcomers who understand the marketplace dynamics. Whether you’re crafting jewelry from your kitchen table or designing custom artwork in your home studio, learning how to sell on Etsy can transform your passion into a sustainable business. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a successful Etsy seller, from initial setup to advanced optimization strategies. How to sell online Tips from e-commerce experts for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Subscribe Please enter a valid email address I consent to receive Ecwid Newsletter. I can unsubscribe anytime. Understanding Etsy’s Marketplace Before you learn how to sell on Etsy, it’s vital to understand what sets this platform apart from other marketplaces. Etsy operates differently from other online marketplaces. While Amazon focuses on mass-produced goods and competitive pricing, Etsy celebrates uniqueness and craftsmanship. This distinction shapes every aspect of how you approach selling on the platform. The marketplace requires all items to be handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. However, Etsy recognizes that “handmade is a spectrum.” You might craft every item with your own hands, or you might design products while working with production partners. Both approaches can work within Etsy’s seller policies, provided you follow their guidelines. You can also sell digital downloads on Etsy (assuming you craft them yourself). For example, you can sell Canva templates, printable materials, phone wallpapers, travel guides, and so on. This focus on authenticity attracts customers who value unique, personalized products over generic alternatives. Etsy shoppers often search for items they can’t find elsewhere—custom wedding decorations, personalized gifts, or one-of-a-kind artwork. Understanding this customer mindset is crucial for success on the platform before you learn how to become a seller on Etsy. You can sell both physical and digital products on Etsy What You Need to Know Before Selling on Etsy Before diving into the details of how to sell on Etsy, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions from aspiring sellers. Do You Need a Business License to Sell on Etsy? Learning how to start selling on Etsy often begins with a common question: “Do I need a business license?” Etsy itself doesn’t require sellers to have a business license. This makes the platform accessible to hobbyists and new entrepreneurs who want to test their products without significant upfront investments. Many successful Etsy sellers begin as hobby sellers and formalize their business structure as they grow. However, your local laws might be different. Some states, cities, or countries require business licenses for anyone conducting commercial activities within their jurisdiction. Research your local requirements before getting started. What Are the Requirements to Sell on Etsy? Getting started with how to sell things on Etsy is relatively straightforward, but you need to understand the platform’s core requirements: Product requirements: All items must fit into one of three categories: handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. Etsy maintains a detailed Prohibited Items Policy that covers restricted products, including items that violate intellectual property rights, dangerous goods, and products that don’t meet their handmade standards. Handmade standards: Etsy has specific guidelines about what qualifies as “handmade.” You must be involved in the design process, and if you use production partners, you need to disclose this relationship. The platform allows some level of production assistance, but the core design and creative process should remain yours. Check out Etsy’s Creativity Standards for more details. Account requirements: You need a valid email address, payment method, and basic business information to create your seller account. Etsy also requires sellers to provide accurate product descriptions and maintain honest communication with customers. How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy? If you’re wondering, “How to sell on Etsy for free?”, the answer might be a bit disappointing. While one of Etsy’s biggest advantages is its low barrier to entry, the platform does charge several types of fees that impact your profit margins: Setup fee: To open your Etsy shop, you may need to pay a one-time set-up fee. If applicable, it will be shown and charged during the shop set-up process. Listing fees: Each product listing costs $0.20 and remains active for four months. You can set up auto-renewal to keep your listings active, which charges the fee again when the listing expires. Transaction fees: Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee on the total sale price, including shipping costs. Subscription fees: Etsy sellers can join Etsy Plus, a $10/month subscription with extra tools to grow their brand. Payment processing fees: These vary by location but typically range from 3-6% of the transaction value, similar to other payment processors. Advertising fees: Optional services like Etsy Ads, shipping labels through Etsy, and currency conversion (for international sales) carry additional costs. Additional fees: Some sellers might need to pay in-person selling, shipping, and regulatory operating fees, as well as currency conversion fees. Still wondering “how much to sell on Etsy”? See more information about Etsy fees on their website. Is Selling on Etsy Worth It? Pros and Cons If you’re wondering how to sell on Etsy, it’s likely you’ve already decided to explore the platform seriously. However, understanding both the advantages and challenges of selling on Etsy first helps you make an informed decision about whether the platform aligns with your business goals. Advantages of Selling on Etsy Built-in traffic: Etsy’s established marketplace brings millions of potential customers to your products without requiring you to build an audience from scratch. This is particularly valuable for new businesses that haven’t yet developed their own customer base. Easy setup process: The platform is designed for non-technical users. You can create a professional-looking shop without coding knowledge or significant technical skills. This advantage attracts many entrepreneurs looking to learn how to sell stuff on Etsy. Low barrier to entry: Etsy doesn’t require a business license or an established reputation. You can start making handmade items one day and sell them the next. Global reach: Etsy operates internationally, giving you access to customers worldwide without managing complex international shipping arrangements yourself. Etsy’s low barrier to entry attracts small business owners Challenges of Selling on Etsy High competition: With millions of sellers, standing out requires strategic planning and consistent effort. Popular categories can be particularly saturated. This is a significant drawback to consider when researching how to sell things on Etsy. Fee structure: While individual fees seem small, they add up quickly. Between listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing, you might pay 8-10% of your revenue to Etsy and associated services. Limited control: As a marketplace seller, you’re subject to Etsy’s policies and algorithm changes. These can significantly impact your visibility and sales without warning. Dependency risk: Building your business primarily on Etsy means your success depends on maintaining good standing with the platform and adapting to its changes. How to Start Selling on Etsy: A Step-by-Step Guide Now that you’re familiar with the marketplace and its advantages and drawbacks, let’s explore how to start selling on Etsy. Set Up Your Etsy Shop Creating your Etsy shop is straightforward, but several decisions during setup will impact your long-term success. The answer to “How to become…
Continue readingFaire, an online wholesale platform from the United States, is expanding its footprint in Europe. Its global network of curated brands and business tools is becoming available to independent retailers across 14 countries, primarily in Eastern Europe.
Continue readingIn the past year, 21 million adults in the United Kingdom used a parcel locker to collect, return or send a parcel. This comes down to two in five adults. During that period, more than 115 million parcels were delivered or returned via lockers.
Continue readingECDB presents a new ranking of the Dutch ecommerce market, based on gross merchandise value per domain name. The top 10 includes four Dutch and three Chinese players. What is striking is that the latter are growing much faster. We were given a preview.
Continue readingIn the second quarter of this year, Shopify increased its business. Compared to the same period in 2024, the company’s gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 42 percent in Europe. Overall, its revenue increased 31 percent.
Continue readingZalando once again looks back on a strong quarter, with higher revenue and increased profit. The number of customers is 3.1 million higher than in the second quarter of last year. The German company now serves 52.9 million consumers across Europe. With a new feed, Zalando aims to better engage and retain these users.
Continue readingRunning a business without a website is like opening a store without a front door. Customers can’t find you, trust is harder to build, and competitors with professional websites gain an edge. The problem? Traditional website development is often expensive, time-consuming, and overwhelming. Enter AI website builders. They are changing how entrepreneurs create professional websites—faster, cheaper, and easier. If you’ve been wondering, “Can AI build a website?” or searching for the best AI website builder for ecommerce, this blog post is for you. Let’s dive in! How to sell online Tips from e-commerce experts for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Subscribe Please enter a valid email address I consent to receive Ecwid Newsletter. I can unsubscribe anytime. What Are AI Website Builders? If you’ve been wondering, “Is there an AI website builder?” the answer is a definite yes. AI website builders are platforms that use artificial intelligence to automate and simplify the website creation process. Unlike traditional website builders that require you to manually drag, drop, and design every element, these smart tools can generate entire website sections, layouts, and designs based on your input. Think of an AI website builder as your personal web designer that never sleeps. You simply describe what you want—perhaps by uploading a screenshot of a website element you admire or typing out your vision—and the AI creates a customized section ready for your review and editing. The technology behind these platforms combines machine learning, natural language processing, and design algorithms to understand your business needs and translate them into functional, attractive web elements. This means you can build a website with AI that looks professionally designed without hiring expensive developers or spending countless hours learning complex design software. Top AI-Based Tools to Streamline Business ProcessesRead more Benefits of Using AI Website Builders Small business owners are among those who benefit most from AI-powered website builders. Ease of Use The most compelling advantage of AI website builders is their incredible user-friendliness. Traditional website development often requires understanding HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various design principles. AI website builders eliminate these technical barriers entirely. Business owners can focus on what they do best—running their businesses—while the AI handles the technical complexities. The learning curve is minimal, and the results are professional-grade websites. Efficiency Time is money, especially for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. AI website builders dramatically reduce the time needed to create a functional website. What once took weeks can now be accomplished in hours. The AI can generate multiple design options instantly, allowing you to compare and choose the best fit for your brand. Revisions that previously required back-and-forth communication with developers can now be made in real-time with simple commands or uploads. Customization Don’t let the automated nature fool you—AI website builders offer remarkable customization capabilities. The best AI website builder 2025 platforms can create unique designs tailored specifically to your business, industry, and personal preferences. The AI learns from your inputs and feedback, continuously improving its suggestions to match your vision. This level of personalization ensures your website stands out from cookie-cutter templates while maintaining professional quality and functionality. How to Use AI Tools Effectively as a Business OwnerRead more Who Benefits Most from AI Website Builders? If any of the descriptions below sound like you, it might be time to explore AI website builders. Small Business Owners Small business owners often operate with limited budgets and tight schedules. AI website builders level the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with larger companies by creating professional websites without the associated costs. Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs launching new ventures need to move quickly to capitalize on market opportunities. AI website builders support this need for speed, enabling rapid deployment of online stores and business websites. For entrepreneurs testing business concepts or pivoting strategies, the ability to quickly iterate website designs without significant investment is invaluable. Those with Limited Resources Not every business owner has thousands of dollars to invest in professional web development. AI website builders offer a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality. The subscription-based pricing models of most AI website builders are fraction of traditional development costs, making professional websites accessible to businesses of all sizes. How to Build a Website with AI With numerous AI website builders available today, we’ll focus on one of the most affordable and user-friendly options to demonstrate how to create a website using AI. Ecwid by Lightspeed stands out as an ecommerce platform that includes a built-in AI website builder specifically designed for business owners. This combination makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who want to build a website with AI while maintaining full ecommerce functionality. Getting Started with Ecwid’s Instant Site Ecwid’s Instant Site builder is the tool for creating an ecommerce website from scratch. It is a code-free website builder, enabling you to create a professional website without any tech experience. Instant Site offers a diverse selection of pre-designed templates, carefully crafted to suit a variety of business niches. No matter your niche, Ecwid offers a variety of customizable templates to help you quickly create a professional business website The site builder also includes customizable sections tailored to achieve specific goals, such as sharing your business mission or displaying contact information. Add these sections to your site and personalize their content to fit your needs. Alternatively, you can use a built-in AI tool to create any site section you need, offering more flexibility and customization. Using AI to Generate Site Sections The real magic happens with Ecwid’s AI site sections tool. This feature offers two methods for creating custom website elements: Upload a screenshot: Found a website component you love? Simply take a screenshot and upload it to Ecwid’s AI tool. The artificial intelligence analyzes the design, layout, and functionality, then creates a similar section customized for your business and brand. Describe your vision: Prefer to start from scratch? Describe the section you want in plain language. Whether you need “a modern product showcase with customer reviews” or “a professional about us section with team photos,” the AI interprets your description and generates appropriate designs. That’s it! The AI website builder will generate and add the section you described to your site. Creating a custom site section with Ecwid’s AI tool The generated sections aren’t static templates—they’re fully editable elements you can modify to perfectly match your vision. Here’s a brief instruction on how to use AI to build a website with Ecwid: Sign up for Ecwid. Select a site template that suits your business. In the “Sections” menu, click on “Add Section.” Choose “Create Your Own Section” and select “Generate Section.” Follow the prompts to generate your custom section. Customize the content by editing text, images, and other elements. Repeat this process for as many sections as necessary. Benefits of Building a Website with AI Using Ecwid Whether you use Ecwid’s AI site builder to create an entire website section by section or start with a template and enhance it with AI-generated content, this tool delivers the perfect blend of simplicity and flexibility for small business owners. It makes Instant Site the best AI website builder for ecommerce. Effortless Website Creation Ecwid’s AI tool transforms website creation from a complex project into a straightforward process. Business owners can generate on-brand online stores quickly and efficiently, reducing the traditional barriers that prevent businesses from establishing professional online presences. AI-Driven Customization What sets Ecwid apart as potentially the best AI website builder for many businesses is its customization capabilities. The AI doesn’t just create generic sections—it develops unique web elements tailored to your specific business needs. This AI-driven approach means you’re not limited to predetermined templates or designs. Instead, you get custom solutions that reflect your brand personality and business objectives….
Continue readingAfter 46 years, Otto is pulling the plug on its unprofitable operations in the Netherlands. Unlike in its home market in Germany, Otto’s promising marketplace model never took off in the neighbouring country. The decision will impact around 70 employees.
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