9 Tips to Help You Score Bargains on Etsy

Etsy’s vast online marketplace, which is made up of millions of sellers, can be a double-edged sword for shoppers looking to snag bargains. With multiple small businesses offering one-of-a-kind vintage or handmade items at varied price points, finding the best deals can be challenging.

Here, we’ll explain the best way to navigate Etsy’s platform and find hidden gems at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a frequent Etsy shopper or new to the platform, here are a few tips to score amazing bargains.

1. Sort Items by the Lowest Price

Sorting items by the lowest price can help you filter through Etsy listings in no time and find affordable options that fit your budget. However, keep in mind that quality is just as important as the price.

Check the seller’s reviews, product description, and return policy before making a purchase. This way, you can make an informed decision and avoid any potential disappointment or hidden costs.

2. Look for Product-Specific Sales

To find product-specific discounts, type the item’s name followed by the word “sale” in the search bar. Many sellers offer promotions, and searching for discounted items this way can help you find great deals quickly.

You can also use browser extensions like Honey to save more money. Once installed, these tools automatically search for the best coupon codes online and apply them to your Etsy purchases.

3. Look for Coupons

Etsy puts out site-wide coupons from time to time, but individual sellers offer the majority of discounts. These coupons can get you free shipping or a certain dollar amount (or percentage) off your purchase.

The easiest way to find coupons on Etsy is by visiting a seller’s homepage and looking for offers in the Announcement section. You can also search for coupons on third-party deal sites.

4. Join Sellers’ Mailing Lists

Many sellers send out coupons and other deals via their newsletters and emails. So, if you find a product you love, but the seller has no active coupons available on their homepage, message them to check if you can be added to their mailing list to score Etsy bargains.

Keep in mind that you’ll start receiving plenty of promotional emails if you do this. If you want to avoid having your personal inbox inundated with deals and offers, we recommend using a separate email account when signing up for newsletters.

5. Favorite Items You’re Interested In

If you like a product on Etsy, but it’s out of your price range, add it to your favorites by clicking the heart icon beside the product’s image. Not only will you be able to check back on the item to see if the price has dropped, but you’ll also show the seller that you are a serious shopper.

If the seller hasn’t been able to sell the product for a while, they may contact you to see if you are still interested in purchasing it. You can use this as an opportunity to inquire about discounts or if they’ll be running a sale any time soon.

6. Check the Your Offers Section

Once you’ve created an account on Etsy, you can navigate to your profile and click on Your Offers to view discounts curated for you. These offers are usually from sellers who’ve sent you a thank-you coupon or discount after you’ve made a purchase from their store.

The downside to the coupons you’ll find here is that they are usually not as high-value as the ones you may get when you sign up for newsletters or use external deal sites. Another issue is that not all sellers will offer these discounts. Still, it’s a good idea to check this section from time to time.

A number of sellers offer exclusive discounts and coupon codes to their social media followers to increase brand engagement. To take advantage of these deals, follow your favorite sellers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, and keep an eye out for their posts and stories. This way, you’ll be among the first to know about their latest promotions and sales.

For added convenience, some sellers may even allow you to complete your purchase through the social media platform, without you having to visit their Etsy store.

8. Buy Items in Bulk

If you’re looking to buy multiple items from a particular seller on Etsy, purchasing them all together is best to save on shipping costs. Some sellers also offer tiered discounts, which means the more you buy, the greater the discount you’ll receive.

So, check if the seller offers a bulk discount for purchasing multiple quantities of the same item. If they don’t, you can contact them directly to negotiate a deal and score an Etsy bargain.

9. Filter Your Search

Etsy allows you to filter your search, so you only view relevant listings. To take advantage of this feature, search for what you want and click on All Filters above the product listings.

You can use the filtering options to view products on sale and those that will be shipped for free. What’s more, you can avoid going over budget by setting the minimum and maximum prices you’re willing to pay for the product.

What Not to Do When Trying to Find Deals on Etsy

Sellers on Etsy put much effort and time into creating unique products for customers like you. Given this, their products are likely to cost more than what you’d pay at a regular store.

While there’s no harm in looking for promotions and sales, it’s best not to haggle aggressively with sellers. Even if the seller refuses to come down on the price, consider purchasing from them. In the future, they may just reward you with a coupon to convey their gratitude for your support.

Also, while scoring bargains on Etsy can be a fun and rewarding experience, keep an eye out for scams. Watch out for products that are priced too low, sellers who ask you for personal information, and products with no reviews.