Published December 20, 2009  Submitted by: Sharla

Etsy is a website that provides the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items as well as vintage items and craft supplies. Handmade items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, and toys. The site follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving sellers personal storefronts where they list their goods for a fee. It has been compared to "a crafty cross between Amazon and eBay", and to "your grandma's basement". Etsy was founded by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik and Jared Tarbell in June, 2005. The site maintains a blog for discussion and networking. They also support "street teams", groups of Etsy sellers affiliated by location or interest that work together to promote their team members.

It costs 20 cents to list an item for four months on Etsy. When your item sells, you’ll pay a 3.5% transaction fee.