How do I switch from Depop to Etsy to scale sales for hand-printed clothing?

Hi! Moving from Depop to Etsy can be a really good “scale” move for hand-printed clothing, but the big shift is this: Depop traffic is more follower/social-driven, while Etsy traffic is mostly search-driven (buyers type what they want, Etsy shows listings). So the transition usually goes best when you rebuild your shop around Etsy SEO, consistent fulfillment, and “product listing clarity” (sizes, fit, materials, care, and processing times).

Here’s what I’d change when you move over, in the order that tends to move the needle fastest:

1) Rebuild your listings for Etsy search (not Depop vibes)

On Depop, a cool caption + a few tags can work. On Etsy, your title, attributes, and first lines of the description matter a lot.

• Titles: Use clear, keyword-first titles (what it is + style + key feature + who it’s for). Don’t rely on aesthetics like “rare” or “vintage-inspired” as the main hook.
• Categories & attributes: Fill these out completely (garment type, color, size range, neckline, sleeve length, occasion, etc.). Etsy uses them like extra SEO.
• Variations: Offer size + color + print options as variations where possible, instead of separate listings for every combo (easier shopping, often better conversion).
• Description structure: First 2–3 lines = the “buying decision.” Then: sizing/fit, materials, print method, care instructions, production notes, shipping/returns.

If you do made-to-order, be super explicit about what’s ready-to-ship vs printed after purchase.

2) Photos: less editorial, more “buying confidence”

Etsy shoppers want fewer mysteries than Depop shoppers. Keep your style, but add proof.

Aim for 8–10 photos/video per listing:

• Clean front/back on a model (or flat lay if you must)
• Close-ups of the print texture (especially for hand-printed)
• A clear shot showing true color in natural light
• A “fit” photo (oversized vs true-to-size), plus a simple size guide image
• A photo showing label/tag and fabric texture
• Packaging shot (optional, but helps with gift buyers)
• Short video: quick 5–10 seconds showing the garment moving + print detail

If you currently shoot in a bedroom mirror Depop style, Etsy usually rewards upgrading to brighter, cleaner, and more consistent images.

3) Pricing: plan for Etsy fees + higher intent buyers

Etsy buyers are often less bargain-hunt than Depop, but they compare options quickly. The trick is pricing for sustainability without scaring off first-time buyers.

What usually works:

• Price based on your true cost (blank, ink, labor time, failed prints, packaging) + margin.
• If your Depop pricing was “fast sale” pricing, don’t copy/paste it—Etsy needs room for fees, occasional promos, and ad tests.
• Add a few “gateway” items if possible (patches, totes, smaller prints) to bring new shoppers in, then let them trade up to the apparel.

4) Shipping: Etsy shoppers reward reliability and clarity

This is one of the biggest transition points. Etsy customers will absolutely choose the shop that feels predictable.

• Use a shipping profile and keep it consistent across listings.
• Consider tracking by default (especially for apparel).
• Keep processing times realistic. Underpromise/overdeliver beats “ships tomorrow” if you can’t always do it.
• If you do made-to-order, set processing times based on your worst normal week, not your best week.

If you can offer “Ready to ship” items with faster processing alongside made-to-order, that mix often boosts conversion.

5) Production times: separate “made-to-order” from “ready-to-ship”

On Etsy, you’ll usually sell more when buyers can quickly understand how long it’ll take.

Two practical options:

• Option A: Keep made-to-order, but limit choices (best sellers only), with clear timeframes.
• Option B: Batch print weekly, list as “ready to ship,” and restock predictably (this often scales better).

Also: avoid too many options per listing early on—choice overload can hurt conversion.

6) Launch strategy (how to avoid the “dead new shop” feeling)

Etsy momentum tends to build once you have enough listings for the algorithm to “understand” your shop.

What I’d do:

• Start with 15–30 strong listings (not 3–5), even if that means multiple colorways or designs.
• Lead with your top sellers from Depop first.
• Expect a ramp-up period: traffic may be slower at first, but it compounds as you add listings, get favorites, and collect reviews.

7) Reviews + policies: make it easy to trust you

Etsy shoppers lean hard on reviews and shop policies.

• Fill out shop policies (returns/exchanges especially for sizing).
• Add a strong “about” section: your process, your printing method, why it’s handmade.
• Include sizing help and exchange info to reduce “will this fit?” hesitation.

8) Etsy Ads (optional, but useful for scaling)

Ads can work well for apparel if your listing converts. Don’t run ads to “fix” weak photos or unclear sizing—tighten the listing first, then test ads on 3–5 proven designs.

A simple approach:

• Run small-budget ads on your best 3–5 listings for 2–4 weeks.
• Kill anything with clicks but no carts (usually a listing issue: photos, price, shipping time, sizing clarity).

If you tell me (1) your average Depop price range, (2) whether you’re ready-to-ship or made-to-order, and (3) your top 3 designs/styles, I can suggest a concrete Etsy listing structure (titles/variations/photo checklist) that fits your exact products.