5 Insider Tips for Buying Crafting Supplies on Etsy from a Top-Rated Seller

Etsy is the go-to marketplace for unique, handmade, and vintage items that you won’t find in big-box stores. Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift, personalized home decor, or a handcrafted addition to your wardrobe, Etsy connects buyers with independent creators from all corners of the world.

But it’s not just a place to shop for finished products—Etsy is also a top destination for craft supplies and DIY materials. After all, who better to buy craft tools and supplies from than the skilled makers and artisans who use these tools themselves? From unique fabrics to DIY embroidery kits, candle-making kits, custom stencils, sewing patterns, and more, Etsy has everything you need to bring your project to life. 

“Etsy can be overwhelming at first, but it’s a fantastic place to find truly unique and customizable products for any occasion,” says Kenz Warfield, founder of the successful Etsy shop Kreativity with Kenz. 

With several years of experience selling, Warfield knows a thing or two about what to know when shopping. From finding quality products to verifying seller credibility and navigating custom craft templates, here are her top five tips for buying crafts on Etsy.

1. Start with a Specific Search

Etsy has millions of product listings, so the key to finding exactly what you’re looking for is being specific in your search—and it all starts with keywords, the terms you type into the search bar. Like shopping on Amazon, keywords get you closer to the item you’re looking for.

For example, if you’re looking for a specific type of crochet design, rather than simply typing “crochet,” you can add terms to describe the style, imagery, materials, or size of the piece. “Crochet blanket kit for beginners” or “crochet stuffed animal kit” are more precise searches that will direct you right to the storefronts offering what you’re looking for.

Another important search feature to be aware of is the filters. Whether you’re looking for domestically-made products, specific items for holidays or occasions, products from Star Sellers, or even items tagged as sustainable—Etsy has you covered. Be sure to take a glance through the available filters if a simple keyword search isn’t helping you find the products you want, Warfield says.   

2. Verify Seller Credibility

Once you’ve found a product you love, it’s time to verify the seller’s credibility before you commit to purchasing. Especially when looking for crafts and DIY supplies, you want to make sure the materials are good quality and the craft will come together as it’s supposed to.

“The biggest thing to remember when shopping on Etsy is that you are buying products from a small business, sometimes as small as one person doing everything behind the scenes,” Warfield says.

That said, there’s no avoiding the fact that Etsy, like all online marketplaces, has its share of untrustworthy sellers and scam listings, especially as AI becomes more widespread. Scam shops, cheap knockoffs, and unreliable sellers are a reality, but there are ways to avoid them. 

According to Warfield, there are a few things you should always check before buying from a shop. These include:

• The number of sales.
• The number and quality of reviews and overall shop rating.
• How long the shop has been selling on Etsy.
• The “About” page (Is it fully filled out?).
• Linked social media pages.
• Quality of photos (i.e., are they real photos versus stock or AI-generated?).

These pieces of information should give you a good idea of whether the seller is real, reputable, and reliable. When in doubt, verified Star Sellers are always a safe bet. 

“Etsy’s Star Seller program is a great way to know you can trust the seller as well,” Warfield says. “They have to meet strict shipping, communication, and order thresholds to keep that status. It will be visible on the search result pages with listings and on the top of the Etsy seller shop.”

3. Read the Product Details and Shop Policies

Another vital thing to remember about Etsy is that each shop sets its own shipping and delivery policies. This includes average shipping times, return and exchange policies, whether the product is made-to-order or ready-to-ship, and more. This is especially important when searching for DIY craft templates or patterns, as some templates will only send as a digital file, rather than a physical product in the mail. As a result, it’s essential to thoroughly read the product description and the shop policies before purchasing so you know exactly what to expect.

If you are expecting a physical product in the mail, remember that you’re purchasing from small, independent businesses and adjust your expectations accordingly. 

“Etsy is not Amazon—the majority of the time, you will not be getting your order in one to two days,” Warfield says. “Remember that the seller is just the one making the product; any potential delays with shipping fall on the carrier, not the seller. They did their job—give them some grace.”

4. Each Shop Handles Custom Orders Differently

Not every shop on Etsy offers custom orders, especially for craft supplies and DIY craft templates, but for those that do, it’s essential to understand that each will handle them differently. For example, some fabric sellers offer customizable bundles, while digital templates can be tailored to your project (such as your text of choice), and DIY craft kits can be personalized.

Some sellers (like Warfield) are more than happy to draft up designs before an order is placed, while others are stricter and require contracts to be signed and deposits to be paid before work is started. If you’re looking for a specific color, pattern, or want to tweak any design template details, it’s worth inquiring before moving on to a different shop.

The most important thing to remember when placing custom orders for crafts on Etsy is to be as specific as possible. Send inspiration images, and be sure to outline your preferences regarding design choices, such as colors, fonts, shape, size, and style.

If you’ve found an Etsy shop you love and don’t see a custom option, it’s always worth reaching out to ask if it’s something they offer, or are open to, Warfield recommends. Most sellers are thrilled to hear from potential customers and happy to accommodate special requests.

5. Reach Out to the Seller First if There Are Issues

Mistakes happen—Etsy shop owners are real people, after all (or they should be!). If you encounter an error with your order or are dissatisfied with a product, it’s best to contact the seller directly before writing a negative review or opening a case on the platform. 

“Give them the chance to address or fix the situation. Mistakes happen from time to time, and sellers are always wanting to improve their experience and products,” Warfield says.

If you don’t have any luck resolving the issue after reaching out, Etsy has several safeguards in place to help protect you, including the platform’s Purchase Protection Program. In these cases, you can open a case with Etsy to get assistance in resolving your issue. 

At the end of the day, remember that the majority of sellers on Etsy are real, genuine people sharing their creativity and handcrafted creations with the world. They rely on the platform to help sell their art, so a bit of grace and common courtesy goes a long way.

“Etsy sellers are excited to share their creations with you and help bring your vision to life,” Warfield says. “Whether you’re just treating yourself or looking for a special gift for a holiday or special day, Etsy is still the go-to for finding truly unique gifts.”