What is Etsy Plus?

If you’re an Etsy seller, you might have heard about Etsy Plus, a subscription plan designed to give your shop more tools, flexibility, and branding options. But the big question is—is Etsy Plus worth it in 2025? Today, Etsy has over 9 million active sellers and 96 million active buyers worldwide, so standing out in such a crowded marketplace is crucial. Etsy Plus promises features like listing credits, advertising perks, custom shop designs, and even restock alerts for buyers. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what Etsy Plus really is, its benefits, drawbacks, pricing, and how real sellers use it. By the end, you’ll know whether it’s the right investment for your shop or not.

What is Etsy Plus Subscription?

Etsy Plus is a premium subscription plan designed for sellers who want additional tools, flexibility, and branding options beyond the free Etsy Standard plan. The cost of Etsy plus plan is $10/month (as of 2025)

Etsy Plus helps sellers stand out in a competitive marketplace, with 9.4 million active sellers and 96 million active buyers in 2025. It's ideal for sellers looking to scale, offering a middle ground between Etsy Standard and a full external website.

Why Etsy Introduced Etsy Plus Plan

Etsy created Etsy Plus to provide more control and tools for visibility and customer engagement. The key features include:

• Branding upgrades: Custom shop banners and highlights
• Monthly credits: Listing and ad credits to promote products
• Restock request alerts: Encourage return visits from buyers when items are back in stock

The plan helps serious sellers grow faster and build consistent revenue. Sellers who reinvest in promotions see higher conversion rates than those relying only on organic traffic.

Who Should Consider Etsy Plus Subscription

Etsy Plus is best for sellers who want enhanced branding and have sufficient sales volume to justify the cost. Consider Etsy Plus if:

• You have steady sales and want a professional shop design
• You want to test Etsy Ads before investing heavily
• You sell popular items that often sell out and benefit from restock alerts
• You want a custom web address and unique branding options
• You're scaling up and need marketing support

Etsy Plus may not be ideal for sellers just starting or listing a few items occasionally. In such cases, sticking with Etsy Standard is more cost-effective. For mid-sized sellers, Etsy Plus is a practical upgrade to improve branding and shop credibility. 

Etsy Plus Features Explained

Etsy Plus offers a suite of tools designed to enhance your shop’s professionalism and increase visibility. Here's a breakdown of the key features included with the subscription:

Free Listing Credits Every Month

• 15 listing credits per month (worth $3)
• Save on creating or renewing listings (normally $0.20 each)
• Ideal for active shops with frequent listings

Etsy Ads Credits for Boosting Visibility

• $5 Etsy Ads credit each month
• Helps promote your products within the marketplace
• Allows testing of ad performance before larger investments

Shop Customization Options for Branding

Etsy Plus unlocks advanced branding tools for a more professional look:

• Custom Shop Banners & Layouts: Larger, high-quality banners and extra layouts to make your shop visually appealing and polished
• Highlighted Featured Listings: Showcase bestsellers, seasonal items, or new arrivals at the top of your shop’s homepage to boost visibility

Restock Request Alerts for Customers

• Customers can sign up to receive alerts when an item is back in stock
• Helps maintain engagement with frequent buyers and prevent lost sales
• Etsy data shows restock alerts increase repeat buyer interactions

Discounted Custom Web Address (Domain)

• Access discounted domain names through Etsy’s partners
• Replace the default Etsy URL with a branded domain (e.g., www.YourShopName.com)
• Makes your shop more credible and easier to market, especially outside Etsy

Discounts on Etsy Marketing Materials

Etsy Plus members enjoy exclusive discounts on:

• Etsy-branded shipping boxes: Professional packaging that enhances the buyer experience
• Business cards, printables, and signage: Market your brand both online and offline, promoting repeat purchases

Benefits of Etsy Plus Subscription

Etsy Plus provides more than just an upgraded subscription—it offers tools designed to improve branding, increase visibility, and reduce costs for sellers. Here’s how the features translate into real-world benefits:

Helps Improve Branding and Shop’s Professional Appeal

• First Impressions Matter: Buyers judge shops within seconds, so a professional-looking shop is crucial. Etsy Plus gives you access to premium branding tools like custom banners, layouts, and featured listings.
• Highlight Bestsellers: You can feature best-selling products at the top of your homepage, guiding buyers to high-converting items faster.
• Increased Repeat Engagement: According to Etsy’s 2024 seller reports, shops with branded layouts see higher repeat engagement compared to those with basic templates.

Useful for Active Sellers Managing Large Inventory

• Save Time and Money: Etsy Plus provides 15 free listings per month, reducing the recurring cost for sellers with large inventories or frequent relistings.
• Etsy Ads Credits: The $5 Etsy Ads credit offsets advertising costs, helping you promote products in a crowded marketplace, especially useful for shops with high turnover like fashion or seasonal goods.

Discounts and Credits Offset Costs for Regular Sellers

• Small Savings Add Up
  
  • $3 worth of free listings (15 credits)
  • $5 worth of Etsy Ads credits
  • Discounts on packaging, shipping boxes, and print materials
• Break Even: These perks total about $10+ per month, matching the subscription fee. For regular sellers who reinvest into their shops, Etsy Plus nearly pays for itself.

Increased Customer Engagement with Restock Requests

• Build Customer Loyalty: Restock request alerts let buyers know when a sold-out item is available again.
• Prevent Lost Sales: Buyers who are notified are more likely to return, helping you retain customers and increase conversions.
• Boost Long-Term Growth: Etsy’s quarterly reports show that returning buyers represent over 40% of Etsy’s yearly gross merchandise sales..

Drawbacks & Limitations of Etsy Plus

While Etsy Plus offers several perks, it's not the perfect solution for every seller. Here are the main limitations to consider before upgrading:

Limited Ad Credit and Listing Rewards

• 15 free listings ($3 value) and $5 Etsy Ads credit each month
• These help offset the $10 monthly subscription cost but may feel underwhelming for sellers with large inventories or those spending hundreds on ads
• For casual or small shops, the credits may go unused
• Conclusion: The rewards are helpful but not substantial enough to make a significant financial impact for active or larger sellers.

Discounts May Not Be Significant for All Sellers

• Discounts on Etsy marketing tools like packaging, shipping boxes, and business cards
• The catch: If you’re already sourcing packaging materials outside Etsy at a lower cost, these discounts may not provide savings
• For sellers who don’t need branded shipping boxes or business cards, this feature offers limited value
• Conclusion: While promoted as premium features, their worth is highly dependent on your shop’s specific needs.

Extra Costs May Outweigh Benefits for Small Shops

• Etsy Plus costs $10 per month, which may feel burdensome for new or small sellers
• For shops making less than $100 a month in profit, this fee cuts into your thin margins
• Many small shops benefit more from focusing on Etsy SEO, better photos, and customer service than paying for Etsy Plus
• Conclusion: Etsy Plus may not be worth it for hobbyists or sellers just testing a few products. For these sellers, Etsy Standard is a more cost-effective option.

Features Don’t Improve Etsy Search Ranking

• Etsy Plus does not impact your product's search algorithm ranking
• Your product visibility still depends on SEO practices, like keywords, descriptions, reviews, and shipping speed
• If your goal is to improve organic traffic, Etsy Plus won’t help with discoverability
• Conclusion: The benefits of Etsy Plus (like branding and restock alerts) improve the buyer experience, but not the discoverability of your listings.

Etsy Plus Cost & Pricing

Etsy Plus is a paid subscription that comes with a $10/month fee. Understanding its true cost is essential for deciding if it's the right choice for your business. Etsy offers two main seller plans: Etsy Standard (free) and Etsy Plus (paid), each designed for different types of sellers.

Monthly Subscription Cost Breakdown

• Cost: $10 per month (billed automatically to your seller account)
• Perks
  
  • 15 free listing credits ($3 value)
  • $5 Etsy Ads credit
  • Advanced shop customization (banners, layouts, featured listings)
  • Discounts on packaging, shipping supplies, and marketing tools
  • Six months of Adobe Express Premium (for new subscribers)

Value Comparison: Etsy Standard vs Etsy Plus

Is Etsy Plus Worth It for Beginners vs Established Sellers?

• For Beginners: If you’re just starting or have a small shop, Etsy Standard provides all the basics. The Etsy Plus plan might not add much value, as you may not need advanced branding options yet, and credits might go unused. Most new sellers find it more beneficial to focus on SEO, photos, and product descriptions for a better ROI.
• For Established Sellers: Etsy Plus is a great option if you have steady sales, manage a larger inventory, and want a more professional brand. With free listings, ad credits, and restock alerts, Etsy Plus helps with shop credibility and customer engagement.

How to Use Etsy Plus Effectively

Etsy Plus gives you powerful tools to elevate your shop, but the real magic happens when you use them strategically. Many sellers see it as just an upgrade, but the best results come from thoughtful, intentional use. Let’s dive into how you can leverage Etsy Plus features to drive business growth and build customer loyalty.

Setting Up Shop Branding with Etsy Plus Tools

A well-branded shop is the key to attracting more buyers and building trust. Etsy Plus unlocks advanced customization options that allow you to stand out from the competition.

• Create a Bold Banner: Design a banner that reflects your shop’s style—whether it’s for handmade jewelry, vintage decor, or custom clothing. Your banner should be eye-catching and set the tone for your brand.
• Feature Best-Sellers: Use the featured listings tool to showcase your top products right at the top of your homepage. This makes it easier for buyers to discover your best items, increasing the chances of conversion.
• Smart Branding: Etsy’s reports reveal that shops with customized branding see higher repeat visits and longer browsing sessions. A professional, personalized look invites customers to remember and return to your shop.

Leveraging Listing and Ad Credits Smartly

Etsy Plus provides 15 free listings and $5 in Etsy Ads credits each month, which can help reduce costs and improve visibility. Here’s how to make the most of these perks:

• Listing Credits: Use the 15 free listings to add new products, refresh older ones, or test new items. For active shops, these credits can save you money, especially if you frequently relist products.
• Ad Credits: With $5 in ad credits, feature products that already have strong reviews or are trending in your category. This allows you to test the waters with ads before committing a larger budget.
• Etsy Plus Review 2025: Sellers who use their ad credits on high-performing products often see a better ROI and higher conversion rates. Focus your budget on items that already attract attention, ensuring that the money you spend on ads is effective.

By using these credits strategically, you can promote your shop without overspending, making Etsy Plus a cost-effective way to boost visibility.

Using Restock Requests to Drive Repeat Customers

Restock requests are one of the best features of Etsy Plus for fostering repeat business. When an item sells out, buyers can sign up to be notified when it’s available again. Here's why this feature is a game-changer:

• Turn One-Time Buyers into Loyal Customers: If you sell popular items that tend to sell out quickly, enabling restock requests encourages buyers to return when the product is restocked.
• Increase Repeat Sales: Shops that use restock requests see an increase in returning buyer interactions compared to those who don’t.
• Build Anticipation: Restock alerts not only bring back buyers but also create buzz and anticipation for popular items, keeping your shop top of mind.

Is Etsy Plus Worth It?

Choosing the right plan for your Etsy shop is an important decision, and many sellers wonder if Etsy Plus delivers enough value for its $10/month subscription fee. Let's break down when Etsy Plus is a smart investment and when you may want to consider other options. We’ll explore practical advice, real numbers, and key considerations to help you decide.

When Etsy Plus Is a Smart Investment

Etsy Plus is a great choice for sellers who are ready to grow their business and need more than the basics.

• Steady Sales: If you run a busy shop with consistent sales, Etsy Plus helps you present a polished, professional image. The advanced branding options and restock alerts keep your shop looking great and encourage repeat buyers.
• Listing and Ad Credits: These credits help offset the monthly cost. If you frequently publish new listings or promote products, the $5 ad credit and 15 free listings can save you money.

You should consider Etsy Plus if

• You have a large or fast-moving inventory.
• You’re actively building a strong brand and want your shop to stand out.
• You use Etsy Ads monthly and could benefit from small bonus credits.
• You need shop customization tools and want to enable frequent restock requests.

For established sellers, Etsy Plus provides tools that help you grow faster in a competitive marketplace. It’s best for those who have enough sales to make the $10/month fee feel like an investment, rather than a stretch.

When Etsy Plus May Not Be Worth the Cost

On the other hand, Etsy Plus may not be the best choice for everyone, especially for new sellers or those who aren’t yet fully established.

• Small Shops: If you sell infrequently or only list a few items, you might not make full use of the listing and ad credits. For shops that don’t need advanced layouts or banner upgrades, the subscription might not pay for itself.

Etsy Plus may not be ideal if

• You don’t plan to grow soon or sell infrequently.
• You don’t use marketing tools, packaging, or business cards.
• You’re still learning Etsy SEO and listing optimization.
• You’re hoping for search ranking improvements—Etsy Plus doesn’t affect search visibility.

For new sellers, focus on improving your product photos, writing great product descriptions, and mastering basic promotions. When your shop grows and fees start adding up, you can revisit Etsy Plus as a natural next step.

Alternatives to Etsy Plus for Shop Growth

If Etsy Plus doesn’t seem right for you just yet, there are plenty of alternatives to grow your shop without the extra cost:

• Etsy Standard Plan: It’s free and provides all the basic tools you need to set up and run your shop without additional monthly fees.
• Invest in Etsy SEO Tools: Platforms like Marmalead or eRank help you find the right keywords and optimize your listings, often giving you more value than paying for Plus upfront.
• Professional Photography: High-quality product images can dramatically improve clicks and conversions, often more than advanced branding options.
• Social Media Marketing: Use Instagram, Facebook, or  Pinterest to build an audience and drive external traffic to your shop.
• Email Marketing: Tools like Mailchimp can help you engage directly with customers and drive repeat business.

Many successful Etsy shops started small, using free tools and focusing on building skills first. Smart investments in SEO, marketing, and product photos often deliver better long-term results than subscribing to Etsy Plus immediately.

How to Sign Up for Etsy Plus

Upgrading to Etsy Plus is a straightforward process that allows you to unlock enhanced features for your shop. Whether you're ready to upgrade or just exploring your options, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and stay in control of your subscription.

Step-by-Step Process to Upgrade

1. Log in to Your Etsy Shop Manager

Start by logging into your Etsy account and heading to your Shop Manager dashboard. This is where you’ll manage all aspects of your shop, including settings and subscriptions.

2. Go to the Manage Shop Section

In the left-hand menu, find and click on Manage Shop. This is where you can access all your shop’s administrative options, including upgrades and billing.

3. Select Etsy Plus Subscription

Look for the Etsy Plus tab or banner that promotes the subscription plan. Click on it to learn more about the current features and pricing (which is $10 per month as of 2025).

4. Review Benefits and Confirm

Check the details of what’s included—listing credits, custom shop options, and marketing tool discounts. If everything looks good, click on Subscribe or Upgrade Now to proceed.

5. Enter Payment Information

Etsy uses the payment information already linked to your shop. If you prefer, you can add a new payment method. Your subscription fee will be billed monthly, and the payment will be processed automatically.

6. Start Using Etsy Plus Features

Once subscribed, you can immediately start using all the Etsy Plus features, including shop customization tools, ad credits, and other benefits directly from the Shop Manager.

Etsy’s interface is regularly updated, but the core process remains simple and user-friendly. Many sellers find that the entire upgrade process takes less than five minutes.

Managing or Canceling Subscription

You are in full control of your Etsy Plus subscription, and managing it is easy. Here’s how you can keep track of your subscription and cancel it if necessary:

1. To Manage
   
   • Go to the Subscriptions & Services section in Shop Manager.
   • Here, you can review your billing history, update payment methods, or change plans.
2. To Cancel
   
   • Simply click on the cancel option to stop future payments.
   • Your Etsy Plus plan remains active until the current billing cycle ends, so you won’t lose access immediately.
3. Re-Activation
   
   • If you decide to return to Etsy Plus, resubscribing reinstates all the benefits of the plan immediately.

It’s important to note that canceling Etsy Plus doesn’t delete your shop or listings. However, you will lose access to premium features like personalized banners and restock requests. For a smooth transition, consider timing the cancellation with your business cycle to avoid any feature loss during peak periods.

Conclusion

Etsy Plus provides valuable tools for serious sellers, including advanced branding, listing credits, ad credits, and restock requests, making it a smart investment for established shops with steady sales. For new or smaller shops, the $10/month fee might not deliver enough value until sales volume increases. If you're looking to scale and improve your shop’s professionalism, Etsy Plus is a great option. However, evaluate your shop's needs and growth potential before upgrading to ensure the subscription is worth the investment.