Etsy is one of the internet’s leading sites for those who make handmade and homemade items, and has grown tremendously in its users and customers in the past few years. To make things even easier and more lucrative for its sellers, it has recently debuted a credit card reader for those who want to sell in real life. Take a quick look at this card reader and how it’s being used by Etsy regulars.
Understanding Etsy
Etsy is a bit different from other online selling sites like eBay in that it specializes in handmade or homemade items or other specialized merchandise. A seller can set up a store with a certain name and linked website, and sell many items at once. However, the site is not typically used for reselling although some stores do have wholesale merchandise, such as party favors and supplies. On Etsy you might find everything from handmade clothes to baked goods to jewelry. Some sellers even have refurbished furniture or their own custom artwork.
Selling in Real Life
One problem that many Etsy users have faced is being able to sell their items in real life while they’re listed on the storefront. Etsy created an app for smartphones that allowed customers to manage their inventory and perform other necessary functions when selling to customers face to face, but taking payment was difficult. A buyer would need to log in on to the website and pay for the items directly through Etsy.
Now Etsy has created a credit card reader that works with their app on smartphones to allow buyers to simply swipe their card to pay. This card reader only works for Etsy shops and with the Etsy app, but it does make it easier for sellers to display their items and quickly sell them to real life buyers. With the app and the card reader combined, a seller can do all the logging in necessary to process the sale. Since a customer doesn’t need to do any extra work, they can quickly purchase an item and the sale is done!
