Selling Bulk on Etsy: How to Offer Wholesale Pricing Without the Wholesale Platform

Are you an Etsy seller looking to scale your business by attracting bulk buyers? You’re not alone! Many customers actively search for Etsy bulk orders, looking for wholesale deals on handmade, vintage, and craft supply items.

Although Etsy’s dedicated Etsy Wholesale platform is no longer available, you can still sell wholesale on Etsy by leveraging existing features like quantity-based discounts, custom listings, coupon codes, and direct communication.

This guide will walk you through how to sell wholesale on Etsy and optimize your shop to attract bulk buyers.

Table of Contents

Understanding Wholesale on Etsy (Without the Old Platform)

Selling wholesale through Etsy means offering discounted bulk pricing to buyers who need large quantities—such as small businesses, event planners, or resellers.

While the original Etsy Wholesale program was discontinued, sellers can still offer wholesale pricing using Etsy’s standard tools. Many successful Etsy sellers buy and sell wholesale on Etsy by implementing smart pricing strategies and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Strategies for Selling Bulk/Wholesale on Etsy

There are multiple ways to encourage bulk purchases on Etsy without an official wholesale platform.

Quantity-Based Discounts

One of the simplest ways to offer Etsy wholesale pricing is through tiered pricing, where buyers receive a discount when purchasing more items.

How to Set Up Quantity Discounts on Etsy:

  1. Go to Listing Variations – Open the listing editor and find the “Variations” section.
  2. Add a Quantity Option – Label it as “Quantity” or “Bulk Order.”
  3. Set Pricing Tiers – Example:
    • 1–4 items: $15 each
    • 5–9 items: $12 each
    • 10–19 items: $10 each
    • 20+ items: $8 each
  4. Save and Publish

Pro Tip: Create a visual pricing chart in your product images to make bulk discounts clear!

Custom Listings for Bulk Orders

For buyers who want specific quantities or custom orders, private listings are an excellent option.

How to Create a Custom Listing on Etsy:

  1. Respond to Buyer Inquiries Quickly – Answer questions about bulk orders and pricing.
  2. Discuss Order Details – Confirm the quantity, price, and any custom requests.
  3. Create a Private Listing – In your Shop Manager, go to “Listings” → “Add a Listing” → Set it as “Private.”
  4. Send the Direct Link – Etsy provides a unique link to share with your customer.
  5. Finalize the Sale – The buyer can complete their purchase securely.

Bonus: A well-handled custom order can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer!

Using Coupon Codes for Bulk Purchases

If you prefer to reward bulk buyers with discounts, coupon codes are a great solution.

How to Set Up Etsy Coupon Codes for Wholesale:

  1. Go to “Marketing” → “Sales and Coupons” in your Shop Manager.
  2. Create a New Coupon with one of the following:
    • Percentage Discount (e.g., 15% off orders over $100)
    • Fixed Amount Discount (e.g., $10 off $100+)
    • Free Shipping (for large orders)
  3. Set Minimum Purchase Amount – Ensure the coupon is only used for bulk purchases.
  4. Promote the Discount in your product descriptions, shop announcements, and social media.

Direct Communication & Building Relationships

Engaging directly with potential wholesale buyers can lead to repeat business and long-term partnerships.

Best Practices for Direct Communication:

  • Respond quickly to inquiries about bulk discounts on Etsy.
  • Offer flexible pricing for repeat buyers.
  • Follow up after orders to ensure satisfaction.
  • Add a “Wholesale Inquiries” section to your FAQ.

Setting Your Wholesale Pricing Strategy

Pricing for Etsy wholesale versus retail requires careful calculation.

Key Pricing Considerations:

  • Calculate Total Costs (materials, labor, Etsy fees, shipping)
  • Analyze Competitor Pricing to stay competitive
  • Use Tiered Pricing for bulk discounts
  • Ensure Profitability at Every Level

Optimizing Your Etsy Shop for Bulk Sales

Keyword Optimization for SEO

Incorporate Etsy wholesale-related keywords naturally in:

  • Product Titles (e.g., “Handmade Soap – Bulk Order Available”)
  • Descriptions (mention bulk discounts & custom orders)
  •  Tags (etsy seller wholesale, etsy bulk order, buy etsy wholesale)

Clear & Concise Descriptions

  • Highlight minimum order quantities
  • Mention wholesale pricing options
  • Provide easy-to-follow ordering instructions

High-Quality Product Photos

  • Include bulk order images
  • Ensure clear, well-lit, professional shots

Shipping and Handling for Bulk Orders

  • Packaging: Use sturdy, cost-effective materials.
  • Shipping Costs: Offer combined shipping or free shipping for large orders.
  • International Shipping: Consider offering wholesale shipping worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I offer different wholesale prices to different buyers?

Yes, pricing can vary based on order size, customization, and buyer relationships.

Do I need a separate business license to sell wholesale on Etsy?

Check local business regulations, as requirements vary by location.

How can I track bulk orders efficiently?

Use Etsy’s inventory tools or a third-party system for high-volume tracking.

Is selling wholesale on Etsy profitable?

Yes! Many sellers successfully sell bulk items on Etsy, even without the old wholesale platform.

Conclusion

Selling wholesale through Etsy is still possible with the right approach! By offering bulk discounts, custom listings, and optimized pricing, you can attract larger buyers and grow your business.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your Etsy shop thrive with wholesale buyers!