Ever wondered how Etsy sellers could scale their businesses by selling in bulk? That was the premise behind Etsy Wholesale, a platform designed to connect Etsy artisans with retailers looking for unique, handcrafted goods in large quantities. However, if you search for Etsy wholesale site today, you’ll find that it no longer exists.
So, what happened to Etsy Wholesale? Why did Etsy shut down its wholesale platform? And more importantly, what alternative options do Etsy sellers have now?
This guide will answer all your questions, from the history and closure of Etsy Wholesale to the best wholesale options available today.
Table of Contents
- What Was Etsy Wholesale?
- The Closure of Etsy Wholesale: Timeline and Reasons
- Alternatives to Etsy Wholesale for Etsy Sellers
- Key Considerations for Etsy Sellers Pursuing Wholesale
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What Was Etsy Wholesale?
Newer Etsy sellers often ask, “What was Etsy Wholesale?” or “Does Etsy do wholesale?” The answer is that Etsy once had a dedicated wholesale platform, separate from its main marketplace.
Launched in August 2014, Etsy Wholesale was designed to help sellers expand their businesses by connecting with vetted retailers. Unlike standard Etsy shops, this was a curated marketplace where both buyers and sellers had to apply for approval.
Key Features of Etsy Wholesale (Now Defunct)
- Curated Marketplace – Only approved sellers and retailers could participate.
- Wholesale Pricing – Sellers could set bulk pricing, distinct from their regular Etsy prices.
- Line Sheets – Digital catalogs showcasing wholesale products, prices, and minimum order quantities (MOQs).
- Order Management – A system to handle wholesale transactions smoothly.
- Retailer Access – Allowed Etsy artisans to place their products in brick-and-mortar stores.
At its peak, Etsy Wholesale was a powerful tool for sellers who wanted to scale without investing heavily in direct marketing.
But that all changed in July 2018 when Etsy decided to shut down the platform.
The Closure of Etsy Wholesale: Timeline and Reasons
Timeline of Etsy Wholesale’s Shutdown
- August 2014 – Etsy Wholesale launches.
- July 2018 – Etsy Wholesale officially closes.
Why Did Etsy Close Its Wholesale Platform?
Etsy stated that it wanted to focus on its core marketplace and improve the overall seller experience. However, industry experts speculate other reasons played a role, such as:
- Low Adoption – Etsy Wholesale may not have attracted enough sellers and buyers to justify its costs.
- High Competition – Other wholesale marketplaces like Faire gained popularity.
- Operational Complexity – Running a separate wholesale platform added logistical challenges.
- Brand Image – Etsy’s reputation for handmade, small-batch products may not have aligned with large-scale wholesale.
Many sellers still search for “Etsy wholesale login” or ask, “Does Etsy offer wholesale?” While the dedicated platform is gone, there are still ways to sell wholesale on Etsy.
Alternatives to Etsy Wholesale for Etsy Sellers
Although the Etsy Wholesale site no longer exists, Etsy sellers still have multiple options to sell in bulk. Here’s how:
1. Using Etsy for Wholesale
Etsy no longer has a dedicated wholesale section, but you can still offer wholesale pricing through strategic listing techniques:
- Create Wholesale-Specific Listings – Use product titles like “Handmade Candles – Wholesale Bulk Lot (MOQ 10)”.
- Set Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) – Define the smallest bulk order size you accept.
- Use Wholesale-Friendly Keywords – Optimize your listings with words like wholesale, bulk, lot, discounted.
- Communicate Clearly with Buyers – Add a shop section explaining your wholesale terms.
2. Third-Party Wholesale Platforms
If you want a dedicated wholesale experience, consider platforms that connect artisans with retailers. Some popular alternatives to Etsy Wholesale include:
- Faire (faire.com) – A leading wholesale marketplace for independent brands.
3. Direct Outreach to Retailers
Some Etsy sellers prefer to contact retailers directly to establish wholesale partnerships.
How to Find Retailers Interested in Your Products
- Research Local Boutiques – Find stores that align with your brand.
- Attend Trade Shows – Events like NY NOW and Renegade Craft Fair are great for networking.
- Leverage Social Media & Online Directories – Find potential buyers on LinkedIn, Instagram, or wholesale directories.
Key Considerations for Etsy Sellers Pursuing Wholesale
Selling wholesale is different from regular Etsy sales. Keep these factors in mind:
1. Pricing Strategy
- Use Cost-Plus Pricing – Calculate production costs and add a wholesale markup.
- Keystone Pricing – A common practice where wholesale price = 50% of retail price.
- Ensure Profitability – Set prices that sustain your business long-term.
2. Production & Scaling
- Can You Handle Bulk Orders? – Consider outsourcing production if needed.
- Meet Deadlines – Wholesale buyers expect timely deliveries.
- Maintain Quality – Bulk orders shouldn’t compromise product standards.
3. Shipping & Logistics
- Bulk Packaging – Optimize packaging for wholesale shipments.
- Shipping Costs – Accurately calculate and communicate costs upfront.
- Choose Reliable Carriers – Consider UPS, FedEx, or freight shipping for large orders.
FAQ
Where can I find the old Etsy Wholesale login?
Etsy Wholesale is no longer available, and its login page has been removed.
Why doesn’t Etsy offer a wholesale platform anymore?
Etsy decided to focus on its core marketplace and improve the seller experience.
What is a line sheet?
A line sheet is a catalog that showcases wholesale products, prices, and order details.
How do I find retailers for my Etsy products?
- Use Faire.
- Reach out to local boutiques.
- Attend trade shows.
- Network through social media.
Is Etsy Wholesale coming back?
There’s no indication that Etsy plans to relaunch a wholesale platform.
Conclusion
While Etsy Wholesale is gone, selling in bulk is still an excellent growth strategy. Whether you use Etsy’s existing features, join a third-party wholesale marketplace, or reach out to retailers directly, there are plenty of ways to succeed in wholesale.
By adapting and leveraging these alternatives, Etsy sellers can expand their reach, increase sales, and build a sustainable wholesale business.
