Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Deals on Etsy

There’s a common misconception that shopping on Etsy means paying a steep premium. While it’s true that you’re often paying for high-quality, handmade items and supporting small businesses, that doesn’t mean you can’t also find incredible value. Buried just beneath the surface of the platform are powerful tools and savvy tricks that can help you score amazing deals on unique treasures.

You don’t need to be an extreme couponer to save money; you just need to know where to look. If you’re ready to become a smarter Etsy shopper, this guide is for you. Here are our top tips for unlocking the best deals and discounts Etsy has to offer.

1. Master the “On Sale” Filter

This is the easiest and most powerful tool at your disposal. Every time you search for an item on Etsy, you have the option to filter the results. Many shoppers use it to filter by color or price range, but one of the most valuable filters is often overlooked. Once you’ve made a search:

• Click on the “All Filters” button.
• Look for the section for special offers and check the box next to “On sale.”

Instantly, your search results will refresh to show you only items that are currently being offered at a discount. It’s a simple click that can immediately reveal dozens of items at 10%, 20%, or even 50% off.

2. Harness the Power of the Favorite Button

Have you ever added an item to your cart on a website, only to get an email a day later with a coupon for that exact item? Etsy sellers have this power, too. When you “Favorite” an item (by clicking the heart icon) or add it to your cart and leave it there for a day or two, it signals your interest to the seller.

Many sellers have set up automated campaigns that will send you a special coupon code—often for 10% or 15% off—to entice you to complete your purchase. It’s a fantastic trick that rewards a little bit of patience. So, if you’re not in a huge rush, heart it, cart it, and wait a day to see if a deal comes to you!

3. Always Look for Free Shipping

In the world of online shopping, the cost of shipping can turn a great deal into an average one. Shipping costs can add a significant amount to your final price, so treating free shipping as a form of discount is a key strategy. Like the “On Sale” filter, Etsy has a dedicated “Free shipping” filter in the “All Filters” menu.

Many shops also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which is often $35 in the U.S. If you plan on buying multiple items from the same shop, it’s always worth checking if bundling them into a single order will push you over that free shipping threshold.

4. Follow Your Favorite Shops and Sellers

Once you find a shop you love, be sure to click the “Follow shop” button on their main page. Sellers often reward their loyal followers with exclusive coupon codes and give them a heads-up about upcoming sales before anyone else. Many sellers are also active on social media platforms like Instagram. Following them there can give you access to special flash sales or follower-only discount codes that you wouldn’t find on the Etsy site itself.

5. Mark Your Calendar for Etsy’s Big Sales

While individual sellers can run sales anytime, Etsy organizes several major, site-wide sales events throughout the year where thousands of shops participate. The most prominent of these is Cyber Week, which encompasses Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Other key events often pop up around holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. During these periods, keep an eye on the Etsy homepage for banners and links that will take you directly to the curated sales pages, making it easy to see who is participating.

By learning to use the tools built right into the platform, you can transform your shopping experience. Etsy is a place for unique, meaningful purchases, and with these tips, you can ensure you’re getting them at a fantastic price, too. Happy (and savvy) shopping!