Getting started on Etsy from Ukraine: selling vintage items without complications

For many Ukrainians who own unique vintage treasures, entering the international market seems like a dream. The Etsy platform, visited by millions of lovers of handmade items and antiques every month, is the perfect place to start. However, issues such as logistics, payments, and regulations often become barriers.

The GlobalPost team has prepared detailed step-by-step instructions for you that will dispel all myths and help you easily launch your vintage store on Etsy from Ukraine.

What is “vintage” on Etsy?

First, let’s clarify Etsy’s terminology. Vintage refers to any item that is 20 years old or older. Important: this broad category also includes antiques (items over 100 years old). This means you can sell both vintage clothing from the 1990s and an antique brooch from the 19th century on the platform.

The key difference for sellers from Ukraine lies not in Etsy’s rules but in export laws. For most vintage items (20–50+ years old), no special permits are usually required. However, exporting antiques may require a state examination, which makes the selling process more complex compared to simpler vintage items.

Creating and setting up your Etsy shop

This is your foundation. Give this step enough attention to make a great first impression on buyers.

1. Registration: Go to Etsy.com. The process is standard: email and password.
2. Opening your shop: In your profile, click “Sell on Etsy”. The system will guide you through five main steps:

• Shop preferences: Choose the shop language (English), country (Ukraine), and currency (USD).
• Name your shop: Come up with a unique and memorable name that reflects your product range.
• Stock your shop: You’ll need to create at least one listing to proceed. We’ll cover this in detail in the next step.
• How you’ll get paid: This is the most important technical step. Choose “Individual” if you are a private seller, or “Business” if you are registered as a company in Ukraine (FOP/LLC). For individuals, you’ll need a passport/ID and a bank account (preferably in USD). For companies — company documents and an account in the company’s name.
• Set up billing: Provide a bank card from which Etsy can charge listing and other fees.

3. Shop appearance: Upload a vibrant banner and logo. Write your shop story in the “About” section – share why you love vintage.

Creating the perfect listing for a vintage item

Your product is the star. Its presentation makes all the difference.

• Professional photos: Take 8–10 high-quality photos in natural light on a clean, neutral background. Show the item from all angles.
• Title: Use all 140 characters. Include what the item is, its style, era, key materials.
• Detailed description: Tell the item’s story. Include exact dimensions (in inches and centimeters), weight, materials, and condition. Be fully transparent about any flaws.
• Pricing: Research similar items on Etsy. Set a price that reflects the item’s value and Etsy’s fees.

A well-crafted listing not only attracts attention but also increases your chances of making a sale. Honesty, quality, and attention to detail are what build trust and encourage customers to choose your vintage item.

Shipping from Ukraine — easy and reliable with GlobalPost

Success on Etsy depends heavily on reliable and transparent logistics. At GlobalPost, we take care of all shipping matters so you can focus on selling. Our advantages:

• Worldwide delivery: We ship your orders directly to your customers in the USA, Europe, Canada, and other countries. No middlemen or unclear schemes.
• Solutions for bulk shipments: If you plan to sell in large volumes, we can deliver your entire batch to any address in the USA — for example, to your partner’s warehouse or a specialized fulfillment center (3PL). This significantly reduces the cost per unit and makes you more competitive in the market.
• User-friendly online dashboard: Easily create shipments, track all parcels, and manage orders in one place.
• Transparent rates: Our online calculator lets you instantly estimate the shipping cost even before you list your product. No hidden fees.
• Expert support: We’re always ready to advise you on packaging fragile vintage items, customs clearance, and how to optimize your logistics costs.

GlobalPost is a trusted partner for Ukrainian sellers on all global marketplaces. Check out our detailed guides for selling on Amazon and eBay. If you’re planning regular shipments, explore our special business terms to get exclusive rates and personalized support.

Finances and legal aspects

To keep your business legal and transparent, it’s important to understand the fees and taxes. Etsy fees:

• Listing fee: $0.20 per item listed for 4 months.
• Transaction fee: 6.5% of the total order value (including shipping).
• Payment processing fee: Fee for processing payments via Etsy Payments (for Ukraine, about 4% + a fixed amount).
• Offsite Ads fee: 12–15% (optional, depending on your annual revenue).

For stable sales, the best option is to register as a sole proprietor (FOP). This allows you to legally accept payments and pay a simplified tax.

Conclusion

Selling vintage on Etsy from Ukraine isn’t difficult if you follow a clear process and have a reliable logistics partner. Your love for unique items and our expertise in international shipping is a formula for success.

Don’t postpone your dream. And when it comes to fast and reliable delivery to your customers around the world, GlobalPost has you covered. We wish you inspiration, strong sales, and grateful customers!