Should You Have Different Types of Items in One Etsy Shop?

One minute you’re selling handcrafted jewelry, and the next, you’re listing digital planners, crocheted beanies, and possibly some cat socks. (Because, honestly, who doesn’t love cat socks?)

Is this familiar to you?

And now, you’re asking yourself: Is this a bad idea? Should I stick to just one type of product? Will Etsy punish me if I become the Walmart of handmade goods?

Let’s break it down, and let’s do it with some fun… because business talk doesn’t have to be as dry as a stale bagel.

The Great Etsy Dilemma: One Niche or Many?

You’re not alone in this struggle.

Every Etsy seller (especially new ones) wonders whether to focus on just one product or throw everything into their shop like it’s a craft fair on steroids.

But having too many different types of items can:

• Confuse your customers. A person looking for wedding invitations probably doesn’t want to scroll past Halloween decorations and funky socks.
• Mess with your branding. If your shop looks like a random explosion of DIY projects, it’s harder to build a loyal customer base.
• Make marketing harder. If you sell jewelry, it’s easier to run a targeted ad than if you’re selling everything under the sun.

But on the other hand, having a variety of products can be good if they all make sense together. (Like, selling dog bandanas and dog leashes? Totally fine.

Selling dog bandanas and vintage 1980s lunchboxes? Maybe not.)

What Should You Know?

• Etsy loves shops with a clear focus. It’s easier for customers (and Etsy’s algorithm) to understand what you sell.
• Selling too many different things can make your shop feel scattered and hurt your brand.
• If you must sell different types of products, they should have a common theme.
• Running multiple Etsy shops is an option if you really want to sell unrelated things.
• If you’re struggling to get sales, don’t just add more random items. Improve what you already have first.

You Have Too Many Interests

I know, you’re a creative person. That’s why you’re here.

And creative people don’t like being put in a box. You want to make resin keychains one week and hand-painted tote bags the next. Who’s stopping you? Well… Etsy’s algorithm, for one.

If you sell everything, Etsy doesn’t know what to do with you. The algorithm wants to know what your shop is about so it can show your products to the right people. If your shop looks like a mystery grab bag, Etsy won’t push your listings to as many buyers.

Solution: Try grouping similar things together. Instead of selling everything, focus on themes. If you love making both stickers and digital prints, that works! But don’t throw in handmade scarves unless you can somehow connect them.

You’re Struggling to Make Sales

This one hurts. You’ve put your heart and soul into your shop, but nobody’s buying. You think, Maybe I should add more products to attract more people! But this can backfire.

Imagine walking into a bakery, and instead of just selling cakes and cookies, they also have sneakers, scented candles, and homemade soap. You’d be confused, right? That’s how customers feel when your shop lacks a clear focus.

Solution: Ask yourself: What do people come to my shop for? If you’re selling digital planners, don’t add handmade furniture just because you think it might help sales. Instead, double down on what’s already working and improve your listings.

Better photos, better descriptions, better SEO… those will get you more sales faster than adding random new products.

You’re Burnt Out

Running an Etsy shop is fun… until it isn’t. Managing multiple types of products means managing multiple sets of materials, different pricing strategies, and totally different customers. That’s a lot to keep track of.

Ever tried selling physical products and digital downloads at the same time? One requires shipping, packing, and tracking. The other just needs a file upload and a prayer that customers don’t forget how to download things. It’s like running two businesses at once.

Solution: Simplify. If your shop is causing stress, pick the product type that brings you the most joy (and profit). Then, phase out the extra stuff. You don’t have to delete listings overnight, but start shifting your focus toward what works best.

When Mixing Products Works

If you’re really set on selling multiple types of items, here are some ways to do it without turning your shop into a mess:

• Stick to a Theme – Your shop should have a vibe. If your theme is “boho home decor,” then selling macrame, pillows, and plant hangers makes sense. Selling boho decor and Star Wars t-shirts? Not so much.
• Use Sections – Etsy lets you categorize products into sections. If you must sell different items, make it easy for buyers to navigate.
• Consider Multiple Shops – If your products are wildly different, opening a second Etsy shop might be the best move. (Yes, it’s more work, but it keeps things organized.)

Having different types of items in one Etsy shop can work, but only if they make sense together. If your shop looks like a random mix of hobbies, it’s time to rethink things.

Keep your shop simple, clear, and easy for customers to understand. The easier it is for buyers to know what you sell, the more likely they are to hit that “Buy” button.

FAQs

Can I sell both digital and physical products in the same shop?

Yes, but it can get messy. Make sure your branding makes sense and that customers don’t get confused about what kind of shop you run.

Will Etsy penalize me for selling different types of items?

No, Etsy won’t penalize you, but it won’t help you either. A scattered shop is harder to rank in search, which can lower your sales.

Should I open a second Etsy shop for different products?

If your products are totally unrelated, yes. If they’re somewhat connected, you can keep them in one shop and use sections to organize them.

What’s the best way to market a shop with mixed products?

Focus on your shop’s overall theme and target audience. Don’t try to appeal to everyone—find your niche and stick with it.

How many products should I have before I worry about this?

If you only have 5-10 listings, don’t stress too much. But once you have 30-50, your shop’s theme should be clear.

What if I just love making different things?

Then do what makes you happy! But if you want consistent sales, focusing on a niche will help more in the long run.