White Label vs. Private Label: Differences Explained

It seems like everyone is selling something on Etsy in 2022. So, whether you’re a business owner or looking to launch a side hustle alongside your main career, this online marketplace has plenty to offer. The following guide on the best-selling items on Etsy will help you convert your creativity into cash. The Success of Etsy Before finding the right things to sell on Etsy, you need to determine if this is the right place to offer your unique creations. Since launching in 2005, the public eCommerce platform has grown from strength to strength, as is underlined by the following stats: Etsy reported revenue of $1.7 billion in 2020, marking an increase of nearly 111% from 2019. The number of Etsy sellers grew from 2.69 million in 2019 to 4.36 million in 2020. There are currently 7.5 million active Etsy sellers around the world. 97% of sellers operate from their homes, while more than half are multi-channel sellers. One of the top Etsy sellers HeatherRobertsArt recorded over 33,000 sales in a single month. All the available data shows that Etsy is one of the world’s top-performing platforms with millions of active users. This community of creators and sellers offers products on the site or alongside their own eCommerce platforms. Setting up and managing successful Etsy shops is quick, convenient, and cost-efficient for sellers of all sizes.  But before you can unlock these perks, you’ll need to identify the most popular items on Etsy. When combined with engaging Etsy shop ideas aimed at a defined audience, sellers are guaranteed a unique recipe for success. The Best Selling Items on Etsy When looking for profitable Etsy items, one can turn to many different sources. You can check out the top sellers or browse different categories to find what sells best on Etsy at any given time. The platform is arguably less prone to changing trends than many others because of a natural focus on vintage items, personalized goods, and handmade creations.  As such, when looking for Etsy selling ideas, the following 10 product types are all set to deliver great results. Candles Starting a candle business has become very popular, not least because seven out of 10 households use them. And thanks to the massive user base on the platform, candles are one of the most profitable Etsy items. They cost very little to make and can be sold with a significant markup. As far as tips to sell on Etsy are concerned, targeting gift-buyers is one of the more profitable strategies, which is another reason why candles do well. Selections of organic and vegan candles are also popular. Stickers When looking at what is the best-selling item on Etsy, most people are surprised to learn that adhesive stickers are generating a lot of buzz. They’re small, inexpensive, and available in an almost endless number of designs, including custom ideas. Consumers can use them to personalize books, greeting cards, bags, and a range of other items. This allows them to display their personality or passion for a sports team, city, or political movement. That’s exactly what millions of buyers are hoping to do. Handmade Jewellery Custom handmade jewelry is an inexpensive way for buyers to revamp their look without having to spend money on high-street options. The list of popular items includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles, and more. You can check out popular sellers like Caitlyn Minimalist for inspiration. You can also sell charms and beads and enable buyers to personalize their existing collections. Many of the best-selling handmade items on Etsy fall into the category of jewelry. That’s because a lot of the sellers offer unique styles and are specific about the material they use. Graphic Design Anyone who has ever tried to build an eCommerce website understands the importance of design. This component is equally significant when you’re trying to figure out what sells best on Etsy because demand for visual assets is high. After all, a successful brand has to be visually appealing to consumers. Most graphic designers showcase their work and attract clients through their Etsy shop. Their ideas come to life through a variety of projects.  Sellers encounter minimal costs as there are no delivery fees, and they attract both one-off and repeat orders. Standard and personalized store templates, character designs and logos, organizer templates, and mobile icons are some of the more common items. Home Decor Most people who are looking to improve their homes turn to simple home decor and accessories that offer quick and cost-effective transformations. They’re also popular with tenants who are not able to make major changes. Furniture is another popular option. The best-selling wooden items on Etsy are especially popular for buyers who want to redecorate their bedrooms, lounges, home offices, and conservatories. Wallpapers and home furnishings grew in popularity during the pandemic as people began to invest more in their home surroundings. Organic Cosmetics  Research shows that global demand for organic cosmetics is growing at a rapid pace, with the industry forecast to expand from $34.5bn in 2018 to $54.5bn by 2026. Crucially, consumers are more likely to choose SMBs that are more environmentally friendly.  As such, Etsy is an ideal place to sell skin creams, fragrances, and makeup made exclusively from natural ingredients. There has never been a better time to embrace this concept. You can also incorporate the sale of candles.  Notebooks and Diaries When researching what sells best on Etsy, notebooks, journals, and diaries are hard to miss. These are some of the top choices among sellers, with millions of items sold in the US each year. Most consumers want their items to stand out - whether they’re for school, work, or home. With no shortage of reasons to keep a journal, more and more people are choosing to record their thoughts by writing them down. Whether the pages are customized or you’ve simply designed a brilliant cover, Etsy is a great place to sell notebooks and journals.  Artistic Posters  Posters are another fantastic way for people to add a dose of character to their bedrooms, hallways, or workspaces. Graphic designers can turn their images into stunning pieces of printed artwork, while adding a frame can always be a special treat for the buyer. Etsy offers artistic posters depicting abstract images, recreations of movie scenes or sporting moments, iconic landmarks, and so much more. It is one of the most commonly searched categories by Etsy users, which can bring a lot of traffic to your door. Baby Items Toys and baby items are among the best-selling wooden items on Etsy. According to experts, this market is being driven by consumer demand for safe, sturdy, and sustainable items for their children. Etsy sellers who produce quality goods can cash in by successfully marketing their products to parents. Parents spend a lot of money on their children. Toys, chairs, and other baby products that are designed with comfort, convenience, and function in mind should perform well. The parental community is also very good at telling others about great products.  Clothing  eCommerce stats show that fashion is one of the most popular categories. People love to look good, and fashionable items can help them do that. Etsy is an outlet where they can find items to better define their personality, which can’t be found at the mall. From t-shirts to footwear and accessories like belts and bags, a wide range of fashion items sell well on Etsy. For designers, print-on-demand also removes the financial risk and order fulfillment issues. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the top Etsy sellers and Etsy shop ideas. The Takeaway If you are looking to sell vintage items or handmade products, Etsy is the ideal platform for realizing your aspirations. Whether you’re a designer or maker, the list of the best-selling items on Etsy shows that there are plenty of opportunities for creative people from different backgrounds. If you’re selling the right product, you will never be short of customers as the millions of Etsy users all but guarantee success.

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys regularly getting out of the office and doing interesting work, then learning how to become a house appraiser could be ideal for you.  Appraisers are professionals who work closely with other stakeholders across the real estate sector, including agents, buyers, banks, sellers, and investors to determine “fair value” for properties. With their help, sellers and banks can find out how much real estate is worth, allowing them to plan accordingly and know what to expect. There are currently more than two million real estate agents in the US, so being qualified to appraise houses is a valuable skill.  What Does a House Appraiser Do?  A house appraiser’s main task is to determine how much a particular property is worth. Because real estate prices change all the time, owners, estate agents, and buyers often need professional valuations.  An appraiser’s estimate doesn’t necessarily mean that the house will sell for that amount, but it does provide all stakeholders with a ballpark figure for what the property is worth. It also helps to prevent overpaying by buyers and underselling by sellers.  When determining the value of a property, appraisers will look at:  Property size Property location The type of property Damage to the property and required repairs The appraiser’s individual experience also contributes to their valuation. For some, a particular property may appear to offer tremendous value, while for others it may not. How Long Does it Take to Become a House Appraiser? To become a licensed residential appraiser, you’ll need around 150 hours of qualifying education and more than 1,000 hours of experience over a period of at least six months. For other types of appraisers, such as certified residential appraisers and certified general appraisers, you’ll need more education and hours of experience on the job.  How Much Do Appraisers Earn? The median real estate appraiser pay was $59,510 in 2021, with 95% of incomes ranging from $36,940 to $72,210. A trainee appraiser won’t earn a great salary, but as a qualified general appraiser you’ll find yourself at the higher end.  Becoming an Appraiser: What You Need to Know In this section, we show you how to become an appraiser, step by step: Step 1: Learn how to become an appraiser Unfortunately, real estate appraisal isn't a career that you can just walk into without any qualifications. The Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) is in charge of setting standards for anyone entering the industry. The steps to becoming an appraiser depend on the state. Some require you to take additional courses and exams beyond those the AQB requires.  If you want to learn more about how individual states treat real estate appraiser licenses, go to the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) website for a full list.  Step 2: Start out as a trainee To get a property appraiser license, you’ll need to begin as a trainee – an official ABQ classification.  To get to this stage, you’ll need to complete three short courses:  Basic Appraisal Principles: 30 hours Basic Appraisal Procedures: 30 hours National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice: 15 hours As an addition to these core requirements, you may also have to take extra courses set out in your state’s legislation.  Step 3: Get 1,000 hours of experience (minimum) Before you can get a residential appraiser license, you’ll need a minimum of 1,000 hours of work experience over at least six months.  The best way to do this is to find a supervisory appraiser – someone you can shadow as you learn your trade. Usually, you can find suitable professionals via a real estate appraiser organization. You can also reach out on job sites such as LinkedIn or Indeed.  Some states have different experience requirements. For instance, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Vermont all require 1,500 hours of experience. Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington require 2,000 hours. And Alaska, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, and Wyoming require 2,500 hours.  Step 4: Complete additional courses to become a licensed appraiser Formal training requirements to become a trainee appraiser are minimal. However, if you want a full real estate appraisal license, you’ll have to do some additional courses to fulfill AQB’s minimum requirements.  Home appraisal job requirements include:  Residential report writing and case studies: 15 hours Residential sales comparison and income approaches: 30 hours Residential appraiser site valuation and cost approaches: 15 hours Residential market analysis and highest and best use: 15 hours These requirements can vary across states, so look into your state board to ensure that you’re fulfilling all the necessary criteria. Step 5: Pass your state’s licensing exam Once you complete this part of your real estate appraiser education, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam. Tests comprise 110 questions that you must answer in under four hours.  The questions will probe you on everything you need to know to become a residential real estate appraiser. This includes: Appraisal math and property value calculations Different valuations methods Real estate market analysis Investment analysis The different types of real estate and how they influence property valuations State advisory boards commission a range of private exam providers for examinations, such as Applied Measurement Professionals, Pearson VUE, and PSI. To book an exam, check these organizations’ schedules and then book your slot online.  Step 6: Put in your application Once you pass your exams, the last step is to officially hand your license application to the relevant state licensing board. Again, state application requirements vary, so you’ll need to visit the ACS website to check your state’s requirements first.  Once your license gets approved and you get home appraisal certification, you’re free to begin working. However, even with this license, you’re limited in terms of the properties that you can appraise. For instance, licensed residential appraisers (the most common career path), can only work on:  Non-complex properties with between one and four units worth under $1 million. Complex properties with between one and four units worth less than $250,000. Step 7: Get working To start working, you’ll need to search for job opportunities on popular sites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed. At first, you’ll usually work for a private appraisal business or banks. However, later you may be able to work independently or as a contractor, depending on how successful you become.  Your employer should give you access to a multiple listing service (MLS) when you join. This gives you information about current and past house prices in the area, plus a record of all recent sales. Access to these services is usually free, with the subscription paid for by the firm you join.  Step 8: Continue to upgrade your license To get to the top of the certified real estate appraiser pay scale, you’ll need to upgrade your license. When you do, you’ll be able to appraise more expensive and complex properties.  There are two ways you can upgrade your license:  Get qualified as a certified residential appraiser Become a certified general appraiser Certified residential property appraiser training allows appraisers to value all types of residential property, from small townhouses to giant apartment blocks.  Certified general appraiser training allows you to appraise any type of real estate, including commercial and industrial buildings.  Education and training hours for both certified residential appraisers and certified general appraisers are considerably higher than they are for licensed residential appraisers. As a certified residential appraiser, you need at least 200 hours of education, a bachelor’s degree focusing on your field of study, and 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in the past 12 months. To become a certified general appraiser, you need 300 hours of education, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and 3,000 hours of experience over at least 18 months, with 1,500 hours in non-residential work.  Conclusion Learning how to become a house appraiser is surprisingly simple once you understand it. Home appraiser training generally takes the same format: first you need to become a trainee appraiser, then you need to get the experience and education hours required for licensed residential appraiser status. Once you get to this stage, you’re free to start work and get your career up and running. If you’d like to go further, you can do additional training to become a certified residential appraiser or a certified general appraiser.

While it might not necessarily stand out as the most exciting business sector to get into, the shipping industry is easily one of the most important for domestic and international commerce. Quite frankly, there has never been a better time to start a shipping company either. Studies show that around 90% of international trade relies on the freight industry. When you know how to start a shipping business in style, the opportunities to generate significant financial returns while simultaneously helping companies and consumers around the globe are fantastic. This guide will help you learn the various steps for starting a shipping business in 2022 and beyond. Let’s get ready to deliver the goods. Why Start a Shipping Company? Before looking at how to start a shipping company, you need to be properly motivated to enter this arena. First off, you should know that the shipping industry was valued at $14 trillion in 2019 and continues to show a steady improvement year on year. For the companies that get it right, there is an opportunity to see very sizable ROIs. While the proposed financial gains are rightly the first item on the agenda, it’s worth considering some of the industry’s other attractive features. They include but are not limited to: Flexibility - whether you start an international or domestic shipping business, there are many different niches and clients that you may work with. Likewise, you can run the venture from various settings and consider multiple staffing arrangements.  Stability - it’s existed for generations, but the industry is now truly thriving. For example, stats from 2013-19 show that the volume of goods carried by ships rose by almost 35%. Unlike many business sectors, this industry runs 365 days per year without any dead periods. Importance - the shipping industry isn’t only one of the world’s longest-existing sectors; it’s also a vital cog in the engine of society. From cars to food and consumer goods to raw materials, global trade is dependent on freight companies like the one you plan to launch. Responsibility - the chance to make a difference in the world is something many entrepreneurs aspire to do. Carbon emissions from the shipping industry have been reduced, and industry leaders aim to reach a 50% reduction by 2050. You can play a significant role in this development. Engagement - every business owner enjoys a challenge, and starting a shipping company will present new ones daily. From building your business strategy to overcoming financial and logistical obstacles, this is an industry that offers a chance to dive deep. Furthermore, studies have shown that the volume of shipments for B2B, B2C, and C2B parcel delivery across 13 major countries has grown from 43 billion units in 2014 to 131 billion in 2020. Given the way our consumer habits have changed during the pandemic, the figures are only climbing. Starting a container shipping business isn’t for everyone. For the right candidates, though, it delivers an unparalleled opportunity to achieve great results and upscale over the years to come. A Word of Warning About Shipping Freight Business Concepts Telling yourself that you want to start a shipping business is a good starting point, but it’s equally important to familiarize yourself with the issues that could potentially hold you back. As with any business venture, you’ll need to be disciplined, capable of managing a workforce, and competent in handling financial matters. After all, one in five startups fail within the first year, with capital being the main source of problems. There are several unique challenges you’ll face when starting a freight company. Some of the key issues that you must consider include: The need to calculate the CBM and freight tonnage to work out the costs (and, therefore, the profit margins) of all shipments. Learning how to determine whether a House Bill of Lading (HBL) or Master Bill of Lading (MBL) is required. The need to research when cargo can be shipped without insurance and which kind of insurance is needed when it can’t. A deep understanding of the HS Code or Tariff and how it’ll impact your domestic or international shipments. An ongoing demand to manage logistical factors that could impact shipping containers in multiple countries.  If you don’t have all the relevant experience and information at the start of your journey, you can educate yourself on the state of the shipping industry before officially launching your business. However, you must be honest with yourself regarding your ability to commit to the work even during stressful times.  How to Start a Shipping Business It will require a lot of hard work to force your way into this crowded industry, but it is possible. However, the versatility and self-control inherent in the industry will offer you many options. As such, your research can even extend to ideas like how to start a shipping business from home - a concept that will help reduce some of your financial exposure. In some ways, the shipping industry is no different to any other, not least in the sense that you must find your own path. Nonetheless, the following steps should point you in the right direction. #1. Research the Market Knowing that you want to start a freight company is one thing, but knowing the exact type of venture you wish to operate is another. There are several niches within the industry that you may wish to pursue, such as: Cargo shipping Container shipping  Dropshipping With 90% of goods being transported by sea, there are so many categories of shipping you can get into. You may also find that your future lies with a niche like hazardous goods, in which case you’ll also need to consider your clients. They could fall under the category of B2B, B2C, or C2B, ranging from small contractors to major organizations. Getting into a niche that you feel passionately about is advisable, but you must also check out the relevant regulations, ranging from international laws and customs regulations to insurance coverage. The findings should influence your subsequent decisions. #2. Build a Business Plan A strong business plan is one of the most valuable documents that you can have during the early stages of planning and launching your shipping business. Aside from being a tool that can help you gain funding from banks or guide your team, it’s also something you can always look to for a better understanding of your company and where it’s headed. It’s technically possible to write a one-page business plan, but when looking at a shipping business international venture, you’ll probably benefit from a more comprehensive business plan and proposal. It should set out: The objectives of the business, its challenges, and strategies The resources you require and whether or not you’ll still be able to profit The value of your proposition and potential exit strategies All information should link back to the industry, which is another reason to know your competition and the state of the market, along with any anticipated developments and how they might influence your freight venture. #3. Register Your Shipping Business Conducting the necessary research and planning how to start a cargo business will build a solid foundation. However, you can’t truly begin following your dreams until the company has been registered. This means formally registering its name and checking trademarks. In addition to registering the business, you’ll need your tax identification number and will also benefit from having a: Certificate in Shipping Business Certificate in Marine Transportation Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) status The legal requirements for this industry are more stringent than for many small retail businesses. But whether you open a sole proprietorship or - more likely - an LLC, getting this paperwork under control is essential. #4. Access Funding Knowing how to start a shipping container home business counts for very little if you don’t have the capital, especially as you’ll be dealing with large sums of money. Buying a cargo ship can cost over $10 million, and even the alternative methods like setting up a UPS franchise will require significant funding.  Large operations will need an office, furniture, and office equipment. Even when looking at how to start a shipping business from home, there will be staffing costs, vehicle rentals, containers, and shipping equipment that can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some options for funding the business include: Business bank loans and personal funding Private investors who can also offer mentorship and contacts Crowdfunding or loans from people you know Your state may also offer business grants for startups, which is another route that’s always worth pursuing. #5. Get Insured and Organized There are many administrative tasks that must be completed before you start trading, such as getting a bank checking account and applying for your Employer Identification Number so that you can pay your employees. Having already completed your Certificate of Incorporation, you’ll also need Operating Agreements and Insurance Policies. Joining the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is another key responsibility, while you’ll also need to protect intellectual properties with copyrights and patents. You must also: Organize your freight, maritime, and shipping supply chain management Handle your employment agreements and non-disclosure agreements Seek the right insurances, such as general, risk, health, and workers’ compensation You must also need to establish policies and contingency plans to overcome any problems that may occur while running the company. Maintaining compliance while also serving employees and clients in the right way is essential at all times. #6. Decide on Your Location The location of your business will be important for many reasons, not least your convenience. Even if running a home-based company, you’ll want to know that your cargo and shipments come in or out from a nearby port. You’ll also want to consider where your warehouses are stationed, while also looking into trucking logistics. Knowing that your warehouses, your parking lot for fleet vehicles, and your containers are kept on one site can be beneficial, not least for managing costs. Be sure to consider: Accessibility to the site and getting to shipment locations The strength of competition from other freight companies in the area Any local regulations or laws that could affect your cargo business Location is particularly vital when you want to start a domestic shipping business. That’s because 44% of customers will wait two days for fast delivery, but under 25% will wait for four days. Given the demand for fast solutions, this is one of your most important decisions. #7. Assemble Your Team You cannot expect to run a shipping container company alone, even if it’s a small one. While nearly two-thirds of companies state that retention is harder than hiring, finding candidates with the knowledge and experience to drive the business forward is key.  Many hands make light work, especially when their talents can fill the skills you might be lacking personally. Your workforce will inevitably include:  Office, administration, and HR staff Truck drivers, shipment packers, and warehouse teams Engineers and cargo ship workers If you don’t need to hire all of those people right away, delay it until you do. This will free up more capital while also allowing you to invest more time in the employees you have. Still, you must keep one eye on this to promote smooth long-term growth. #8. Build Business Relations While managing your in-house teams is important, you must also establish strong relations with partners. As a startup, it’s almost impossible to handle every aspect of the freight shipment journey without other companies. You’ll need to have strong connections with: Sellers, who will essentially be your clients Freight forwarder companies once shipments arrive at the destination country Buyers, who may sometimes come directly to you rather than a seller You may also find that you need the help of various tech and software companies to maintain safe, trackable operations at all times.  The necessary business relations will depend on whether you ship by land or sea, as well as the nations you export to. Nonetheless, strong connections with the companies whose items you’ll ship should reduce delays and errors. #9. Establish Your Brand Branding might not feel like that important a step for a shipping business, but the right company image is as important as understanding the features of the NVOCC, like bills of landing or securing the right certifications. Having a solid brand inspires trust from clients and provides peace of mind for workers. Many of your branding issues will be solved instantly if you take on a franchise. However, when starting from scratch, some of the key responsibilities to consider are: Ensuring that the brand personality aligns with your shipping niche Designing a website that engages your audience and inspires trust Getting placements in the right directories, publications, and online outlets Above all else, you need to know that your branding is consistent. Meanwhile, customer care can be incorporated into your branding. Once you’ve been operating for a while, testimonials from your biggest clients can be a key step to winning more contracts. #10. Start Operating With all your preparations now complete, you’ll finally be able to start trading as a shipping business. Whether you’re using maritime or freight shipments, securing leads will be vital. You’ll need to embark on a full and thorough marketing campaign to properly establish yourself.  Winning clients is one thing, but keeping them is another. Finding the best CRM software will be pivotal, as you can use this program to manage all your communications and identify consumers’ behaviors. To provide a tailored service, you should focus on: Updates and tracking information on all shipments Quick invoicing and easy payment facilities Automated orders to streamline client operations Of course, there’s nothing like experience to help improve your company over time, but the aforementioned steps should ensure that your venture gets off on the right foot. If all goes well, your shipping business will be set for years of success. Further Reading The Best Ecommerce Website Builder - Our Top Picks The Best Ecommerce Platform - Find Customers Globally The Best Wholesale Websites  The Final Word The freight industry is one of the longest-standing and most stable business sectors, and it can certainly accommodate new startups. As long as you know how to start a shipping business with compliance, convenience, and cost-efficiency in mind, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t discover a smooth road to success.