Etsy's official policy states that all shop owners must be at least 18 years old. But that doesn't mean you have to wait. If you're between 13 and 17, you can still run an Etsy shop, but a parent or legal guardian must be the official owner of the account.

Think of your parent as the captain of the ship. They're legally responsible for the account, managing the finances, and making sure everything complies with Etsy's rules. You're the creative director and the first mate, handling the product creation, photography, and customer interactions.

This partnership is a core part of Etsy's Minors Policy. The account must be registered using your parent's name and personal information. This isn't just a suggestion, it's a firm requirement. Using your own information if you're under 18 can lead to the account being permanently suspended.

When setting up the account, every piece of financial information must belong to the parent or legal guardian who is over 18. This includes:

• Bank Account: The account for receiving payments must be in the adult's name.
• Credit/Debit Card: The card on file for paying Etsy fees must also belong to the adult.
• Tax Information: The name and Social Security Number (or other tax ID) provided must be the adult's.

The email address used for the account should also be one your parent or guardian has access to. This ensures they receive all official communications from Etsy, including policy updates and payment notifications.

Transparency is key. Etsy requires you to disclose everyone involved in running your shop. In the "About" section of your shop profile, you must list your parent or guardian as the shop owner and yourself as a creator or designer. This is non-negotiable.

Failing to do this makes it seem like a minor is running the account alone, which violates the terms of service. It's an easy step to forget, but it’s crucial for keeping your shop in good standing.

Even though your parent is the official owner, the income your shop generates could have tax implications. In the United States, there's something called the self-employment income threshold. If your shop earns a net profit of $400 or more in a year, you generally need to file a tax return.

Because the shop is in your parent's name, the income is legally theirs. This is a topic to discuss with them early on. They will be responsible for reporting the income on their tax return. Keeping detailed records of all your sales and expenses from day one will make this process much smoother.

While it might seem like a lot of rules, this structure is designed to protect both you and the platform. It gives you a fantastic opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship in a safe and structured environment, with your parent providing the legal and financial backbone. This teamwork allows you to focus on what you do best: creating.

Ready to check your understanding of these foundational rules?

With the legal framework in place, you can move on to the fun part: building your brand and creating your listings.