Finding someone on Etsy used to be as simple as typing in a username and hoping for the best.
But as Etsy has evolved over the years, some of the once-loved features have quietly disappeared, making it a little harder to track down your favorite handmade candle creator or the artist who made that embroidered cat pillow you loved.
If you've ever found yourself frantically clicking through pages of listings trying to locate a specific seller, you’re definitely not alone.
Can You Still Search for People on Etsy in 2025?
The short answer: not exactly in the way you used to.
Etsy once had a dedicated “People” tab where you could look up users directly. Unfortunately, that feature has gone the way of the dodo. You can no longer browse or follow Etsy buyers, and even seller usernames are harder to pinpoint unless they’re tied to a shop.
What Etsy does allow now is search by shop name, listings, or through your own purchase history. It’s a bit like playing detective, but instead of solving a crime, you’re trying to find that amazing seller who made custom socks with your dog's face on them.
So, while Etsy doesn’t hand you a global phone book of users anymore, there are still effective methods to find exactly who you’re looking for.
How to Find a Seller or Shop on Etsy? (Step-by-Step)
Let’s walk through the main methods that work in 2025.
1. Search by Shop Name
This is by far the easiest and most straightforward method. If you remember the exact name of the shop, just head to the Etsy homepage and type it in the search bar. Then click the filter button and choose “Shop” instead of “All Items.”
Make sure the spelling is correct. Etsy’s search isn’t very forgiving, so if the shop is named “CraftyCatsStudio” and you type “Crafty Cat Studio,” you may not get what you’re looking for.
2. Search by Username
Sometimes, a username is connected to a shop. If you have their Etsy username saved somewhere, you can try typing it into the search bar. If it’s tied to a shop, Etsy will often auto-redirect you.
Keep in mind, though, this doesn’t always work if the user isn’t actively running a shop, or if they’ve changed their store name. And no, Etsy does not allow you to stalk random buyers. Only public-facing shops and sellers can be searched.
3. Search Your Purchase History
Let’s say you bought something a year ago and want to reorder or leave a review. The best method is to check your past purchases.
- Go to your Etsy account.
- Click on “Purchases and Reviews.”
- Look for the order and click on the shop name.
This is foolproof if you’ve ordered from the shop before. You’ll also be able to message the seller or repurchase the same item if it’s still available.
4. Use Google (Seriously, It Works)
If Etsy search fails you, don’t underestimate the power of Google.
Try typing site:etsy.com [shop name] or even site:etsy.com [product keyword] and include anything unique you remember. This works well for shops with strong SEO or memorable branding.
Even vague memories like “Etsy shop bee-themed mugs 2023” might lead you back to the seller you’re looking for.
Also, while you're at it, you might find tools like EverBee’s 30% off promo for students helpful in your research process if you're diving deep into Etsy product data. Because why pay full price when your student ID can save the day?
5. Social Media or Etsy Community Forums
Some sellers link their Etsy shops in their Instagram bios or share them on Pinterest. If you remember following them outside of Etsy, check there.
You can also try posting in Etsy community forums. Describe the product and someone might recognize it or even tag the seller. Etsy sellers are a tight-knit bunch, and you’d be surprised how often fellow crafters help track down each other.
Common Problems When Searching
Let’s talk about the things that go wrong.
- Misspellings and Typos: Etsy’s search engine is picky. One wrong letter and your search results might look like a completely different craft show.
- Rebranded or Renamed Shops: Sellers sometimes switch shop names or open new ones. That embroidered-cat-pillow seller might now be focusing on gothic wedding décor.
- Closed Shops: If the shop closed down, you won’t find it through normal search. You may be able to find it via your order history or cached Google results.
- Inactive Users: If the seller isn’t currently selling, the shop might be hidden until they relist products.
Alternatives If You Just Can’t Find Them
Don’t throw your laptop across the room just yet. If you’re still stuck, try these:
- Contact Etsy Support: If you made a purchase before, Etsy support can help recover your order history or the shop page.
- Bookmark and Favorite in the Future: Seriously, click that heart icon next time.
- Search for Similar Items: There’s a good chance another seller makes something similar. Etsy recommends related products, and browsing can turn up hidden gems.
- Check Your Email: Etsy sends order confirmations and messages. You might find the shop name or product link in your inbox.
Tips to Never Lose a Favorite Etsy Shop Again
- Favorite the Shop: This saves it under your account.
- Add to Wishlist or Cart: Even if you don’t plan to buy right away.
- Use Etsy Messages: Conversations stay in your account for future reference.
- Bookmark the Shop URL in Your Browser: Old school, but highly effective.
You can also take advantage of tools like EverBee’s 30% off annual subscription to track high-performing shops and products. It’s like having a digital detective that never takes a coffee break.
Conclusion
In 2025, finding people on Etsy is a little less direct than it used to be, but still totally possible with the right approach. From searching by shop name and browsing your purchases, to stalking them—respectfully, of course—on social media, you have plenty of tools at your disposal.
Just don’t expect Etsy to roll out a “Find That Seller Who Made My Favorite Scented Candle in 2019” button anytime soon. Until then, bookmark wisely, type carefully, and maybe write down the name of that amazing shop next time before you forget it five minutes later.