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alternatives to etsy

Discover Top Alternatives to Etsy for Sellers

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Kenneth Keith
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Etsy is a top spot for entrepreneurs selling unique, handmade items, with over 96 million active buyers. But, sellers are now facing issues with high fees, changing rules, and too many mass-produced items. This has led many independent sellers to look for other places to sell their crafts online.

Key Takeaways

  • Etsy has faced backlash from sellers due to increasing transaction fees and evolving platform policies.
  • Numerous Etsy alternatives exist, including website-building platforms and specialized marketplaces for handmade goods.
  • Factors to consider when choosing an Etsy alternative include platform size, pricing, customization options, and target audience.
  • Selling on multiple platforms can increase exposure and reach different customer bases.
  • Many Etsy sellers have successfully transitioned to Shopify, a powerful all-in-one e-commerce solution.

Why Look for Etsy Alternatives?

Many sellers are moving away from Etsy for several reasons. One big reason is the rising fees and changing policies on Etsy. In 2022, Etsy raised its transaction fees from 5% to 6.5%. This has made many sellers unhappy. In fact, about 30,000 sellers even went on strike to protest these fee hikes.

Another issue is Etsy’s shift from a place for handmade crafts to a platform for mass-produced goods. This change has made many sellers feel Etsy doesn’t support independent artisans anymore. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 made things worse. Etsy temporarily stopped taking some sellers’ fees, worrying about the impact on small craft businesses.

Need for More Control and Branding Options

Etsy is easy for selling online but limits sellers’ control over their stores and customer data. Etsy owns the customer relationships, making it hard for sellers to build their brand and connect with buyers. That’s why many sellers look for Etsy alternatives that let them customize their branding, create targeted marketing campaigns, and own their customer data.

Looking at other platforms gives sellers more freedom and a chance to grow their businesses. They can have more control over their online presence and customer relationships. This lets them focus on their unique offerings and build stronger connections with their audience.

Website-Building Etsy Alternatives

Many sellers are looking beyond Etsy for more control over their online stores. WooCommerce and Magento are two open-source ecommerce platforms that stand out as great Etsy alternatives. They let sellers build their own online stores with lots of customization options.

WooCommerce: A Free, Open-Source Option

WooCommerce is a popular choice for ecommerce. It works well with WordPress and lets sellers create their own stores easily. It has features like managing inventory, handling payments, and lots of plugins and themes.

This platform is free and open-source. It’s perfect for sellers who want control over their brand without paying high fees.

Magento: Customizable but Requires Coding Skills

Magento is great for sellers needing lots of customization. It supports many languages, currencies, and complex product lists. It lets sellers make a fully branded store with lots of integrations.

But, it’s not for beginners. You need good coding skills to use it fully.

Platform Key Features Pricing
WooCommerce
  • Seamless integration with WordPress
  • User-friendly interface
  • Extensive customization options
  • Inventory management and payment processing
 Free and open-source
Magento
  • High degree of customization and flexibility
  • Support for multiple languages and currencies
  • Ability to integrate third-party themes and extensions
 Magento Open Source is free, with paid enterprise-level options available

WooCommerce is easier to use than Magento but both offer lots of customization. The choice depends on your business needs and tech skills.

Shopify: A Powerful All-in-One Platform

For sellers wanting a full ecommerce platform instead of Etsy, Shopify is a strong and easy-to-use choice. It’s an all-in-one ecommerce platforms with many features and tools. These help sellers create, manage, and grow their online stores.

Shopify lets sellers fully own their stores and customer data, unlike Etsy. This means Shopify sellers can build their brand, run targeted marketing, and connect deeply with customers.

Shopify might cost more upfront than Etsy, but it’s great for sellers wanting a unique online presence. It has subscription plans at $29, $79, or $299 a month (annually). Transaction fees start at 2.4% + 30 cents, which is less than Etsy’s 5% per sale.

Feature Shopify Etsy
Pricing $29 to $299 per month Free plan or $10 per month for Etsy Plus
Transaction Fees 2.4% + 30 cents 5% per sale
Customer Support 24/7 live chat, phone, and email Mainly email responses within 2-5 business days
Customization Extensive customization options Limited customization, with Etsy branding prominent
Scalability Suitable for small to large businesses Better suited for small to medium-sized businesses

Shopify has powerful features, flexible pricing, and great customer support. It’s a strong shopify etsy alternative for sellers wanting more control over their online presence and business growth.

Squarespace: A Stylish and Intuitive Builder

For artisan crafters and small business owners looking for an Etsy alternative, Squarespace is a great choice. It’s known for its sleek and attractive templates. This makes it perfect for sellers of handmade goods and crafts wanting a stylish and intuitive online presence.

Elegant Templates and Customization Options

Squarespace’s drag-and-drop interface lets users build customized online stores easily, without needing to know a lot about coding. It has many beautiful templates. Squarespace helps crafters and artisans show off their handmade products in a way that grabs attention.

It also has lots of ecommerce features like managing stock, secure payments, and selling digital items. This makes it a viable alternative for Etsy sellers wanting a more unique and personal online shop for their handmade items.

Even though Squarespace might not have as many customization options as some other platforms, its focus on intuitive design tools and stunning looks makes it a great choice. It’s perfect for Etsy sellers who care a lot about how their online store looks and works.

alternatives to etsy

As Etsy has faced criticism and changes, sellers are looking for new options. They want more control, flexibility, and growth chances. This article looks at etsy alternatives, like building your own website or joining handmade marketplaces for unique items.

Looking for other platforms can give sellers more control over their brand and prices. Some sellers say Etsy’s fees and policy changes eat into their profits. By trying out other platforms, sellers can find ones that fit their goals and budget better.

Website-Building Etsy Alternatives

For sellers wanting their own online store, platforms like WooCommerce and Magento are good choices. WooCommerce is free and works well with WordPress. Magento is more complex but great for those who know coding.

Marketplace Etsy Alternatives

There are also etsy alternatives that focus on handmade marketplaces for craft seller platforms. Options like Bonanza, Amazon Handmade, and Goimagine offer different features and attract different customers.

Platform Fees Pros Cons
Bonanza 3.5% commission Vibrant marketplace for unique items, automated listings $25/month subscription fee
Amazon Handmade 15% commission Massive reach, Fulfillment by Amazon options Higher fees, increased competition
Goimagine 7% commission Niche platform for handmade goods, no subscription Smaller audience than larger marketplaces

Exploring these etsy alternatives helps sellers find the right platform for their business. They can look for more control, specific audiences, or wider reach. It’s important to research and pick the platform that will help them succeed in the handmade and craft seller platforms world.

BigCartel: A Simple Solution for Independent Stores

If you’re an independent artist, designer, or small business owner, BigCartel could be your go-to. It’s made for creators and craft sellers who want a simple way to run their online stores. BigCartel is easy to use and helps you manage your store smoothly.

BigCartel gives you more control over your brand and customer info than Etsy does. This is great for those wanting a stronger brand and closer customer ties. It lets you shape the shopping experience to fit your brand.

BigCartel might not have all the features of other bigcartel etsy alternative sites. But, it’s perfect for small sellers who value ease and a personal touch in their online stores.

“BigCartel’s straightforward approach to building an online store has been a game-changer for my small business. It allows me to focus on my craft without getting bogged down by complex technical setups.”

BigCartel has a free plan that lets you list up to five products. For more features, there are two paid plans: Platinum ($9.99/month) and Diamond ($19.99/month). These plans offer more customization, sales analytics, and tools.

BigCartel is a simple, user-friendly bigcartel etsy alternative for independent sellers, artists, and small businesses. It helps you set up your online store easily, without the hassle of complex features.

bigcartel etsy alternative

Marketplace Etsy Alternatives

If you like the ease and visibility of a marketplace but want to try something new, check out Bonanza. It’s a great place for unique, handmade items.

Bonanza: A Vibrant Marketplace for Unique Items

Bonanza is like eBay but focuses more on unique, handmade goods. You can bring your Etsy items here to reach more people. Plus, you can talk prices with buyers, giving you more control.

Unlike Etsy, Bonanza doesn’t charge for listings or monthly fees. It takes a small fee on each sale. This can save money for sellers worried about Etsy’s fees and changing rules.

“Bonanza has been a game-changer for my small handmade business. The ability to import my Etsy listings and reach a new community of buyers has significantly increased my sales and revenue.”

Looking for an Etsy alternative? Bonanza is a great choice. It has a lively community and flexible prices. This makes it perfect for sellers wanting to sell more places.

Amazon Handmade: Reach Millions of Buyers

Artisans and crafters looking for an Etsy alternative should consider Amazon Handmade. It’s a great way to reach Amazon’s huge customer base. With over 300 million active users worldwide, Amazon gives sellers a wider audience than Etsy does.

Fulfillment by Amazon and Sponsored Ads

Amazon Handmade offers big perks, like using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program. This service takes care of shipping and logistics, so sellers can focus on making products. Plus, it gives sellers sponsored ads and marketing tools to boost their product’s visibility.

But, Amazon Handmade has higher fees than some other Etsy alternatives. Sellers pay a 15% referral fee on each sale and a $39.99 monthly subscription for professional accounts. This might be more suitable for sellers who are already established and can invest in the platform.

Even with the higher fees, Amazon Handmade has many benefits. Its connection to Amazon’s logistics network and access to millions of buyers can really help artisans grow their amazon handmade etsy alternative business.

Goimagine: A Niche Platform for Handmade Goods

Artisans and makers looking for a break from the crowded goimagine etsy alternative will find Goimagine a great choice. It’s a platform just for handmade goods marketplace. Here, unique, handcrafted items made with hand tools or light machinery get the spotlight.

To sell on Goimagine, sellers must follow certain rules. These rules make sure the platform stays true to its handmade focus. This makes Goimagine a reliable place for buyers to find special, artisanal items.

Sellers get a detailed dashboard to handle their stock, keep track of orders, and see their sales. Plus, they can easily bring their Etsy listings over here. This makes it easy for sellers to reach a new, handmade-loving audience.

Feature Goimagine Etsy Amazon Handmade
Transaction Fee 5% 6.5% 15%
Listing Fees $2.50/month for up to 25 listings $0.20 per listing $39.99/month + $0.15 per item sold
Focus Handmade goods only Handmade, vintage, and craft supplies Handmade goods only
Verification Strict guidelines, handmade verification Relaxed rules, harder to stand out Handmade verification, stricter than Etsy

Goimagine stands out by focusing only on handmade goods. It’s a place that truly values the creativity and skill of its sellers. If you’re looking for a goimagine etsy alternative that’s all about handmade goods marketplace, Goimagine is a great choice.

Folksy: A UK-Based Handmade Marketplace

If you’re an Etsy seller wanting to reach UK customers or prefer a marketplace closer to home, Folksy is worth checking out. It’s a uk handmade marketplace for unique, creative items. Sellers get their own shops and tools to handle their products, orders, and talk to customers.

Folksy stands out by supporting local makers and celebrating their unique items. Prices range from £1.99 to £300.00, offering a variety of high-quality, one-of-a-kind products. You’ll find everything from jewelry to home decor and accessories.

Item Category Average Price Range
Jewelry £2.50 – £45.00
Home Decor £5.00 – £80.00
Accessories £1.99 – £30.00

Every item on Folksy comes with a charity donation, letting buyers support local causes while shopping. Also, 12.5% of items are on sale, with an average discount of 20%.

For Etsy sellers who like the idea of a marketplace focused on the UK, Folksy is a great folksy etsy alternative. It’s perfect for showing off your unique, handcrafted items to a UK audience.

ArtFire: A Dedicated Crafts Marketplace

For indie artists, crafters, and makers, ArtFire is a great craft-focused online marketplace alternative to Etsy. It started in 2008 and has become a go-to spot for the handmade community.

Affordable Listing Fees and Custom Shops

ArtFire is known for its low listing fees, making it cheaper for sellers than Etsy. Sellers can also customize their shops fully. This lets them control how their handmade items are presented.

This is great for Etsy sellers wanting a unique shopping experience for their customers. ArtFire has made over $250 million in the last 13 years. It shows it’s a strong choice for sellers looking for an artfire etsy alternative that fits their brand.

“I’ve been selling on ArtFire since 2009 and it’s been a great platform for my handmade jewelry business. The custom shop options and affordable fees have really helped me build my brand.”

– Eileen Grobeck, ArtFire Seller

Aftcra: An Alternative for American Artisans

For Etsy sellers in the United States, Aftcra is a great choice. It connects them with customers who love American-made products. A US-based handmade marketplace, Aftcra helps domestic makers reach buyers who value local, handcrafted items.

Aftcra stands out by focusing on American artisans. It’s not like Etsy, which reaches the world over. Aftcra targets buyers who want to support aftcra etsy alternative and celebrate US creators. This is great for sellers who highlight the local and genuine in their products.

Aftcra has a simple and clear pricing. They charge a 7% transaction fee when something sells. There are no extra fees for listing or subscriptions. This is more appealing than the complex fees of big places like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

For those looking for an aftcra etsy alternative focused on American goods, Aftcra is a strong choice. It uses its focus on US craftsmanship and simple fees to help artisans. They can show off their unique items to a committed customer base and grow their online shops.

Choosing the Right Etsy Alternative

When looking for Etsy alternatives, sellers need to think about their business size, budget, and goals. Big sellers might like Shopify or Magento for their advanced features. On the other hand, small or new sellers might prefer simpler options like BigCartel or Goimagine.

Sellers should also think about what they need most. Do they want more control over their brand and customer info? Or do they want to reach new customers through special marketplaces? By considering these factors to consider etsy alternatives, sellers can pick the best platform for their goals.

Factors to Consider: Size, Budget, and Goals

The size of a seller’s business, their budget, and their future plans are key when picking a new platform. Big sellers might like Shopify or Magento for their advanced features. Small or new sellers might do well with easier-to-use options like BigCartel or Goimagine.

FAQ

What are some reasons to look for alternatives to Etsy?

Etsy has faced criticism from sellers. They complain about rising fees, changing rules, and too many mass-produced items. Many sellers want platforms that give them more control and help them grow their creative businesses online.

What are some website-building Etsy alternatives?

Platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and Squarespace let Etsy sellers control their online stores. They offer customization and help build their brand presence.

What are some marketplace-style Etsy alternatives?

Marketplaces like Bonanza, Amazon Handmade, Goimagine, Folksy, ArtFire, and Aftcra offer curated spaces for selling unique items. They connect sellers with specialized audiences.

What factors should sellers consider when choosing an Etsy alternative?

When picking an Etsy alternative, sellers should think about their business size, budget, and goals. They should consider how much control they want over their brand and customer data. They should also think about reaching new audiences through specialized marketplaces or ecommerce features.

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