Etsy has been a popular platform for sellers of handmade, vintage, and unique items. However, recent reviews and market trends suggest that many sellers are looking for alternatives due to various concerns. Let’s examine Etsy’s current status and explore some promising alternatives for vendors.
Etsy: Current Challenges for Sellers
High Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and takes a 6.5% transaction fee on sales[1]. These fees can significantly impact profit margins, especially for small-scale sellers. Now add the card fee of 2.9%.
Increased Competition: With Etsy’s growth, the marketplace has become saturated, making it harder for individual sellers to stand out.
Policy Changes: Frequent policy updates and algorithm changes can affect seller visibility and sales unpredictably.
Scammers: Sadly, a lot of buyers claiming refunds fraudulently and other sellers reporting your shop.
Shop Cancellation: A lot of people reporting that Etsy just blocks their shop or just closes it despite long history of sales.
Customer Service Issues: Some sellers report difficulties in resolving disputes or getting support from Etsy.
TrustPilot Reviews: Currently at 1.5*. Temu is at 2.5*, AliExpress at 2.7* and Amazon at 1.6*. See my Amazon review
Recommended Alternatives
1. Shopify
Shopify stands out as an excellent alternative for sellers looking to create their own branded online store[3].
Pros:
- Full control over store design and branding
- Robust e-commerce features
- Integrations with various sales channels
- Comprehensive analytics and marketing tools
Cons:
- Monthly fees
- Ever ‘Plugin (App)’ costs more
- Shopify own your store – It can’t be migrated to your hosting
- Monthly costs until you make a profit can be high.
Pricing:
- Basic plan: $39 per month
- Business plan: $105 per month
- Advanced plan: $399 per month[3]
2. Bonanza
Bonanza is a marketplace similar to Etsy but with some distinct advantages[1][2].
Pros:
- No listing fees
- Lower transaction fees ($0.50 + 3.5% of item price)
- Integration with Google Shopping and eBay
- Built-in marketing features like abandoned cart recovery
Cons:
- Less traffic compared to Etsy
- Limited tools for building a standalone store
3. Storenvy
Storenvy caters to sellers of unique, handmade, and vintage items[1][4].
Pros:
- Free online store setup
- Marketplace exposure
- Good customization options for store design
- 15% commission instead of listing and transaction fees
Cons:
- Smaller customer base compared to Etsy
4. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a robust e-commerce platform suitable for growing businesses[1].
Pros:
- Scalable solution with advanced features
- Multi-channel selling capabilities
- Extensive payment gateway options
- No transaction fees (payment processor fees still apply)
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Higher monthly costs compared to basic Etsy selling
5. Goimagine
Goimagine is a newer marketplace specifically for handmade goods[2][7].
Pros:
- Option to create your own online store
- Lower fees compared to Etsy
- Focus on handmade items
Cons:
- Smaller customer base
- Less established platform
Conclusion
While Etsy remains a popular choice, sellers facing challenges on the platform have several viable alternatives. Shopify and BigCommerce offer robust solutions for those ready to manage their own e-commerce sites. Bonanza and Storenvy provide marketplace experiences with lower fees. Goimagine presents a promising option for handmade sellers looking for a more focused platform.
The best choice depends on your specific needs, product type, and business goals. Consider factors such as fees, target audience, customization options, and marketing tools when selecting an alternative to Etsy.
Citations:
[1] https://printify.com/blog/etsy-alternatives/
[2] https://www.shopify.com/nz/blog/etsy-alternatives
[3] https://www.gelato.com/blog/best-alternatives-to-etsy
[4] https://www.recoverie.com/blog/etsy-alternatives
[5] https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/etsy-alternatives-for-sellers
[6] https://blog.adnabu.com/etsy/etsy-competitors/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFWisbfjJmY
