When it comes to selling handmade or vintage items online, two of the most popular platforms are Big Cartel and Etsy. Both platforms have their pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that is right for you.
If you're looking for a platform that is easy to use and offers a lot of customization options, then Big Cartel is a good choice. However, it is important to note that Big Cartel has a monthly fee, so you will need to factor that into your decision.
Etsy, on the other hand, does not have a monthly fee. Instead, they charge a small listing fee and a transaction fee. Etsy is also a great choice if you're looking for a platform that has a large community of users.
So, which one is right for you? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your needs and preferences. If you're not sure which platform to choose, we suggest trying out both and seeing which one you prefer.
But this is not always the case. In this article, we will go through things you need to know.
Let's dive right in.
The two most popular ecommerce platforms for artists and makers
There are a ton of ecommerce platforms out there, but when it comes to selling handmade goods, there are really only two that stand out: Big Cartel and Etsy. Both platforms have their pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that's right for your business. In this article, we'll compare Big Cartel vs Etsy, and help you decide which platform is right for you.
The similarities and differences between Big Cartel and Etsy
Let's start with a quick overview of the similarities and differences between Big Cartel and Etsy.
Similarities
- Both platforms are easy to use and don't require any coding knowledge
- Both platforms allow you to sell digital and physical goods
- Both platforms have a built-in audience of shoppers looking for handmade goods
Differences
- Big Cartel has a monthly subscription fee, while Etsy charges a per-transaction fee
- Big Cartel allows you to use your own domain name, while Etsy does not
- Etsy has a much larger audience than Big Cartel
The pros and cons of each platform
Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the pros and cons of each platform.
Big Cartel Pros
- No transaction fees - You only pay a monthly subscription fee, so you keep more of your profits
- Use your own domain name - This can help you build your brand and make your site more professional
- Unlimited products - There's no limit to the number of products you can sell on Big Cartel
- Great for small businesses - If you're just starting out, Big Cartel is a great option
Big Cartel Cons
- Limited features - Big Cartel doesn't offer some of the same features as Etsy, such as gift cards and coupons
- Less traffic - Since Big Cartel is a smaller platform, you'll get less traffic than you would on Etsy
Etsy Pros
- Larger audience - Etsy has a huge audience of potential shoppers, so you'll get more traffic to your store
- More features - Etsy offers more features than Big Cartel, such as gift cards and coupons
- Easy to use - Like Big Cartel, Etsy is easy to use and doesn't require any coding knowledge
Etsy Cons
- Transaction fees - Etsy charges a per-transaction fee, so you'll need to factor that into your prices
- Can't use your own domain name - This can make your site less professional and harder to brand
Which platform is right for you, based on your business needs
So, which platform is right for you? It really depends on your business needs. If you're just starting out, Big Cartel is a great option. It's less expensive and has fewer features, but it's easy to use and you can keep all of your profits. If you have a more established business, Etsy is a better option. It's more expensive, but you'll get more traffic and have access to more features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Big Cartel and Etsy are both great platforms for selling handmade goods. It really depends on your business needs as to which one is right for you. If you're just starting out, Big Cartel is a great option. If you have a more established business, Etsy is a better option.
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