Share This Post, Help Others, and Earn Credits!

Etsy and Amazon are two of the most popular online marketplaces. They both offer a wide variety of items, from handmade goods to mass-produced items. But which one is better for you?

Etsy is a great option if you're looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items. The majority of sellers on Etsy are individual creators who sell items that they've handmade themselves. This means that you're likely to find items on Etsy that you won't find anywhere else. Etsy is also a good choice if you're looking to support small businesses. Most of the sellers on Etsy are small businesses, so by shopping on the site, you're supporting them directly.

Amazon is a good option if you're looking for a wide selection of items. Because it's such a large marketplace, Amazon carries just about everything. You're also likely to find lower prices on Amazon than you would on Etsy. If you're not concerned about supporting small businesses, then Amazon is probably the better choice for you.

So, which marketplace is better for you? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want unique, handmade items, then Etsy is the way to go. If you're looking for the widest selection of items at the lowest prices, then Amazon is probably your best bet.

But this is not always the case. In this article, we will go through things you need to know.

Let's dive right in.


When you're first starting out selling online, it can be tough to decide which platform is right for you. Etsy and Amazon are both popular options, but they have very different features and benefits. In this article, we'll compare Etsy and Amazon, and help you decide which platform is best for your business.

Etsy: An Introduction

Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It's a popular platform for businesses that sell handmade items, vintage items, or unique items that can't be found in stores. Etsy is also a great platform for businesses that sell custom-made items, like jewelry or clothing.

Etsy's Pros

Etsy is a great platform for businesses that sell handmade, vintage, or unique items. Etsy's audience is specifically interested in buying these kinds of items, so you'll have a built-in audience for your products. Etsy is also a great platform for businesses that sell custom-made items.

Etsy's Cons

Etsy can be a competitive marketplace, since there are many businesses selling similar products. It can be difficult to stand out on Etsy, and you may have to invest time and money into marketing your store. Etsy is also a less-established platform than Amazon, so you may not get as much traffic to your store.

Amazon: An Introduction

Amazon is an online marketplace for buying and selling millions of different products. Amazon is a popular platform for businesses that sell mass-produced items, like books, electronics, and household goods. Amazon is also a great platform for businesses that sell unique items, like handmade goods or vintage items.

Amazon's Pros

Amazon is a very established platform, so you'll get a lot of traffic to your store. Amazon is also a very user-friendly platform, so it's easy to set up and manage your store. Amazon is a great platform for businesses that sell mass-produced items, since you can take advantage of Amazon's vast distribution network.

Amazon's Cons

Amazon can be a competitive marketplace, since there are many businesses selling similar products. It can be difficult to stand out on Amazon, and you may have to invest time and money into marketing your store. Amazon is also a less-personal platform than Etsy, so you may have difficulty building a relationship with your customers.

Etsy vs Amazon: Which Platform is Right for You?

The best platform for your business depends on the products you sell, your marketing budget, and your goals for your business. If you're selling handmade, vintage, or unique items, Etsy is a great platform for you. If you're selling mass-produced items, Amazon is a great platform for you. If you're selling custom-made items, either platform could work for you.

Etsy vs Amazon: Fees

Etsy

Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item, and a transaction fee of 3.5% of the sale price. Etsy also charges a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

Amazon

Amazon charges a referral fee of 15% of the sale price, and a variable closing fee of $1.80 per item. Amazon also charges a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

FAQs

Which site offers more unique or handmade items?

Etsy offers more unique and handmade items than Amazon. Etsy is a marketplace that is specifically designed for selling handmade and vintage items. This makes it easier to find unique items that are not mass-produced. Amazon also sells handmade and vintage items, but it is a general marketplace that also sells mass-produced items.

If you are looking for more unique and handmade items, Etsy is the better option. However, Amazon may have a wider selection of items overall.

What is the difference in pricing between the two sites?

Etsy prices are typically higher than Amazon prices. This is because Etsy sellers are typically small businesses or individual sellers, while Amazon sellers are typically large businesses. Small businesses often have higher prices because they have higher costs.

However, it is important to note that there is a wide range of prices on both Etsy and Amazon. You can find items that are very cheap or very expensive on both sites. It all depends on the seller.

Which site has better customer service?

Etsy has better customer service than Amazon. Etsy has a team of customer service representatives that are specifically dedicated to helping Etsy sellers and buyers. Amazon also has customer service, but it is not as focused on helping Etsy sellers and buyers.

If you need help with an Etsy purchase or sale, you will likely have a better experience with Etsy customer service.

What are the seller protections for each site?

Etsy offers more seller protections than Amazon. Etsy has a team that reviews every listing to make sure it meets their guidelines. They also have a dispute resolution team that can help resolve issues between buyers and sellers. Amazon does not have as many seller protections.

If you are an Etsy seller, you can be confident that you are protected from fraud and scams. However, if you are an Amazon seller, you may be at a higher risk for fraud and scams.

Which site is more user-friendly?

Etsy is more user-friendly than Amazon. Etsy is designed to be easy to use for both buyers and sellers. Amazon is also easy to use, but it is not specifically designed for Etsy sellers and buyers.

If you are new to selling or buying on online marketplaces, Etsy will be easier to use. However, if you are familiar with Amazon, you may find it easier to use Amazon.

What are the shipping options for each site?

Etsy and Amazon offer a variety of shipping options. Etsy sellers can choose to offer free shipping, flat rate shipping, or calculated shipping. Amazon sellers can choose to offer free shipping, standard shipping, or expedited shipping.

If you are an Etsy buyer, you will have more shipping options to choose from. If you are an Amazon buyer, you will have fewer shipping options to choose from.

What are the return policies for each site?

Etsy and Amazon have different return policies. Etsy sellers can set their own return policy, but most Etsy sellers do not accept returns. Amazon sellers must accept returns unless the item is damaged or defective.

If you are an Etsy buyer, you may not be able to return an item. If you are an Amazon buyer, you will be able to return most items.

What are the payment options for each site?

Etsy and Amazon offer different payment options. Etsy sellers can choose to accept PayPal, credit cards, or Etsy gift cards. Amazon sellers can choose to accept credit cards, debit cards, or Amazon gift cards.

If you are an Etsy buyer, you will have more payment options to choose from. If you are an Amazon buyer, you will have fewer payment options to choose from.

What are the seller fees for each site?

Etsy and Amazon have different seller fees. Etsy sellers are charged a listing fee and a transaction fee. Amazon sellers are charged a referral fee and a closing fee.

If you are an Etsy seller, you will be charged more fees. If you are an Amazon seller, you will be charged fewer fees.

What are the buyer protections for each site?

Etsy and Amazon offer different buyer protections. Etsy has a team that reviews every listing to make sure it meets their guidelines. They also have a dispute resolution team that can help resolve issues between buyers and sellers. Amazon does not have as many buyer protections.

If you are an Etsy buyer, you can be confident that you are protected from fraud and scams. However, if you are an Amazon buyer, you may be at a higher risk for fraud and scams.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Etsy and Amazon are both great platforms for businesses that sell online. The best platform for your business depends on the products you sell, your marketing budget, and your goals for your business. If you're selling handmade, vintage, or unique items, Etsy is a great platform for you. If you're selling mass-produced items, Amazon is a great platform for you. If you're selling custom-made items, either platform could work for you.

Try these free tools by Topbubbleindex

If you're looking to get started with print-on-demand, Topbubbleindex is the perfect place to begin. We offer all the digital marketing tools you need to be successful, and we're committed to keeping them free forever. Below, you'll find a few of the free tools we offer to help you get ahead of the competition and make sales easily.

And still counting! If you're still not impressed, try the Topbubbleindex tools for free. Don't hesitate to contact us for suggestions, complaints, or just feedback. We are always working on to keep the Topbubbleindex better.

Related Articles

What is Instagram Shopping? Instagram Shopping is a powerful feature allowing businesses to create a seamless shopping experience within the app. You can tag products directly in your posts, Stories, Reels, and even livestreams. Customers can tap on the tags to view product details and prices, and then click through to purchase on your Etsy shop. Adding Etsy Products to Facebook & Instagram Shop: Connect your Etsy shop to Facebook: ...


Understanding Redbubble What is Redbubble? Redbubble is an online marketplace that empowers independent artists to sell their work on a vast range of print-on-demand products. The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity: you, the artist, upload your designs, and Redbubble takes care of the rest—production, fulfillment, shipping, customer service, and even payment processing. Redbubble boasts a global community of over 800,000 artists, connecting them with millions of customers worldwide. This offers immense potential for exposure and reaching a wide audience, but...


What is a Visa gift card? A Visa gift card is a prepaid card that can be used to make purchases anywhere that accepts Visa. It's a great option for gifting, budgeting or if you simply don't want to use your credit or debit card. ...


Understanding Redbubble: How It Works Before we delve into the specifics, let’s take a look at the foundation of Redbubble’s success: the print-on-demand business model. Essentially, POD allows you to sell products without holding any physical stock. When a customer places an order on Redbubble, the company prints your design on the chosen product, packages it, and ships it directly to the buyer. You, as the artist, only need to focus on creating amazing designs and uploading them to the platform. Redbubble...


Redbubble: Pros and Cons Pros: Huge Organic Traffic: Redbubble remains one of the biggest names in POD, attracting millions of visitors searching for unique artwork on a vast array of products. This translates to a greater chance of organic sales without heavy marketing investment. Personalized Shops: Unlike some platforms, Redbubble allows you to create a personalized storefront, building your brand identity with custom banners, logos, and shop descriptions. This fosters customer loyalty and increases brand recognition. Control Over Shop: Redbubble grants you extensive control...


Society6 in Detail What is Society6? Society6 is a vibrant online marketplace where independent artists can showcase and sell their work on a diverse range of high-quality print-on-demand products. Since its founding in 2009, it has become a go-to platform for creatives to connect with a global audience and generate passive income from their art. Society6 distinguishes itself with its expansive product catalog, featuring not only common POD items like t-shirts and mugs but also unique offerings like furniture, shower curtains, and...


Etsy's Shipping Prices ExplainedEtsy has been known to be one of the most expensive places to shop for handmade goods. A lot of people are wondering why shipping is so expensive on Etsy. Shipping costs on Etsy are calculated based on the weight of the item, the shipping destination, and the shipping method. Etsy also offers insurance for items that are lost or damaged in transit. Shipping costs are automatically calculated by Etsy when a listing is created. Some sellers...


Redbubble: Art-Centric Marketplace Founded in 2006, Redbubble is an Australian-based POD platform that has become a hub for independent artists and designers. Its focus leans heavily towards artistic expression, with a vast marketplace filled with unique art prints, graphic designs, and creative products that cater to a community seeking one-of-a-kind items. Platform Highlights Effortless Design Upload and Product Creation: Redbubble is renowned for its ease of use. Uploading designs and applying them to multiple products is incredibly straightforward. The bulk upload feature streamlines...


I. Introduction Print-on-demand has revolutionized the way creators monetize their designs. Gone are the days of hefty upfront investments, risky inventory stockpiles, and the logistical headaches of shipping. POD platforms handle all the backend complexities, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating captivating designs. Redbubble and Teespring stand out as two of the most popular POD services, both offering a free and intuitive way to design and sell custom products. But despite their shared core functionality, they differ significantly in...


I. Understanding Your Product and Sourcing Method Before diving into the intricacies of Instagram vs. Etsy, it’s crucial to take stock of your business fundamentals. A clear understanding of your target audience, product type, and sourcing method will pave the way for making a strategic platform choice. Define your target audience Who are you trying to reach? What are their demographics (age, gender, location)? What are their interests, passions, and needs? Understanding your ideal customer is the cornerstone of effective marketing and product...


What is Redbubble? Redbubble is an online marketplace that allows independent artists to showcase and sell their artwork on a variety of print-on-demand products. It operates on a simple yet powerful premise: artists upload their designs, and Redbubble handles the rest, from printing and production to order fulfillment, shipping, customer service, and payment processing. This allows artists to focus on their creative work, leaving the logistical headaches to Redbubble. Founded in 2006, Redbubble has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a small startup...


I. Understanding the Key Differences: Depop vs. Etsy While both Depop and Etsy operate as online marketplaces, they differ significantly in terms of their target audience, product focus, fee structure, and overall selling experience. Understanding these nuances is essential for choosing the platform that best aligns with your business goals. Target Audience Depop: Picture a bustling online community where fashion-forward Gen Z and millennials reign supreme. Depop thrives on its youthful and trendy vibe, attracting a digitally savvy demographic that embraces secondhand fashion...


1. Understanding the Landscape of Etsy Scams Etsy’s success has, unfortunately, made it an appealing target for scammers. The platform boasts a massive user base of both buyers and sellers, many of whom are drawn to the allure of handmade, unique goods. This inherent trust in handcrafted items, combined with the potential for less tech-savvy users on a creative platform, creates an environment that scammers can exploit. Moreover, scammers prey on human emotions. They know that buyers are excited to find deals...


What are the requirements FOR Etsy payout? IN ORDER TO receive payment FROM Etsy, you must FIRST meet the requirements FOR Etsy payout. TO be eligible FOR Etsy payout, you must: ...


Understanding the Power of Print-on-Demand Print-on-demand is a revolutionary business model that eliminates the risks associated with traditional manufacturing. Instead of investing in bulk inventory, POD platforms allow you to create products only when a customer orders them. This means no upfront costs, minimal storage needs, and the freedom to experiment with diverse designs and product lines. Here’s how it works: You create a design and upload it to a POD platform, where it’s applied to a range of products like t-shirts,...


Understanding the Business License Landscape Before diving into the specifics of Etsy, let’s first define what a business license is and why it matters for entrepreneurs. What is a Business License? In essence, a business license is an official document issued by a government authority that grants you permission to operate your business legally. It’s like a stamp of approval, confirming that you’re following the rules and regulations set forth for businesses in your area. Depending on the type of business you’re running...


Top and best 20 Etsy jewelry shops 1. EVREN It is a British Columbia brand that has been on the Esty since 2016. ith this shop, you will get impressive, minimalistic, and...


As a buyer, will you receive a refund? If you are a buyer on Etsy, there is a chance that you may be scammed. This can happen if you buy an item that is not as described, or if the seller does not send the item. If you are scammed on Etsy, you may be ...


How can you make money on Redbubble? There are a few different ways that you can make money on Redbubble. The most common way is to sell your own designs on a variety of products, such as t-shirts, stickers, phone cases, and more....


Why sell food on Etsy? Etsy is a great marketplace for food producers for a few reasons. First, Etsy has a large audience of potential buyers - over 35 million active buyers worldwide. This means ...


The two most popular ecommerce platforms for artists and makersThere 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...


Step By Step Guide On How To Leave A Review On Etsy A review, also known as feedback, lets Etsy sellers know what some of their customers think of their products. If you have received something fabulous from an Etsy seller and want to...


How much does Etsy charge for shipping? Etsy has a few different shipping options available, and the price you pay will depend on the shipping method that you choose. The first option is First Class Mail, which is the cheapest option available. First Class Mail...


Views vs Visits: Which is More Important for Etsy Sellers?When you're running an Etsy shop, it's important to track your analytics so you can see what's working and what's not. Two key metrics you'll want to pay attention to are views and visits. But what's the difference between the two, and which one is more important for Etsy sellers? Read on to find out.Introduction: What are views and visits, and how are they measured on Etsy?Views and visits are both...


Understanding Etsy vs. Pinterest Etsy and Pinterest are distinct platforms, each with its strengths and limitations. Understanding their unique characteristics will help you leverage their combined potential for Etsy marketing success. Etsy: Definition: Etsy is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers connect to trade handcrafted, vintage, and unique items. It’s a community-driven platform, with a strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. Strengths: Community Focus: Etsy fosters a sense of community, with buyers and sellers sharing their passion for unique items. Unique Products: Etsy offers a...


Top 30 digital products to sell on Etsy 1. eBooks Selling eBooks is a great way to make money on Etsy. You can sell eBooks on any topic, from how-to guides to ...


What is Etsy? Etsy is an ecommerce platform that's focused on selling handmade, vintage, or supplies for creative businesses. Etsy is similar to other ecommerce platforms like Shopify or Amazon, but it has a few key differences. ...


Best Etsy Tools For Sellers Etsy Trends Finder Searching for keywords that people are searching for that match your product or service can be an effective way to get your product or service on the...


How To Cancel Etsy Order As A Buyer If you need to cancel an Etsy order, you can do so through the Etsy website or app. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes to complete. There are a few reasons why you might need to cancel an Etsy ...


Ebay: the good, the bad, and the ugly eBay is the world's largest online marketplace, where you can buy and sell just about anything. The good news is that there are millions of potential buyers on eBay. The bad news is that there are also millions ...


Etsy Alternatives for Crafty EntrepreneursEtsy isn't the only place to sell handmade and vintage items online. If you're looking for other sites like Etsy to sell your products on, here are 6 great alternatives.ArtFireAbout ArtFire: ArtFire is a marketplace where you can sell handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. ArtFire has been around since 2008 and has a community of over 1 million members.ArtFire Pros:No listing feesYou can offer coupons and discountsA variety of membership plans to choose fromDetailed...


IntroductionRedbubble is a website where you can sell your artwork on a variety of products, from t-shirts to phone cases. You don't need to be a professional artist to sell on Redbubble, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success. In this guide, we'll cover how to find your niche, create unique and engaging designs, use effective marketing strategies, provide excellent customer service, stay organized and consistent, take advantage of Redbubble's tools and resources,...


Why you might want to have more than one Etsy shop There are a few reasons why you might want to have more than one Etsy shop. Perhaps you want to specialize ...


What Is Etsy? Etsy is an online marketplace that's more on the customer-to-customer (C2C) or peer-to-peer (P2P) e-commerce side, according to Statista. Etsy started in 2005 and had an exciting...


Why you might want to close your Etsy shop There are a number of reasons why you might want to close your Etsy shop. Maybe you're not selling as much as you'd like, or you need to take a break for personal reasons....