Etsy is a popular starting point for crafters, artisans, and vintage sellers, and it’s easy to see why. The platform was specifically created with these groups in mind.

When searching for Etsy alternatives, it’s crucial to consider platforms that focus on handmade and one-of-a-kind items. Each of these options comes with its own set of features, benefits, and potential downsides. 

This comprehensive guide will give you a clear understanding of the various choices, helping you choose the platform that best suits your business goals. Whether you’re after lower fees, more customization options, or access to a new customer base, these marketplaces provide a variety of opportunities to help your handmade business thrive.

Before we explore other options, let’s take a look at why you might consider selling your crafts on platforms besides Etsy.

Four factors may lead sellers to seek out Etsy alternatives.

Recently, Etsy has faced criticism for its strict policies and frequently changing rules, which have left some of its top sellers frustrated and disconnected.

One major change is the introduction of an “offsite ads” model. This means sellers will be required to pay mandatory advertising fees of up to 15% per customer click on platforms such as Google, Pinterest, and Instagram.

1. Elevated Cost:

Many Etsy store owners were surprised by the increase in selling fees in 2022, which forced them to reassess their products and prices, and consider exploring other marketplace options.

Etsy doesn’t require a monthly membership or subscription fee, but it does charge various fees for listing and selling items. In some cases, these fees can make selling unprofitable.

While the fees are manageable for new sellers, they can quickly add up as your business expands. Etsy’s costs can end up being higher than those of some competing platforms.

This is especially true with Etsy’s Off-site Ads program, where sellers must participate once they hit a certain sales threshold and cannot opt-out.

2. Heavy Competition: 

It can be tough for Etsy sellers to stand out because even when a customer is browsing a specific product, Etsy often suggests similar items from other sellers. 

For example: if someone is looking at a particular candle, they can easily scroll down to the bottom of the page and see a “Similar items on Etsy” section, showcasing other candle listings from different shops. 

This constant exposure to competing products makes it harder for sellers to differentiate themselves. With that in mind, let’s take a look at why selling on other platforms, besides Etsy, might be a better choice for some sellers.

3. More control over branding and design:

Etsy offers limited flexibility when it comes to customizing your shop’s design and overall branding. Sellers may feel restricted by the platform’s templates and layout options, which can make it harder to create a unique and cohesive brand experience that stands out. If you’re looking for more control over how your brand is presented, alternative platforms may offer more freedom to personalize your store’s look and feel.

Etsy’s platform and rules can restrict a seller’s ability to fully personalize their shop and brand, which may hinder their efforts to create a distinct and memorable identity.

4. Limited Access to Customer Information:

Etsy provides sellers with limited access to customer data, meaning you can’t gather detailed insights about your buyers or directly reach out to them outside of the platform. 

This lack of control over customer information can make it harder to build targeted marketing strategies or foster long-term relationships with your audience. With other platforms like Shopify, you often have more access to customer data, allowing you to engage more personally and effectively with your customers.

Now, Let’s explore the 5 alternatives to Etsy for selling your handmade crafts.

5 alternatives to Etsy for selling your handmade crafts.

1. Shopify

As of January 2025, fashion merchants ranked as the biggest users of Shopify services, with over 540,000 apparel online stores built on Shopify’s e-commerce platforms. Home and garden was the second-most popular category on Shopify, with roughly 249,000 stores.

Shopify is an ideal platform for Etsy sellers seeking more control and flexibility. Unlike Etsy, which charges listing fees, Shopify allows sellers to avoid those costs while also giving them ownership of customer data and complete control over the design and branding of their store. Shopify even integrates with Etsy, enabling you to manage listings on both platforms from a single dashboard, making it easy to sell across multiple channels.

Many Etsy sellers switch to Shopify as their businesses grow, thanks to its easy migration tools. Shopify offers customizable templates, sales tools like funding through Shopify Capital, POS devices, and discounted shipping options to help scale your business both online and offline.

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: $29/month, billed once yearly
• Shopify Plan: $79/month, billed once yearly
• Advanced Plan: $299/month, billed once yearly
• Plus Plan: $2300/month, billed once yearly

Fees: 

• The Basic Plan charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for online sales and 2.7% + 10¢ for in-person sales, with a 2% fee if Shopify Payments is not used.
• The Shopify Plan offers a lower rate of 2.7% + 30¢ for online sales and 2.5% + 10¢ for in-person sales, with a 1% fee if not using Shopify Payments.
• The Advanced Plan has the lowest fees, at 2.5% + 30¢ for online sales and 2.4% + 10¢ for in-person sales, with a 0.6% fee for transactions not processed through Shopify Payments.

2. Amazon Handmade:

It is a section of Amazon dedicated to selling unique, handcrafted products. Sellers can create storefronts for their goods and benefit from Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for streamlined shipping. Listings don’t expire, and creators have access to analytics to track performance. Additionally, Amazon Handmade offers the option to use sponsored ads to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

Amazon Handmade offers a more structured categorization system compared to Etsy, with 12 specific product categories designed to match different handmade items. Additional advantages include the option to use FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) for shipping, access to Amazon’s promotional tools, listings with no expiration date, and detailed web analytics.

However, Amazon Handmade comes at a higher cost than Etsy. It charges a 15% commission on each sale, along with a monthly membership fee.

Pricing: 

A fee of $39.99 per month applies to sellers with over 40 products in categories outside of Handmade.

Fees:

Referral fees on Amazon vary by product. For jewelry, Amazon takes 20% up to $250 and 5% above that. However, for Handmade items, a flat 15% referral fee applies on all sales.

3. Big Cartel:

Big Cartel is a platform designed for artists, makers, and entrepreneurs who want to sell their creations online. With the free plan, users can list up to five products, making it a great option for budget-conscious sellers with a small product range who want to steer clear of Etsy’s listing fees. 

The platform offers customizable website templates, so you can tailor your site to reflect your brand. You also have the option to use your own domain name and access various marketing tools. Shoppers can make purchases directly from your store and get in touch with you through a contact form.

Pricing:

• The free Gold plan allows up to 5 products, 1 image per product, and basic selling features.
• The Platinum plan ($15/month or $144/year) offers up to 50 products, 5 images per product, a custom domain, ad support, and inventory tracking.
• The Diamond plan ($30/month or $288/year) includes up to 500 products, 25 images per product, and additional professional features.

Fees:

Big Cartel doesn’t charge transaction fees. You only pay the payment processor’s fees (e.g., PayPal or Stripe).

4. Squarespace:

Squarespace is a website builder that stands out for its easy drag-and-drop interface. One of its key benefits over Etsy is that it allows you to sell directly from your own website, helping you avoid Etsy’s seller fees. It also gives you access to customer data, which makes it easier to connect with your audience through channels you control, such as email. 

Similar to Shopify, Squarespace lets you import your Etsy listings using a third-party app, allowing you to sell on both your own custom e-commerce site and third-party marketplaces. However, since Squarespace isn’t specifically designed for e-commerce, some sellers may find that it lacks certain features needed to fully support business growth.

Pricing:

• Squarespace doesn’t offer a free plan but provides a 14-day free trial for every website.
• The pricing plans are as follows:
  • Personal Plan: $16/month – No eCommerce features
  • Business Plan: $23/month
  • Basic Commerce Plan: $28/month
  • Advanced Commerce Plan: $52/month

5. Wix:

Wix is a website builder that enables you to sell products directly to customers, avoiding Etsy’s fees and offering a personalized, branded experience. Similar to other alternatives on this list, Wix provides customizable website templates, custom domain options, site hosting, and some marketing tools. 

With Wix, you can manage orders, accept payments via PayPal and credit cards, create discount coupons, and set shipping and tax rules for various locations. It offers tiered monthly pricing plans, along with access to a community knowledge hub for support.

Pricing: 

Wix provides a variety of website plans, including a free plan without eCommerce capabilities. The business premium plans are:

• Business Elite:$159/month
• Business: $36/month
• Core: $29/month
• Light: $17/month

How to find the ideal alternative to Etsy for your business

• Evaluate Your Needs:
  Assess your product type, sales volume, and required features like customization options, marketing tools, and payment methods.
• Compare Platforms:
  Research alternatives such as Shopify, Big Cartel, Wix, or Amazon Handmade, and compare their features, pricing, and ease of use.

• Consider Fees and Pricing:
  Look at the fee structure of each platform, including listing fees, transaction fees, and subscription costs, to find the most cost-effective option.
• Analyze Traffic and Reach:
  Consider whether the platform has a built-in audience or if you’ll need to drive your own traffic through marketing efforts.
• Test the Platform:
  Use free trials or demos to explore the platform’s user experience, customization options, and support before committing to it.

Conclusion

There are several great alternatives to Etsy, each offering unique benefits depending on your business needs. Platforms like Shopify and Big Cartel provide more control over branding and design, while Amazon Handmade offers exposure to a large audience. Squarespace is another excellent choice, known for its sleek design templates and intuitive website-building tools, making it easy to create a professional-looking store. 

Wix also offers customization options with an easy-to-use builder for those who want full control over their site. By considering factors like fees, ease of use, and market reach, you can find the right platform to support your creative business.

FAQs on Etsy Alternatives

1. How is Shopify different from Etsy?

Shopify gives you full control over your store and branding, while Etsy is a marketplace where your products are listed alongside other sellers.

2. Is Wix good for selling handmade goods?

Yes, Wix offers customizable templates and easy site-building, but you’ll need to drive traffic to your store yourself.

3. How do Amazon’s Handmade fees compare to Etsy’s?

Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee, while Etsy takes 5% for transactions and 3% for payment processing.

4. Can I sell on Squarespace like Etsy?

Yes, Squarespace allows you to create a custom online store, but you need to market your store independently, unlike Etsy’s built-in audience.

5. Can I sell on multiple platforms?

Yes, you can sell on Etsy, Shopify, Wix, and others at the same time, but managing multiple platforms may take extra effort.