Etsy has long been the
But as your business grows, you might find that the very platform that helped you start is now holding you back. Are high transaction fees eating into your margins? Is the fierce competition making it impossible to stand out? Or perhaps you are simply tired of having zero control over your branding and customer data.
If you are nodding your head, you are not alone. While Etsy is a powerful tool, it shouldn’t be the only tool in your belt.
Relying on a single marketplace is risky business. Algorithm changes, fee hikes, and policy updates can impact your livelihood overnight. That is why smart sellers look for an alternative to Etsy to diversify their income streams and build a brand they truly own.
In this blog post, we will explore the top Etsy alternatives for sellers who are ready to expand their reach, protect their profits, and take full control of their ecommerce destiny.
Why Consider Etsy Alternatives?
Don’t get us
However, the drawbacks are becoming harder to ignore for growing businesses.
The Algorithm Game
On Etsy, you are renting space on someone else’s land. If they change the search algorithm, your
Brand Dilution
When customers buy from you on Etsy, they usually say, “I bought this on Etsy,” not “I bought this from [Your Brand Name].” Building brand loyalty is incredibly difficult when your store looks exactly like thousands of others.
Market Saturation
With millions of sellers, the competition is fierce. You aren’t just competing with other handmade sellers anymore; you are competing with
Diversifying your selling channels mitigates these risks. If one channel slows down, the others can pick up the slack. Plus, expanding to other platforms or your own website allows you to find new audiences who might not shop on Etsy.
The Fee Structure
Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. They also have an
When you add it all up, a big slice of your
Selling on Etsy comes with different types of the marketplace fees
Top Etsy Alternatives for Sellers
Ready to branch out? Here are seven powerful platforms that serve as excellent alternatives to selling on Etsy.
Ecwid by Lightspeed
If you are asking, “What is a good alternative to Etsy that lets me own my brand?” Ecwid is the answer.
Unlike a marketplace where you are one of many, Ecwid is a robust ecommerce platform that lets you build your own store. It is the perfect solution for sellers who are ready to graduate from renting space to owning their own digital storefront.
Why Ecwid rocks:
- Total brand control: You design the look and feel of your store. No more
cookie-cutter Etsy layouts. Your brand shines front and center. - Zero transaction fees: Ecwid doesn’t charge transaction fees. You keep what you earn, which is a
game-changer for your bottom line. - Omnichannel selling: This is where Ecwid truly stands out. You can sell on your own website, social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), and even marketplaces like eBay and Google
Shopping—all from one dashboard. - Instant Site builder: Don’t have a website? No problem. Ecwid provides a free,
mobile-friendly Instant Site that you can set up in minutes.
The “Best of Both Worlds” strategy:
You don’t have to quit Etsy cold turkey. Many successful sellers use Ecwid and Etsy together. You can use Etsy to acquire new customers and then direct them to your Ecwid site for repeat purchases (where you don’t pay those pesky transaction fees!).
With Ecwid, you aren’t just a seller; you are a business owner.
Ecwid provides you with website templates you can use to launch you online store faster
Amazon Handmade
If you want to trade one giant marketplace for an even bigger one, Amazon Handmade is a top contender. It is Amazon’s dedicated community for
Pros:
- Massive reach: You get access to Amazon’s colossal customer base. We are talking about hundreds of millions of potential eyes on your products.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): You can ship your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle packing, shipping, and customer service. This makes your products eligible for Prime shipping, which is a huge conversion booster.
- No listing expiration: Unlike Etsy, your listings don’t expire after four months.
Cons:
- Strict application process: You have to apply and get audited to prove your goods are genuinely handmade. It is a bit of a hurdle, but it keeps the marketplace authentic.
- Fees: While there are no listing fees, the referral fee (commission) is generally higher than Etsy’s transaction fee, usually around 15%.
eBay
eBay is the original online marketplace, and it is still a powerhouse alternative to Etsy. While it started as an auction site, it is now a massive platform for
Pros:
- Diverse audience: eBay attracts a different demographic than Etsy. It is fantastic for vintage sellers, collectibles, and unique supplies.
- Global reach: eBay’s international shipping programs make it incredibly easy to sell to buyers around the world without the logistical headaches.
- Auction format: Have a
one-of-a-kind item? The auction format can sometimes drive prices higher than a fixed price would.
Cons:
- A “bargain hunter” mentality: eBay shoppers are often looking for a deal, which can sometimes make it hard to command premium prices for
high-end handmade goods. - Fee complexity: eBay’s fee structure can be a bit of a maze, with insertion fees and final value fees that vary by category.
eBay is a popular place to sell vintage items
Bonanza
Bonanza markets itself as a
Pros:
- Integration: You can easily import your listings from eBay, Amazon, and Etsy, making the setup process painless.
- Lower fees: Bonanza creates a strong argument for being a
cost-effective platform. They don’t charge listing fees, and their final value fees are generally lower than the big competitors. - Customer interaction: Bonanza has a unique feature that allows buyers and sellers to negotiate prices, which can help close sales that might otherwise be lost.
Cons:
- Smaller traffic: Bonanza doesn’t have the same brand recognition or traffic volume as Etsy or Amazon. You will need to work a bit harder on marketing to drive views to your items.
Ruby Lane
For those dealing in
Pros:
- Targeted audience: Ruby Lane attracts serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for genuine vintage items. You won’t find cheap
knock-offs here. - High trust factor: The platform has a rigorous vetting process for sellers, which builds immense trust with buyers.
- No commission fees: Instead of a commission per sale, Ruby Lane charges a monthly maintenance fee. If you sell
high-ticket items, this can work out to be much cheaper than Etsy.
Cons:
- Exclusivity: It is not for everyone. If you sell modern handmade crafts, you won’t qualify.
- Strict standards: You need to really know your stuff. The photography and description standards are high.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is an online marketplace for original artwork. It has gained popularity among artists and art buyers alike, offering a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase and sell their works.
Pros:
- Diverse range of styles: Saatchi Art features a wide variety of mediums and styles, from paintings to sculptures to photography.
- Global reach: With buyers from over 100 countries, this platform offers exposure to an international market.
- No upfront fees: Unlike traditional art galleries, Saatchi Art does not require any upfront fees or exclusivity contracts from its artists.
Cons:
- High competition: With thousands of artists on the platform, it can be difficult for new or
lesser-known artists to stand out. - Niche: Because the platform positions itself as an online art gallery, it may not be the right fit for some Etsy sellers, for example, ones who specialize in crafts, personalized gifts, or digital products.
If you sell original art, Saatchi Art might be a great Etsy alternative for you.
How to Choose the Right Etsy Alternative
With so many alternatives to selling on Etsy, how do you pick the right one? There is no
Here is a checklist to help you decide:
- Analyze your fees: Look at your last month of Etsy sales. Calculate exactly how much you paid in fees. Compare that to the subscription costs or transaction fees of platforms like Ecwid or Bonanza.
- Know your audience: Who buys your stuff? If you sell antique brooches, Ruby Lane is a
no-brainer. If you sell trendyt-shirts, a socialmedia-integrated Ecwid store is better. - Assess your technical comfort: Do you want a
plug-and-play marketplace (Amazon Handmade), or do you want the freedom to build your own site without coding (Ecwid)? - Consider your goals: Are you happy being a hobbyist, or do you want to build a recognized brand? If branding is your goal, you need your own website.
Leveraging Ecwid as an Etsy Alternative
Let’s circle back to the most powerful move you can make: building your own asset.
When people ask, “What are other alternatives to Etsy?” they often just list other marketplaces. But trading one landlord for another doesn’t solve the core issues of branding and ownership.
Ecwid is different. It empowers you to create a standalone ecommerce website that you control.
- Your data: You get the email addresses of your customers. You can build an email list, run retargeting ads, and nurture lifetime value. On marketplaces, you are often restricted from marketing directly to buyers.
- Your brand: Customize your checkout, your emails, and your storefront. Create an online shopping experience that customers remember.
- Your rules: No fear of being shut down because a bot flagged your listing by mistake.
And remember, you don’t have to choose. Integration is key. You can keep your Etsy shop open to catch that marketplace traffic, but use Ecwid to build your professional website.
Put a card in your packages that says, “Get 10% off your next order at MyBrand.com.” Drive those marketplace buyers to your own site where margins are higher, and loyalty is stronger.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Etsy Alternatives
The ecommerce landscape is vast, and staying in one lane creates limits on your potential. While Etsy is a great starting line, it shouldn’t be your finish line.
By diversifying your sales channels, you protect your business from volatility and open the door to massive growth.
Whether you choose the massive reach of Amazon Handmade, the vintage prestige of Ruby Lane, or the
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore these Etsy alternatives today and find the platform that champions your unique products.
Ready to take ownership of your business? Stop renting your success. Create your own online store with Ecwid today. It’s easy to set up and gives you the freedom to sell everywhere.
