If you’re a maker of arts and crafts or a curator of vintage collectibles, you know Etsy is a great platform for transforming your passion into profits.

With more than 45 million buyers and excellent brand recognition, the site offers sellers a great place to launch and build a business. In addition to a ready marketplace, Etsy offers makers a website builder called Pattern, making it easy if you’re just starting out.

But Etsy can only take your business so far. After all, it owns your customer list, so you’re limited in terms of branding, customer retention, and retargeting. Etsy also pits makers against each other by recommending other vendors who offer similar items at the bottom of a product page.

We rounded up a list of Etsy alternatives so you can sell on other websites or on your own ecommerce site.

 

Website-building Etsy alternatives

Merchants who start their retail journey on Etsy and decide to explore other options often do so because of the Etsy platform’s limitations and increasingly restrictive rules. One of the most common reasons retailer’s switch is to gain ownership of their store. When you have a store on Etsy, or any third-party marketplace, Esty owns all of the data, which makes it hard to run advanced marketing campaigns, such as automated emails or retargeting ads.

 In addition, if your business grows to the point where you want to convert from handmade production to outside manufacturing, your products will no longer be available to list on Etsy. Etsy prohibits reselling, except in the case of vintage items. These constraints make it hard to scale a startup business to the next level.

If you’re a maker who’s looking at life beyond Etsy, building your own website may be the next best step. An online store often makes for a great “home base”—a place where you own the content, data, and your customer list—and still gives you the option to sell on marketplaces to supplement your revenue.

1. Shopify

Price: Monthly plans start at $29, plus transaction fees

            

We’re biased, but for many makers, the next step in growing their business is to scale sales with a Shopify store. Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform that lets you sell online, in a retail store or pop-up shop, and through social media. It also offers a full suite of business tools and resources, including merchant loans through Shopify Capital, an advanced point-of-sale solution with Shopify POS, and even local delivery tools.

Shopify’s multi-channel solution is user-friendly, with hundreds of templates you can easily customize to reflect your branding. Shopify also lives on your domain, which means you own your store and customer list, and it offers flexibility with plans and pricing tiers to support a variety of business needs. In addition, Shopify offers merchants powerful analytics and built-in marketing tools. In fact, many current Shopify merchants started on Etsy and migrated when they were ready to grow.

Tips for using Shopify as an Etsy alternative:

• Incorporate Shopify and Etsy into your multi-channel selling strategy. Shopify has tools that allow merchants to create their own branded experience while fueling a multi-channel approach with their Etsy integration.
• Consider adding other channels to your strategy with Shopify’s variety of marketplace selling options. According to research by Stitch Labs, retailers who sell on two marketplaces earn 190% more revenue than those who sell on just one.
• Use the growing list of free Shopify apps to improve your store's functionality and sell more online. 

2. Big Cartel

Price: Free for up to five products; plans start at $9.99 for up to 50 products

            

Another Esty alternative is Big Cartel, which caters to artists, crafters, and entrepreneurs with its tailored community and resources. The platform offers templates you can customize to match your branding, the option to use your own custom domain name, and a number of marketing tools.

Sellers pay a flat monthly fee, depending on the number of products they sell. Shoppers buy directly from your store and can communicate with you through a contact form.

Tips for using Big Cartel as an Etsy alternative:

• One of the biggest advantages of Etsy is its built-in audience and customer base. While Big Cartel also offers a platform made for similar makers and crafters, it doesn’t come with that benefit. Instead, because Big Cartel allows you to build your own website and online store, you’re also responsible for driving traffic. If you don’t have a budget or strategy for getting people to your store, Etsy might be a better option.

3. Squarespace

Price: Monthly plans start at $12, plus transaction fees, but to sell products you’ll need one of the plans starting at $18/month

          

Squarespace is another ecommerce platform makers can use. Its user-friendly templates offer drag-and-drop design tools, making it a good option for beginners. Squarespace also lets you import your Etsy site, allowing you to keep your products and product URLs in the process—making it one of the easier alternatives to Etsy if you’re looking to migrate.

Sellers can take advantage of Squarespace’s strong inventory system and market products with built-in social media tools. Squarespace offers a tiered pricing plan that varies based on the features you need. For example, the ability to sell gift cards or subscription products are in the service’s highest pricing tier.

Tips for using Squarespace as an Etsy alternative:

• Squarespace requires a similar level of technical know-how as Etsy: virtually none. It’s one of the easiest ways to DIY your online store. However, because it’s a complete website builder while Etsy offers a specific ecommerce tool, Squarespace requires more time and patience to set up. You can consider investing in outsourced web design and development resources to help if you have the budget.

4. Wix

Price: Monthly plans start at $23, plus transaction fees

   

Wix is a website builder with ecommerce abilities and user-friendly templates that make it easy to build a website with drag-and-drop editing. You can also customize the templates to match your branding.

Wix lets you track orders, accept PayPal and credit card payments, create promotional coupons, and set tax and shipping rules for different locations. Wix offers tiered monthly pricing plans as well as an active community, knowledge base, and phone support.

Tips for using Wix as an Etsy alternative:

• One of the downfalls of Etsy is its lack of customization and marketing options. While Wix has plenty of marketing tools, you’re mostly stuck using their templates. There are also limited SEO features, which are essential if you want to earn organic traffic to your site.
• Like Shopify, Wix also has an Etsy integration. However, its 2.5-star ratings and reviews cite a wide range of issues, from technical difficulties to ineffective sales channels.

5. Ecwid

Price: Free to build and launch your store with up to 10 products; monthly business plans start at $15 (or $12.50/month if paid annually); no transaction fees

    

Technically speaking, Ecwid isn’t an actual website builder. Instead, it’s a tool you can use to add to your website, social media, and other commerce channels to allow customers to shop and purchase your products. If you’re an artist with an existing portfolio site on a compatible platform, for example, you can use Ecwid’s Buy button features to add an ecommerce component.

Ecwid is simple and free, which makes it appealing for new ecommerce entrepreneurs and Etsy makers looking to explore their own store. You don’t need to know how to code or design. It includes valuable features like centralized inventory, order management, and pricing—more advanced than Etsy but less than a robust platform like Shopify.

If you want to sell on Etsy and Ecwid, you’ll need at least the Business plan, which starts at $29.50/month if paid annually. Different plans support selling on Facebook, Amazon, Google, and other channels. All plans limit the number of products you can sell, except Unlimited, at $99/month.

Tips for using Ecwid as an Etsy alternative:

• Note that you’ll still have to use a separate platform if you want to build a true ecommerce site. While Ecwid has an “instant site,” it doesn’t have the depth of features that growing businesses need.
• Optimize your business for multi-channel selling with Ecwid if you want the best results. Its standout features include the ability to sell across various marketplaces, commerce channels, and digital platforms, so it’s a good way to test the waters and see where you gain the most traction. You can then apply those learnings to your “real” online store when you’re ready to upgrade to a different platform.

6. IndieMade

Price: Affordable plans range from $4.95/month to $19.95/month, and all come with a 30-day free trial and zero setup fees

    

IndieMade was built for artisans in particular, so it has some features specific to these types of sellers who are looking for Etsy alternatives. It’s an affordable platform that makes it easy to curate content on your site. In addition to building an online store, you can add a blog, a calendar of events, image galleries, and news and press.

IndieMade’s inventory management features sync in real-time with your Etsy inventory data, so you don’t have to worry about inaccurate data or overselling. However, like Etsy, there are limited options for product variants, making it difficult for merchants with growing product offerings.

Tips for using IndieMade as an Etsy alternative:

• IndieMade mostly lacks when it comes to customizing your site. Though you can make changes to the overall look and feel, compared to other website builders, the options are limited. It functions more similarly to Etsy in that way, so if you’re looking for more control of your rebranding, you may want to look elsewhere.

Online marketplace Etsy alternatives

Owning your own website has a lot of benefits, but maybe you’re looking for alternatives to Etsy as a marketplace. Sites like Etsy that serve as third-party marketplaces are a great way to give your goods more exposure. And selling on more than one can improve your chances of being discovered by new buyers. Different Etsy competitors will attract different shoppers who may not find you if you limit yourself to one venue. It’s good to go where the customers are.

In addition, dedicating your entire business to one sales “basket” could be risky. If the marketplace changes its algorithm or policies, it could negatively impact how much traffic comes to your store and you’d have no way to control or change it. If you’re ready to branch out, here are three marketplace-alternatives to consider.

7. Bonanza

Price: Sellers pay 3.5%–5% of the final sales price, including shipping, with a minimum of $0.50

    

Similar in functionality to eBay, Bonanza is an Etsy marketplace alternative that focuses on the sale of unique items, such as arts, crafts, and collectibles. Its built-in market provides sellers with a ready customer base, and Bonanza also allows you to create a stand-alone online store. It’s free to list items on Bonanza, and the site charges final value fees.

With Bonanza, makers import items directly from Etsy, which makes it easy to get started. It also creates automated listings on Google Shopping, eBay, and Nextag, and it includes marketing and analytics tools. However, its smaller user base is still no match in an Etsy competition.

Tips for using Bonanza as an Etsy alternative:

• Note that Bonanza, while an online selling site with a similar demographic to Etsy, functions differently. Though technically speaking, Etsy shoppers can message sellers to negotiate price, that’s not the norm. On Bonanza, that’s expected. So bear this in mind when pricing your products, and add a little wiggle room to help shoppers feel like they're getting a deal when you accept their offer.

8. Amazon Handmade

Price: Artists pay a 15% referral fee with a $1 minimum

   

Amazon dominates many areas of retail, and it might not be the first place a shopper would look when searching for something handmade and unique. However, that didn’t stop the retail giant from entering into the craft and artisan marketplace. Handmade at Amazon offers makers an Amazon storefront to sell their items.

Benefits include shipping through Fulfillment by Amazon, no listing expiration, insightful analytics, and Amazon-sponsored ads. The costs are higher than other marketplace platforms, though, with Amazon taking a 15% commission per transaction as well as a monthly membership fee, depending on the number of items listed. Fees for Amazon Handmade work out to be more expensive than Etsy, unless products are priced around $5 or less.

Tips for using Amazon Handmade as an Etsy alternative:

• Bear in mind that Amazon has similar restrictions, if not stricter, to Etsy when it comes to customer data. It owns the customer relationship and doesn’t allow merchants to take that relationship outside of its platform. It’s also been said that Amazon has a lengthier application process for new sellers.
• Though FBA may be convenient, especially for merchants who are new to multi-channel selling, it’s not always the best option—especially for handmade goods. These products and experiences typically come with an extra personal touch that FBA just can’t match.

9. Zibbet

Price: Monthly plans are $5 per channel

       

Zibbet is also similar to Etsy, offering makers the ability to have a stand-alone site as well as access to its marketplace customer base. Sellers import products from existing accounts, such as Etsy or eBay, and then manage inventory across all platforms from a single location.

Zibbet also includes several built-in tools to help with inventory, shipping, order management, data tracking, and analytics. Sellers pay a flat monthly fee per channel, such as your Etsy account. The platform is also reported to have helpful and responsive customer service.

Tips for using Zibbet as an Etsy alternative:

• Consider saving your unique and one-of-a-kind items for Zibbet and keeping your “generic” products on Etsy. Those looking for your unusual items can find them through a Google search, while there’s more search competition for something like “personalized coasters.”

Brass tacks: Compare alternatives to Etsy

Shopify

• Price: $29–$299/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: Etsy, Amazon, eBay, Facebook Messenger, Instagram
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: Yes

Big Cartel

• Price: Free–$29.99/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: Instagram
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

Squarespace

• Price: $18–$40/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: No
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

Wix

• Price: $23–$49/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: No
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

Bonanza

• Price: 3.5%–5% of final offer value
• Ecommerce site: No
• Marketplace selling: Yes
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

Ecwid

• Price: Free–$99/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Instagram
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

IndieMade

• Price: $4.95–$9.95/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: No
• Marketing tools: No
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No, works with Stripe, Square, 2Checkout, and PayPal

ArtFire

• Price: $4.95–$40/month
• Ecommerce site: No
• Marketplace selling: Yes
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: No
• POS: No

Amazon Handmade

• Price: 15% referral fee with $1 minimum
• Ecommerce site: No
• Marketplace selling: Yes
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

Zibbet

• Price: $5–$6/month
• Ecommerce site: Yes
• Marketplace selling: Etsy, Facebook, Instagram, Stitch,
• Marketing tools: Yes
• Mobile app: Yes
• Business management tools: Yes
• POS: No

What to do if you’re still not sure which Etsy alternative to use

Etsy is an excellent marketplace for crafty founders looking for their first customer. But it has its own limitations. A good way to test the waters is to add a personal website or marketplace to your current Etsy store, paying attention to analytics on traffic and marketing campaigns. In fact, many Shopify merchants who started on Etsy elected to keep their Etsy shop while growing their Shopify store, creating a higher growth potential.

Etsy is a great place to test your concept, build an audience and develop the foundation you need to succeed. At a certain point, though, it may be time to take the next step. Outgrowing your Etsy shop is a good sign—one that says your business has proven its potential to grow and thrive.

You can get started with Shopify and a no-hassle Etsy sales channel integration and test it out for free for 14 days before you commit.

Source: https://www.shopify.ca/blog/etsy-alternatives

*Revive Management has aggregated the information from internet and does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information provided.