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7 Etsy Alternatives: Diversify Your Selling Channels and Boost Your Sales!

7 min read

Etsy is a popular platform for selling handmade, vintage, and unique goods, but it may not be the best-selling platform for everyone. While Etsy can be fantastic to start off your business, it’s common to find your efforts are limited or easily shadowed by a crowded marketplace.

In 2022 alone, Etsy reported over 90 million active buyers and more than 4.4 million active sellers.

a chart illustrating the growing number of etsy buyers since 2012 till 2023

Image source: Statista

Etsy primarily serves a niche market for vintage, handcrafted, and handmade goods. With millions of sellers offering a wide range of products, competition for visibility and sales can be intense. This crowding can make it challenging for individual sellers to stand out and attract customers, especially in saturated product categories.

Considering Etsy’s crowded marketplace, exploring alternative platforms can be a strategic move to increase visibility and sales. Diversifying your selling channels can potentially lessen competition and reach new audiences. Here are a few alternatives to consider in the market!

While Etsy has a unique charm to it, with many of its sellers having unique stories behind their products, as the marketplace grows increasingly crowded, many sellers are seeking alternative platforms to expand their reach and diversify their ecommerce strategy.

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Let’s have a look at some promising alternatives to Etsy.

1. Ecwid

Why did the Etsy seller switch to Ecwid? Because they realized they needed more “Ec-wid” customization options to stand out from the crowded marketplace!

When it comes to selling, Ecwid can be a superior alternative to Etsy in a number of ways.

  • Customization: Ecwid gives vendors complete command over the appearance and identity of their online store. Ecwid offers more customization options than Etsy, which means that sellers can give their customers a one-of-a-kind, customized shopping experience.
  • Flexibility: Ecwid is a flexible platform that works well with social media sites, marketplaces, and already-built websites. With this versatility, sellers can connect with customers via their website, Facebook page, Instagram profile, or other platforms, no matter where they are.
  • No transaction fees: Ecwid offers clear pricing with no transaction fees on the majority of plans, in contrast to Etsy, which levies various fees for listing products, selling them, and handling payments. Sellers may see significant savings as a result, particularly if they have large volume sales.

Overall, Ecwid presents a strong alternative to Etsy for sellers seeking more control, flexibility, and scalability in their ecommerce operations. Ultimately, Ecwid empowers sellers to create a successful online business on their own terms.

2. Amazon Handmade

Why did the artisan choose Amazon Handmade over Etsy?

Because when it comes to selling, they preferred a “prime” location with faster deliveries and a bigger audience while delivering their creations with an Amazonial twist!

One reason Amazon Handmade might be considered a good alternative to Etsy is that with Amazon, you have the chance to reach a vast audience of potential customers. With millions of people browsing Amazon every day, your handmade products could potentially get more visibility compared to Etsy’s smaller, albeit dedicated, user base.

Also, Amazon Handmade offers several advantages, such as utilizing fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for shipping, listing with no expiration, access to analytics, and the opportunity to sponsor ads through Amazon.

Plus, Amazon’s Prime shipping option means faster delivery for customers, which can be a big selling point. So, if you’re looking to scale up your handmade business and reach more buyers, Amazon Handmade might just be the prime choice!

3. eBay

Why did the Etsy seller decide to start selling on eBay?

Because on eBay, they can sell everything—including the kitchen sink, literally!

When comparing products, eBay has a far greater selection than Etsy. eBay features a wide range of products, from fashion and electronics to antiques and collectibles, whereas Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items. eBay could be a better platform for you if you sell goods that don’t fall under Etsy’s categories.

4. Bonanza

Why did the Etsy seller decide to pack up and head to Bonanza?

Because they heard it was the “Bonan-za” for their sales — where fees are lower, and listings can reach a wider audience!

Bonanza presents a compelling alternative to Etsy for several reasons:

Integration with Multiple Platforms: Bonanza easily integrates with other ecommerce platforms, enabling sellers to reach a wider audience and better manage their inventory.

Bonanza typically charges lower fees compared to Etsy, allowing sellers to retain more of their profits. It’s free to sell items on Bonanza, and the site charges final value fees.

Another unique thing about Bonanza is that it lets buyers negotiate with sellers. The platform offers sellers more flexibility in pricing their items, including the ability to negotiate offers with buyers. This can lead to increased sales opportunities and a more dynamic selling experience.

5. Ruby Lane

Why did the vintage enthusiast choose Ruby Lane?

Because finding treasures on Ruby Lane is like stumbling upon hidden gems in your grandmother’s attic!

Ruby Lane specializes in antiques, art, vintage collectibles, and jewelry. It’s a curated marketplace with a focus on quality and authenticity. Unlike larger marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, Ruby Lane prides itself on offering only high-quality, unique items. Sellers are vetted and must meet strict quality standards to list items.

6. Zibbet

Zibbet is another marketplace that focuses on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It allows sellers to list their products across multiple channels, including Etsy.

7. Storenvy

Storenvy is a community-driven marketplace that features independent brands and artists. It offers tools for creating customizable online stores and connecting with customers.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Alternatives to Etsy

In conclusion, while Etsy has long been a popular choice for selling handmade, vintage, and unique goods, exploring alternative platforms can provide sellers with new opportunities for growth and expansion.

Whether the aim is to establish an independent online store, broaden one’s audience reach, or diversify sales channels, a multitude of alternatives to Etsy are available for consideration. By harnessing suitable platforms and resources, entrepreneurs can elevate their ecommerce ventures and unearth novel avenues for prosperity.

 

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About the author

Max has been working in the ecommerce industry for the last six years helping brands to establish and level-up content marketing and SEO. Despite that, he has experience with entrepreneurship. He is a fiction writer in his free time.

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