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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.

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