Is selling on Etsy worth it? This question has been around for a while, especially after Etsy’s boom from 2021 to 2023. Founded in 2005, Etsy has grown to over 100 million items in its marketplace, connecting 8,8 million sellers with 91.5 million active buyers as of Q2 2024. For independent artists and craft enthusiasts, Etsy is a top-of-mind option for selling and buying handmade, vintage, or craft supply items.
However, as other platforms are rising with promising potential, is it profitable to sell on Etsy in 2024? To answer this question, let’s look at seven factors of selling on Etsy in 2024.
- Product and segmentation
- Selling fees
- Shipping
- Etsy ads
- Storefront personalization (brand building)
- Etsy SEO
- Ease of use
Is Selling on Etsy Worth It?
Yes, selling on Etsy is worth it for many craftspeople and artists. The platform offers access to over 91 million potential customers, low startup costs, a high-profit margin (30-50%), and user-friendly tools for managing your online shop.
However, success depends on factors like product quality, pricing strategy, and competition in your niche. You should consider Etsy fees, marketing efforts, and time investment when evaluating profitability on this platform.
Start Selling On Etsy with Ease Today!
Looking for a seamless way to sell on Etsy? Try LitCommerce to integrate your store with Etsy!
Etsy Overview: 5 Key Statistics in 2024
First things first, before diving into “Is selling on Etsy worth it,” let’s have an overview of this marketplace.
What is Etsy? – Like Amazon or eBay, Etsy is an online marketplace connecting sellers and buyers. What makes Etsy different is that it offers a platform for people to sell and buy handmade, crafts, and vintage items that are one-of-a-kind instead of mass-produced goods found on Amazon or in retail stores.
Selling these kinds of items, Etsy sellers are usually small to medium business owners, indie artists, creators, and collectors. Meanwhile, buyers usually search for gifts, collectibles, artwork, or simply goods with a sense of creativity and personalization in this marketplace.
Launched in 2005, as of 2023, Etsy has achieved some notable results. Let’s see 5 key statistics about Etsy.
- In Q4 2023, Etsy reached 7.9 million active sellers, with a year-over-year growth of 3.8%.
- One reason why selling on Etsy can be profitable is the growing number of buyers on the platform. According to Etsy, the number of active buyers went up by 3.4% to 97.3 million. This shows that Etsy is becoming a bigger market where sellers can make good money.
- In 2023, Etsy’s consolidated Gross Merchandise Sales (GMS) decreased slightly to $13.16 billion from $13.32 billion in 2022, with a 1.2% decrease.
- However, annual consolidated revenue notably increased, reaching $2.75 billion, marking a 7.1% YoY increase from $2.57 billion in 2022. Particularly noteworthy is the fourth quarter performance, where revenue marks a new record of $842.2 million, a 4.3% increase compared to Q4 2022, highlighting Etsy’s ongoing strength and resilience.
- In February 2024, Etsy received 474.1 million visits, according to the web traffic collected by Similarweb. This number has made Etsy the 4th player in the Marketplace and Shopping category, only after Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.
This information shows that millions of Etsy sellers probably answer yes to the question, Is Etsy a good place to sell? But if Etsy works for you or not, several factors must be evaluated. Let’s discover what the factors are!
Is Selling on Etsy Worth It: 7 Factors to Consider
Evidently, there hasn’t been enough input to say, “Is selling on Etsy worth it”. Hence, in this section, we will discuss 7 major factors that help you determine whether to go live on this marketplace or not.
Here are the factors that Etsy sellers frequently review:
- Product and segmentation
- Selling fees
- Shipping
- Ads
- Storefront personalization
- SEO (Search engine optimization)
- Ease of use
#1. Product and segmentation
Whatever sales channels you choose, whether they are the best online marketplaces or top eCommerce platforms, you must always consider product orientation and segmentation. This rule does not exclude Etsy, either. Let’s find out more!
1. Product
If you have undergone some investigations, you may notice that crafts and supplies sell excellently on this sales channel. Adding to that, jewelry, home decor, artwork, sculptures, or vintage goods are contributing to the best selling items on Etsy. If regarding their similarities in shapes or prices, you are probably looking at the wrong spot. It is creativity and uniqueness that make these products attract Etsy customers.
The rationale behind this is that Etsy has always focused on the creative and one-of-a-kind spirit since day one. Moreover, the marketplace is doing a great job of orientating and engaging its community. And if you emphasize products, personal taste, and uniqueness, we believe you have easily answered the question “Is selling on Etsy worth it” with a big yes.
Speaking of creativity on Etsy, don’t let anything be your limit. This marketplace accepts both new and used items. Moreover, you can sell any physical and digital items on Etsy if they align with the general spirit. For instance, selling crafts on Etsy or selling paintings on Etsy would be a nice idea. Summing up, you can sell almost anything on this marketplace, as long as they don’t violate Etsy prohibited items.
2. Segmentation
Carrying on with our topic of “Is selling on Etsy worth it” it is time to gain some insights into the Etsy buyer’s preferences. Normally, Etsy buyers tend to have personal tastes and preferences.
So, marketing 101: Be everywhere your customers are. If you can find your customer persona looking for unique and personalized items in this marketplace, you should answer yes to “Should I sell on Etsy?”.
A few more insightful pieces of information about Etsy segmentation are:
- They want to look for sustainable items.
- The dominant gender on Etsy is female.
- The majority of shoppers are in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada.
Pros
- Ideal marketplace for niche products: Etsy is undoubtedly the best sales channel for artisans due to its long-lived creative spirit and engaging audience. Especially if you are targeting female groups, you’ve got a sweet spot!
- Diverse product ranges: As aforementioned, you can sell almost anything if it stays out of the Etsy banned item list.
Cons
- Incompatibility with general products: The last place you want to sell general products is Etsy. This has been emphasized in its focus from the first day.
Key takeaways
Have you got any idea for “Is selling on Etsy worth it?” Evidently, product orientation and segmentation on Etsy are ideal for anyone who wants to sell artisans, crafts, collectibles, and everything that goes with creativity. Also, don’t skip the sustainability factor when you sell on Etsy. That can be a key factor in your success story later on.
#2. Etsy selling fees
“How much does it cost to start an Etsy shop” is always one of the top considerations of any seller before deciding if they should go live. Now, it’s time to check out the compulsory selling fees you need to start selling on Etsy.
1. Listing fees
First and foremost, listing or insertion fees on Etsy are the money you must pay to list your products on this marketplace. If you have been selling on other selling platforms, such as Amazon or eBay, listing fees probably ring a bell.
According to Etsy’s pricing policy, you are charged $0.20 per item if you list it for sale on Etsy.com or Etsy’s mobile apps. In case the item already exists, there is no additional cost. However, you will have to pay $0.20 again after every 4 months for the same listing because that’s its expiration date. This is called a renewal fee – a part of listing fees in general.
Provided that you sell on both Etsy and Etsy Pattern with the same listings, Etsy will not charge you any listing fee for the items created in your Etsy shop. Furthermore, Etsy Pattern listings don’t expire, leading to no renewal costs. But the rules still apply for new or recreated product listings on the platform.
Tap Into The Power of Multichannel Selling
Why limit your sales and audience to one single channel – Etsy? Expand to more selling platforms and get your items to more potential customers. Try LitCommerce today!
2. Transaction fees
The next amount you need to pay is transaction fees. In accordance with Etsy fee regulations, the transaction fees account for 6.5% of your display price and will get deducted from your balance as each sale occurs. To ensure transparency, Etsy will also reflect this in your payment account.
A friendly reminder: Transaction fees are applied differently based on which country you are selling from. This results from the Currency Conversion fees. Currency conversion is only applied to sellers who are not from the U.S.
3. Shipping fees
Etsy marketplace allows sellers in certain countries to purchase shipping labels for order fulfillment. Usually, shipping label costs vary depending on the carriers, items’ weight, destinations, dimensions, and other relevant information. Regarding shipping fees, Etsy requires sellers to accept Etsy Payments or PayPal as payment methods.
4. Other fees (optional)
Additional fees you may have to pay when selling on Etsy are subscription (for Etsy Plus), currency conversion, in-personal selling, regulatory operations, advertising, pattern, and promotional charges. Also, if you use Etsy Payments, there are chances you need to pay for payment processing fees.
Pros
- Competitive fees: if placed in comparison with eCommerce giants like Amazon or eBay, Etsy still offers a relatively low selling fee.
- Straightforward fee policies: This is especially true for sellers or businesses that only pay basic selling fees. Generally, Etsy fee policies are transparent and don’t trigger sellers much. Also, e-sellers don’t have to deal with different commission rates like other platforms, which can be a winning point in answering “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
Cons
- Renewal fees: It is annoying to pay for the same listing after every 4 months. In fact, many artisans and artists find it difficult to keep up with these Etsy costs.
Key takeaways
If you’re a new Etsy seller, you might find that you’re getting overcharged. Although this is true, the benefits are that your listings will reach a very specific demographic and specialty. If you make unique and gorgeous products that sugar-coat the eyes of buyers, you will undoubtedly be recognized by Etsy’s 94 million buyers. Apart from selling fees, there are still 4 more factors that help determine “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
#3. Etsy Shipping
The third factor to consider before you figure out “Is selling on Etsy worth it” refers to Etsy shipping and all matters related to it. Hence, this part will cover the Etsy shipping setup process and tools.
1. Etsy shipping setup process
Etsy will first require you to input important information into your listings in order to determine the anticipated delivery date to buyers. The details include shipping carrier, mail class, original zip code, and processing time.
Then, you can add shipping details to the shipping profile if you choose to use them instead of editing each listing. However, remember that the shipping information in listings is automatically renewed every 4 months. Aside from that, another change is that you need to add a tracking number to any order for $10 or more shipped to a US buyer.
2. Etsy shipping tools
The second section in our shipping analysis is devoted to shipping tools for sellers, which helps to answer the question of “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
- Shipping Profiles: Shipping profiles allow you to create a set of shipping rules and rates that can be applied to multiple listings. This will help you to manage your shipping options across the entire inventory.
- Shipping Labels: Etsy offers a tool to purchase and print shipping labels directly from the platform. You can also purchase discounted USPS shipping labels and save up to 30% on postage.
- Smart Pricing: It is recommended that you use the ‘Smart Pricing’ function from your dashboard. The Smart Pricing tool assists you in determining and calculating your price. For your Etsy store, try the Free Shipping Guarantee.
- Package Preferences: As an Etsy seller, setting default package preferences is in hand. The preferences will include package type, dimensions, and weight, to speed up the shipping process and ensure accurate shipping rates.
- Order Management: Etsy’s order management system allows sellers to keep track of orders and shipping details in one place. As a result, marking orders as shipped, adding tracking information, and communicating with buyers through the platform are all in hand.
- Shipping Notifications: Last but not least, Etsy sends automated shipping notifications to buyers when their order is shipped. Accordingly, it can help improve the buyer experience and reduce customer inquiries about shipping status.
Pros
- Easy shipment tracking: With tools and added tracking numbers, shipment tracking has never been easier for Etsy sellers.
- Great support from Etsy: Without a doubt, this sales channel has offered its merchants numerous tools to make shipping easier and faster. Considering the shipping aspect, Etsy will surely be worth selling on.
Cons
- Shipping limitations for special items: Tracking performance and tracking numbers face limitations when it comes to digital items, customized orders, local pickups, and heavy or oversized items.
Key takeaways
To sum up, the shipping process with Etsy is pretty much straightforward. Additionally, the platform actively supports its sellers with numerous tools and instructions on the site. Therefore, the shipping aspect certainly contributes a big Yes to “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
#4. Etsy Ads
Next on “Is selling on Etsy worth it”, let’s find out how the platform helps you promote your Etsy shop while going live. Here is a breakdown of Etsy ads.
1. Etsy onsite ads
This is a form of advertising through which you can promote your items within Etsy’s search results and on other pages of Etsy with daily budgets. Specifically, by using Etsy onsite ads, your promoted products can show up in the top relevant search or stay in prominent positions on the website. More about Etsy onsite ads, it works on a CPC model (Cost-per-click). It means you don’t pay except someone clicks on your ads.
But how can you determine its effectiveness?
Apart from inputs such as your choice of keywords, budget limits, and bidding rate, you can get support from Etsy analytics and reports. These will help you to track ads performance or make adjustments to bids and daily budgets.
2. Etsy offsite ads
Currently, Etsy is promoting listings all over the Internet, including search engine results, social media, publishing partners, and Google display network sites. You don’t have to do anything to be eligible for Etsy offsite ads.
Furthermore, Etsy will pull product details from the site’s advertising algorithm and match them to the users’ search or profile information in your listing ads. For each user profile and search query, offsite advertisements make sure to show the most prominent items.
Lastly, we’ll let you conclude “Is selling on Etsy worth it” after knowing offsite ad costs.
Notably, the fees for offsite ads are charged after a buyer’s purchase. They are based on the requirements that must be met, with sales over the previous 365 days taken into account. Here are the details:
- If you have made sales of less than $10,000, you will be charged a 15% fee for an order attributed to an Offsite Ad.
- Whereas, if you have made sales for at least $10,000, you will be charged 12% only.
Pros
- Ad daily budget: Letting sellers set their daily budget is a big advantage of Etsy ads. Through this, sellers can set a suitable budget that aligns with their resources and goals. What’s more, they are able to adjust the budget limit if the ad’s effectiveness is not as expected.
- CPC model: As mentioned, you only pay if the ads actually get some clicks. So there should be no worries you are overcharged when implementing ad campaigns.
- Etsy analytics and reports: These are great tools, especially for new sellers on the marketplace.
Cons
- Intense competition: Since Etsy is a highly competitive niche marketplace, you are likely to go against thousands or even millions of sellers who are after the same goals. This can lead to increasing bidding rates, as well as excessive budgets.
- Limited ad formats: Etsy currently only supports promoted and sponsored listings. This means until the marketplace updates, there is barely a chance to use more effective ways to advertise your items.
Key takeaways
Apparently, Etsy ads’ pros still outweigh the cons, especially with the right bids, keywords, and high-quality ad content, sellers are advised to make use of Etsy ads. Previously, your budget was limited and controlled solely by you, but now your predicted budget is optimized based on reach and purchase, all thanks to Etsy’s support. In conclusion, for the ads section, we would say yes to “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
#5. Personalized storefront (Brand building)
Continuing our topic of “Is selling on Etsy worth it”, let’s take a glance at the storefront personalization aspect.
Although Etsy is an online marketplace, it still allows storefront personalization to certain levels. But if you are looking for more effective branding tools, you may want to check out Etsy Plus and Etsy Pattern. These two are belongings of the Etsy ecosystem that enable merchants to take their business to the next level.
- Etsy Plus is a subscription-based service offered by Etsy that provides sellers access to additional tools and features to help them manage their shops more effectively. The service includes features such as customizable website banners, advanced shop customization options, restock requests, and credits to use for Etsy Ads.
- Etsy Pattern, on the other hand, is a separate service offered by Etsy that enables sellers to create their own standalone e-commerce website using the same branding and product listings as their Etsy shop. The service offers customizable website templates, a domain name, and integrated payment processing. This can give sellers a unique online presence outside of Etsy and enable them to sell their products through multiple channels. Overall, allowing sellers to benefit from both great traffic and customization capabilities is pretty much a strong affirmation of “Is selling on Etsy worth it”.
Notes: Both Etsy Plus and Etsy Pattern can offer additional benefits to Etsy sellers and help them to grow their businesses. Adding to that, the product orientation remains focused on art, handcrafted, and vintage, sellers will be able to reach their target customer base as intended.
Pros
- Creative storefront and listing edition: It’s possible to become an Etsy seller while building your brand. Furthermore, let your creativity run wild during the manufacture of your product as well as listing on Etsy.
- Increased traffic: It occurs when you have built an informative shop on Etsy. You will get more traffic and conversions if you provide more information about your shop, including your purpose, uniqueness, and talent. Etsy allows you to create a unique storefront. It is so easy to set up a store on Etsy.
A friendly reminder: It doesn’t matter if it’s handmade, vintage, custom, or unique. Explore what you can sell on Etsy to become a brand.
Cons
- Complex storefront setup process: Although you will enjoy setting up your store, it can go against what you want. This happens when you have an independent store. That’s exactly where things get complicated.
- Highly detailed Etsy listings: Another drawback is Etsy’s listings, which often require much more information and effort. It asks you to complete every aspect of each product. You will spend a lot of time if you manage all your shops and build a brand on Etsy.
Key takeaways
Regarding the spectrum storefront personalization, Etsy is doing quite a great job, especially with Etsy Plus and Etsy Pattern. When selling on Etsy, sellers can consider using the service and platform offered by the house while keeping Etsy as an effective sales channel. Seemingly, it will adapt to your demands for storefront customization and overall profitability boost. So, what’s holding back from saying yes to “Is selling on Etsy worth it”?
#6. Etsy SEO
The last factor in our article of “Is selling on Etsy worth it” is Etsy SEO. Believe it or not, this makes a massive contributor to your final decision.
1. Etsy SEO’s mechanism: Query Matching and Ranking
Etsy processes a buyer’s search in two stages, which are Query Matching and Ranking. Here are the details you need.
- Query Matching: This is the first step in the search process, where Etsy matches the buyer’s search query with relevant listings based on factors such as title, tags, description, and attributes. Etsy’s search algorithm is designed to identify listings that match the buyer’s search query as closely as possible.
- Ranking: Once Etsy has identified listings that match the buyer’s search query, the platform ranks those listings based on their relevance, quality, and customer engagement. Listings considered more relevant, better quality, and higher levels of customer engagement (such as more views, favorites, and sales) are given priority in the search results.
2. Etsy SEO features and tools for sellers
To see “Is selling on Etsy worth it”, you will need to evaluate the tools offered as well.
Based on Etsy’s mechanism to evaluate a listing, how can a seller reach the desired spot and make money? Continue reading because below are the features and tools you can use to optimize the overall SEO applications.
- Tags: Sellers can add up to 13 tags to each listing, which are used by Etsy’s search algorithm to help match their listings with relevant search queries.
- Title: The title of a listing is a key factor in Etsy’s search algorithm, so it’s important to use descriptive, keyword-rich titles that accurately reflect the item being sold.
- Attributes: Attributes provide additional information about a listing, such as color, size, and material. And yes, it surely can help improve search relevancy.
- Shop sections: Organizing listings into relevant shop sections can make it easier for buyers to find what they are looking for. Also, the shop section is another input that helps Etsy identify the product and rank it better
- Etsy Ads: As mentioned, Etsy Ads is a paid advertising tool that allows sellers to promote their listings on Etsy’s search results pages and other areas of the platform. When using Etsy ads, sellers should target specific keywords and demographics to increase visibility and drive traffic to their listings.
- Etsy Rank: This is a third-party SEO tool that provides keyword and SEO analysis, trend data, and optimization suggestions to help improve sellers’ search rankings.
Tips and tricks to apply SEO in Etsy listing: Sellers can take advantage of an Etsy Listing Tool – a software or application that helps sellers on Etsy create and manage their listings more efficiently. It can assist sellers in writing effective descriptions, setting prices, uploading product images, and optimizing tags and keywords for search engine visibility.
Pros
- Targeted traffic: Etsy SEO allows sellers to target specific keywords and demographics, which can help them attract the right kind of traffic to their listings, thanks to its accurate evaluation. Thus, sellers can increase the chances of converting visitors into buyers.
- Lower marketing costs: Compared to other forms of online advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, Etsy SEO, when applied properly, can be a more cost-effective way to drive traffic and sales to a seller’s shop.
- Competitive advantage: By optimizing listings for Etsy SEO, sellers can gain a competitive advantage over other sellers not using SEO best practices. As a result, you can gain a chance of higher search rankings, traffic, and sales.
Cons
- Frequent SEO algorithm changes: If you don’t optimize your listings properly, they may suffer more. Many sellers who have quit Etsy say they are unhappy with Etsy’s frequent updates to their SEO algorithm.
Key takeaways
Is selling on Etsy worth it when it comes to SEO? The answer to this question relies on how effectively you nurture your Etsy shop. You can do well and acquire a lot of traffic to your listings if you keep up with Shop Improvement and Etsy SEO, the quality of your big competitors’ listings, and your consumer preferences.
#7. Ease of use
The last factor to answer the question “Is Etsy worth selling on?” is the ease of use of Etsy. This is because it’s crucial to pick a platform that’s easy to use when starting your online business. The ease of navigating the marketplace, listing products, managing orders, and interacting with customers can significantly impact your experience as a seller.
In my experience, Etsy stands out as a user-friendly platform for setting up your shop. With just a few steps, such as creating your Etsy shop name and background, listing your items, and configuring shipping and billing, your items are ready to go live. Moreover, as a platform built for sellers and buyers, Etsy already provides comprehensive information and step-by-step instructions; all you have to do is fill in the required details.
Is Etsy a good place to sell? Yes. When you look at Etsy versus big players like Amazon and eBay, setting up a store on the latter platforms is more complex. For example, when listing a product on Amazon, sellers must deal with things like UPC or EAN codes, which can be tricky, especially for new sellers.
This is the same for building your own website; it requires website design, domain, or hosting. While eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce simplify the setup process, it still requires more steps than Etsy.
To get a clearer view of how Etsy makes it easy for sellers to start selling on the platform, check out the How to Sell on Etsy for Beginners in 2024: 8-step Guide!
However, despite a simple interface, Etsy restricts customization options. This means your brand’s identity is limited to your shop’s name, images, and text. For instance, if you aim for a high-end brand, it’s hard to stand out on Etsy, where other Etsy sellers use the same fonts and layout. These limitations make it harder to set your Etsy shop apart and create strong branding, which is essential to build your customer loyalty. That’s why, in the long run, it’s necessary to create your own Etsy website and social media to build stronger branding for your business.
Pros
- User-friendly interface: Setting up your Etsy shop is quick and straightforward, allowing your items to be ready for sale within a few steps.
Cons
- Lack of branding: Limited customization options make it challenging to differentiate your Etsy shop, particularly for sellers aiming for a distinct brand identity.
Key takeaways
Etsy makes it easy for new sellers to start their shop with simple steps and clear instructions. So, considering how easy it is to use, I still say yes to “Is starting an Etsy shop worth it?”.
How Much Money Can You Make on Etsy: 3 Etsy Shops Examples
When tart selling, you also might wonder: Is selling on Etsy profitable? or Do I make good money selling on Etsy?
How much money you can make on Etsy depends on how much effort you put into your shops. And you can’t know how much you can make on Etsy if you don’t start. On Etsy, the typical successful seller earns an annual income ranging from $43,000 to $46,000, while others only make a few grand. Remarkably, top earners go on to achieve monthly incomes exceeding $65,000.
Now, let’s look at 3 of 15 successful Etsy shops to see what they have got by selling on Etsy.
CaitlynMinimalist
Is selling on Etsy worth it? The store owner Kate Kim of CaitlynMinimalist, probably will never say no. CaitlynMinimalist is a very successful Etsy shop in the US, making over $2 million in sales, which is amazing.
They started in 2014 and are famous for selling personalized jewelry like necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets that customers can design themselves. One of the reasons for their success is the price strategy. They offer reasonable prices, which are usually between $20 and $40, making the jewelry affordable for many people while still making a good profit for the shop.
With an outstanding track record of over 430,000 ratings and an average rating of 4.8 stars, CaitlynMinimalist has gained the trust and satisfaction of customers, making it clear that it’ll be a yes to “Is Etsy profitable?” for them.
ModParty
So, is selling on Etsy worth it? for party supplies? ModParty is a great Etsy shop for all your party planning needs. Whether you’re having a wedding, baby shower, or any other celebration, they have a wide range of gifts, favors, and decorations to make your event special.
While they focus on weddings and showers, they also offer supplies for any other type of event. With over 1.6 million completed transactions and 133,439 people who like their shop, ModParty has become a top choice for party supplies.
AcornandCrowStudio
Next, let’s talk about niche markets within Etsy, such as art and stickers. Is selling art on Etsy worth it? Is selling stickers on Etsy worth it?
AcornandCrowStudio is a successful Etsy shop known for its witchy and nature-inspired art, stickers, stationery, and accessories in the Home&Living category. They have over 140,000 reviews (which means AcornandCrowStudio has received more than 140k orders), with an average rating of 5 stars, making them a Star Seller on Etsy.
Their most popular products are stickers with designs like skulls, crows, moons, mushrooms, and other mature themes. They also sell unique stationery and jewelry featuring their special artwork. For AcornandCrowStudio, selling art and stickers on Etsy has undoubtedly been worth it, as they’ve achieved significant success and customer satisfaction in these niches.
Effortlessly expanding your business to Etsy: LitCommerce helps you integrates with your existing shop, letting you list and manage Etsy items directly from your familiar interface (Shopify, Wix, etc…).
What Are Etsy Alternatives?
We have discussed the factors to consider “Is selling on Etsy worth it!”. However, it’s crucial to keep an eye on Etsy competitors. Sun Tzu once said: Know the enemy and know yourself in a hundred battles; you will never be in peril. This wisdom applies to starting on Etsy, helping you stay updated on market trends and sales opportunities, or simply maintaining a competitive edge.
Here are some Etsy alternatives:
Handmade marketplaces
Besides Etsy, there are diverse handmade marketplaces for artisans to showcase their creations globally. Amazon Handmade, Bonanza, Storenvy, Folksy, and Aftcra are the most significant ones. These unique platforms also cater to artisans, collectors, and enthusiasts, allowing established artists and newcomers to connect with a thriving community of creators and buyers.
Webstore builders
Another option you can choose when kicking off your handmade, vintage, or crafts business is to build your own website. Some popular website builders for handmade sellers include Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. The biggest advantage of building your own website is that you can customize and control every aspect of your customer experience, from branding to shipping and customer service.
Ready to Sell on Etsy?
LitCommerce helps you easily start selling on Etsy by syncing your store’s listings, inventory, and orders in just a few clicks. Maximize your reach and simplify your process.
Is Selling on Etsy Worth It: FAQs
Yes, Etsy is worth it to start selling your handmade, vintage, crafts, and digital items. With low selling fees and a simple interface, Etsy is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest to get your business started. For most Etsy sellers, Etsy is still profitable. Normally, Etsy sellers can make $400-2500 a month, depending on the products they sell and the time of the year. Meanwhile, there are plenty of the bigger shops that can make over $5000 over a month. Many sellers were putting some money into Etsy advertisements to increase their sales. Craft & Supplies is the most profitable product line on Etsy because it is also the main orientation of Etsy’s owners. Apart from Craft & Supplies, you can make a fortune from selling digital products, jewelry, apparel, accessories, and home decor. In case you are running online stores on Shopify or Amazon and wonder if you should open an Etsy store to expand your business, LitCommerce will help you do it. LitCommerce offers a multichannel selling tool that helps you manage multiple online stores by a dashboard, especially managing inventory and listing bulk items. This highly depends on your needs, business goals, and resources. Specifically, selling on Etsy can be less challenging for newbies in terms of customer approach, traffic, and setup process. However, they will face intense competition, strict Etsy selling rules, and product limitations. Meanwhile, selling on websites offers fewer limitations, customization capabilities, and no on-site competition. But in return, sellers have to take care of operations, infrastructures, and everything else on their own. Etsy offers sellers two types of packages – Etsy Standard and Etsy Plus. While Etsy Standard is a free default plan, Etsy Plus costs $10 a month. According to Salesamurai.io, the successful seller on Etsy earns an average between $43,000 and $46,000 per year. The top earners even can make over $65,000 per month. Selling on Etsy offers numerous benefits but has potential drawbacks and challenges. Here are some cons of selling on Etsy:
Are You Ready to Make Your Decision?
Is selling on Etsy worth it? Is Etsy profitable?
Yes! We definitely think it is worth selling on Etsy, especially if you sell handmade, crafts, vintage, or digital items. In recent years, Etsy has also been rising as a sweet spot for selling digital products such as Canva templates, planners, checklists, or digital stickers.
Much as we sympathize with those who have quit Etsy, we believe that the marketplace is trying to make it better for sellers and buyers. If you have something to offer and want to create a brand, Etsy is well worth the effort and time. That’s also our final answer to “Is selling on Etsy worth it?”.
Besides, if you are just starting out and looking for an affordable and user-friendly way to manage your store on both the eCommerce platform and Etsy, give LitCommerce a try. We offer the easiest solution for store owners to list and sell their products on the world’s largest online marketplaces, such as Walmart, Etsy, and eBay. To get more information, contact us now!
