Top alternative platforms for selling your crafts instead of Etsy

Since its launch in 2005, Etsy has been known as the go-to place for handmade, unique items created by a diverse range of artists and craftsmen. However, in recent years, the platform has faced some challenges that have tarnished its reputation.

One of the main issues was the influx of mass-produced goods that were not handmade, which led to discontent among buyers and sellers alike. Many felt that Etsy had become more about drop-shipping and less about supporting true artisans. Additionally, the platform raised its seller transaction fees, which further added to the frustration of sellers.

In response to these challenges, Etsy has made efforts to restore its reputation as a marketplace for handmade crafts. However, for sellers who are looking for alternatives or additional platforms to showcase their products, there are several options available.

One alternative to Etsy is Amazon Handmade, a specialized shop on Amazon that focuses on selling crafts and handmade goods. While Amazon Handmade may not be as well-known as Etsy, it offers a large customer base and the benefits of selling on a trusted and established platform. Sellers can choose between an Individual plan for beginners or a Professional plan for more established sellers. The fees for selling on Amazon Handmade depend on the plan chosen and the type of products being sold.

Another option is Shopify, an e-commerce platform that allows sellers to create their own websites to sell their products. Shopify offers a range of plans to cater to different sellers’ needs, from basic features to more advanced options. While Shopify may require more technical knowledge and effort to set up compared to Etsy, it provides sellers with more control over their online presence and the ability to customize their storefronts.

The Artisans Cooperative is another alternative that was created as a response to the challenges faced by Etsy. The Cooperative aims to promote creativity and support artists, offering a marketplace for sellers to showcase their handmade products. Sellers must go through a verification process to ensure the authenticity of their products. The Cooperative charges a one-time fee and a commission on sales.

Big Cartel is another option, especially for smaller sellers who want to showcase their products on their own websites. Big Cartel offers a range of plans that cater to different sellers’ needs, from a free plan for beginners to more advanced plans with additional features. While Big Cartel does not include payment processing services, sellers can integrate with popular payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Venmo.

Bonanza is a general marketplace that offers a range of products, including crafts and handmade goods. While it may not have the same focus on handmade items as Etsy, Bonanza provides sellers with the opportunity to reach a large customer base. The fees on Bonanza are based on a percentage of the final sale price, and there are options for additional advertising services.

IndieMade is an e-commerce platform specifically designed for creatives and artists. It offers various membership levels with different features to assist sellers in creating their own online stores. IndieMade provides services like custom domains, inventory tracking, and the ability to sell directly from the website using popular payment processors.

Goimagine is another marketplace that focuses on handmade goods and aims to support artists and craftsmen. The platform requires sellers to comply with strict guidelines to ensure the authenticity of their products. Goimagine offers various membership levels with different features, including a shop on the site and the ability to import from Etsy.

Shop My Porch takes a different approach by concentrating on small, local businesses. Sellers can create pages for each item with details like photos, descriptions, prices, and zip codes. The goal is to connect buyers with local sellers and allow for easy pickup or delivery of products. Shop My Porch charges a transaction fee when an item sells.

Finally, eBay remains a popular option for sellers looking to reach a broad customer base. While eBay is not dedicated to handmade goods like Etsy, it offers a wide range of products and has a large customer base. eBay charges fees based on listing and final value, and sellers can also create their own storefronts through eBay’s Store subscriptions.

In conclusion, while Etsy still remains a prominent marketplace for handmade crafts, there are several alternatives available for sellers who want to diversify or seek additional platforms to showcase their products. Each alternative has its own unique features, fees, and target audience, so sellers should carefully consider their options and choose the platform that best aligns with their business goals and product offerings.



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