Are you tired of Etsy’s high fees and limited control over your shop? You’re not alone. Sellers are increasingly seeking alternatives to Etsy. Now is the best time to seek new platforms to take your craft business to the next level. This article introduces you to the top ten Etsy alternatives. These platforms offer lower fees, improved customization, and better opportunities to grow your brand. The article also includes expert tips to help you boost sales on each one.
Create Your Online Store with the Best Website Builders
| Provider | User Rating | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.6 | Beginners | Visit Hostinger |
 | 4.4 | Pricing | Visit IONOS |
 | 4.2 | Design | Visit Squarespace |
Why Sellers Are Looking for Etsy Alternatives
The challenges of selling on Etsy
For long, Etsy has been a go-to platform for craft sellers. It has carved a place for itself as the best place for craft goods. For the average person, the first thing that comes to mind when Etsy is mentioned is craft goods.
However, many are now seeking better alternatives. The reasons behind this exodus are numerous and significant:
- High fees: Top of the list is Etsy’s fee structure. The fee structure has become increasingly complex and costly. Recent increases have pushed some sellers to their financial limits.
- Limited customization: Etsy’s standardized shop layout is another major reason for the exodus. It often makes sellers feel restricted. With Etsy, you don’t really have your own online store as it is difficult to stand out.
- Algorithm changes: Another bottleneck with using Etsy is the frequent updates to the search algorithm. These changes can dramatically impact visibility and sales overnight.
- Competition: Despite Etsy’s handmade ethos, many sellers complain about competing with resellers of factory-made items. Etsy came into the limelight as a C2C platform, where individuals can sell their handmade crafts to others. That is no longer the case. Etsy now allows dropshipping. This has made it even more difficult for genuine handmade craft sellers to compete.
In 2023, sellers’ threat of going on a strike got Etsy’s attention. Among other things, sellers complained about the platform’s policy of freezing up to 75% of earnings in reserve for as long as 45 to 90 days. Out of the remaining 25% of funds, Etsy still takes fees. stripping shops of even more earnings.
Etsy sellers affected by the policy resorted to switching their Etsy shops into holiday mode. For others, they silently explored other alternatives to keep their businesses going. While there isn’t an exact figure, it is clear that the people affected will seek alternatives. The good news is that there are several alternatives to explore.
The Benefits of Exploring New Platforms
Branching out from Etsy is not just about escaping its drawbacks. It is also about embracing new opportunities to grow your business.
- Diversified income streams: When you sell on other platforms, you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. It means you’re less susceptible to unexpected algorithm changes on Etsy and giving your business some form of insurance of sorts.
- Greater control over your brand: Etsy’s limited customization option is no news. Many alternatives offer more customization options. This allows you to create a unique brand identity.
- Potential for higher profit margins: Since some platforms offer lower fees, this can translate to better profits.
- Access to new audiences: Each online marketplace caters to various customer bases. This opens up your business to a new audience and expands your reach. It is like having a physical shop in multiple locations. With more reach and presence comes a higher potential to get more sales and rake in more profit.
Best Website Builders for Craft Sellers
1. Squarespace: Aesthetic design with powerful e-commerce tools
Squarespace is an American website building and hosting service provider. It is renowned for its stunning website templates and intuitive design interface. This has made it a favorite among visually oriented craft sellers.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Drag-and-drop website builder: You can create a professional-looking site without coding skills
- Beautiful templates: Sellers can choose from a wide range of designs optimized for showcasing products
- Strong inventory management: Squarespace makes it easier to keep track of stock levels and variants
To drive traffic to your Squarespace site:
- Use the built-in SEO tools to optimize your product pages and blog posts
- Take advantage of Squarespace’s integration with social media platforms to share your products
- Use the email marketing features to nurture customer relationships
Squarespace currently powers over 3% of all websites on the Internet. A significant portion of these websites are e-commerce stores. This means you are in good company. Its SEO advantages, such as clean code and fast loading times, contribute to better search engine rankings for many craft sellers.
Squarespace: Build and Promote Your Online Store
2. IONOS: Affordable solution for a growing business
IONOS combines ease of use with powerful tools, making it a great option for craft sellers looking for an affordable yet scalable website builder.
What Makes IONOS Stand Out?
- AI-powered website builder: Create a professional site quickly with smart design suggestions
- Built-in eCommerce tools: Sell products, manage inventory, and accept payments seamlessly
- Budget-friendly plans: E-commerce plans start as low as $12/month, making it one of the most cost-effective choices
How to Boost Your Visibility on IONOS:
- Use the SEO optimization tools to improve rankings and attract more customers
- Leverage integrated marketing features, like newsletters and social media ads, to engage your audience
- Connect your store to Amazon and eBay to expand your reach and increase sales
IONOS offers scalability as your business grows, ensuring your site stays fast and reliable. With affordable pricing and strong e-commerce tools, it’s an excellent choice for sellers looking to maximize profits without high costs.
IONOS: The Best Affordable Website Builder
3. Hostinger: AI-powered simplicity for your online store
If you’re looking for an easy, AI-driven alternative to Etsy, Hostinger Website Builder helps you create a professional online store in minutes. With powerful AI tools, you can streamline your business, from website design to marketing and product management.
Why Choose Hostinger Over Etsy?
- AI Website Builder: Generate a fully designed store in minutes with AI-powered customization
- AI Copywriting: Quickly create compelling product descriptions, blog posts, and ad copy
Automated SEO – AI-driven tools optimize your site for search engines, boosting organic traffic
How to Grow Your Sales with Hostinger:
- Use AI to personalize your storefront and create a unique shopping experience
- Automate customer interactions with AI-powered chatbots and email marketing
- Expand your reach by seamlessly integrating with social media and Google Ads
Unlike Etsy, where you’re limited by marketplace rules, Hostinger gives you full control of your brand and business. With AI handling the heavy lifting, you can focus on creating and selling while maximizing your growth effortlessly.
Hostinger: The Best AI Website Builder
4. Wix: Flexibility and ease of use
Simplicity blended with customization is what Wix offers. For many craft sellers, these features are no-brainers.
A quick rundown of Wix’s unique offerings:
- Customizable templates: You can start with a pre-designed template and tailor it to your brand
- Extensive app market: Sellers can add functionality like booking systems or customer reviews
- Affordable pricing: Plans start as low as $23/month for e-commerce functionality
To boost your visibility on Wix:
- Use Wix SEO Wiz to optimize your site for search engines
- Create a blog to showcase your crafting process and attract organic traffic
- Use Wix’s email marketing tools to stay connected with customers
Wix offers direct access to some of the biggest marketplaces globally. You can post your products on eBay, Amazon, and more. Worthy of note is that Wix sellers see a 26% average increase in sales revenue after adding Amazon as a sales channel.
Wix: User-Friendly Online Store Builder
5. Shopify: The Go-To Platform for Growing Businesses
Shopify is a widely-known e-commerce platform. A powerhouse of sorts, Shopify offers robust features that cater well to craft businesses looking to scale:
- Custom domain: Shopify allows you to create a professional web presence with your personalized URL.
- Advanced analytics: Shopify offers insights into customer behavior and sales trends.
- Social media integration: You can seamlessly connect your store to platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Pricing Tiers
- Basic Shopify: $29/month
- Shopify: $79/month
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month
Each tier offers increasing features and lower transaction fees.
Tips for Optimizing Your Shopify Store
- Use high-quality product images
- Write detailed, SEO-friendly product descriptions
- Use a mobile-responsive theme
- Offer multiple payment options
- Set up abandoned cart recovery emails
With over four million stores, Shopify is a top choice for craft sellers ready to take their business to the next level.
The key advantages of the e-commerce platform include:
- Full control over your store’s design and functionality
- Built-in SEO tools to improve your visibility in search results
- Extensive app ecosystem for adding features like loyalty programs or advanced inventory management
There are loads of Shopify stores, but you can still stand out. Focus on creating a seamless mobile experience. This is because mobile devices account for two-thirds of online shopping orders. You should also take advantage of Shopify’s email marketing tools to keep customers engaged and drive repeat sales.
6. Big Cartel: Simple, artist-friendly platform
Big Cartel caters specifically to artists and small-scale creators:
- Free plan available: You can sell up to five products without any monthly fees
- Artist-centric features: It offers tools designed with creators in mind
- Easy setup: You can get your store up and running in minutes
Tips for success on Big Cartel:
- Make the most of the limited features by focusing on high-quality product photos
- Use social media to drive traffic to your Big Cartel store
- Take advantage of the platform’s built-in SEO tools to improve your search rankings
On Big Cartel, shoppers buy directly from your store. Shoppers can also communicate with you through a contact form. Apart from the free plan, there are two paid plans for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 and $19.99.
Top Online Marketplaces for Expanding Your Reach
If your reason for seeking an alternative to Etsy is to get more reach, there are several options. Top of the list are Amazon Handmade and eBay.
7. Amazon Handmade: Tapping into a global audience
Amazon Handmade offers craft sellers access to Amazon’s massive customer base:
- A strict approval process ensures a focus on handmade items
- There are no listing fees and competitive referral fees
- Leverage Amazon’s trusted brand and Prime shipping
To succeed on Amazon Handmade:
- Optimize your product titles and descriptions for Amazon’s search algorithm
- Use high-quality images that showcase your craftsmanship
- Encourage customer reviews to build trust and improve visibility
As of 2020, more than 100 makers have surpassed $1 million in annual sales on Amazon Handmade. This was just five years after the launch of the craft-centric platform.
8. eBay: The versatile marketplace for diverse products
eBay is one of the biggest platforms for buying and selling online. Its longstanding reputation and diverse selling options make it an attractive Etsy alternative:
- Sellers can choose between auction-style and fixed-price listings
- Access to over 180 million active buyers worldwide
- Robust mobile app for managing your store on the go
Strategies for eBay’s success:
- Use relevant keywords in your listing titles and descriptions
- Offer free shipping to improve your search placement
- Provide excellent customer service to maintain a high seller rating
There is a strong market for craft sellers on eBay. Currently, crafts and collectibles are among the highest-selling product categories on eBay.
IONOS: Best Affordable Website Builder
9. Bonanza: A craft-friendly marketplace with low fees
If low fees are your top priority, Bonanza is a good place to start. It has gained popularity among craft sellers for its seller-friendly policies:
- No listing fees and low final value fees (3.5% on average)
- Easy import of listings from other platforms like Etsy
- Built-in marketing tools to boost your visibility
To maximize your Bonanza sales:
- Use the platform’s “Background Burner” tool to create professional-looking product images
- Take advantage of Bonanza’s advertising program to reach more customers
- Engage with the Bonanza seller community to learn best practices
Due to the lower fee structure, you can get higher profit margins on Bonanza than on Etsy.
10. Storenvy: A social marketplace for indie brands
Storenvy is a meeting point of commerce and social media. It combines elements of social media with e-commerce:
- Free online store with customizable design
- Social features allow customers to follow stores and curate collections
- Marketplace for additional exposure to Storenvy’s user base
Strategies for Storenvy’s success:
- Engage with the Storenvy community by following other stores and commenting on products
- Use high-quality lifestyle images to showcase your products in use
- Share your brand story with the platform’s built-in blog feature
Storenvy boasts over 50,000 active stores. Reports show that socially engaged sellers see up to 50% higher sales on average.
Niche Platforms for Targeted Audiences
11. Faire: Wholesale opportunities for craft businesses
Faire is an online wholesale marketplace. It connects craft sellers with retailers looking for unique products:
- Access to over 200,000 retailers worldwide
- 60-day payment terms to help with cash flow
- Tools for managing large wholesale orders
Tips for success on Faire:
- Price your products appropriately for wholesale (typically 50% of retail price)
- Create detailed line sheets showcasing your product range
- Offer attractive terms like free shipping on first orders to entice new retailers
In a survey, 50% of respondents received their first order on Faire within a week of going live on the platform. This shows that you can make sales on the platform with the right products.
12. Redbubble: perfect for print-on-demand art
Redbubble is an Australia-based marketplace for print-on-demand art. It is ideal for artists looking to sell their designs on various products:
- No upfront costs or inventory management
- Suitable for a wide range of products from t-shirts to phone cases
- Tiered artist margin options for increased earnings
To maximize your Redbubble earnings:
- Upload high-resolution designs that work well on multiple products
- Use relevant tags and descriptions to improve searchability
- Promote your Redbubble store through social media and your own website
There is a huge potential for higher earnings on Red Bubble. This is mainly because the platform handles all production and shipping.
Expert Tips to Boost Your Sales on Any Platform
Product listing optimization tips
Selling online is a two-way street. First, you need to have the products that people want. The second is to be able to show them the product. This is why effective product listings are crucial for driving sales on any platform. Follow these best practices to improve your visibility and conversion rates:
Title optimization
- Include your primary keywords at the beginning
- Keep titles under 70 characters for optimal display
- Use power words like “Handmade,” “Unique,” or “Limited Edition”
Example: “Handmade Leather Wallet – Personalized RFID-Blocking Bifold for Men”
Description best practices
- Start with a compelling opening sentence
- Use bullet points to highlight key features
- Address potential customer questions or concerns
- Include dimensions, materials, and care instructions
- End with a call-to-action
Image guidelines
- Use high-resolution images (at least 1000×1000 pixels)
- Include multiple angles and close-ups
- Show the product in use (lifestyle images)
- Maintain consistent background and lighting across all your images
Keyword usage
- Research relevant keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner
- Incorporate keywords naturally throughout the title, description, and tags
- Use long-tail keywords to target specific customer searches
More than 70% of shoppers do their product research online. This means optimized listing and SEO are crucial for visibility when selling online. With these optimization techniques, you can expect an increase in click-through rates and improved conversion rates.
Leverage social media marketing to drive traffic
After listing your item on the best Etsy alternative, you should augment it with social media. Social media can be a powerful tool for craft sellers for several reasons:
- Instagram: Perfect for visual products, use high-quality images and relevant hashtags
- Pinterest: Create boards showcasing your products and craft inspiration
- Facebook: Join craft-related groups and use Facebook Marketplace to reach local customers
Tips for effective social media marketing:
- Consistently post engaging content, not just product promotions
- Use platform-specific features like Instagram Stories or Pinterest Idea Pins
- Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly
Posting consistently on social media can help you build an army of committed followers. When you post and engage followers, you are humanizing your brand. A study reported that 62% of millennials are more likely to buy a product if the brand engages them on social media.
Provide exceptional customer service to build loyalty
Outstanding customer service can set you apart from the competition:
- Always respond to inquiries and complaints within 24 hours
- Be transparent about e-commerce shipping times and any potential delays
- Go above and beyond with personalized touches like handwritten thank-you notes
Strategies for excellent customer service:
- Create clear policies for returns and exchanges
- Use automated tools to manage frequently asked questions
- Follow up with customers after purchase to ensure satisfaction
70% of consumers say that friendly customer support, convenience, and speed contribute to their loyalty toward a business. If you can make excellent customer service your forte, you are halfway there.
Conclusion
Exploring Etsy alternatives opens up a world of possibilities for craft sellers to sell online. Whatever the route you choose, the key to success remains the same. Always optimize your listings, engage with customers on social media, and provide exceptional service. Diversify your sales channels, and with these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving, sustainable online craft business.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Remember that you are not restricted to using only one alternative. You might have more success listing your handmade crafts on multiple e-commerce platforms.
- Be strategic with shipping costs. Offering free or discounted shipping may get you more customers.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- Find out how to make money online hassle-free
- Check out our detailed guide on e-commerce
- Learn how to create your own website and empower your digital presence
- Top 25 essential tips on building a website from scratch
