Etsy is one of the most popular sites for selling handmade goods and crafts. However, it's not the only option out there. There are plenty of other sites like Etsy where you can sell what you make or buy things that interest you.
In this post, we'll explore 10 Etsy alternatives and discuss some of the reasons why you might want to use an Etsy alternative.
Let's explore some of the best sites like Etsy to consider.
eBay
eBay is a popular online marketplace that was founded in 1995. In 2015, there were over 174 million eBay users and the site sold $81 billion worth of goods between them.
Why choose eBay over Etsy
eBay is a great place to sell any kind of goods that you want. You can list anything from clothes and shoes, appliances, antiques, or handmade items! There are typically no limits on what you're allowed to sell when it comes to this site.
Great for: Selling a wide variety of products in many different categories both new and used with ease. A user-friendly app allows sellers to list on the go with ease.
Drawback: Seller fees can be quite high, depending on the price point may make some sellers wary about listing their item.
How eBay stacks up vs Etsy
When it comes to fees, eBay is sometimes considered more expensive than Etsy. Both sites charge listing fees and slug sellers with a final value fee on the total amount of the sale.
However, eBay offers more flexibility when it comes to what you're allowed to sell. If you have an item that doesn't quite fit into the handmade or vintage categories on Etsy, you can likely list it on eBay without any trouble.
Another thing to consider is that there are typically more buyers looking for items on eBay than there are on Etsy. This could be because Etsy is specifically geared towards handmade and vintage goods, whereas eBay has something for everyone.
Redbubble
RedBubble is an online marketplace for independent artists and designers to sell their art, T-shirts, posters, and other products.
Why choose Redbubble over Etsy
Redbubble is a great site for artists and designers who want to sell their work online.
Artists and designers on Redbubble do not pay anything to establish an account, upload material, or receive a royalty payment. When your royalty account reaches $20, Redbubble will credit your PayPal account or bank account with monthly payments.
Great for: Selling artwork, prints, clothing, and other products with your own designs on them.
Drawback: Etsy offers much broader selling categories, whereas RedBubble is focused on digital designs. The commissions you can earn are also quite small.
How Redbubble stacks up vs Etsy
With the ability to create a free account and no listing fees, RedBubble could be an appealing alternative to Etsy. RedBubble offers a great way to sell digital products – you can even sell feet pics!
However, Etsy is open to anybody who wants to sell items they make and own, while Redbubble is designed for people who wish to offer print-on-demand goods. With RedBubble, you're limited to digital designs and the commissions you can expect to receive are quite limited.
Zibbet
Zibbet is an appealing site for artists, crafters, and other small businesses who want to sell their products online. You can create an online store on Zibbet for free and start selling your products right away.
When you sell something on the Zibbet Marketplace, money is immediately transferred to you. Credit cards (powered by Stripe) and PayPal are both available. Currently, all vendors must accept PayPal, although this will likely change in the future.
Why choose Zibbet over Etsy
Zibbet is a popular rival to Etsy that allows users to buy and sell art, crafts, and vintage items.
Great for: Selling handmade goods, vintage items, art and craft supplies, and more.
Drawback: The Zibbet platform is still relatively new, and thus far it has not been successful in generating a lot of traffic. Another thing to consider is how popular sites like eBay and Etsy are compared to sites like Zibbet. These sites will typically be able to reach a larger audience for your listings.
How Zibbet stacks up vs Etsy
If you're selling high-ticket items, Zibbet may be a superior option to Etsy. Some Etsy alternatives, like Zibbet, have far more professional-looking product photographs and branding.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Zibbet doesn't place as much emphasis on vintage goods. You may sell handcrafted items and art supplies on this site, but you won't find as many vintage item listings as you would on Etsy.
Finally, if you're looking to maximize reach, then Zibbet might not be the best choice for your listing. That's because Etsy is far more popular, and it could be expected to drive significantly more traffic than Zibbet. If you're looking to focus your business around selling vintage items, Etsy might be a better option.
ArtFire
ArtFire is an online marketplace and community that connects purchasers and sellers of artistic items. Handmade goods, fine art, vintage, certain designed products, traditional craft supplies, and maker-made media are now available on the site.
Why choose ArtFire over Etsy
ArtFire.com is one of the most well-known Etsy alternatives available, having been founded in 2008 by John Jacobs. Its popularity stems primarily from its simple pricing and active user base.
ArtFire is used by artists, crafters, and other small businesses who want to sell their products online. You can create an online store on ArtFire for free and start selling your products right away at no cost.
Great for: Selling art and handmade goods with the benefit of excellent customer support
Drawback: Lower traffic exposure and reach than Etsy
How ArtFire stacks up vs Etsy
ArtFire sellers are split into categories, much like Etsy listings. There are different categories for ArtFire vendors (for example, Handmade or Design). ArtFire also places a strong emphasis on categorizing sellers by category and size.
Etsy restricts its merchants to a handful of categories, but ArtFire allows buyers to search for stores by size. As a result, ArtFire is an appealing Etsy alternative for buyers who want to support local businesses and small-business owners.
Finally, ArtFire shoppers do not need to pay to list items, as they do on Etsy. Instead, they must only provide their credit card and shipping information, which is one fewer barrier for sellers when it comes to making a transaction.
DesignCrowd
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace for custom graphic design. Operating to a crowdsourced model, it's a place where businesses and individuals can post their design projects, and then thousands of freelance designers from around the world submit competing bids to complete the project.
Why choose DesignCrowd over Etsy
If you're looking to make extra money online with graphic design work, DesignCrowd is an excellent alternative to sites like Etsy.
With a simple pricing structure and the ability to start a contest for as little as $20, DesignCrowd is an appealing Etsy alternative that might be worth considering.
DesignCrowd makes it easy for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and graphic designers who want to create custom designs at affordable rates, using a crowdsourcing platform. You can submit your design ideas through this platform so you can receive bids from skilled and talented designers around the world.
Great for: Small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to earn commissions through crowdsourcing.
Drawback: DesignCrowd operates in a narrow niche.
How DesignCrowd stacks up vs Etsy
DesignCrowd is a great Etsy alternative if you're looking for an easy way to sell your graphic design services. Designers can receive bids on projects in minutes, allowing them to start earning money quickly. When it comes to receiving cash, DesignCrowd provides multiple payment options like PayPal or wire transfer.
The main drawback to using DesignCrowd is that it's a narrowly focused platform. If you're looking for a one-stop-shop to outsource all your graphic design needs, then you might be better off using Etsy. However, if you want to find an easy way to sell custom designs, then DesignCrowd may suit your needs.
Aftcra
Aftcra is a social marketplace that connects artists and crafters with buyers who appreciate their work.
Why choose Aftcra over Etsy
Aftcra offers an easy-to-use platform for artists and crafters to sell their handmade goods, art, and custom designs. Sellers can create a free online store in minutes, and buyers can find unique, one-of-a-kind items.
Aftcra also offers a wide range of features for sellers, including the ability to create custom listings, add videos and photos to their store, and track orders.
How Aftcra stacks up vs Etsy
What makes Aftcra unique is its focus on handmade goods and art. If you're looking for a site that specializes in these types of items, then Aftcra is a great alternative to Etsy.
Great for: Aftcra also offers sellers a wide range of features, including the ability to create custom listings and add videos and photos to their store. This makes it easy for artists and crafters to showcase their work.
Drawback: The main drawback to Aftcra is that it's a relatively new site, so it doesn't have the same level of traffic as sites like Etsy. However, if you're looking for an easy-to-use platform to sell your handmade goods and art, then Aftcra is a great Etsy alternative.
Flipkart
Flipkart is an online marketplace in India that offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, and clothing.
Why choose Flipkart over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy that focuses on Indian-made products, then Flipkart is a great choice. With more than 80 million products available, you can find almost anything you need on this site.
Flipkart also offers a user-friendly interface and fast delivery, making it easy to buy products from this platform. Sellers are encouraged to create their own stores with custom logos, so customers know they're buying from an authorized merchant. Flipkart even facilitates the transaction by accepting debit and credit cards, as well as cash on delivery.
How Flipkart stacks up vs Etsy
Great for: Flipkart is a great choice for Indian sellers who want to reach a wider audience. With more than 80 million products available, this site offers a much larger selection than Etsy. In addition, Flipkart has a user-friendly interface and fast delivery times, making it easy for buyers to purchase products from this platform.
Drawback: The main drawback to Flipkart is that it's focused on Indian-made products. If you're looking for a site that specializes in handmade goods and art, then Flipkart may not be the best choice. However, if you want to find an Indian-specific Etsy alternative with a large inventory, then this site is worth considering.
Folksy
Folksy is a UK-based site where you can buy and sell handmade goods. Folksy was founded in 2008 by two individuals with backgrounds in business, design, marketing, and technology.
Why choose Folksy over Etsy?
If you're not located in the United States, this may be one of your best sites like Etsy to sell your handmade goods. Folksy also has lower seller fees than Etsy does and offers a number of features that Etsy doesn't.
Great for: UK and European sellers looking to sell handmade goods
Drawback: Limited to sellers in the UK and Europe
How Folksy stacks up vs Etsy
Great for: Folksy offers lower seller fees than Etsy, which can be a great incentive for some sellers. Additionally, Folksy has many features that Etsy doesn't.
Drawback: Etsy is available in more countries than Folksy currently operates. Additionally, Etsy offers a number of categories that Folksy doesn't (think digital downloads and craft supplies).
Overall, both sites are great options for selling handmade goods online.
Cargoh
Cargoh is a free online marketplace for business products.
Why choose Cargoh over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy that's focused on selling items like office supplies, then this site might be right up your alley. With more than 100 million products available, sellers can offer their customers everything they need at affordable prices.
Sellers can create an online store in minutes and manage orders directly through their account page.
AliExpress
Alibaba Group's AliExpress is a website that connects international consumers with Chinese small companies selling goods. It was founded in 2010 and contains businesses from China as well as Singapore and other countries, such as the United States, who provide items to foreign online buyers.
Why choose AliExpress over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy that sells products from Chinese sellers, then AliExpress may be the perfect choice for you. With more than 150 million products available, this site has something for everyone.
In addition, AliExpress offers a wide range of payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and wire transfers. Sellers can also choose to have their products shipped directly to the buyer or to a fulfillment center.
Spoonflower
Spoonflower is a unique site that allows you to create and sell your own fabric designs.
Why choose Spoonflower over Etsy
If you're an artist or crafter who specializes in fabric design, then Spoonflower may be an Etsy alternative to consider. With many fabrics available, this site offers one of the largest selections of fabric designs in the world.
What's more, Spoonflower allows you to sell your designs directly to other crafters and artists. You can set your own prices and keep 100% of the profits from every sale. In addition, Spoonflower offers a wide range of printing options, so you can create products that are perfect for your customers.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is an online marketplace that features handmade products.
Why choose Amazon Handmade over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy, then sites like Amazon allow you to sell your goods on a wider platform with more exposure. With millions of items available, this site has something for every kind of customer and offers one of the largest selections of items online.
Sellers can also take advantage of Amazon's Fulfillment By Merchant program, which allows you to send your products directly to customers through the Amazon website.
Zalando
Zalando is a great choice for sellers who want to expand their reach and sell products internationally. With more than 19 million items available, this site offers one of the largest selections online. In addition, Zalando has an easy-to-use interface that allows buyers to find exactly what they're looking for with just a few clicks.
Why choose Zalando over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy that sells products to a global audience, then sites like Zalando are perfect for you. With millions of items available and a user-friendly interface, this site is perfect for sellers who want to expand their reach and sell products to a larger audience.
Zazzle
Zazzle is an online marketplace that allows designers and consumers to produce their own items using independent vendors, as well as utilize photographs from participating companies. Zazzle has teamed up with a number of businesses to collect digital images from such brands as Disney.
Why choose Zazzle over Etsy
If you're looking for an alternative to Etsy that allows you to create and sell your own custom products, then sites like Zazzle could suit your needs. With millions of items available and a user-friendly interface, this site is perfect for sellers who want to create and sell their own unique products.
CafePress
CafePress is a unique site that allows you to create and sell your own products, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. The firm's roots can be traced back to San Mateo, California, where it is still based. It also has a manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky.
Why choose CafePress over Etsy
CafePress is a great choice for crafters and artists who want to create and sell items online. This site offers a wide range of customizable products, including clothing, home decor, and accessories.
Great for: CafePress also allows you to set your own prices and keep 100% of the profits from every sale. In addition, CafePress offers a number of printing options to help you create products that are perfect for your customers.
Drawback: Keep in mind that Etsy has a larger selection than CafePress. CafePress commission earning potential may also be restricted.
Bonanza
Bonanza is an online marketplace that allows sellers to sell a wide range of items, including handmade goods, vintage items, and new items. It was started by a husband and wife in 2008.
Why choose Bonanza over Etsy
If you have something distinctive, Bonanza is your best shot, whereas handmade artisans may prefer to sell via Etsy.
What to consider when choosing an Etsy alternative
Etsy is one of the most popular sites for buying and selling handmade goods online, but it's not without its drawbacks. Whether you're looking for an Etsy alternative to expand your customer base or just want some additional options for selling on a different platform, there are several sites like Etsy that can help you achieve your goals.
When it comes to choosing sites like Etsy, there are many factors you should consider before choosing where to list your items. Here are the key factors to consider:
Popularity: Sites like eBay and Etsy can offer far greater monthly traffic and reach than smaller niche sites. You should consider exposure to your sale listing when deciding whether to sell via Etsy or a similar site.
Fees: The commission structure differs from site to site and some sites charge referral fees. While Etsy charges a listing fee and a sale commission %, other similar sites may charge more. Consider ‘hidden' and unexpected fees such as transaction fees, membership fees, and monthly fees. You should research applicable fees before deciding to sell, as the right option could save you money.
Target market: Before you take the plunge on an Etsy alternative, be sure to determine if the site's audience is right for your product.
Consider the type of products being sold on the site, and what characteristics the site visitors have. It's also important to remember that not all sites specialize in handmade crafts. Sites like Amazon Handmade focus specifically on handcrafted goods whereas sites like Society Six allow independent artists to sell their work online through the site's marketplace platform.
Sales channels and reach: Another thing to think about is how easy each site will be for customers looking for your product. While Etsy reaches a significant number of people each month, not all similar sites drive high traffic. Consider how advanced their SEO is, how engaged the site is on social media, and how easily potential buyers can reach your product listings. After all, there's little point in going to the effort of creating a high-quality listing, if no one will see it!
Customization: Sites like Zazzle and iCraft offer many options for customization, including templates. This makes them great sites to list your products if you're looking for a good way to stand out in the crowd!
All Etsy Alternatives are different when it comes down to features offered, fees charged, target market, etc. Deciding which one is best really depends on what type of product you're selling and who your customers might be.
What crafts sell well on sites like Etsy?
The crafts that tend to sell best on sites like Etsy are those that are handmade and unique. This could include things like jewelry, home decor, clothing, ornaments, and more. If you're looking for a site to sell your crafty creations, then sites like Etsy and ArtFire might be the right choice!
Who are Etsy's biggest competitors?
Etsy is the biggest site around for handmade goods, art and craft sales, but it also has many competitors.
Etsy is a marketplace for handmade and vintage items that allow users to sell their products. Etsy's top rivals include Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Big Cartel, Zalando, 1stdibs, and event Google Shopping. Amazon Handmade is a new site that focuses specifically on handcrafted goods, and it's growing quickly. eBay has great reach but charges high fees. Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce platform, and Zalando is a German online retailer.
Many of these sites and storefronts are expanding rapidly into other countries. Finally, there are sites like Bonanza and iCraft that are sites like Etsy but with different features.
How can you create your own site like Etsy?
Creating websites like Etsy is actually pretty simple nowadays! There are sites out there that allow users to build, design, and customize their own independent eCommerce sites on a custom domain without having any prior coding or website design experience. Shop around to find a simple to use website builder, and you'll soon be on your way.
Sites like Etsy empower their sellers with great tools and features, but sites like Shopify offer a more professional solution for those who want to have complete control over the look of their shop as well as how it functions! If you're a more advanced webmaster, then consider a custom website design and be sure to connect Google Analytics so that you can keep track of your site stats.
Prefer to sell via Etsy?
If you've read through our list of sites like Etsy but you're not inspired, you may prefer to use Etsy directly.
After all, Etsy is an online marketplace that has a wide selection of merchants. The listings are typical of high quality and creativity, contributing to a competitive Etsy market. Etsy plays a big role in the purchase process for many customers.
Etsy is a unique eCommerce business in that it sells everything, whether “handcrafted, vintage, or one-of-a-kind.” And that model has worked well for them: they have over 1.7 million merchants selling to more than 33 million consumers all around the world. Etsy allows sellers of any size to sell on its platform.
There are countless reasons why you might still want to use Etsy if a similar site doesn't suit you. Here's why:
Low Fees: You'll be charged a listing fee and a commission on each sale, but the pricing is considered competitive when compared to many other platforms.
Global Exposure: Etsy has over 33 million active buyers, which gives your shop great exposure to potential customers all over the globe.
Reputation: Etsy has been around for a long time and is known for its high-quality handmade items. This can give shoppers confidence that they're buying something of good value.
Adheres to consumer protection laws: As a long-standing, reputable company, Etsy is trustworthy and it complies with USA consumer protection laws. This can reassure potential buyers, who may be uncertain to buy from other unknown sites.
Etsy's Interface: Etsy has a very intuitive interface that makes it easy to search for and browse items. If you've used the site before, you'll feel right at home on most other sites like Etsy.
So Which Etsy alternative is best?
The truth is, there are many alternative sites to Etsy that function in a similar way. When it comes to choosing the best site to sell your goods or crafts, it really depends on what you're selling and who your target market is.
While Etsy is the most popular site for selling handmade and vintage items, many alternative sites offer similar services. But what should your first step be when choosing sites besides Etsy? What should you consider before deciding which sites other than Etsy might be right for you?
Well, that depends on what you're looking for. For the highest traffic, consider Amazon or eBay. If you're focused on selling handmade goods, ArtFire might be a good option. If you want to sell vintage items, then Ruby Lane might be better suited for you. And if you're looking to focus your business around selling t-shirts, Spreadshirt would be a good choice.
The bottom line is that there are a lot of great sites out there that can help you sell your goods and crafts online. So do your research, find the Etsy alternative that's best suited for you, and get started today.
