Etsy vs Amazon Handmade vs Shopify | Pros & Cons

Etsy vs Amazon Handmade vs Shopify | Pros & Cons

Table of Contents:

I. Introduction II. Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy A. Low Startup Cost B. Marketplace C. Brand Recognition D. Fees E. Lack of Control F. Less Brand Recognition III. Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon Handmade A. Exposure B. Fulfilled by Amazon C. Application Process D. Fees E. Shipping Expectations F. Dashboard G. Return Policy IV. Pros and Cons of Having Your Own Website A. Branding B. No Ads C. Professionalism D. Tagging on Social Media E. App Integration F. Cost of Startup G. Driving Traffic

Article:

Selling handmade items has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with the rise of e-commerce, it has become easier than ever to start your own business. There are many platforms available for selling handmade items, but the top three are Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and having your own website. Each platform has its own pros and cons, and it's important to consider them before deciding which one to use.

Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy

Etsy is a popular platform for selling handmade items, and for good reason. It has a low startup cost, making it accessible to beginners. The listings when you start up are only 20 cents each, which is unbeatable. It's easy to fill in all the information, such as the title, description, and item weight. Etsy is also a marketplace, which means that there are already people looking for handmade items. This is great for those who don't have a large following or customer base. Additionally, since Etsy is known as a handmade marketplace, customers generally know what to expect and are more understanding. However, there are also some cons to selling on Etsy. The fees can add up, especially as you sell more. You also don't have control over Etsy, which can be frustrating when policy changes are made. Finally, there is less brand recognition for some shops, which can make it harder to stand out.

Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is a department of Amazon.com and is a great platform for smaller creators. One of the biggest pros of selling on Amazon Handmade is the exposure. Amazon is a huge, trusted marketplace, and being on it can give you a lot of exposure. Additionally, you can use Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon), which means that Amazon will store and ship your products for you. This is great for those who don't want to do inventory for a whole other platform. However, there are also some cons to selling on Amazon Handmade. You must apply to sell on Amazon Handmade, and not everyone gets in. The fees are also higher than they are on Etsy, and if you use FBA, there are even more fees. Finally, it's easier for people to return things, which can be frustrating for those with a no return policy.

Pros and Cons of Having Your Own Website

Having your own website, such as through Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace, has many pros. One of the biggest pros is branding. You can have your own branding, colors, and photos, which can make your website look more professional. Additionally, there are no ads on your website sending customers to someone else's product. Your website also looks more professional, which is great for brand ambassadors and influencer marketing. However, there are also some cons to having your own website. The cost of startup is higher than it is on Etsy, and you have to drive customers to your website. This can be difficult, especially for those who are not good at marketing.

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to each platform for selling handmade items. It's important to consider these before deciding which one to use. Etsy is great for beginners and has a low startup cost, but there are fees and less control. Amazon Handmade has great exposure, but there are higher fees and it's harder to get in. Having your own website has great branding and no ads, but the cost of startup is higher and you have to drive traffic. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which platform is best for your business.

Highlights:

• Etsy has a low startup cost and is great for beginners.
• Amazon Handmade has great exposure and offers FBA.
• Having your own website allows for branding and no ads.
• Each platform has its own pros and cons, and it's important to consider them before deciding which one to use.

FAQ:

Q: Which platform is best for beginners? A: Etsy is great for beginners because it has a low startup cost.

Q: Which platform has the most exposure? A: Amazon Handmade has the most exposure because it is part of Amazon.com.

Q: Which platform allows for the most branding? A: Having your own website allows for the most branding because it is your own website.

Q: Which platform has the lowest fees? A: Etsy has the lowest fees, with listings starting at only 20 cents each.