Boost Your Sales: Discover 7 Marketplaces Like Etsy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The World of Etsy
3. Exploring Alternative Marketplaces
   • 3.1 Amazon Handmade
   • 3.2 Store Envy
   • 3.3 Ruby Lane
   • 3.4 Bonanza
   • 3.5 Aftcra
   • 3.6 iCraft
   • 3.7 eBay
4. Pros and Cons of Selling on Alternative Marketplaces
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Hello, fellow entrepreneurs! Are you ready to take your online business to the next level? If you're an Etsy seller looking to expand your reach and explore new opportunities, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will be delving into the world of alternative marketplaces that offer similar opportunities to Etsy. Whether you're looking to grow bigger than Etsy, find an audience that suits you better, or sell products that aren't allowed on Etsy, we've got you covered. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover new platforms that can help you achieve your business goals.

The World of Etsy

Before we dive into the alternatives, let's take a moment to appreciate the wonders of Etsy. As an Etsy seller, you're already familiar with the incredible opportunities it provides for creative entrepreneurs like yourself. Etsy is the go-to marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items, connecting sellers with a global customer base. It has a vibrant community, user-friendly interface, and extensive support for sellers. However, there may come a time when you feel the need to explore new avenues and expand your horizons. That's where alternative marketplaces come into play.

Exploring Alternative Marketplaces

3.1 Amazon Handmade

One of the first alternatives we'll be looking at is Amazon Handmade. Did you know that Amazon has a dedicated category for handmade items? If you already sell amazing handmade products on Etsy, Amazon Handmade could be a great move for you. While I haven't personally sold on Amazon Handmade, I've done extensive research to bring you valuable insights. To get started, you need to create a professional seller account, which costs $39.99 per month. Once approved, this fee is waived. Keep in mind that Amazon Handmade sellers are considered elite, and their policies are strict to ensure the integrity of the handmade artisan community. While there is a 15% transaction fee, Amazon's massive traffic can drive an abundance of customers to your products. Additionally, you can also sell your digital or print-on-demand products on Amazon Handmade.

3.2 Store Envy

If you're looking for a marketplace that offers a blend of handmade and other products, Store Envy might be the perfect fit. With almost 2 million site visits last month, Store Envy provides a clean and attractive platform for sellers. While it doesn't exclusively focus on handmade items, it does have a list of prohibited items, which I will link in the show notes. Store Envy presents itself as an e-commerce platform for brands and boasts an impressive lineup of 56,000 brands selling their products. The site's customization options allow you to create a unique shop, and the basic platform is free to start. While Store Envy charges a 15% transaction fee, they don't get paid until you do, ensuring they have a vested interest in your success. Store Envy's modern feel and potential to attract high-quality sellers make it an intriguing alternative to Etsy.

3.3 Ruby Lane

For vintage enthusiasts, Ruby Lane is a marketplace dedicated to selling vintage items. Whether it's art, jewelry, clothing, dolls, pottery, antiques, glass, silver, or collectibles, Ruby Lane has you covered. With 1.5 million visitors per month, Ruby Lane ranked third in the Seller's Choice Awards, surpassing Etsy, which came in fourth. Ruby Lane's well-organized and clean interface creates an online flea market experience with a polished touch. The platform does not charge a listing fee, and the transaction fee is 9.9%. Ruby Lane's focus on vintage items and the impressive seller satisfaction rating make it a compelling alternative for sellers in this niche.

3.4 Bonanza

For those seeking a mix of eBay and Etsy, Bonanza offers a unique marketplace known for "finding everything but the ordinary." With 3.4 million site visits last month, Bonanza ranked second in the Seller's Choice Awards. Bonanza allows you to sell a wide range of products, but it doesn't offer as much customization for your shop compared to other platforms. The site has a simpler aesthetic and is more informal, resembling an online craft fair. Bonanza refers to your shop as a booth, and buyers and sellers expect to negotiate. While the negotiation culture may differ from Etsy's norms, it can present an opportunity for sellers who can handle haggling. Bonanza charges a 3.5% transaction fee on the final sales price, making it an appealing platform with a low fee structure.

3.5 Aftcra

If you're a maker based in the United States, Aftcra might be the perfect marketplace for you. Aftcra prides itself on being a platform exclusively for handmade goods made in the United States. While Aftcra's traffic is relatively low, it offers a simpler alternative to Etsy. The site allows you to sell handmade, handcrafted, upcycled, repurposed, and printed products. However, I couldn't find explicit information on digital items, so it's worth further investigation if you're in that category. Aftcra's intuitive search tool enables buyers to source products based on location, providing a unique selling point. The platform has no setup fee, listing fee, or transaction fee. For a monthly membership of $15, you can showcase your handmade goods to a niche audience.

3.6 iCraft

iCraft is a Canadian-based company that welcomes sellers from all over the world. With 35,000 visits last month, iCraft offers a platform that focuses on handmade items. While their website is basic, it provides an opportunity for sellers to stand out with better photographs and higher-quality products. iCraft's simple fee structure consists of a one-time $25 registration fee and a monthly membership of $15. Unlike most platforms, iCraft does not charge listing fees or transaction fees, giving sellers the freedom to focus on their craft without additional financial burdens.

3.7 eBay

Last but certainly not least, we have eBay, the undisputed giant in the online marketplace industry. With a staggering 784.3 million monthly visits, eBay offers immense potential to reach a massive customer base. While eBay operates differently from Etsy, it allows you to sell almost anything, giving you unparalleled flexibility. eBay's auction format can be advantageous if you're willing to negotiate with buyers. However, it's essential to keep in mind that eBay requires a different mindset and approach compared to Etsy. eBay charges a transaction fee ranging from 10% to 15% of the final value of the item. The first 250 listings are free, and thereafter, it costs 35 cents per listing.

Pros and Cons of Selling on Alternative Marketplaces

Now that we have explored various alternative marketplaces, let's take a moment to weigh the pros and cons of selling on these platforms.

Pros:

• Increased exposure and access to a new customer base
• Potential for higher sales and growth opportunities
• Diversification of income streams
• Some platforms have lower fees or offer unique features
• Customization options and ease of use

Cons:

• Building a presence on a new platform can be time-consuming and require additional effort
• Some platforms have lower traffic compared to Etsy
• Adapting to different platform rules, policies, and buyer expectations
• Potential competition from other sellers on the new platform
• Additional fees that may impact profit margins

Conclusion

In conclusion, alternative marketplaces offer exciting possibilities for Etsy sellers who are ready to expand their business. Whether it's exploring new audiences, selling products not permitted on Etsy, or seeking higher growth potential, these platforms provide options to suit various needs and niches. While each alternative marketplace has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, it's essential to do thorough research and evaluate which platform aligns best with your business goals and target market. With the right strategy, adaptability, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can unlock new avenues for success in the vast world of online marketplaces. Good luck on your journey, and may your entrepreneurial spirit soar!