Discover the Surprising Reason I Choose Etsy over Squarespace
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- My Experience with Etsy
- Transition from my own website to Etsy
- Reasons why customers prefer Etsy
- Benefits of using Etsy as a seller
- Evaluating the Fees
- Breakdown of Etsy's fees
- Comparing fees to selling in-person
- Considering the value of Etsy's services
- Shipping Convenience on Etsy
- Ease of shipping on Etsy
- Discounted shipping rates for sellers
- Assessing the Worth of Etsy
- Analyzing sales and traffic data
- Comparing fees with other platforms
- Considering the value of time and learning curve
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Article:
Is Etsy Worth It in 2021? A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
If you're an artist looking to sell your work online, there's an abundance of information about Etsy that can either entice you or scare you away. As someone who has experienced the transition from having my own website to selling on Etsy, I want to share my story and provide a comprehensive review of whether Etsy is still worth it in 2021. In this article, I will discuss my personal experience with Etsy, evaluate its fees, examine the shipping convenience it offers, assess its overall worth, and provide a conclusion based on my findings.
My Experience with Etsy
Transition from my own website to Etsy
When I first started selling my pottery online in 2016, I decided to create my own website using Squarespace. However, despite initially experiencing great sales on my own site, they quickly declined, leaving me puzzled. To gain insights, I polled my audience and discovered that 60% of them preferred purchasing from Etsy. Reasons cited for this preference included trust in the Etsy brand and the convenience of having all purchases in one place. Intrigued by these findings, I decided to open an Etsy shop alongside my web store, ultimately realizing that Etsy was where I made the majority of my sales.
Reasons why customers prefer Etsy
Etsy's established reputation and familiarity among buyers were key factors in my customers' preference. They believed Etsy to be more trustworthy and felt safer providing their credit card information on the platform rather than on an artist's personal website. Additionally, many customers appreciated the convenience of having all their order history in one place, making it easy to track and revisit their past purchases.
Benefits of using Etsy as a seller
As a seller on Etsy, I've discovered several benefits that have contributed to its value for my business. With over 2500 people favoriting my shop, every time I restock an item on Etsy, it sends a notification to those individuals. This serves as a reminder and helps generate additional sales. Furthermore, Etsy's review system has allowed me to accumulate over 800 positive reviews, which would be a significant loss if I were to switch to another website. Moreover, Etsy provides discounted shipping rates, saving sellers money compared to retail rates. These benefits make Etsy an appealing platform for both customers and sellers.
Evaluating the Fees
One common complaint about Etsy is its fees. To provide an accurate assessment, let's break down these fees and compare them to other selling methods.
Breakdown of Etsy's fees
Etsy charges a 20 cent listing fee, a 5% transaction fee, and a 3% plus $0.25 fee for credit card processing. While the percentage may seem daunting, it's crucial to consider the actual cost relative to the selling price. For example, a 20 cent listing fee on a $3 sticker is a higher percentage compared to a $30 mug. Additionally, Etsy recently increased their fees from 5% to six and a half percent, prompting sellers to reevaluate their choices.
Comparing fees to selling in-person
When comparing Etsy's fees to selling in-person, especially through consignment or wholesale, Etsy's fees appear more reasonable. While the fee increase from 5% to six and a half percent may initially seem significant, it's important to consider the additional costs and effort associated with in-person selling, such as booth setup, time commitment, and limited reach.
Considering the value of Etsy's services
While no one wants to give up more money, it's essential to assess the value of the services Etsy provides. The convenience, trusted brand name, and access to a large customer base may outweigh the cost of fees. Furthermore, if sellers adjust their prices accordingly, the fee increase might not have a substantial impact on their overall profitability.
Shipping Convenience on Etsy
One significant advantage of using Etsy is its streamlined shipping process, which can save sellers time and effort.
Ease of shipping on Etsy
With Etsy, all that's required is entering the weight and dimensions of a package, and the address is automatically populated. This eliminates the manual copying and pasting of customer information, as was the case with my self-hosted website. The simplified shipping process on Etsy allows me to focus more on producing my artwork and fulfilling orders promptly.
Discounted shipping rates for sellers
In addition to the shipping convenience, Etsy offers discounted shipping rates to sellers. While other websites like Shopify may utilize third-party services for similar advantages, Etsy's discounted rates, which range from approximately 12% to 20%, provide significant savings. These savings can offset the 5% transaction fee, making Etsy a cost-effective choice for many sellers.
Assessing the Worth of Etsy
To determine whether Etsy is still worth it in 2021, it's essential to analyze sales data, assess the fees in comparison to other platforms, and consider the value of time and the learning curve involved in switching.
Analyzing sales and traffic data
By reviewing your sales and traffic data on Etsy, you can gain valuable insights into the platform's effectiveness for your business. Look for patterns in sales and compare Etsy-driven traffic with self-driven traffic. Understanding where your sales originate and whether Etsy plays a significant role will help you make an informed decision.
Comparing fees with other platforms
To conduct a fair comparison, evaluate the fees on other e-commerce platforms you are considering. Taking into account monthly subscriptions, sales volumes, and associated costs will allow you to determine which platform offers the most cost-effective solution for your business.
Considering the value of time and learning curve
Switching platforms involves a learning curve and takes time away from other aspects of your business. Consider the value of your time and whether it would be better spent on other activities, such as marketing or product development. Understanding the potential savings of switching to another platform should be weighed against the time and effort required to make the transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the fee increase, I still find Etsy to be a valuable platform for my business in 2021. The benefits it offers, such as a trusted brand name, a large customer base, streamlined shipping, and discounted shipping rates, outweigh the increased fees. However, every business is unique, and it's crucial to assess your specific circumstances and goals when deciding whether Etsy is worth it for you. Consider the factors discussed in this article, evaluate your own data, and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision that aligns with your business objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Etsy alongside my own website?
A: Yes, many sellers use Etsy in conjunction with their own websites to maximize their reach and sales potential. It allows you to take advantage of Etsy's customer base while also showcasing your brand on your personal website.
Q: Are there any hidden fees on Etsy?
A: Etsy's fees are transparent and consist of a listing fee, a transaction fee, and a credit card processing fee. However, it's important to carefully track and calculate these fees to ensure you understand their impact on your profits.
Q: Should I consider Etsy as my sole selling platform?
A: While Etsy can be a powerful platform, it's always beneficial to diversify your sales channels. Consider utilizing other platforms, such as a personal website or social media, to expand your customer base and mitigate reliance on a single platform.
Q: How can I increase my sales on Etsy?
A: There are several strategies to boost sales on Etsy, including optimizing your product listings, enhancing your photography, offering competitive pricing, and actively promoting your shop through social media and targeted advertising campaigns.
Q: Can I still make a profit considering Etsy's fees?
A: Yes, it's possible to make a profit on Etsy. By carefully calculating your pricing and factoring in the fees, you can ensure that your profit margins align with your business goals. It's important to regularly review and adjust your prices based on market trends and the overall costs associated with operating on Etsy.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
