Etsy vs Website: Which is Better for Selling Press On Nails?

Etsy vs Website: Which is Better for Selling Press On Nails?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Starting with a Website
   1. Choosing a Website Provider
   2. Cost of Running a Website
   3. Benefits of Invoicing Customers
   4. Listing Products with No Fees
   5. Lower Transaction Fees
3. Challenges of Website Ownership
   1. Cost Considerations
   2. Technical Skills Required
   3. The Need for Marketing and Promotion
4. The Advantages of Selling on Etsy
   1. Etsy's Built-in Marketing
   2. Affordable Listing Fees
   3. Quicker Payouts
5. Drawbacks of Using Etsy
   1. Additional Fees for Listings
   2. Increased Competition
   3. Volatile Marketing
   4. Listing Expirations
   5. Potential Platform Changes
6. Conclusion

Selling on My Website vs Selling on Etsy: A Personal Experience

Starting a business and deciding where to sell your products can be a daunting task. With the rise of e-commerce, there are various platforms to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. In this article, I will share my personal experience of selling on my website versus selling on Etsy.

Starting with a Website

When I first started my business, I opted to create my own website using a popular website provider. There were a few factors that influenced my decision, including the desire to have full control over my brand and the perception that having my own website was more professional. However, there were both benefits and challenges that came with this choice.

Choosing a Website Provider

There are several website providers available, each offering different features and pricing plans. I did some research and compared options such as Wix and WooCommerce, but ultimately chose Wix due to its affordability. I paid £19.20 per month for a basic website package, along with an additional fee for a website domain from GoDaddy.com. While the initial cost was reasonable, it is important to consider the long-term expenses when selecting a website provider.

Cost of Running a Website

One of the advantages of having my own website was the ability to send invoices directly to customers' emails. This streamlined the process and allowed for quicker and easier transactions. While I could also send invoices on Etsy, it required customers to message me first or request a custom listing. On my website, I could simply collect the necessary information and send an invoice directly to the customer, saving time and effort.

Another benefit of having a website was the absence of fees each time I added a product. Etsy, on the other hand, charges a fee for every new listing, which can add up over time. Additionally, the transaction fees on my website were comparatively lower than those on Etsy, allowing me to keep more of the revenue from each sale.

Challenges of Website Ownership

While having a website provided certain advantages, there were also challenges to consider. Firstly, the cost of running a website can be a significant consideration, especially for a new business. For me, the monthly cost of £19.20 was the most affordable option, but it may be more expensive for others. It is crucial to assess whether investing in a website is financially viable, particularly during the early stages of a business when profits may be limited.

Secondly, creating and maintaining a website requires a certain level of technical skill. Although website providers like Wix offer templates and user-friendly interfaces, it still demands a level of expertise to design an attractive, functional, and professional-looking website. It is essential to strike a balance between simplicity and customization, ensuring that the website showcases the brand effectively.

Lastly, having a website requires active marketing and promotion. While Etsy provides built-in marketing, being solely responsible for attracting traffic to my own website was a challenge. As a new business owner, I had to work harder to build a following and direct potential customers to my website. It requires consistent effort and creativity to stand out from the competition and make the website discoverable to potential customers.

The Advantages of Selling on Etsy

After starting with my own website, I discovered the benefits of selling on Etsy and decided to expand my presence to this platform as well. Etsy offers an array of advantages, particularly for small businesses.

Etsy's Built-in Marketing

One of the biggest advantages of selling on Etsy is the platform's built-in marketing. Etsy already has a large user base and attracts customers who are specifically looking for handmade goods. This eliminates the need for additional marketing efforts and allows sellers to reach a wider audience effortlessly. For new businesses, having access to Etsy's established customer base can be a significant boost in generating sales and building a customer base.

Affordable Listing Fees

Another advantage of Etsy is its affordability. While sellers are required to pay a fee for each product listing, the percentages charged by Etsy are generally reasonable. Comparatively, this can be more cost-effective than paying a monthly fee for a website, especially for businesses that are just starting out. Etsy's fee structure allows sellers to pay a small amount each time they make a sale, reducing the financial burden on new businesses.

Quicker Payouts

When it comes to receiving payment, Etsy offers quicker payouts compared to my own website. On average, it takes around two days for the money from an Etsy sale to reach my bank account. In contrast, my website takes seven to ten days for funds to be transferred. It is worth noting that the speed of payouts may vary for different sellers, with established shops often benefiting from quicker payouts. Nevertheless, faster payout times can be advantageous for businesses that rely on immediate access to funds.

Drawbacks of Using Etsy

While Etsy provides many benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider before solely relying on this platform.

Additional Fees for Listings

One disadvantage of using Etsy is the need to pay a fee for every new listing. Although the fee is typically small, the costs can accumulate, especially for sellers who frequently add new products. Additionally, Etsy charges additional fees such as sales tax and transaction fees, which can further impact profits. It is essential to factor in these costs when deciding whether to sell exclusively on Etsy.

Increased Competition

As a marketplace that hosts multiple sellers, Etsy naturally has a higher level of competition compared to selling on a personal website. With numerous shops selling similar products, it requires extra effort to make one's offerings stand out. Sellers need to find ways to differentiate themselves, whether through competitive pricing, unique designs, or exceptional customer service. Standing out amidst the crowd is crucial to attract customers and generate sales on Etsy.

Volatile Marketing

One of the challenges of selling on Etsy is the volatility of marketing efforts. Etsy's algorithms and system can sometimes result in fluctuating visibility for sellers. There are periods where sales seem to surge, followed by quieter periods without any logical explanation. The inconsistency in marketing exposure can make it challenging to predict and rely on a steady flow of orders. Sellers must be prepared for these fluctuations and find ways to consistently drive traffic to their listings.

Listing Expirations

A notable drawback of using Etsy is that product listings have expiration dates. Listings typically last for a few months before requiring renewal. While Etsy offers options for manual or automatic renewal, the process still incurs additional costs. Sellers must remember to renew their listings promptly to ensure that the products remain visible and available for purchase. Failure to renew in a timely manner can result in missed sales opportunities and decreased visibility.

Potential Platform Changes

As an Etsy seller, it is important to adapt to any changes implemented by the platform. Etsy occasionally introduces updates and policy changes that can impact sellers' businesses. Sellers may receive emails notifying them of these changes, which may include adjustments to fees or guidelines. Staying informed and understanding the implications of these changes can help sellers navigate the evolving environment on Etsy.

Conclusion

In determining whether to sell on a personal website or Etsy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. A personal website offers flexibility, control over branding, and potentially lower transaction fees. However, it requires upfront investment, technical skills, and active marketing efforts to attract customers. On the other hand, Etsy provides built-in marketing, affordability, and a quicker payout process. Nevertheless, sellers must contend with additional fees, increased competition, volatile marketing exposure, listing expirations, and adherence to platform policies.

In my own experience, starting solely on Etsy would have been a more straightforward and cost-effective approach. I now utilize both platforms to maximize exposure and reach different customer segments. Regardless of the chosen avenue, it is essential to continually assess the platform's performance, adapt to changes, and prioritize customer satisfaction to drive sales and grow a successful business.

Highlights:

• Selling on a personal website allows for greater control over branding and potentially lower transaction fees.
• Etsy provides built-in marketing, an established customer base, and affordable listing fees.
• Developing a personal website requires technical skills and active marketing efforts to attract customers.
• Etsy requires sellers to navigate increased competition, fluctuating marketing exposure, and potential platform changes.
• It is possible to leverage both platforms for maximum exposure and reach.