Why People are Quitting Selling on Etsy?

Why People are Quitting Selling on Etsy?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Three Categories of Etsy Sellers Quitting 2.1. People who were kicked off Etsy for violations 2.2. People who were mad about something Etsy was doing 2.3. People who were not making enough money
3. The Importance of Having Multiple Selling Venues
4. The Problem with Relying Solely on Etsy
5. The Need to Start Your Own Website
6. Other Platforms for Selling Online
7. Making a Logical Decision About Leaving Etsy
8. The Freedom of Having Other Streams of Income
9. Selling on Etsy is Voluntary
10. Conclusion

Reasons Why Sellers Quit Etsy: Understanding the Patterns

In the world of home-based creative businesses, Etsy has proven to be a popular selling platform. However, over time, some sellers have chosen to leave Etsy. Intrigued by their reasons and in search of patterns, I dedicated countless hours to watching videos of sellers who had quit Etsy. And what I discovered was that these sellers could be categorized into three distinct groups, each with its own motivations. In this article, we will explore these three categories and delve into the factors that led sellers to part ways with Etsy.

The Three Categories of Etsy Sellers Quitting

1. People who were kicked off Etsy for violations:

One category of sellers who claimed to be leaving Etsy forever were those who had been forcefully removed from the platform due to violations. However, it is essential to note that their departure was not voluntary but rather a consequence of their actions. Violations such as copyright infringement were common reasons for Etsy to shut down these sellers' shops. Although some individuals acknowledged their wrongdoing and expressed regrets, the consequences were unavoidable. Selling replicas or using copyrighted materials is not tolerated on any platform, and these sellers risk facing the same fate elsewhere.

2. People who were mad about something Etsy was doing:

Another group of sellers decided to quit Etsy due to their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the platform. One recurring source of frustration was Etsy's challenging customer service. In times of crisis, such as when a shop was unexpectedly shut down, sellers struggled to find immediate assistance. This lack of support left them bitter and questioning whether they could rely on Etsy in the long run. Although not all sellers encountered these situations, the fear of being left high and dry prompted them to contemplate alternatives.

3. People who were not making enough money:

Perhaps the most logical reason to abandon Etsy was the lack of financial success. Some sellers expressed disappointment with their sales figures, realizing that they were not generating enough income to sustain their craft. For others, it was the realization that selling on other platforms proved more profitable. Etsy's off-site ads fees, which cut into sellers' profits, also played a role in this decision. The combination of lower sales and reduced profitability forced sellers to evaluate their options.

The Importance of Having Multiple Selling Venues

One crucial lesson derived from the experiences of these departing sellers is the need for multiple selling venues. Relying solely on Etsy, or any single platform for that matter, puts sellers at risk. Unexpected shop closures and dissatisfactions with platform changes can leave sellers stranded. That's why it's essential to establish additional selling channels. By doing so, sellers can mitigate the impact of any negative experiences on one platform and maintain a steady income.

The Problem with Relying Solely on Etsy

Although Etsy offers a host of advantages, its exclusivity does pose some risks. Sellers who limit themselves to one platform find it challenging to justify leaving, even when frustrations arise. The fear of losing a full-time income can cloud judgment and lead sellers to stick with a platform they are unhappy with. This over-reliance on Etsy emphasizes the need for diversification and the exploration of alternative selling platforms.

The Need to Start Your Own Website

To safeguard against potential setbacks, all Etsy sellers should seriously consider establishing their own website. Waiting until an unforeseen crisis strikes can lead to panic and poor decision-making. Creating a website provides an additional layer of security, granting sellers the freedom to make logical choices about their selling platforms. With numerous website-building options available, sellers can choose a solution that fits their budget and technical expertise.

Other Platforms for Selling Online

Fortunately, Etsy is not the only platform available for home-based creative businesses. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Ruby Lane, and social media platforms offer additional avenues for sellers to display and sell their products. Exploring these platforms can help sellers identify which ones align best with their business model and target audience. Diversifying one's selling channels reduces dependence on just one platform, creating a more robust and resilient business.

Making a Logical Decision About Leaving Etsy

When contemplating leaving Etsy, it is vital to approach the decision logically rather than succumb to emotional pressures. If Etsy's shortcomings affect your business or if you find yourself consistently dissatisfied with platform changes, a dispassionate evaluation of your options is crucial. By having multiple selling venues and supplemental streams of income, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals and financial stability.

The Freedom of Having Other Streams of Income

Sellers who possess various streams of income beyond Etsy are better equipped to make logical decisions. They are not tied down by the fear of financial ruin if they abandon the platform. Having alternative income sources, such as selling in person or conducting classes, provides sellers with the freedom to choose their selling platform based on merit and personal preferences.

Selling on Etsy is Voluntary

It is essential to remember that selling on any platform, including Etsy, is entirely voluntary. No one is forcing sellers to sell exclusively on one platform. Whether you decide to stay or leave Etsy, the choice is ultimately yours. However, it is crucial to maintain control over your business's destiny by diversifying your sales channels and ensuring you can adapt to any changes in the marketplace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to quit Etsy is multi-faceted. Sellers who voluntarily leave Etsy fall into three categories: those who were kicked off for violations, those who were unhappy with Etsy's practices, and those who were not making enough money. Regardless of the reason for departure, it is evident that relying solely on Etsy is risky. Establishing multiple selling venues and developing other streams of income grants sellers the freedom to make informed decisions. By doing so, sellers can proactively shape their business's future and find the best path to financial success.