“Should I sell on Etsy or with Shopify?” is the most common question founders ask us. The short answer: it depends on what you sell and what you want to build. The long answer is right here.
Etsy: a marketplace with built-in reach
Etsy is a marketplace: millions of ready-to-buy visitors are already there, actively searching for products. You don't have to build your own reach, you just have to be found in Etsy's search.
- Strength: instant visibility, ideal for handmade goods, one-of-a-kind pieces and vintage.
- Weakness: lots of competition, fees per sale, and the customer relationship belongs to Etsy, not to you.
- Fits if: you want to start quickly, have small quantities or are still testing demand.
Shopify: your own store, your brand
Shopify isn't a marketplace but your own online shop under your domain. You build the reach yourself, but in return the brand, the data and the customer relationship belong entirely to you.
- Strength: full control over design, brand, prices and customer data, plus a better margin.
- Weakness: you have to win visitors yourself (SEO, social, regulars).
- Fits if: you're building a brand, want returning customers or sell larger quantities.
The honest fee calculation
Etsy costs you per sale: listing, transaction and payment fees add up noticeably the more you sell. Shopify costs a fixed monthly base fee plus payment fees, which work out cheaper per order as your revenue grows. Rule of thumb: at low volume Etsy is cheaper, and from a steady revenue onward Shopify pays off.
Why “both” is often the best answer
Etsy and Shopify don't rule each other out; they complement each other. Many of our customers use Etsy for reach and new customers and a dedicated Shopify shop for margin, brand and regulars. Whoever is discovered on Etsy later buys again directly in your own shop.
Etsy sells your first product to a stranger. Shopify sells your tenth product to a regular.
Not sure where to start? We set up both, individually or as one connected system, and advise you honestly on what fits your product.
Rather have it done for you?
We set up your shop, your menu or your loyalty programme for you, fast and clean.