Etsy vs. Amazon Handmade: Which is the Best Platform for Selling Crafts?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Etsy vs. Amazon Handmade: Overview
- Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy
- Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon Handmade
- Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Platform
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Etsy vs. Amazon Handmade: Which Platform is Best for Your Handmade Business?
Are you a seller of handmade products and wondering which platform is the best fit for your business? In this article, we will compare two popular platforms for selling handmade items: Etsy and Amazon Handmade. We will examine the pros and cons of both platforms, as well as important factors to consider when making your decision.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy
Pros
One of the advantages of selling on Etsy is that the buyers are typically familiar with handmade products. This means that they have a better understanding of what to expect and are more likely to appreciate the effort and craftsmanship that goes into handmade items. Additionally, Etsy buyers are generally more patient when it comes to waiting for customized or made-to-order products.
Another benefit of Etsy is that it offers a more personalized ad experience for sellers who run ads. While there may be limited control over keywords and targeting options, Etsy provides a platform where sellers can promote their products to a specific audience, potentially leading to more customers and sales.
Cons
On the downside, sales on Etsy can be sporadic, especially for new sellers who are still figuring out their systems and processes. While sporadic sales may not be ideal for establishing a consistent income stream, they can be beneficial during the initial stages of building a handmade business, allowing sellers to refine their products and packaging.
Another disadvantage of selling on Etsy is the listing fees. Although the listing fee is currently 20 cents, it can add up if sellers have a large inventory of items in their shop. However, despite the fees, the exposure and potential for sales on Etsy can make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Amazon Handmade
Pros
One of the main advantages of selling on Amazon Handmade is the vast number of shoppers on the platform. With its large customer base, sellers on Amazon Handmade have the potential for higher sales volumes compared to Etsy. The daily sales on Amazon can be quite impressive, providing a significant boost to a seller's revenue.
Additionally, Amazon offers a fulfillment service through Amazon Prime, which allows sellers to send their products to Amazon's fulfillment centers. This means that sellers can continue making sales and fulfilling orders even while on vacation or away from their business. However, it's important to note that additional fees apply for utilizing this service.
Cons
Unlike Etsy, Amazon buyers may have different expectations when it comes to handmade products. Since Amazon is known for selling manufactured goods, some buyers may mistakenly expect a factory-like product. This misconception can potentially result in negative reviews if the handmade item doesn't meet their expectations.
Another drawback of selling on Amazon Handmade is the higher fees associated with the platform. While there are no listing fees, Amazon takes a larger percentage of each sale compared to Etsy. This can eat into a seller's profits, especially if they have high-priced items.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Platform
Before deciding between Etsy and Amazon Handmade, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, assess your business goals and determine the level of time and commitment you are willing to invest. If you're looking for a side hustle or just starting out, Etsy may be the better option as it allows you to learn and refine your processes without overwhelming volume.
On the other hand, if you're ready for a full-time job and full-time income, Amazon Handmade's larger customer base and potential for higher sales may be the more suitable choice. However, keep in mind that transitioning to Amazon Handmade from Etsy requires careful planning and adaptation to meet the different expectations of Amazon buyers.
Conclusion
Both Etsy and Amazon Handmade have their own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to selling handmade products. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific business needs and goals. Whether you choose Etsy or Amazon Handmade, remember that success often comes from finding the right balance between platform, product, and marketing strategies.
Are you ready to make a choice? Share your thoughts on which platform you prefer, or if you're considering selling on both, in the comments section below!
Highlights
- Etsy and Amazon Handmade are popular platforms for selling handmade products.
- Etsy buyers are typically more familiar with handmade products, while Amazon buyers may have different expectations.
- Etsy offers limited control over ads, while Amazon provides a more customized ad experience.
- Sales on Etsy can be sporadic, while Amazon Handmade offers more potential for higher sales volumes.
- Etsy has listing fees, but Amazon takes a larger percentage of each sale.
- Factors to consider when choosing a platform include goals, time commitment, and target audience.
FAQ
Q: Can I sell on both Etsy and Amazon Handmade?
A: Yes, many sellers choose to sell on both platforms to maximize their reach and potential sales. However, be prepared to adapt to the different expectations of buyers on each platform.
Q: Are there any restrictions on branding and links on Etsy and Amazon Handmade?
A: Etsy allows sellers to include branded messaging and links in their packaging and shop description. On the other hand, Amazon Handmade does not allow any branded messaging or additional links within the packaging.
Q: Which platform has a larger customer base?
A: Amazon Handmade has a larger customer base compared to Etsy. This means that sellers on Amazon Handmade have the potential to reach a wider audience and make more sales.
Q: Do I need to pay any listing fees on Amazon Handmade?
A: No, Amazon Handmade does not have any listing fees. However, they do take a larger percentage of each sale compared to Etsy.
Q: Can I go on vacation without impacting my sales on Etsy and Amazon Handmade?
A: On Etsy, sellers can choose to either put their shop on vacation mode or extend their shipping times. On Amazon Handmade, sellers can utilize the fulfillment service and continue making sales even while on vacation, although additional fees apply.
