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Are you considering selling your handmade creations online, but don't know where to start? You might be wondering if you should use Etsy or Amazon. Both platforms have their pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which is the best for you. In this article, we'll break down the differences between Etsy and Amazon so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!
What Is Etsy and Amazon Homemade?
Etsy is an online marketplace focused on handmade or vintage goods and supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items. Etsy sellers include artists, crafters, designers, and even hobbyists. Amazon Homemade is a new section on Amazon that allows select artisans to sell their handmade goods directly to Amazon customers.
Etsy is an American eCommerce platform that focuses on handmade and craft items. It is the most popular handmade selling platform which supplies the items directly to buyers worldwide. Etsy ensures that the buyers or customers have a tremendously positive experience on their platform. The general policy of Etsy is followed for selling, such as basic ideas on selling handmade products, being a member of the Etsy community, and keeping track of feedback, disputes, and success. In 2020, the Etsy platform made over 4.3 million sellers.
Amazon is the biggest eCommerce marketplace worldwide. Customers can find almost every item from around the world through Amazon. Amazon launched its handmade market - Amazon Handmade, in 2015. Amazon marketplace has recently reported over 6.3 million sellers, including handmade. In September 2020, it resulted in 2.44 billion visitors.
Choosing Between Etsy and Amazon Homemade
When deciding whether to sell on Etsy or Amazon Homemade, there are a few things to consider.
Products
First, think about what kinds of products you want to sell. If you make mainly handmade items, then Etsy is probably the better option. On the other hand, if you also sell some vintage or antique items, you may find that Amazon Homemade has a wider selection of potential buyers.
Marketplace vs. Direct
Another thing to consider is whether you want to sell through a marketplace or directly to customers. Etsy offers the option to sell through a marketplace, which means that buyers can browse through many different shops and find the products they're looking for in one place. Amazon Homemade, on the other hand, allows sellers to list their products on Amazon but fulfill the orders themselves. This means that you'll have more control over the sales process, but it also means that you'll be responsible for shipping and customer service.
Long Term Goals
Finally, think about your long-term goals for your business. If you're hoping to build a brand that will last for years to come, then Etsy is a good option because it has a strong reputation and a large community of loyal buyers. However, if you're more interested in making a quick sale, then Amazon Homemade may be a better choice because it has a wider reach and allows you to list your products directly on Amazon.
Related: Quick and Easy Ways to Make Money on Amazon
Pros and Cons of Amazon Homemade vs Etsy
When it comes to selling handmade goods online, two of the most popular platforms are Etsy and Amazon Homemade. But which one is the best for you? Here's a look at the pros and cons of each site:
Etsy Pros:
- Has a large community of users, which can make it easier to find buyers for your products
- Offers more tools and resources for sellers than Amazon Homemade
- Generally perceived as being more 'artist-friendly' than Amazon
Etsy Cons:
- Fees can be higher than Amazon's, eating into your profits
- More competition from other Etsy sellers in your niche
Amazon Homemade Pros:
- Lower fees than Etsy
- More traffic from buyers who are already using Amazon for their shopping
Amazon Homemade Cons:
- Not as many tools and resources available for sellers
- Can be difficult to stand out from the competition
Related: Six Best Selling Category and Products on Amazon
How to Sell On Amazon Handmade vs. Etsy?
You can learn how to sell handmade products at amazon vs. Etsy through these selling processes.
Steps To Sell Handmade Products On Etsy:
- Initially, you need to register for an Etsy account
- The next step is to set preferences, for example; language, currency, and home country
- Select a name for the Etsy shop
- Then add items, list them, and publish
- Choose the payment methods and set billing information
Steps To Sell Handmade Products On Amazon:
- Complete the registration process as an artisan.
- Then Sign up for a Seller Central account.
- Then, you need to wait for the approval.
- After you get the support, create your product list.
- Manage and drive business through Amazon platform programs.
- You can open and customize the product listings and market.
Related: eBay Vs. Amazon - A Complete Comparison Guide
Etsy vs Amazon: What’s Most Important to You?
Fees: Etsy vs Amazon Homemade
Etsy: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for each item you list for sale, and they also take a 3.5% cut of the final sale price.
Amazon: Amazon does not charge listing fees, but they do take a 15% cut of the final sale price ( plus any shipping costs).
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Sell on Etsy?
Visibility: Etsy vs Amazon Homemade
Etsy: Because Etsy is a dedicated marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, your items will be more visible to shoppers who are specifically looking for those types of products.
Amazon: Amazon is a massive marketplace with millions of products for sale, so it can be harder to make your items stand out. However, Amazon does have a “Handmade” section where shoppers can browse for handmade goods.
Ease of Use: Etsy vs Amazon Homemade
Etsy: Etsy is designed specifically for selling handmade and vintage goods, so it’s relatively easy to use.
Amazon: Amazon is a more complex platform, and takes some time to get the hang of using it for selling purposes.
Payment Options: Etsy vs Amazon Homemade
Etsy: Etsy offers a variety of payment options, including PayPal, credit and debit cards, and Etsy gift cards.
Amazon: Amazon also offers a variety of payment options, including PayPal, credit and debit cards, and Amazon gift cards.
Related: Does Amazon Accept Venmo?
Shipping Options: Etsy vs Amazon Homemade
Etsy: Etsy allows you to set your own shipping rates, which can be either calculated automatically or set manually. You can also offer free shipping on certain items.
Amazon: Amazon offers two shipping options for sellers – fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or seller fulfilled. If you choose FBA, Amazon will handle the shipping for you. If you choose a fulfilled seller, you will be responsible for shipping the items yourself.
The Bottom Line
So, should you sell on Etsy or Amazon? The answer to that question depends on your specific needs and what you’re hoping to get out of selling your products online. If you want more control over the look and feel of your shop, as well as a larger audience, Etsy might be the better option for you. However, if you’re looking for an easy platform with built-in traffic and a wide range of fulfillment options, Amazon is probably the better choice. No matter which platform you choose, Simpl can help take care of all your order fulfillment needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Recommended: How Long Does Etsy Take To Deliver Orders?
