Best Etsy Alternatives: 9+ Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

While it was once the go-to platform for artisans and small businesses, selling on Etsy has become too much of a hassle for many.

With surprise fee increases, new limitations, and an overall lack of support for its online stores, Etsy sellers feel alienated, degraded, and unappreciated.

If you’re one of these frustrated sellers, we’ve rounded up several Etsy alternatives we think will make you happier and help your store grow.

The Best Etsy Alternatives at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at our top picks!

An Overview of Etsy

Before we dive into the best alternatives to Etsy, let’s discuss what Etsy is, why it can be a good option, and where it falls short.

What Is Etsy?

Etsy is an e-commerce company focusing on handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items and supplies.

Common products on Etsy include jewelry, clothing, home goods, accessories, furniture, art, toys, personalized gifts, and more.

The website was founded in 2005 in Brooklyn, NY, and has become a useful platform for crafters and artists looking for customers.

Where Does Etsy Excel?

Etsy excels in user interface and accessibility.

Creating an account and listing products is simple.

Some similar sites can place complex qualifications on sellers, making it hard for small crafters to sell their items.

In addition, Etsy is easy for consumers to browse and make purchases.

Where Does Etsy Fall Short?

While Etsy’s easy-to-use platform makes it highly accessible and appealing to sellers, this may also be its downfall.

Etsy seems to have more sellers and products than it does customers, so the market is oversaturated with sellers.

It also charges significant transaction and listing fees, so sellers can lose money using Etsy if their items don’t sell enough.

Best Etsy Alternatives: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Below are our top three Etsy alternatives.

You can learn about the platforms, their pros, cons, pricing, and more, so you can make an informed and confident decision.

Amazon Handmade: Our Pick

Our top alternative to Etsy is Amazon Handmade.

It is a specific section on Amazon featuring handmade items and one-of-a-kind products.

You can also order personalized gifts from the sellers on Amazon Handmade.

This platform is similar to Etsy in many ways.

However, Amazon offers authentic artisans more resources for growing their businesses.

Key Features of Amazon Handmade

Below are a few of the key features of Amazon Handmade that make it an attractive alternative to Etsy.

• Fee Waivers: Etsy can beat up sellers with excessive listing and transaction fees, but Amazon Handmade waives selling fees and brand registry fees.
• No Hidden Fees: Joining Handmade is free to join. It only includes a 15% referral fee when you’ve made a sale.
• Artisans Only: Unlike Etsy, Amazon Handmade has a qualification process where they determine if you make genuine handcrafted goods that meet their quality standards.
• Growth Opportunities: Once you create an account, you’ll have access to programs that teach you how to manage and grow your business, helping you find more success on Amazon Handmade and other platforms you use.
• International Customers: Amazon Handmade is available in more than 80 countries, allowing you to sell to people across the globe and widen your consumer base.

Etsy Vs. Amazon Handmade: How They Compare

You’ll see that Etsy and Amazon Handmade are very similar.

However, Amazon has a more rigorous authentication process, only allowing artisans who craft genuine handmade products to sell on the platform.

Etsy may be looser with its qualifications, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you make handcrafted items.

There is practically no difference for consumers, except products may arrive sooner.

Why Is Amazon Handmade a Great Alternative to Etsy?

Amazon Handmade is a great alternative because Amazon is a massively popular website.

Your products will be shown to thousands of Amazon Prime members, helping you reach more customers.

Amazon Handmade can also afford to waive most seller fees, so you can make more money off every sale.

Because this platform is super successful and constantly updating, selling on Amazon presents your products and business as quality and desirable.

Pros of Amazon Handmade

• High Sales Volume: People are more likely to place orders on Amazon, especially Prime members.
• Consistent Consumer Traffic: Millions of people use Amazon, so you’re almost guaranteed consistent traffic, so more people will see your products and brand.
• Exclusivity: Only genuine artisans are allowed to sell on Amazon Handmade, giving your brand authenticity and limiting the competition.

Cons of Amazon Handmade

• Required Sales Metrics: You must meet certain metrics to continue selling on the Amazon Handmade platform. Otherwise, you will not be able to sell on Amazon.
• Return Policy: Amazon is about customer satisfaction, so they have lenient return policies that can create issues for small businesses.
• Sale Commission: While Amazon Handmade doesn’t have the fees Etsy does, they get a hefty 15% sales commission.

Amazon Handmade Pricing

• Professional Selling Account: $39.99 per month (usually waived)
• Brand Registry Waiver: The price for this differs depending on your business, but Amazon usually waives this fee too
• Commission: You must pay Amazon a 15% “referral” fee on every sale you make.

Can You Try Amazon Handmade for Free?

Yes!

Unlike Etsy, you can sign up and list products for free!

You only pay when you make sales, meaning you won’t lose money if you create a shop and nothing sells.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Amazon Handmade Over Etsy?

Amazon has faster shipping, authenticated handmade stores, and lenient return policies for shoppers.

For sellers, Amazon handmade can be better than Etsy if you price your items high enough to account for the 15% commission and meet the artisan qualifications.

But concerning traffic and brand visibility, it’s hard to compete with Amazon, the e-commerce giant.

eBay: Runner-Up

Our runner-up alternative is a little site you may have heard of called eBay!

What makes eBay unique is it utilizes a bidding system, allowing sellers to make more money than their listing price.

However, this complex structure can deter some customers from exploring what the site offers.

There is also no authentication process for handmade items.

Key Features of eBay

eBay is significantly different from its competitors.

The bidding system, search setup, and seller programs can be helpful.

Amazon Handmade and Etsy are more similar, while eBay is a distinct platform.

Below are some of the key features.

• Advanced Search: The search features on eBay are excellent, helping people find your products using relevant keywords or phrases.
• Bidding System: As mentioned, buyers can bid on items, which can be excellent for sellers, driving up the price or frustrating when bargain shoppers show up.
• Seller Forums: There are seller forums you can participate in where you can trade tips and tricks and find networking opportunities.
• Immediate Payment: You can use PayPal revenue when selling on eBay, allowing you to immediately access your revenue after a sale.
• Control and Flexibility: You can set your own policies for shipping and returns and set your own shipping charges.

Etsy Vs. eBay: How They Compare

The main difference between Etsy and eBay is the bidding system, allowing sellers to make more money in some situations, but it also means they may encounter hagglers who attempt to drive down the price.

The selling fees are very similar to Etsy, but eBay does offer you more free listing opportunities.

Overall, eBay stands out because they don’t charge you as many fees, although they often cost as much as Etsy when all is said and done.

Why Is eBay a Great Alternative to Etsy?

eBay has lost some of its momentum since it originally launched. While this may sound bad, it means the seller’s market isn’t as flooded as Etsy’s.

eBay has less artisan competition than Etsy, helping your products and business stand out.

eBay also allows you to customize listings and your store’s image, helping boost your brand’s visibility and develop a quality reputation.

Pros of eBay

• Easy To Use: Like Etsy, eBay is intuitive and simple, making it easy for sellers to set up accounts and start selling immediately.
• Seller Protection Policy: The seller protection policy ensures you get paid and none of your personal information is leaked. It also places strict rules on purchases surrounding return policies, unlike Amazon.
• Transparent Transactions: Sales on eBay are straightforward for both sellers and buyers. The listing displays all fees, such as shipping, handling, and processing.  

Cons of eBay

• High Selling Fees: eBay has relatively high-selling fees. They’re higher than Amazon and comparable to Etsy.
• Lack of Listing Control: Once you post a listing, it’s difficult to make edits or take it down, which takes much of the control away from sellers.
• Bargain Bidders: When you set a price on Amazon or Etsy, there is no wiggle room. But bargain shoppers can lurk on orders that have been posted for a while and try to get hefty discounts, meaning you make less money when you settle.

eBay Pricing

• Insertion Fees: $.35 per listing after 250 listings in a single month.
• Final Value Fees: Commission on final sales, ranging from 2% to 15% plus a $.30 fee.

Can You Try eBay for Free?

Yes, you can list your items on Etsy for free.

If you list more than 250 items in a single month, you have to pay a small fee per listing, less than a dollar.

However, you cannot complete sales for free, as you have to pay a commission on every sale, even if it’s your first one.

Conclusion: Should You Choose eBay Over Etsy?

It can be harder to generate decent traffic for your products when you sell on eBay, but you’ll encounter less competition.

If you sell items that Etsy seems to have an excess of, moving to eBay can help funnel consumers to you.

For consumers, eBay offers bidding opportunities that can make purchases more exciting and flexible but also more stressful and unpredictable.

AliExpress: Budget Pick

AliExpress is an e-commerce platform where people can post and sell items from every niche.

The business is newer than eBay and Amazon Handmade but already has a significant customer base.

AliExpress takes a small commission on sales but otherwise is free for sellers.

Key Features of AliExpress

We’ll briefly discuss the key features to understand why AliExpress is a decent alternative to Etsy.

The features included with an AliExpress seller’s account differ significantly from other selling platforms on this list.

• Selling Templates: AliExpress has a variety of product posting templates you can fill in quickly and easily upload to the site. There are templates for all kinds of products, including artisan crafts.
• Commission Only: AliExpress only charges commission on sales, so no other fees are involved. Unlike many selling platforms, AliExpress is completely free for sellers.
• Language Translations: AliExpress can automatically translate into over 18 languages, helping make your products more appealing and accessible to international buyers. The translations aren’t always the most accurate or professional, but they get the job done.
• Offers Dropshipping: You can add items from Aliexpress to your store, set the price, and pay wholesale for them once a customer purchases them.
• Customer Service Incentive: If you provide customer service that is high-quality, you get a refund on your fees.

Etsy Vs. AliExpress: How They Compare

As the heading implies, AliExpress is our budget pick, so you’re probably wondering how much this Etsy alternative costs.

Aside from the low commission, AliExpress is free to use.

Why Is AliExpress a Great Alternative to Etsy?

AliExpress is a great alternative because it’s open to all.

The fees are nonexistent, and the site is available in many countries.

While it may not have Etsy’s reputation, it has usability and a wide consumer base, making it a feasible choice.

AliExpress is a great place for someone to begin their e-commerce journey.

However, it works best as a stepping stone, allowing small business owners and crafters to generate some income without spending money on a selling platform.

Pros of AliExpress

• Complete Pricing Control: You get complete control over pricing with no restrictions from AliExpress. Many other selling platforms set limitations in product categories or monitor prices.
• Free To Use: As you know, AliExpress is free to use.
  There are no fees for listings, only a small commission, making it the most affordable choice for selling.
• International: AliExpress is available in over 20 countries, so they offer a decent customer base to sellers.

Cons of AliExpress

• Lack of Listing Customization: While the selling templates may make posting attractive listings easier, sellers lose some of their aesthetic control over product posts.
• Unprofessional Platform: AliExpress doesn’t have the best reputation, and many products on the site are of poor quality.
  Listing your items doesn’t imply they are high quality.
• Limited Aesthetic Options: Like with item posts, you don’t have the power to significantly customize your store and brand’s image.
  Customization can improve sales, so this is a disadvantage.

AliExpress Pricing

• Commission: There is a 5-8% commission on every sale.

Can You Try AliExpress for Free?

Yes, you can use AliExpress completely free.

You only have to pay AliExpress when you make a sale.

For many artisans, this deal is perfect, as they don’t need to pay money upfront to get their products or services listed and accessible to consumers.

Conclusion: Should You Choose AliExpress Over Etsy?

If you’re just starting your online business and don’t want to lose money on listing fees or seller program prices, AliExpress is a perfect choice.

However, if the site’s credibility is a top priority, Etsy may be the better choice.

Best Free Etsy Options

AliExpress may be free of setup and listing fees, but you still have to pay a commission on the final sale.

Many sellers don’t mind this, but if you don’t want to give away a penny of your profits, there are also some 100% free alternatives to Etsy.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace started in 2016, offering people on the popular social media platform to buy and sell from one another with zero fees.

It’s a classified ad section available to individuals and small businesses.

People list items at prices, sometimes with specified conditions, and buyers can haggle and hopefully purchase.

Why Is Facebook Marketplace a Great Option?

Facebook Marketplace is a decent alternative to Etsy because it’s 100% free and easy to sell items to people within your vicinity.

If you’re starting your business small, you can save on shipping costs, get your brand name out there, and gauge interest in your products without paying a dime.

Drawbacks to Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is far from an international selling platform.

So while you can choose a selling radius, you likely won’t reach international customers.

The customer base is also smaller, so your brand won’t get as much online visibility as it would on the platforms discussed above.

Craigslist

Craigslist is a classified advertisement website that practically everyone has heard of or likely used at some point.

It’s been around since 1995 and has been a selling and buying resource for millions.

However, it has seen its share of criminal or illegitimate activity, leading to a less-than-pristine reputation.

Why Is Craigslist a Great Option?

Not everyone checks Craigslist when looking for an item or service, but many still do.

Depending on your product niche, you could have significant success selling on Craigslist and won’t need to spend a cent on a listing.

Drawbacks to Craigslist

The biggest drawback to Craigslist is its tainted reputation.

Without getting into details, there have been troublesome uses of the website that deter many from visiting it, let alone completing a transaction with a stranger.

Notable Mentions: Other Alternatives to Etsy

Here are our notable mentions of platforms that are decent options but aren’t necessarily the best.

These platforms have something to offer sellers and buyers, but they also have a few drawbacks we will discuss.

Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a web-based e-commerce platform that focuses on helping independent artisans or small business retailers.

Like other Etsy alternatives, Big Cartel allows you to curate an online store with a unique aesthetic, upload products or services, and even run promotions to grab shoppers’ attention.

It has a few different plan options, ranging from completely free to $19.99 per month.

The subscription plans eliminate listing fees and allow you to post more products in a given time.

Why Is Big Cartel a Great Option?

While Big Cartel may not have the biggest following or online visibility, they have a fabulous setup for sellers.

The three pricing plans allow you to grow your business at your speed and control while utilizing their free themes.

You also get a custom domain, making it easy to promote your online store using social media platforms.

While some free plans offer the bare minimum, Big Cartel’s free plan is functional and generous.

Drawbacks to Big Cartel

The drawbacks to Big Cartel revolve around the number of listings you’re permitted per month.

The maximum is 500 products, which can be limiting for expanding businesses.

Other complaints concern the SEO features, POS system, and customer support.

The technical functions on the website, including abandoned cart tools and multiple currencies, are extremely basic and remedial.

iCraft

iCraft is an Etsy alternative that focuses on everything homemade.

They have many products, including baby clothes, jewelry, candles, and birthday cards.

The site has a supportive community of artisans who often network together to expand their client bases.

The platform is one of the smaller online stores but still has a consumer base of more than one million people.

Why Is iCraft a Great Option?

The top reason people love iCraft is that the artisan seller community is extremely supportive, welcoming, and helpful.

So for people who want to start an online craft store but are nervous to start and feel they have many questions, iCraft can be a perfect place.

People who shop on iCraft are looking for handcrafted products and gifts, so they usually aren’t deterred by the prices of these items.

Places like Amazon Handmade have cheaper Amazon options just a few clicks away, making it harder to close sales on the platform.

Drawbacks to iCraft

iCraft does not offer free plans, but their pricing plans range from $10 to $15 a month.

While it is affordable, many people feel there are comparable free options available and better paid platforms.

The website is also not super modern or easy to navigate.

The outdated platform can deter some shoppers, but iCraft has posts indicating that they plan to update the site soon and do a massive upgrade to their features and aesthetics.

IndieMade

Many people who leave Etsy head to IndieMade.

However, the big difference is that IndieMade gives you your own website, acting as a building tool rather than a place for listings.

You can purchase your own domain or use one with IndieMade in the URL.

There are four plans ranging from $4.95 to $19.95 a month, plus a 30-day free trial.

Why Is IndieMade a Great Option?

IndieMade gives you the ideal tools to create postings, make sales, and showcase your business.

The free themes and customization options allow you to curate a distinct online store, even if you aren’t a tech-savvy person.

Drawbacks to IndieMade

While the IndieMade website lists some examples of their successful websites, there is no page where a shopper can browse for websites.

Therefore, it can be harder to make your business and products visible.

Etsy and most other alternatives give you a platform to showcase and sell your work.

But IndieMade only gives you the tools to build an e-commerce website.

For people who need exposure, this platform can be unproductive.

Even More, Options To Check Out

We have a few other Etsy alternatives we want to share with you.

For some artisans, these are ideal platforms.

These sites often fly under the radar, but they can be successful if utilized correctly.

eCrater

eCrater is a decent budget pick because it has little to no fees, depending on how many products you decide to list and how much you sell.

But they offer unlimited listings, ideal for people who sell smaller items, like jewelry or enamel pins.

eCrater is a much smaller website than most of the alternatives on this list, making it hard to get your brand noticed.

The biggest downside of eCrater is the lack of follow-through with customers.

Unlike eBay, eCrater does not penalize customers for creating invoices and then backing out of purchases.

So many people will claim several products only to buy one, making it very frustrating for sellers who thought they had a sale.

Shopify

Shopify is a more popular e-commerce site, making it a decent choice for people who want to reach more shoppers.

Shopify works by listing online stores for customers to check out.

The functions are similar to IndieMade, as you cannot shop directly on the Shopify site.

They offer three different payment plans and a 7-day free trial for newbies.

While Shopify is bigger than IndieMade and could potentially help grow your business, they offer little to nothing aside from linking your domain and social media on their pages.

Unlike IndieMade, you can’t build your website on their platform.

You must use GoDaddy, Squarespace, or another website builder and link it to Shopify.

So you have to pay for your domain and Shopify account.

Instagram

Lastly, many people neglect to utilize the shopping and e-commerce features on Instagram!

This photo and video-sharing platform is one of the most used social media apps, creating a lucrative opportunity for artisans with handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind items.

Influencers can recommend your business, and people who see your items can immediately click on them and purchase them through the Instagram app!

The downside to using Instagram is you need the algorithm to work for you, which can be challenging.

If you already have a decent following on social media, especially Instagram, you can be successful.

Amazingly, you only pay Instagram when you make a sale, so this option is accessible to people worried about losing money if their products don’t sell.

Other Alternative Roundups (Similar To Etsy)

Still unhappy with your current selling platform?

You can also check out alternatives to those sites!

• Amazon Alternatives: Check out some of the best Amazon alternatives. If you find Amazon’s selling platform too greedy, there are similar options to explore.
• eBay Alternatives: eBay alternatives can offer comparable bidding systems and seller and buyer protection policies, making sales more transparent and guaranteed.
• Alibaba Alternatives: Finally, you can also check out Alibaba alternatives. Alibaba is affordable and easy to use but doesn’t have the best reputation, but some alternatives are more credible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a couple of commonly asked questions concerning e-commerce platforms like Etsy.

Wrapping Up

Each Etsy alternative has its own upsides and downsides.

When weighing all the pros and cons, we feel Amazon Handmade is the best Etsy alternative, especially for people confident in their products and business.

Amazon Handmade’s high commission rate may not be ideal for brand-new businesses.

But we think eBay and Aliexpress can offer smaller businesses similar opportunities to Etsy, minus the massive fees.

If you feel Etsy is depleting your budget and not giving back much, explore these alternatives and consider which platform is ideal for your business model and product niche.