Top 10 Websites Like Etsy: Best Alternatives To Sell Online

Published on January 27th, 2025

Quick Summary:

Finding the perfect marketplace for handmade products can be challenging. While Etsy is a popular choice, several other platforms offer great opportunities for artisans and buyers. In this blog, we explore 10 best websites like Etsy where you can buy and sell unique, handcrafted, and vintage items with ease.

Etsy has long been a go-to marketplace for buying and selling unique handmade and vintage items. With over 95 million active users, it has built a strong reputation. However, many users have recently expressed concerns about product quality, shipping delays, and customer support issues.

As a result, shoppers and sellers are now exploring websites like Etsy that offer a better experience. This blog will guide you through the best Etsy alternatives, how these platforms work, and key insights into the online handmade marketplace industry.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is a global online marketplace specializing in handmade, vintage, and unique factory-manufactured items. Founded in 2005, it has become the go-to platform for independent artisans, crafters, and small businesses looking to sell their products. Etsy provides sellers with a storefront, marketing tools, and a massive audience of buyers searching for unique, personalized items.

As of 2023, Etsy boasts over 96 million active buyers and 9 million active sellers, highlighting its significant presence in the e-commerce landscape.

Latest Market Scenario of Etsy

Etsy has experienced substantial growth over the years. As per the BusinessofApps, in 2023, the platform generated a revenue of $2.74 billion, marking a 7% increase year-over-year.

However, recent trends indicate a slight decline in active buyers, with a 0.4% decrease year-over-year to 91.2 million in Q3 2024.

Future Prediction:

Looking ahead, the global e-commerce market, encompassing platforms like Etsy, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2023 to 2027.

This growth is expected to be driven by increasing consumer preference for online shopping, advancements in technology, and the expansion of internet access worldwide.

Looking ahead, Etsy is expected to focus on:

• Enhanced Seller Support: Implementing stricter policies to maintain product authenticity and support seller success.
• Improved Shopping Experience: Leveraging AI-driven personalization and faster delivery services.
• Increased Competition: Facing challenges from emerging independent marketplaces and alternative platforms.
• Diversification: Expanding into new product categories and investing in technology to sustain its market position.

While Etsy remains a leading marketplace, the rise of Etsy alternatives means buyers and sellers are exploring other platforms for a more tailored and seamless experience.

How Does Etsy Work?

Etsy operates as a marketplace that connects buyers with independent sellers of handmade, vintage, and unique items. The platform enables individuals and businesses to set up virtual shops and list products for sale. Here’s how Etsy works for both sellers and buyers:

For Sellers:

• Creating a Shop: Sellers can easily create a personalized shop on Etsy. They can upload product listings with detailed descriptions, images, pricing, and shipping information.
• Selling Fees: Etsy charges a small listing fee (typically $0.20 per item) and takes a commission on each sale (5% of the total sale price). There may also be transaction and payment processing fees depending on the seller’s location and currency.
• Managing Orders: Sellers are responsible for processing orders, packing products, and shipping them to buyers. Etsy provides tools for managing inventory, customer communications, and order tracking.
• Marketing Tools: Etsy offers advertising tools to help sellers promote their listings within the platform and on external sites like Google and social media.

For Buyers:

• Browsing and Searching: Buyers can browse through millions of items on Etsy by category or search for specific products using keywords. They can filter results based on various factors such as price, location, and product type.
• Product Reviews and Ratings: Each item has a customer review section where buyers can read feedback from other shoppers. This helps in making informed purchasing decisions.
• Placing an Order: Once a buyer selects an item, they can add it to their cart and proceed to checkout. Etsy offers multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Etsy gift cards.
• Shipping and Delivery: Sellers are responsible for shipping the products directly to the buyer. Etsy provides estimated delivery times, and buyers can track their orders once shipped.

Etsy’s marketplace is known for its user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and extensive range of products, making it a popular platform for buying and selling unique and personalized items.

Etsy Revenue Model – How Etsy Generates Income

Etsy has a well-defined revenue model, making money through multiple streams. Here’s a breakdown of how Etsy generates its income:

• Listing Fees

Etsy charges a $0.20 fee for each product listing, which remains active for up to four months. Sellers are required to pay this fee every time they list an item for sale, and it’s non-refundable.

• Transaction Fees

Etsy takes a 5% transaction fee on the sale price of each item. This fee is charged when a seller successfully completes a transaction, and it applies to both the price of the product and the shipping cost paid by the buyer.

• Payment Processing Fees

Etsy also collects a payment processing fee based on the total sale price (product + shipping). This fee varies depending on the country of the seller but generally ranges from 3% + $0.25 to 4% + $0.25 for each transaction. Etsy Payments, Etsy’s integrated payment system, is used for processing these fees.

• Advertising and Promotional Fees

Etsy offers promoted listings and Etsy Ads where sellers can pay to have their listings featured more prominently on the site. The cost of these ads is determined by the seller’s budget and the competition for keywords, giving Etsy another stream of revenue.

• Subscription Fees

Etsy provides a subscription service called Etsy Plus, which costs $10/month. Etsy Plus offers additional features, such as custom web addresses, discounts on marketing materials, and access to advanced tools like restock requests.

• Shipping Fees

Etsy charges a fee for the use of its Etsy Shipping Labels service. Sellers who use Etsy’s platform to buy shipping labels can purchase at discounted rates, but Etsy takes a percentage as part of the transaction.

• Etsy Wholesale

Etsy previously operated Etsy Wholesale, an online marketplace where businesses could buy wholesale products directly from Etsy sellers. However, this program was shut down in 2018. Etsy continues to promote the idea of wholesale through its regular marketplace, charging standard transaction and processing fees.

• Etsy’s New Service: Etsy Manufacturing

Etsy’s new service called Etsy Manufacturing allows sellers to partner with manufacturers who can help produce their products in bulk. Etsy charges for the connections it facilitates between sellers and manufacturers.

In essence, Etsy’s revenue model is built on a mix of transaction fees, advertising, subscription plans, and other value-added services for sellers. This allows Etsy to maintain a profitable business while keeping the platform attractive to both buyers and sellers.

Etsy’s ability to scale through these varied income streams has played a significant role in its growth, making it one of the most popular online marketplaces for handmade goods.

Top 10 Etsy Alternatives | Websites like Etsy

Here are 10 top alternatives to Etsy for buying and selling handmade, vintage, and unique products:

1 – Amazon Handmade

• Launched: 2015
• Founding Company: Amazon
• Overview: Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s platform for artisans to sell their handmade products. Sellers can access Amazon’s vast customer base and use tools like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for shipping, along with advertising features to boost visibility. However, Amazon charges a monthly membership fee and takes a 15% commission on each sale, which can make it more expensive compared to other platforms.

2 – Storenvy

• Launched: 2012
• Founding Company: Jonathan Crawford
• Overview: Storenvy is an eCommerce marketplace that specializes in independent brands, offering a platform for makers to sell their products. Storenvy provides a 15% commission on sales and allows sellers to set up a customizable storefront using HTML or CSS. It is known for bringing high-quality indie products from around the world to consumers.

3 – Bonanza

• Launched: 2008
• Founding Company: Bill Harding
• Overview: Bonanza is a broad online marketplace like Etsy that allows sellers to list a variety of products including crafts, clothing, furniture, and more. Unlike Etsy, it doesn’t specialize in handmade goods but offers a simple, low-cost entry for sellers. The listing is free, but Bonanza charges a small commission on sales made through the platform.

4 – BigCartel

• Launched: 2005
• Founding Company: BigCartel, Inc.
• Overview: BigCartel is tailored for creatives who want to set up their own online store without relying on a central marketplace like Etsy. Sellers can manage their products, pricing, and sales, but the platform does not handle payments directly, so sellers need to set up payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe. BigCartel offers a free plan, but with limitations on the number of products listed.

5 – Ruby Lane

• Launched: 1998
• Founding Company: Tom Johnson
• Overview: Ruby Lane specializes in vintage, antique, and handcrafted items. It is well known websites like Etsy, for its high-quality curated marketplace, focusing on vintage goods and one-of-a-kind handmade items. Ruby Lane charges a monthly maintenance fee of $25, but listing items is free if sellers add at least 15 products per month. It is a great alternative for those focusing on antique and vintage products.

6 – Folksy

• Launched: 2008
• Founding Company: Folksy Limited
• Overview: Folksy is the largest handmade marketplace in the UK, offering a wide range of crafts and handmade products. Folksy does not allow the sale of vintage or mass-produced items, ensuring a curated marketplace for makers. Sellers can choose between a Basic and Plus plan, with a small fee for each item listed. Folksy’s simple and clear pricing model is a major draw for small businesses in the UK.

7 – eBay

• Launched: 1995
• Founding Company: Pierre Omidyar
• Overview: eBay, one of the largest eCommerce platforms globally, allows users to sell nearly anything, including handmade products. While eBay initially gained popularity as an auction site, it now supports fixed-price listings, and has evolved to accommodate small businesses and individual sellers offering handmade or unique items. eBay is known for its vast audience and worldwide reach.

8 – RedBubble

• Launched: 2006
• Founding Company: Martin Hosking, Peter Styles, and Paul Vanzella
• Overview: RedBubble is a similar sites like Etsy for independent artists to sell their designs printed on a variety of products, including clothing, home décor, and accessories. Artists upload their designs, and RedBubble handles production, printing, and shipping. Sellers receive royalties for each sale. RedBubble is ideal for artists looking to sell custom-designed products without dealing with inventory.

9 – Instagram Shopping

• Launched: 2018
• Founding Company: Facebook, Inc. (now Meta Platforms)
• Overview: Instagram Shopping allows users to buy and sell products directly on Instagram. Sellers can create a business account, showcase products through posts and stories, and tag items with direct links to purchase. Instagram Shopping enables creators to sell to their followers seamlessly, making it a great option for artists and makers with a strong social media presence. The platform also integrates with Facebook Marketplace for additional exposure.

10 – Facebook Marketplace

• Launched: 2016
• Founding Company: Facebook, Inc. (now Meta Platforms)
• Overview: Facebook Marketplace is a feature on Facebook that allows users to buy and sell products within their local communities. It includes both new and used items, but sellers can also list handmade products. Facebook Marketplace provides a free listing service, and while there are no fees for posting items, sellers may incur costs for managing transactions through Facebook’s Commerce Manager.

These websites like Etsy offer diverse opportunities for both makers and buyers. Depending on your product type and target audience, these platforms may serve as excellent alternatives to Etsy, providing access to a wide range of tools and global audiences.

Suggested: Etsy Business Revenue Model

How to Build Websites like Etsy?

Building a website like Etsy requires strategic planning, development, and continuous refinement. Below are the key stages involved in creating an alternative to Etsy:

Stage 1 – Competitor Research & Analysis

To develop a website like Etsy, begin by conducting a thorough analysis of Etsy’s competitors and other similar platforms. This helps identify the unique features that set them apart and understand user demands. Evaluate app store ratings, user feedback, and web development trends to create a product that stands out.

Stage 2 – Understanding Business & Revenue Model

Define a clear business model for your marketplace. Whether you plan to charge a membership fee, commission on sales, or offer a mix of revenue options, understanding the economics of your platform is crucial. Create a buyer persona to understand your target audience, which includes both buyers and vendors, and tailor your revenue model accordingly.

Stage 3 – App UI/UX Designing

Designing a user-friendly and intuitive marketplace requires focus on both UX and UI.

• UX Design: Understand user motivations and expectations, ensuring that the website architecture offers an efficient and seamless experience.
• UI Design: Focus on aesthetics and ease of navigation by considering color schemes, fonts, and design elements that appeal to your target audience.

A prototype should be created and tested before proceeding further.

Stage 4 – Coding the Website

Once the prototype is ready, it’s time to begin the development phase. Start with creating an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that includes core features of your platform. This allows you to test the market with minimal resources, gather feedback, and make improvements. Continue refining the platform as you grow, and incorporate advanced functionalities as needed. A quality assurance (QA) team should consistently test the website for bugs and performance issues.

Stage 5 – Launching the Website

With the platform built and tested, the next step is launching the website. This involves marketing the site, gathering user feedback, and continuously improving the platform based on the feedback received. Regular support and maintenance are essential to ensure the website runs smoothly and provides a good user experience. Be sure to discuss support services with your development partner from the start.

By following these stages, you can create successful websites like Etsy that cater to both vendors and buyers, offering a smooth marketplace experience.

Cost to Build Websites like Etsy

The total cost of building a website like Etsy can range from $50,000 to $200,000+. The development costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the platform, required features, and development time. Here are the key components that impact the cost of building an Etsy-like marketplace:

Key Environment Factors Affecting Cost:

1. Geographical Location:
   The cost of development will vary based on where the development team is located. Developers from countries with a high cost of living (like the U.S. or Western Europe) may charge significantly higher rates compared to those from Eastern Europe or South Asia.
2. Platform Complexity:
   A marketplace like Etsy requires multiple features such as seller profiles, product listings, reviews, messaging systems, and payment integration. The complexity and number of features directly impact the development time and cost.
3. Customization:
   If you opt for a highly customized solution rather than a template-based platform, the cost will be significantly higher. Custom features like advanced search filters, analytics tools, and real-time communication between buyers and sellers will add to the price.
4. Third-Party Integrations:
   The use of third-party services such as payment processors, marketing tools, and shipping APIs can increase costs depending on how many services you integrate.
5. Design and Branding:
   A unique, attractive, and user-friendly design can increase the costs, especially if you hire top-tier design professionals to create a custom interface.
6. Quality Assurance:
   The cost of QA and testing varies depending on how many iterations of testing and bug fixes are needed, as well as the complexity of the platform.
7. Marketing and Launch:
   Marketing efforts, including SEO, ads, and promotional strategies, will also add to the overall cost of building and launching the platform.

Considering all these factors, it’s important to plan a budget that reflects both short-term development costs and long-term operational costs to ensure your platform remains competitive and functional.

Build a Websites like Etsy with iTechnolabs:

Are you looking to create your own online marketplace like Etsy? iTechnolabs offers expert website development services to build a custom Etsy alternative tailored to your business needs. With years of experience in developing robust and scalable e-commerce platforms, we provide end-to-end solutions—from UI/UX design to seamless integration of payment gateways, seller dashboards, and custom features.

Why Choose iTechnolabs for Your Etsy Alternative?

• Custom Solutions: Tailor your marketplace to your unique business model.
• Scalable Platform: Build a platform that grows with your business.
• Expert Developers: Work with a team of skilled developers with extensive experience in e-commerce and marketplace development.
• Mobile App Development: Expand your reach with custom iOS and Android apps.
• 24/7 Support & Maintenance: We offer ongoing support to ensure your platform runs smoothly.

Let iTechnolabs help you create a competitive, high-performing Etsy alternative that meets your business goals. Contact us today to start building your future marketplace!

Takeaway

In conclusion, while Etsy remains a popular platform for buying and selling handmade products, exploring websites like Etsy opens up numerous opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Each Etsy alternative offers unique features, fees, and user experiences that cater to different business needs and niches. Whether you’re looking for a broader marketplace like Amazon Handmade, a platform with a niche focus like Folksy, or a customizable solution like Big Cartel, there’s an option for every entrepreneur.

By understanding the key differences, pricing models, and business strategies of these platforms, you can make a more informed decision about where to list your products or which platform to build your own marketplace on. As the demand for handcrafted, vintage, and independent goods continues to grow, exploring new and innovative alternatives to Etsy will help you stay ahead of the curve.

FAQ’s

What is the website development cost for sites like Etsy?

The development cost for creating a website like Etsy can range from $50,000 to $200,000+. The price depends on factors such as project complexity, design, features, and the platform’s scalability. Customizations, integrations, and third-party services can also influence the final cost.

What are the top features of websites like Etsy?

Key features of websites like Etsy include an intuitive registration process, multiple language and currency support, user-friendly UI/UX, integrated payment gateways, social media sharing options, live tracking, robust customer support, and seller dashboards for managing listings and sales. These features ensure smooth user experience and seamless operations.

What is the time required to build sites like Etsy?

Building a fully functional Etsy alternative takes approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity and requirements. Development time varies based on factors like design, features, integrations, and testing. MVP (minimum viable product) development can shorten the timeline, while adding custom features or advanced functionality might extend it.

How does Etsy Make Money?

Etsy generates revenue through listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, subscription charges for premium plans, and advertising services. Sellers pay fees when listing products, processing payments, and using Etsy’s promotional tools. Etsy’s business model is based on facilitating transactions between sellers and buyers, while taking a commission from each sale.

What are the Best Etsy Alternative Websites?

Some top Etsy alternatives include Amazon Handmade, RedBubble, eBay, Instagram Shopping, and Facebook Marketplace. Each platform offers unique features, such as broader audience reach (Amazon Handmade), customization options (RedBubble), and social media integration (Instagram Shopping), providing sellers with multiple opportunities to reach customers and sell their handmade products.