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Etsy Competitors: Exploring Alternatives for Online Artisans

In the past few years, handmade marketplaces like Etsy have exploded in popularity. In fact, Etsy has become a household name, known for providing a platform where skilled artisans can sell their handmade creations to a global audience. 

While Etsy is undoubtedly a great place to sell handmade crafts, this article explores the top Etsy competitors and alternative handmade marketplaces where craft sellers can market their creations.

Etsy Competitors

1. Handmade at Amazon

Handmade at Amazon is a leading competitor to Etsy. This platform has been around since 2015 and has an enormous potential reach since Amazon owns it. 

Handmade at Amazon is an invitation-only platform, meaning that sellers are vetted and handpicked before they can join. 

While there are only a few thousand sellers currently using Handmade at Amazon, this platform has the advantage of being a part of one of the world’s biggest online retailers.

Key features and benefits for sellers:

  • Amazon’s immense SEO capability that attracts an enormous audience of buyers
  • Access to Amazon’s customer base
  • Professional-looking storefronts and the opportunity to participate in Amazon Handmade Markets
  • Lower fees when compared to Etsy, with only a 15% commission on sales
  • Great opportunity to increase sales without the need for extra advertising efforts

etsy competitor

2. Zibbet

Zibbet is an emerging Etsy competitor that is gaining popularity due to its ease of use and low market competition. The platform provides makers with all the essential tools to sell their crafts and reach a wider audience.

Key selling points and benefits:

  • Its integration of all prominent channels where buyers can access and purchase items on Instagram, Etsy, Facebook, Shopify, and others.
  • Enables sellers to import their products seamlessly and manage their orders in a single place.
  • Low monthly fees starting at just $5/month for sellers.
  • Zibbet’s SEO is on par with Etsy’s, which means that sellers can benefit from enhanced visibility without having to do much marketing.
  • Zibbet also offers sellers access to professional marketing tools that help sellers promote their products and grow their store.

3. Aftcra

A relatively young but vibrant online marketplace, Aftcra, caters to the American handcrafted market. This platform was created in 2013, and according to its founders, it solely exists to support the American handmade community and promote ethical and sustainable practices.

Highlighting the advantages and selling opportunities on Aftcra:

  • Aftcra does not accept or allow imports, and only products entirely handcrafted in America sold here.
  • No listing or transaction fees for sellers, and only a 7% commission fee when an item is sold.
  • Efficient, user-friendly interface for easy uploading and management of products.
  • Aftcra also aspires to form a supportive community of American makers and crafters.

Compared to Etsy, Aftcra seeks to engage the American handmade community and values originality, authenticity, and sustainability.

4. Bonanza

Bonanza is a versatile marketplace open to all types of sellers, from handmade garments to tech accessories. This platform prides itself on its superb customer services and user-friendly interface.

Noteworthy features and benefits for craft sellers:

  • Easy integration with Google Shopping and eBay to improve the visibility of sellers’ products.
  • One-on-one customer support provided by dedicated Bonanza account managers.
  • Low competition when compared to Etsy, with fewer sellers offering handmade crafts.
  • Low fees, with only a 3.5% commission on sales and no listing fees.

Compared with Etsy, Bonanza offers a simple selling platform without monthly recurring payments or subscription models, allowing sellers to keep complete control of their accounts and increase earning opportunities.

5. Storenvy

Storenvy is primarily an online marketplace for creative entrepreneurs to share and sell their products, including art, apparel, home goods, and much more. 

This platform makes it easy to showcase and sell creative products and provides Facebook integration, free sales analytics, and social selling opportunities.

Unique selling propositions and features:

  • A straightforward setup and product management process that allows sellers to set up storefronts on Storenvy quickly.
  • Customizable storefront to showcase your products creatively, brand yourself, and set yourself apart from the competition.
  • Community to connect with like-minded individuals, retailers, and creatives with over 300,000 sellers.
  • No listing or commission fees for sales occurring on the seller’s website. However, a 10% fee is added to products sold via the Storenvy marketplace.

Compared with Etsy, Storenvy focuses not only on handmade crafts but also on products with different design elements such as prints, photography, jewelry, and accessories.

Etsy Competitors

6. Society6

Society6 is a marketplace centering around artwork. It provides creatives with an avenue to showcase their art in various formats like home décor, accessories, apparel, and more.

Key features and advantages for artists and crafters:

  • A wide range of art prints available in multiple sizes and formats.
  • Artist profiles that display curated works.
  • Attentive customer service, simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Society6 produces their products, freeing up designers to concentrate entirely on their artwork which allows them to focus on their creations.

Compared with Etsy, Society6 is ideal for graphic artists and designers or creative professionals looking to enter the art and design market.

7. Redbubble

Another popular platform for artists is Redbubble. This platform provides a vast range of categories, including home decor, fashion, stationery, stickers, phone cases, and wall art.

Highlighting the benefits and opportunities for sellers:

  • A seamless integration with multiple online tools including Shopify, Instagram, and Pinterest.
  • Reasonably low fees, with a 15% commission on sales.
  • Competitive pricing and a massive range of products that support several sellers with diverse creative skills.
  • Unlike Etsy, the platform does not pressure sellers to provide free shipping.

Compared to Etsy, Redbubble focuses on the artist community and offers unique opportunities for artists to exhibit and market their designs to a global audience.

Conclusion

From this discussion, it is clear that there are alternative handmade marketplaces besides Etsy, and they all offer unique value to crafters and makers. Each has specific selling points and support independent creators and artists.

The crucial factor is to thoroughly examine every platform’s system before starting your store, evaluating every payment model, sales strategy, fees, customer service, and whether it aligns with your creative philosophy and style. 

Undoubtedly, Etsy has set the tone as a leading handmade marketplace, but with so many options available, you can increase your sales and support your passion by exploring the competition.