Etsy has a strong reputation among shoppers and sellers alike when it comes to handmade, custom, or vintage items. Indeed, as of 2020, there were more than 4.3 million Etsy sellers.
While Etsy is one of the most well-known platforms for selling one-of-a-kind products, it is far from the only option.
Whether you want to create your own store or sell through leading local or global online marketplaces, there are numerous options to consider.
In this article, we’ll examine several popular Etsy alternatives so you can determine which is the best fit for you.
Alternatives to Etsy’s online store
Do you desire complete control over your brand? Consider creating your own ecommerce store rather than participating in an online marketplace. The following are a few of the most well-known names in ecommerce.
Shopify
Ecommerce plans begin at $29 per month plus transaction fees.
Just as Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplaces, Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms. Shopify, with over one million users, is a trusted Etsy alternative for entrepreneurs looking to build their brand experience from the ground up.
While this may sound intimidating if you are unfamiliar with web design or development, it is not. Shopify offers a plethora of pre-designed themes. All you have to do is upload your images and text and customize the user experience (UX).
The critical point to remember is that, unlike Etsy, you will not have access to a marketplace brimming with eager shoppers. As with the store, you’ll need to build traffic and a customer base—which means you’ll need to be prepared for some in-depth online marketing. Fortunately, Shopify includes a plethora of marketing tools.
Big Cartel
Free for up to five products; plans begin at $9.99 for up to fifty products.
As with Shopify, Big Cartel enables you to create your own independent online store and brand it. Its developers have geared their resources toward facilitating the sale of handmade goods by crafters, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Big Cartel offers customizable templates that you can tailor to your brand’s image. Additionally, there is a sophisticated sales tax tool that alleviates administrative burdens on the store owner. Additionally, the platform includes a variety of marketing apps that can assist you in spreading the word about your business.
However, Big Cartel is primarily an ecommerce platform, with no customer base comparable to that of Etsy. This means you’ll need to cultivate your own audience and develop strategies for customer retention. If you already have a loyal customer base, Big Cartel is an excellent Etsy alternative for monetizing your creative talents.