Looking for alternatives to Etsy? This guide breaks down eight platforms where crafters can sell their handmade goods, comparing costs, features, and what you need to know before signing up.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. I have no affiliate relationships with any of the platforms mentioned and receive no compensation for including them in this guide.
If you’ve been selling crafts on Etsy lately, you’ve probably noticed something painful: after listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, and those offsite ad fees, your $10 sale might only net you $8.50 or less.
Many crafters are feeling the squeeze.
This guide explores eight alternative platforms, breaking down the real costs, pros, cons, and important terms you should know about before making a decision.
Why Crafters Are Exploring Alternatives to Etsy
Before diving into alternatives, here’s why many makers are looking elsewhere.
The Fee Breakdown
In 2022, Etsy raised their transaction fee from 5% to 6.5%, a 30% increase that sparked seller strikes. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s what sellers pay on every sale:
- Listing fee: $0.20 per item (renews every 4 months or when sold)
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of the total sale price (including shipping)
- Payment processing: 3% + $0.25 per transaction
- Offsite ads: 12-15% if a customer finds you through Etsy’s external advertising (sellers cannot opt out once they hit $10,000 in annual sales)
Combined, these fees can take 10-20% of every sale. For crafters working on thin margins, that significantly impacts profitability.
Other Concerns
Beyond fees, sellers have expressed frustration with:
- Mass-produced items competing in the handmade marketplace
- AI-generated designs alongside handcrafted goods
- Account suspensions with limited explanation
- Less control over customer relationships
Quick Comparison: Etsy vs. The Alternatives
| Platform | Monthly Fee | Transaction Fee | Payment Processing | Notes |
| Etsy | $0 | 6.5% | 3% + $0.25 | Built-in marketplace traffic |
| Big Cartel | $0-$19.99 | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) | Designed for artists |
| Square Online | $0-$79 | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Syncs with in-person sales |
| Ko-fi Shop | $0 | 5% | ~3% + $0.30 | Popular with creators |
| Payhip | $0-$99 | 0-5% | ~3% + $0.30 | Digital + physical products |
| TikTok Shop | $0 | 6-8% | Included in referral fee | Requires video content |
| Shopify | $39+ | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Full e-commerce features |
| Instagram/Facebook Shop | $0 | 0% | Varies | Requires existing audience |
| Your Own Website | Varies | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Maximum control |
Platform Breakdown
1. Big Cartel
Overview: Big Cartel was built specifically for artists and makers. The platform emphasizes simplicity and straightforward pricing.
Pricing:
- Gold (Free): Up to 5 products, 1 image per product
- Platinum ($9.99/mo): Up to 50 products, 5 images each, Google Analytics, inventory tracking
- Diamond ($19.99/mo): Up to 500 products, 25 images each, priority support
The Real Cost: Big Cartel charges no platform transaction fees. Sellers pay only Stripe’s processing fee (2.9% + $0.30) or PayPal’s fee (2.99% + $0.49).
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $9.41 (compared to approximately $8.55 on Etsy)
Pros:
- Free plan with no hidden fees
- Clean, professional storefronts
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Low barrier to entry
Cons:
- Limited to 5 products on free plan
- No built-in marketplace audience
- Basic customization options
- No abandoned cart recovery feature
Important Terms to Know: Big Cartel requires sellers to create their own shop policies, including privacy policies (required by law in most countries), return policies, and shipping terms. Sellers are fully responsible for customer disputes, refunds, and compliance with local business laws. Big Cartel provides the platform but does not mediate between buyers and sellers. Review their fullTerms of Service andMerchant User Agreement before signing up.
2. Square Online
Overview: Square, known for their point-of-sale card readers, also offers a free online store platform that integrates with their in-person payment system.
Pricing:
- Free: Unlimited products, Square branding on site
- Plus ($29/mo): Custom domain, no ads, subscription features
- Premium ($79/mo): Lower processing fees, real-time shipping rates
The Real Cost: Free plan: 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction. No platform fees.
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $9.41
Pros:
- Unlimited products on free plan
- Syncs online and in-person sales (useful for craft fairs)
- Professional checkout experience
- Instagram/Facebook shop integration
- Solid mobile app for order management
Cons:
- Free plan displays Square branding
- Less craft-focused than other options
- Feature-rich interface may feel overwhelming initially
Important Terms to Know: Square’s terms require sellers to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Sellers are responsible for product quality, fulfillment, and customer service. Square reserves the right to hold funds or terminate accounts for policy violations. Review their fullTerms of Service before signing up.
3. Ko-fi Shop
Overview: Ko-fi started as a “tip jar” for creators but has evolved into a full shop platform. It’s popular with artists, crafters, and content creators who want to combine tips, memberships, and product sales in one place.
Pricing:
- Free: 0% on tips, 5% on shop sales
- Ko-fi Gold ($6/mo): 0% on everything
The Real Cost: Free plan: 5% platform fee + Stripe/PayPal processing (approximately 3% + $0.30)
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $8.91
Pros:
- Low barrier to entry
- Built-in community of supporters
- Sells physical products, digital downloads, and memberships
- Supports direct creator-to-buyer relationships
- Ko-fi Gold removes platform fees for $6/mo
Cons:
- 5% fee on shop sales (free plan) is comparable to old Etsy rates
- Less traditional “storefront” appearance
- Limited customization options
- Smaller buyer audience than established marketplaces
Important Terms to Know: Ko-fi operates as a hosting service only, not a marketplace or payment processor. This is significant: Ko-fi explicitly states they are “not responsible for pricing, payment, delivery, refunds, chargebacks or disputes.” All transactions are directly between the creator and supporter. Creators must set their own terms of sale (up to 10,000 characters) and buyers agree to these at checkout. Creators are also bound by PayPal’s and Stripe’s acceptable use policies, and selling prohibited items can result in account suspension. Ko-fi uses a three-strike system for policy violations. Physical items like cosmetics, candles, and soaps have additional legal requirements sellers must meet. Review their fullTerms,Privacy Policy, andContent Guidelines before signing up.
4. Payhip
Overview: Payhip is popular among creators who sell digital products, but the platform also supports physical goods with inventory management and shipping configuration.
Pricing:
- Free: 5% transaction fee
- Plus ($29/mo): 2% transaction fee
- Pro ($99/mo): 0% transaction fee
The Real Cost: Free plan: 5% + payment processing (approximately 3% + $0.30)
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $8.91
Pros:
- Supports both digital and physical products
- All features available on every plan (only fees differ)
- Clean, simple interface
- Built-in affiliate program
- Automatic EU VAT handling
Cons:
- 5% fee on free plan
- No built-in marketplace traffic
- Basic storefront customization
Important Terms to Know: Sellers are responsible for managing shipping, delivery, and inventory for physical products. Payhip provides tools but does not handle fulfillment. Payments go directly to your PayPal or Stripe account. Review theirTerms of Service before signing up.
6. TikTok Shop
Overview: TikTok Shop allows sellers to sell products directly within the TikTok app, leveraging video content and live streams to reach TikTok’s massive user base. It launched in the US in September 2023.
Pricing:
- No monthly fee to set up a seller account
- Referral fee: 6% per order for most products (8% as of July 2024 for some categories)
- New seller promotion: Reduced rates may be available for the first 60 days
The Real Cost: The referral fee includes all platform charges except shipping and taxes. No separate transaction fee.
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $9.40 (at 6% rate)
Pros:
- Access to TikTok’s large, engaged user base
- Built-in tools for live selling and affiliate marketing
- No monthly subscription fees
- Integrated shopping experience within the app
- Strong for visually appealing, demonstrable products
Cons:
- Requires creating video content consistently
- Fees increased significantly in 2024 (from 2% to 6-8%)
- Platform is relatively new with evolving policies
- Must meet eligibility requirements (5,000+ followers for some features)
- Seller must be 18+ with a TikTok Business Account
Important Terms to Know: TikTok Shop has strict seller requirements. Sellers must be at least 18 years old and operate a TikTok Business Account. Business sellers need an EIN and business registration documents; individual sellers need government-issued ID. TikTok maintains a prohibited products list (weapons, counterfeit goods, adult content, certain health products) and a restricted products list requiring additional documentation. Sellers must maintain performance metrics including Order Defect Rate and Customer Satisfaction Score, or risk penalties or suspension. The contract for each sale is between the seller and buyer, not TikTok. TikTok reserves the right to review accounts and take enforcement action for policy violations. Review theSeller Terms of Service andContent Policy before signing up.
7. Shopify
Overview: Shopify is a major player in e-commerce, offering robust features and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing:
- Basic: $39/mo
- Shopify: $105/mo
- Advanced: $399/mo
The Real Cost: $39/mo minimum + 2.9% + $0.30 processing (rates decrease on higher plans)
On a $10 sale, sellers keep: approximately $9.41 (not including monthly fee)
Pros:
- Professional, customizable storefronts
- Extensive app marketplace
- Strong inventory management
- Multiple sales channel integrations
- Good SEO capabilities
Cons:
- $39/mo minimum may be prohibitive for new or low-volume sellers
- Costs increase with apps and add-ons
- May be more than needed for small operations
- Steeper learning curve
Important Terms to Know: Shopify charges additional fees if using payment providers other than Shopify Payments. Sellers must comply with Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy. Review their fullTerms of Service before signing up.
8. Instagram and Facebook Shops
Overview: For crafters with established social media followings, selling directly through Instagram and Facebook allows customers to discover and purchase without leaving the app.
Pricing: Free to set up. Processing fees vary by checkout method.
Pros:
- Sells where your audience already engages
- Tag products directly in posts and Reels
- No monthly fees
- Seamless shopping experience
- Effective for visual, impulse-friendly products
Cons:
- Must meet eligibility requirements
- Limited customization
- Platform changes can affect visibility and reach
- You don’t own the platform or customer data
Important Terms to Know: Meta’s Commerce Policies govern what can and cannot be sold. Account access depends on maintaining good standing with Meta’s community standards. Algorithm changes can significantly impact product visibility. ReviewMeta’s Commerce Policies before setting up.
9. Self-Hosted Website (WordPress/WooCommerce)
Overview: Building a store on your own website offers maximum control over branding, customer experience, and data ownership.
Pricing:
- WordPress hosting: $4-$30/mo depending on provider
- WooCommerce plugin: Free
- Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30
Important Note: If using WordPress.com (not self-hosted WordPress.org), sellers need the Business plan ($300/year) to install plugins like WooCommerce. Self-hosted WordPress through providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, or others allows WooCommerce installation on lower-cost plans.
Pros:
- Complete control over branding and customer experience
- Own your customer data
- No platform transaction fees
- Strong long-term SEO potential
- Professional credibility
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge or willingness to learn
- WordPress.com Business plan is expensive
- Responsible for all maintenance, security, and updates
- No built-in marketplace traffic
Important Terms to Know: With your own website, you’re responsible for creating legally compliant privacy policies, terms of service, refund policies, and ensuring PCI compliance for payment processing. Consult with a legal professional about requirements in your jurisdiction.
The Traffic Consideration
One significant difference between Etsy and these alternatives: Etsy brings built-in buyer traffic through its marketplace. Other platforms require sellers to drive their own traffic.
Consider where your current customers come from:
- Social media followers
- Pinterest pins
- TikTok videos
- Craft fair customers
- Word of mouth referrals
If most traffic already comes from your own marketing efforts, the value of Etsy’s marketplace becomes less significant relative to the fees.
Common traffic-building strategies:
- Optimize social media bios with direct shop links
- Create content around products such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes, and process videos
- Use Pinterest strategically as a search engine, not just social media
- Build an email list for direct customer communication
- Cross-promote by mentioning your shop across all content
Choosing a Platform: Factors to Consider
When evaluating platforms, consider these questions:
Volume and Scale:
- How many products do you sell?
- What’s your monthly sales volume?
- Do you plan to scale significantly?
Product Type:
- Physical only, digital only, or both?
- Do you sell at in-person events?
Technical Comfort:
- How much setup and maintenance are you comfortable handling?
- Do you want a simple solution or more customization?
Budget:
- Can you afford monthly fees, or do you need a percentage-only model?
- At what sales volume do monthly fees become more economical than percentage fees?
Existing Audience:
- Do you have an established social media following?
- Where does your current traffic come from?
Summary
Each platform has trade-offs between cost, features, ease of use, and built-in traffic. What works for one crafter may not work for another.
The key factors to weigh:
- Fee structure and how it impacts your specific price points and volume
- Features you actually need versus nice-to-haves
- Terms and policies that affect how you run your business
- Traffic sources and whether you need marketplace discovery or can drive your own
Taking time to read each platform’s terms of service, understand the fee structures, and test with a small product selection can help determine the right fit.
Have experience with any of these platforms? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more resources on running a craft business, check out theWeekly Craft Dealsroundup for supply sales and discounts.
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