Etsy vs Shopify? Having trouble making a decision between selling on Etsy or Shopify? What is the best ecommerce solution for you to sell online? Discover in this article the strengths and weaknesses of each platform to be able to make your choice.
Etsy vs Shopify: About both platforms
Before we start the comparison between Etsy vs Shopify, it’s worth knowing each platform.
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace designed primarily for artists and artisans who want to sell their products. In this case, what to sell on Etsy? You can sell a little bit of everything there. Vintage, unique products, handmade, such as clothes, jewelry, wedding accessories, wall decoration objects, etc. Etsy is therefore a marketplace. So you don’t need a website. All you need is an account from which to put your products up for sale.
With Etsy, it’s easy for you to sell your products. You don’t need to worry about creating a website or online store. All it’s up to you is to have images, product descriptions, and comply with Etsy. If you’re looking to build your business, get customers, start selling, get your products out there, Etsy might be the perfect option.
Shopify
Shopify is a hosted e-commerce platform that makes it easy to create and manage an online store. Unlike a marketplace, a Shopify e-commerce site gives you more freedom in your online business. In terms of integration you have more control. It is flexible and easily customizable.
Etsy vs Shopify: General
Let’s start the comparison between Shopify and Etsy by looking at the offerings and features of each of these platforms.
Shopify: Key Features
The first point to compare between Etsy vs Shopify is about the main features. Shopify is one of the most effective ecommerce platforms out there. This platform is for those who own small or large businesses. The platform has features that help you create, manage and grow your online store very easily.
First, you can choose from over 70 themes (paid or free) professionally designed to create and customize your website. So, you can use a domain name that you can buy through Shopify. Or simply, if you already have a domain name, you can easily transfer to your Shopify store. It is totally customizable. You can have your own website that you structure as you wish to make your articles visible. With Shopify, you only pay a monthly fee to use the platform to host your website and store.
More flexibility
In addition, you have the option to securely accept all major credit card payments. With Shopify Payments, you won’t have to pay any additional transaction fees. This is the platform’s built-in payment processor that works with Stripe. However, you can also choose to integrate one of the hundreds of third-party payment gateways available. On top of that, when your store is up and running, you can take advantage of the multitude of features to manage it. Among other things, you can view your customers’ contact information and order history with one click. You can integrate dropshipping apps to easily set up a dropshipping activity. Besides that, you can process orders in the blink of an eye. You can even connect to Amazon or other sales channels and access powerful performance analytics.
More management tools
On the other hand, Shopify is also equipped with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools; Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in English. You benefit from powerful Marketing and SEO tools. These include: search engine optimization, integration with social networks, selling on Facebook, etc. You even have the option to offer your customers discounts and gift cards. One tool that’s especially beneficial for business owners is Shopify’s App Store. With this, you can search and download thousands of apps to integrate with your store to help you optimize your Shopify e-commerce. In addition, Shopify POS is a pos software that allows you to unify your in-store and online sales.
Etsy: Key Features
Considering the main features, it won’t be difficult to compare Etsy vs Shopify. Shopify allows you to create your own store and be self-sufficient. While Etsy is an international online marketplace that brings together sellers. Initially, the platform was built to serve as a marketplace where one could manufacture, sell, buy and even collect unique items. Thus, artists, creators and sellers could sell handmade items and vintage objects. For this reason, Etsy is not suitable for resellers. It’s actually just a platform for original and one-of-a-kind objects.
Sales features
Etsy is a good choice for second-hand sellers or very small businesses. The same goes for businesses that aren’t willing to invest the money needed to create, manage, and accept payments through a full-fledged online store. In reality, it’s easy to open an Etsy store and start selling thanks to Etsy’s built-in settings. You can also use Etsy as a complement to your online store, whether it’s hosted by Shopify or another ecommerce platform.
Plus, just like Shopify, you can manage your Etsy listings and orders. You can even communicate with your buyers, either through an online dashboard or through the Etsy app. However, unlike Shopify, which allows integration of third-party payment gateways (for an additional transaction fee), Etsy users can only accept payments through Etsy Payments. This built-in payment processor can accept all major forms of payment, including credit cards and bank cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and ACH payments.
Marketing and SEO tools
One of the main advantages of Etsy is the ability it offers you to take advantage of its considerable existing customer base. In 2018, Etsy reached nearly 39.5 million buyers. This reduces a bit of the work you’ll have to do to attract customers. To do this, you can use Etsy’s built-in marketing tools or integrate third-party apps that specialize in Etsy’s own marketing strategies to increase your sales. You can also check out the Etsy seller’s manual. This is a comprehensive guide that can answer virtually any question you have about selling in relation to this platform.
Etsy vs Shopify: Pricing
The rates of both platforms depend on the size of your inventory put online. Etsy or Shopify charge for their services in different ways.
Shopify pricing
Shopify operates on a monthly subscription model. This means that you will pay a fixed monthly amount to stay active. You will also have to pay a transaction fee for each sale. You won’t have to pay a fee every time you want to add a new item, renew an item, or every time someone buys something. Which means you can sell an unlimited amount of products without having to spend extra money.
Shopify mainly offers three monthly plans:
- Basic Shopify: Costs $29 per month, plus 2.9% + $0.30 for online credit card sales. It charges 2.7% for in-person sales, or 2% if you’re using another payment gateway other than Shopify Payments.
- Shopify: Costs $79 per month, plus 2.6% + $0.30 for online credit card sales, 2.5% for in-person sales, or 1% for other payment gateways.
- Advanced Shopify: Costs $299 per month, plus 2.4% + $0.30 for online credit card sales, 2.4% for in-person sales, or 0.5% for other payment gateways.
Each Shopify subscription plan offers discounts on USPS, UPS, or DHL Express shipping costs. It should be noted that this is how it is when you go through Shopify Shipping. The percentage off varies depending on your Shopify plan and the order you’re shipping. Also, keep in mind that additional add-ons downloaded through the Shopify App Store also incur additional charges. Besides, Shopify offers you a 14-day free trial after you launch your store before you can sign up for a particular plan.
Etsy Pricing
Etsy only offers a paid subscription, this is Etsy Plus. When you sign up, you get the Etsy Standard plan, which is completely free to use. This is actually a default plan for all sellers, available at no additional monthly cost. However, the company also offers the Etsy Plus offer which costs $10 per month. Registration for this offer apart from its additional features is completely optional. There is also a Premium offer that is launched this year and whose pricing information is not yet available. As you can imagine, for the price of a paid plan, you will have access to tools that will allow you to revive the growth of your business.
Whichever Etsy plan you choose, you’ll also have to pay three fees:
- Registration fee: Listing products on Etsy will cost you $0.20 per item. This takes into account the cost of publishing your ad, which remains valid for four months or until the item sells.
- Transaction fees: Etsy also charges 5% per transaction.
- Payment processing fee: The amount for payment processing on each item sold is 3% + $0.25.
You may find that Etsy’s registration fees are cheaper. However, their additional fees exceed Shopify’s. Depending on the volume of your products and sales, you might actually be spending more on your Etsy site than you will for a Shopify store’s monthly subscription fee.
Etsy vs Shopify: Which platform should you choose to sell?
If you already have a brand that is created, if you already have customers, then Shopify is to be favored. As an established brand, you have an audience that will be ready to visit your site. However, if you don’t have an online presence yet, you can opt for Etsy to get started. Etsy is suitable for selling unique and handmade creations. The same applies to handmade supplies, e-books, etc. It is also suitable for you if you do not want to spend too much at first and are looking for a platform with low fees. In addition, as a beginner, you benefit from the free training courses.
So, you can learn everything you need to know about how to run your Etsy store. If you’re not sure how to open your store, browse the “How to open my Etsy store” selection to start your business right now. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more personalized web store builder, turn to Shopify. It offers hosting included and guarantees the security of your site. In addition, in terms of SEO, Shopify aligns with best practices for SEO. In its App Store, you’ll find add-ons to expand your store’s functionality.
After all, know that you have the option to integrate Etsy as a marketing channel from your Shopify store. Diversify your online presence with Etsy, even if you already run an online store on Shopify. You will find several software programs that allow you to integrate the two channels in one place. You’ll be able to connect with Etsy, reach a new audience, and take full advantage of this famous market.
What to remember?
Here we are at the end of the comparison between Etsy vs Shopify. To sum up, start with Etsy if you have a few products and just need to make a few sales. However, if you want to start with your own store that you own and control, consider Shopify. It should be noted that you have the option to get your Shopify store in English. However, keep in mind that it all depends on your priorities
