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If you’ve been selling on Etsy for a while, you’ve probably noticed things aren’t quite the same. Fees have crept up, competition has exploded, and those random policy changes? They can throw your whole shop off balance overnight. Many sellers love Etsy’s built-in audience, but hate the feeling of being just another store in an overcrowded market.

That’s where exploring alternatives to Etsy becomes more than just a “maybe someday” idea—it’s about protecting your margins, building your brand, and having more control over your customer relationships. Whether you sell handmade crafts, vintage finds, print-on-demand products, or digital downloads, there’s a platform out there that fits your business better.

In this guide, we’re not just listing websites. We’ll break down the real costs, who each platform works best for, and how to move without losing sales—so you can grow without the Etsy handcuffs.

Why Sellers Are Looking for Etsy Alternatives in 2025

Before you decide where to move, it’s important to understand why so many sellers are jumping ship. These aren’t just small annoyances—they’re business-changing factors that can impact your sales, profits, and sanity. Let’s break down the biggest reasons sellers are exploring other platforms.

Rising Etsy Fees and How They Impact Your Margins

Every percentage point Etsy adds to listing, transaction, or payment fees slices straight into your profits. For small-scale makers, that’s the difference between reinvesting in materials and barely breaking even. The reality? You could be paying more in fees than you realize.

Saturation and Competition From Resellers

Etsy started as a handmade haven, but mass-produced goods from resellers now crowd the search results. This makes it harder for authentic handmade sellers to stand out—especially when you’re competing with sellers offering rock-bottom prices.

Stricter Seller Policies and Listing Bans

Policy updates can hit without warning, and when they do, listings can disappear overnight. Even if you eventually get reinstated, you’ve already lost visibility, momentum, and sales. That unpredictability leaves many sellers feeling exposed.

The Need for More Control and Branding Freedom

Etsy owns the customer relationship—emails, repeat sales, all of it. You can’t fully customize your storefront or collect customer data. On your own site, you decide the branding, control the narrative, and actually own your audience.

Best Etsy Alternatives for Handmade Sellers

If your products are truly handmade, you need platforms that value craftsmanship, not mass-produced knock-offs. These marketplaces still prioritize authenticity, give your work the spotlight, and connect you with buyers who care about the story behind each piece.

1. Amazon Handmade – Prime Audience, Strict Vetting

Amazon Handmade puts your work in front of millions of Prime shoppers. You get the convenience of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and global reach, but there’s a catch—about 15% referral fees and a detailed vetting process. For sellers who can handle the volume, it’s a powerhouse channel.

2. Goimagine – US Handmade with a Heart

Goimagine is built around handmade values, and every fee supports children’s charities. It’s US-only and has a smaller audience, but it’s perfect if you want to align with a cause. The community is tight-knit, and shoppers come expecting genuine craftsmanship.

3. Bonanza – Low Fees & Negotiation Features

Bonanza keeps things simple with no listing fees and around 3.5% transaction fees. It’s ideal for makers who want flexibility—buyers can even make offers. You can import your Etsy listings in minutes and start selling without rebuilding your catalog from scratch.

4. Folksy – UK Handmade Community

For UK-based sellers, Folksy offers a more personal, community-driven space. Fees are lower than Etsy, and the audience appreciates locally made goods. While smaller in scale, it’s a strong complement to your main store if you’re targeting British buyers.

Best Etsy Alternatives for Digital Downloads & Printables

Selling digital products comes with its own set of needs—instant delivery, file hosting, and an audience that’s ready to purchase without shipping delays. These platforms cater specifically to creators of printables, templates, artwork, and other downloadable goods.

5. Creative Market – Premium Creative Audience

Creative Market attracts a global community of designers, marketers, and creatives. If you sell fonts, templates, graphics, or design elements, this is where your products will shine. The revenue share is higher, but you’re in front of buyers who understand the value of your work.

6. Gumroad – Simple, Creator-Friendly

Gumroad strips away complexity. Upload your product, set your price, and start selling in minutes. It’s perfect for creators who want a low-maintenance sales process. You keep most of the revenue, and the platform allows you to connect directly with your audience.

7. WooCommerce + Easy Digital Downloads – Own Your Store & Files

Pairing WooCommerce with Easy Digital Downloads gives you full ownership. You control file delivery, licensing, pricing, and email marketing. It takes more setup, but you’re building an asset you fully own—no platform rules to navigate.

8. Ko-fi – Add Donations & Memberships to Your Digital Sales

Ko-fi goes beyond one-time purchases. You can sell digital downloads, offer memberships, and accept tips from your audience. It’s ideal for creators who want recurring revenue streams without giving up creative control.

Best Etsy Alternatives for Print-on-Demand Sellers

If you’re in the print-on-demand (POD) space, you need platforms that handle production, shipping, and customer service—so you can focus on designs and marketing. These options give you varying levels of control, reach, and profit potential.

9. Redbubble – Built-in POD Marketplace

Redbubble takes care of printing, packaging, and delivery. You simply upload your designs, choose products, and set your prices. It’s a hands-off model with a built-in audience, though the royalties are on the lower side compared to running your own store.

10. Society6 – Art-Driven POD Platform

Society6 focuses on art, home décor, and lifestyle products. It’s perfect for artists who want their work on high-quality goods without handling fulfillment. The audience is smaller than Redbubble’s, but it’s highly targeted toward design-focused buyers.

11. Shopify + POD Apps – Full Brand Control

By integrating Shopify with POD apps like Printful or Printify, you get the best of both worlds—automation for production and complete control over your branding, pricing, and customer relationships. You’ll need to bring your own traffic, but your margins and brand equity can be much higher.

Best Etsy Alternatives for Vintage & Fashion Sellers

Vintage and fashion require platforms with the right audience—buyers who value rarity, style, and authenticity. These marketplaces cater to those niches, helping you connect with shoppers who are actively searching for unique finds.

12. eBay – Auction & Buy-It-Now Model

eBay has been a go-to for vintage and collectibles for decades. You can auction rare pieces to drive up the price or set fixed rates for consistent sales. The global audience is massive, but competition can be intense, so strong photography and detailed descriptions are a must.

13. Depop – Gen Z Fashion Hub

Depop is where secondhand meets streetwear. Popular with younger buyers, it’s perfect for curated fashion collections, vintage clothing, and unique accessories. The app’s social-media-like interface helps you build a following and turn it into repeat customers.

14. Poshmark – Clothing & Accessories Focus

Poshmark blends a marketplace with a community feel. Sellers host “Posh Parties,” share listings, and engage directly with buyers. It’s especially strong in North America, and while fees are fixed per sale, the audience is fashion-focused and ready to shop.

Build-Your-Own Store Alternatives to Etsy

Owning your store means owning your customer data, your branding, and your pricing. While it takes more effort to bring in traffic, the payoff is greater control and long-term stability. These platforms give you the tools to create a professional, scalable online shop.

15. Shopify – Scalable & App-Powered

Shopify makes it easy to build a store that grows with you. With hundreds of themes and thousands of apps, you can customize everything from product pages to checkout. It integrates with social media, marketplaces, and even in-person sales through POS.

16. Big Cartel – Best for Small Catalogs

Big Cartel is designed for artists and makers with smaller inventories. It’s simple to set up, has a free plan for up to five products, and charges no platform transaction fees. The trade-off is fewer advanced features compared to larger platforms.

17. Squarespace – Design-Led Branding

Squarespace shines when you want your store to look as good as your products. It’s known for beautiful templates and strong built-in marketing tools. While not as feature-rich for ecommerce as Shopify, it’s perfect for brand-led businesses.

18. WooCommerce – Maximum Flexibility

WooCommerce turns a WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It’s highly customizable with plugins and themes, making it ideal if you want complete control. You’ll need hosting and some technical know-how, but the possibilities are endless.

Regional Etsy Alternatives Worth Considering

Not every marketplace is global—and that can be a good thing. Regional platforms often have less competition, cater to local tastes, and handle currency and shipping logistics more smoothly. If your products appeal to a specific market, these options are worth exploring.

19. Madeit – Australia’s Handmade Marketplace

Madeit is Australia’s go-to for handmade and locally crafted goods. It attracts buyers who want to support homegrown businesses, and it eliminates the headaches of international shipping. Perfect if you’re an Aussie maker looking to dominate your local niche.

20. DaWanda – European Creative Marketplace

Once a major name in Europe, DaWanda closed its original site but continues through regionalized marketplaces and collaborations. If you find a niche European platform inspired by DaWanda’s model, you’ll tap into a culture that values artisan quality and design.

21. iCraft – Canada’s Craft-First Platform

iCraft focuses exclusively on handmade goods—no resellers, no mass production. It’s based in Canada but accepts sellers worldwide. Listing fees are low, and the platform’s strict handmade policy keeps quality and buyer trust high.

Migration Guide – Moving From Etsy Without Losing Sales

Switching platforms isn’t just about uploading your products somewhere new—it’s about keeping your momentum, preserving your SEO, and making sure loyal customers follow you. These steps will help you make a smooth transition without a sales slump.

1. Back Up Your Listings & SEO Metadata

Export all your Etsy listings, including titles, descriptions, tags, and photos. These details already work for search engines, so reusing them on your new platform helps maintain visibility while you build fresh traffic.

2. Redirect Buyers Through Etsy Bio & Order Notes

Update your Etsy bio, shop announcement, and product descriptions with a friendly note about your new store. Include a discount code to encourage buyers to shop directly with you.

3. Preserve Reviews & Social Proof

Screenshots of top reviews can be turned into testimonials for your new site. Just make sure you have permission if you’re quoting names or photos.

4. Sync Inventory During Transition

If possible, run both Etsy and your new platform in parallel for a few months. Use inventory sync tools to avoid overselling while you gradually shift customers to your new shop.

Fee Calculator – Find Your Break-Even Point

Switching to a new platform only pays off if your margins improve. A simple break-even check will tell you whether the move makes financial sense before you invest time in migration.

Step 1: Know Your All-In Cost Per Sale

Your formula: 

All-In Cost = Listing Fee + Transaction Fee + Payment Processing Fee + Ads/Promotion + Monthly Subscription ÷ Estimated Monthly Orders

This shows you the actual cost to sell one item—not just the headline fee.

Step 2: Run Two Quick Scenarios

• Example 1 – Amazon Handmade: $0 listing + 15% referral fee on a $50 item = $7.50 fee. Add payment processing if applicable.
• Example 2 – Bonanza: $0 listing + ~3.5% ($1.75) + $0.25 base fee = $2 per $50 item.

Step 3: Compare to Etsy’s Current Fees

Factor in Etsy’s listing fees, 6.5% transaction fee, payment processing, and any ad spend. Seeing the difference in actual dollars makes the decision easier.

Multichannel Strategy – Why One Platform Isn’t Enough

Relying on a single platform puts your business at risk. Fees can rise, algorithms can change, and policies can shift overnight. Running a multichannel strategy spreads that risk and opens you up to new audiences without abandoning your existing ones.

Example Stack 1: Etsy + Shopify

Keep Etsy for discovery while using Shopify to build your brand, capture emails, and sell exclusive products. Etsy drives first-time buyers, Shopify turns them into loyal customers.

Example Stack 2: Etsy + eBay

List rare or high-value pieces on eBay to take advantage of its auction model while selling steady sellers on Etsy. This works well for vintage and collectible niches.

Example Stack 3: Etsy + POD Marketplace

Pair Etsy with a print-on-demand marketplace like Redbubble or Society6 to expand your product catalog without adding inventory. Perfect for testing designs with low upfront costs.

Final Thoughts – Finding the Right Etsy Alternative

There’s no single “perfect” replacement for Etsy—it all comes down to your products, goals, and how much control you want over your business. For some sellers, a niche marketplace like Goimagine or Bonanza offers lower fees and a loyal audience. For others, building a Shopify or WooCommerce store means long-term brand ownership and higher margins.

The smart move? Start small and test. Keep Etsy running while you experiment with one or two alternatives. Track your fees, margins, and customer response, then scale the channels that perform best.

By diversifying now, you protect yourself from sudden policy changes and open new growth opportunities. Your brand deserves to thrive without being tied to a single platform—and the sooner you take that first step, the more freedom you’ll have to shape your business on your own terms.