Etsy has long been the go-to marketplace for artisans and crafters to showcase their talents. However, as sellers grow and explore their options, they often find themselves needing more flexibility, control, or a better fit for their business goals. Luckily, there are several incredible Etsy alternatives out there that cater to independent creators, small businesses, and makers. Whether you’re looking for a marketplace with lower fees, more customization, or greater independence, these platforms have you covered.
Here are the eight best Etsy alternatives to help you sell your handmade goods online.
1. Shopify
When it comes to complete control and customization, Shopify is a clear winner. Unlike Etsy, Shopify isn’t a marketplace—it’s a platform that lets you create your own online store. This means you can design your site to match your brand identity, control customer data, and market your products on your terms.
Why Choose Shopify?
- Fully customizable design with hundreds of themes.
- No direct competition with other sellers on the same platform.
- Built-in tools for SEO, email marketing, and analytics.
- Easy integrations with social media platforms and other sales channels.
If you’re ready to grow beyond the limitations of a marketplace, Shopify empowers you to build a brand that stands out.
2. Big Cartel
For artists and makers who want something simple and affordable, Big Cartel is an excellent option. This platform is designed with creatives in mind, offering a streamlined way to sell handmade goods without getting bogged down by technical details.
Why Choose Big Cartel?
- Free plan available for small shops.
- Minimalistic interface that’s perfect for first-time sellers.
- Customizable templates to reflect your aesthetic.
- Lower fees compared to Etsy.
Big Cartel is ideal if you’re just starting out or if you want to keep things simple while maintaining creative freedom.
3. Squarespace
If aesthetics and visual appeal are top priorities for your brand, Squarespace should be on your radar. Known for its stunning design templates, Squarespace allows creators to build sleek, modern online stores that showcase their products beautifully.
Why Choose Squarespace?
- Gorgeous templates tailored for artists and crafters.
- Integrated e-commerce tools like inventory management and analytics.
- Seamless blogging features to connect with your audience.
- Excellent customer support for technical questions.
Squarespace is the perfect Etsy alternative for those who want to pair their products with a beautifully designed website.
4. Wix
Wix offers a highly flexible and user-friendly experience for sellers who want to build an online store without learning to code. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create a professional-looking website, even for beginners.
Why Choose Wix?
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop customization.
- Robust app marketplace for added functionality.
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses.
- Supports selling physical and digital goods.
Wix is a great choice for anyone who values ease of use and wants the freedom to experiment with their store design.
5. Amazon Handmade
If you want to tap into a massive customer base, Amazon Handmade is a strong contender. This dedicated section within Amazon is specifically for artisans and crafters, allowing you to reach millions of potential buyers.
Why Choose Amazon Handmade?
- Access to Amazon’s global audience and fulfillment services.
- Built-in credibility and trust from Amazon’s brand.
- Simplified setup process for handmade sellers.
- Tools to help you scale as your business grows.
Keep in mind that Amazon Handmade has stricter guidelines for what qualifies as “handmade,” but the exposure you get in return is unparalleled.
6. IndieMade
IndieMade is a platform designed specifically for creatives, combining website building and e-commerce features. It’s a great option if you want a professional-looking site without the complexity of managing multiple tools.
Why Choose IndieMade?
- All-in-one solution with website, e-commerce, and blogging tools.
- Features like image galleries and event calendars.
- Affordable plans for independent creators.
- Focused on small businesses and artists.
IndieMade is an excellent Etsy alternative for sellers who want to combine selling with storytelling and brand-building.
7. Bonanza
Bonanza is an online marketplace that lets you create customizable booths to showcase your products. It’s especially popular among sellers of unique, handcrafted, and vintage items.
Why Choose Bonanza?
- Low listing fees and seller-friendly pricing.
- Easy integration with eBay, Amazon, and Shopify.
- Tools to automate shipping and inventory management.
- Attracts buyers looking for distinctive, one-of-a-kind items.
Bonanza’s marketplace model offers more flexibility than Etsy while giving you access to a targeted audience.
8. Goimagine
For sellers who want to support a good cause while running their business, Goimagine is a unique platform that donates all profits to charity. This marketplace is dedicated to handmade goods, making it a perfect fit for artisans with a philanthropic spirit.
Why Choose Goimagine?
- 100% of profits go to charity.
- Focused exclusively on handmade and artisan products.
- Low fees for sellers compared to Etsy.
- Community-driven platform with a personal touch.
Goimagine stands out as an Etsy alternative that lets you sell with purpose while connecting with like-minded buyers.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right platform to sell your handmade goods depends on your specific goals and priorities. Whether you’re looking for more control, lower fees, or a larger audience, these Etsy alternatives offer fantastic options for artisans and crafters. Take the time to explore each one, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect fit for your business.
So, which Etsy alternative will you try first? Let us know your thoughts!
FAQs About Etsy Alternatives
1. Why should I consider Etsy alternatives?
While Etsy is a popular platform, it comes with limitations such as high fees, intense competition, and limited control over your store's branding. Alternatives like Shopify, Big Cartel, and Squarespace offer greater customization, lower fees, and more independence, making them better suited for growing businesses.
2. Which Etsy alternative is best for building my own brand?
Platforms like Shopify and Squarespace are excellent for building a unique brand. They allow you to create a fully customized online store, giving you complete control over your branding, customer experience, and data.
3. What’s the most affordable Etsy alternative?
Big Cartel offers a free plan for smaller shops, making it one of the most affordable options. Goimagine also has lower fees compared to Etsy, with the added benefit of supporting charitable causes.
4. Can I sell on multiple platforms simultaneously?
Yes, many Etsy alternatives allow integrations with other platforms. For instance, Bonanza enables you to sync your inventory with marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Shopify. This helps you reach a broader audience without managing multiple listings manually.
5. Is Amazon Handmade better than Etsy?
Amazon Handmade offers unparalleled access to a massive customer base and the credibility of Amazon’s brand. However, it has stricter guidelines for handmade products and charges a referral fee on sales. It’s a great option if you want to scale quickly but may not offer the same level of creative freedom as Etsy or other alternatives.
6. Do these platforms charge fees like Etsy?
Yes, most platforms have their own pricing structures. For example:
- Shopify charges a monthly fee but no listing fees.
- Big Cartel has a free plan and low monthly costs.
- Amazon Handmade charges a referral fee instead of listing fees.Be sure to compare the fee structures to find the platform that aligns with your budget.
7. Which platform is easiest for beginners?
Wix and Big Cartel are particularly user-friendly for beginners. They offer intuitive interfaces and require no coding skills, making it easy to set up and start selling quickly.
8. Can I migrate my Etsy store to one of these alternatives?
Yes, many platforms offer tools or guides to help you migrate your store. For instance, Shopify and Squarespace allow you to import product listings and customer data from Etsy, simplifying the transition process.
9. Are there Etsy alternatives focused on handmade goods?
Yes, platforms like Amazon Handmade, Goimagine, and Bonanza focus on handmade and artisan products, making them ideal for creators of unique, handcrafted items.
10. How do I choose the best Etsy alternative for my business?
Consider your priorities:
- Customization and control: Shopify, Squarespace.
- Low fees: Big Cartel, Goimagine.
- Large audience: Amazon Handmade, Bonanza.
- Ease of use: Wix, Big Cartel.Evaluate each platform’s features, fees, and audience to find the best fit for your business goals.
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