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Best Etsy Alternatives

Best Etsy Alternatives

Etsy has long been the go-to platform for selling handmade goods, but it's not the only option. Many sellers are looking for Etsy alternatives due to rising fees, increased competition, and changing policies. Fortunately, there are several online marketplaces and dropshipping platforms for handmade products that provide great opportunities to sell crafts, vintage items, and custom goods.

Whether you want to build your store independently or find an established marketplace with lower fees, there are plenty of Etsy competitors to explore. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best platforms for artists, crafters, and small businesses to help you choose the right place to sell your handmade creations—and why AliDrop is one of the best dropshipping platforms to consider. Let’s dive in!

Top Etsy Alternatives

If you're looking for Etsy alternatives, there are several online marketplaces and dropshipping platforms for handmade products that offer lower fees, better branding options, and less competition. 

Whether you want full control over your store or prefer an established marketplace, the right Etsy competitor can help grow your business. AliDrop is a leading option for those seeking seamless integration with AliExpress, enabling you to access millions of handmade and custom products without the hassles of inventory management.

1. Spocket: Elevate Your Dropshipping Business with US/EU Suppliers

Spocket is another exceptional dropshipping platform that seamlessly integrates with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix. It provides high-quality, US/EU-based products, which can significantly improve your customer experience by offering faster shipping times compared to AliExpress.

Why Choose Spocket?

  • High-quality products sourced from reliable suppliers in the US and EU.
  • Faster shipping times, improving delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
  • Branded invoicing to allow you to send professional invoices with your store’s name.
  • Global product range across various niches, including fashion, beauty, home goods, and more.

Fees & Pricing

  • Basic Plan: $39.99/month
  • Pro Plan: $59.99/month
  • Empire Plan: $99.99/month
  • Offers a free trial to test out features and find the best fit for your store.

Best for Dropshippers Focused on Fast Shipping and US/EU-Based Products

Spocket is perfect for ecommerce store owners who want to offer higher-quality products with faster shipping times to their customers. It’s ideal for building a reliable and professional brand with excellent customer service, especially for those who want to sell high-demand products in popular niches.

2. Shopify: The Best Standalone Store Builder

Shopify is a top choice for sellers who want to build their handmade marketplace without relying on a third-party platform. Unlike Etsy, Shopify gives you full control over your store’s design, pricing, and branding.

Why Choose Shopify?

  • Lets you create a fully customized online store.
  • No competition from other sellers on the same platform.
  • Allows you to set your pricing, policies, and promotions.
  • Seamless integrations with social media and top eCommerce platforms for creatives.

Fees & Pricing

  • Monthly subscription starts at $29 per month.
  • No listing fees, but payment processing fees apply.
  • Additional costs for apps and premium themes.

Best for Handmade & Independent Brands

Shopify is perfect for artists, crafters, and small businesses that want a professional online store with complete control over design, branding, and customer experience.

3. Amazon Handmade: Etsy's Biggest Competitor

Amazon Handmade is one of the closest Etsy competitors, offering a massive customer base for artisans. It’s an invite-only marketplace for handmade sellers looking for exposure on Amazon.

Why Choose Amazon Handmade?

  • Access to Amazon’s massive customer base.
  • Handmade-only marketplace, meaning no mass-produced competition.
  • Option to use Amazon FBA for hassle-free fulfillment.

Fees & Seller Requirements

  • No listing fees, but Amazon takes a $0.99 commission on each sale.
  • Handmade sellers must apply and be approved by Amazon.
  • Requires a Professional Seller account, which costs $39.99/month.

Best for Artisans & Established Sellers

Amazon Handmade is ideal for experienced sellers who want massive exposure and reliable logistics, but it may not be the best choice for those looking for lower fees and branding control.

4. eBay: A Trusted Global Marketplace

eBay is one of the most well-known Etsy alternatives, offering a massive customer base and a simple way to sell handmade, vintage, and unique items. It allows sellers to reach both national and international buyers without the strict policies of Etsy.

Why Choose eBay for Handmade Products?

  • Access to millions of active buyers worldwide.
  • Flexible pricing options, including auctions and fixed-price listings.
  • Ideal for one-of-a-kind, vintage, or niche handmade items.
  • Easier entry compared to exclusive handmade marketplaces.

Fees & Selling Costs

  • No upfront listing fee for up to 250 products per month.
  • Store subscription fee for eBay starts at $4.99 per month billed annually. 
  • eBay charges a commission (final value fee) between 10-15% per sale, depending on the category.
  • Optional upgrades are available for premium visibility.

Best for Unique & Vintage Items

If you're selling rare, collectible, or custom handmade goods, eBay provides a trusted marketplace with high traffic and international reach.

5. Big Cartel: A Budget-Friendly eCommerce Platform

Big Cartel is a great Etsy competitor for artists, crafters, and small businesses looking for an easy and affordable way to build an independent store. It’s perfect for sellers who want simplicity and creative freedom without the complexity of larger platforms.

Why Choose a Big Cartel?

  • Simple setup and minimalist storefront design.
  • Free plan available for small businesses selling up to five products.
  • Full control over branding, pricing, and store policies.
  • No marketplace competition—your store is 100% your own.

Fees & Subscription Plans

  • Free plan for up to five products.
  • Paid plans start at $15/month for up to 50 products.
  • No listing fees, just payment processing fees from PayPal or Stripe.

Best for Small Businesses & Artists

Big Cartel is ideal for independent artists, craft makers, and small brands that want a simple, low-cost storefront with creative freedom. It’s best for those who prefer selling from their own website rather than a crowded marketplace.

6. Squarespace: A Stylish Store for Creatives

Squarespace is one of the most visually appealing Etsy alternatives for handmade sellers. It allows creatives to build a sleek, professional online store without needing technical skills. If branding and aesthetics matter to you, Squarespace is a great option.

Why Choose Squarespace?

  • Elegant, designer-made templates perfect for artists and craft sellers.
  • Easy drag-and-drop customization with no coding required.
  • Built-in marketing tools, including email campaigns and SEO optimization.
  • Supports digital and physical product sales, making it great for selling handmade goods and downloads.

Pricing & Features

  • Plans start at $16/month for basic websites and $28/month for eCommerce stores.
  • No listing fees, but transaction fees apply on lower-tier plans.
  • Includes secure checkout, inventory management, and analytics.

Best for Designers & Handmade Sellers

If you’re a craft maker, artist, or designer looking for a store that reflects your brand identity, Squarespace is a top choice for selling handmade products online.

7. Wix: A Customizable eCommerce Alternative

Wix offers an easy and flexible way to create your handmade store, making it a great Etsy competitor for independent sellers. With hundreds of customizable templates, you can design a unique store that fits your brand.

Why Choose Wix?

  • User-friendly drag-and-drop builder with full creative control.
  • Free and paid plans are available to suit different needs.
  • Integrated eCommerce features like abandoned cart recovery and secure payments.
  • Works well for small handmade brands looking to scale.

Fees & Monthly Plans

  • Free plan available, but eCommerce features start at $36/month.
  • No listing fees, just standard payment processing fees.
  • Options to add third-party print-on-demand and dropshipping integrations.

Best for Small Handmade Brands

Wix is ideal for small-scale artisans and handmade sellers who want an affordable, easy-to-use platform with total design freedom. It’s perfect for sellers looking to move away from crowded marketplaces and build their customer base.

8. Bonanza: A Low-Fee Etsy Alternative

Bonanza is a seller-friendly marketplace that offers a great alternative to Etsy. It focuses on handmade, vintage, and niche products, making it ideal for artisans and small business owners looking for an affordable platform.

Why Choose Bonanza?

  • Low selling fees compared to Etsy, helping sellers keep more profits.
  • Integrated with Google Shopping for better visibility.
  • Offers tools to import listings from Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, making migration easy.
  • Customizable storefronts allow you to brand your shop.

Fees & Selling Costs

  • No listing fees, only small transaction fees of $0.25 on each sale.
  • Optional advertising packages for increased exposure.
  • Sellers can set their own shipping and pricing rules.

Best for Unique & Niche Products

Bonanza is great for sellers who specialize in unique handmade goods, collectibles, or vintage items. If you're looking for a low-cost Etsy competitor with flexible selling options, Bonanza is worth considering.

9. Redbubble: Best for Print-on-Demand Artists

Redbubble is a leading print-on-demand (POD) marketplace, perfect for graphic designers, digital artists, and illustrators. It allows creatives to sell designs on various products like t-shirts, phone cases, and home décor without handling inventory.

Why Choose Redbubble?

  • No upfront costs—just upload designs and start selling.
  • Wide range of custom products available for printing.
  • Redbubble handles production, shipping, and customer service, making it a hassle-free selling option.
  • Built-in marketplace with organic traffic from shoppers worldwide.

Print-on-Demand Features

  • Artists upload designs, and Redbubble prints them on products when customers order.
  • High-quality printing ensures vibrant and lasting designs.
  • No need to invest in inventory or worry about fulfillment.

Fee and Pricing

  • No setup fees; artists earn a royalty fee on each sale.
  • Sellers can set their profit margins.

Best for Digital Artists & Illustrators

Redbubble is ideal for independent artists looking to monetize their designs without managing a store. It’s a top Etsy alternative for those who prefer a passive income model.

10. Storenvy: A Handmade Marketplace with Social Features

Storenvy is a unique online marketplace that combines eCommerce with social networking features. It’s designed for indie creators, artists, and small brands who want more visibility. Unlike Etsy, it allows sellers to create fully customized storefronts while also listing products in the Storenvy marketplace.

Why Choose Storenvy?

  • Offers a built-in social network, allowing shoppers to follow and engage with their favorite brands.
  • Customizable store templates let sellers build a branded shopping experience.
  • No upfront listing fees, making it budget-friendly.
  • Great for sellers who want a mix of marketplace exposure and an independent online store.

Fees & Subscription Plans

  • Free to set up, but Storenvy takes a 15% commission on marketplace sales.
  • Sellers who want to remove branding and access more features can subscribe to paid store plans.

Best for Indie Creators & Small Businesses

Storenvy is an excellent choice for handmade artists, indie fashion brands, and unique product sellers who want to engage with a community while building a recognizable brand.

Why Look for Etsy Alternatives?

Etsy has been a popular marketplace for handmade products, but it's not the perfect fit for every seller. Many small business owners and artists are now exploring Etsy alternatives to find better opportunities for selling their crafts online. Whether it's high fees, increased competition, or limited customization, switching to a different handmade marketplace can offer more control and flexibility.

Common Issues Sellers Face on Etsy

  • High fees: Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, reducing overall profit margins.
  • Intense competition: With thousands of sellers, it's difficult to stand out, especially for new shops.
  • Strict policies: Sudden account suspensions, product removals, and policy changes create business uncertainty.
  • Limited branding control: Sellers can’t fully customize their store experience or own their customer base.
  • Preference for mass production: Etsy allows some mass-produced products, making it harder for small artisans to compete.

Benefits of Exploring Other Marketplaces

  • Lower fees: Many Etsy competitors offer reduced commission rates or free product listings.
  • More branding freedom: Platforms like Shopify and Squarespace allow full store customization.
  • Niche-focused audiences: Some marketplaces cater specifically to handmade, vintage, or niche products.
  • Less competition: Smaller marketplaces may provide better visibility for independent artists.
  • More control over pricing and policies: Sellers can set their own terms and manage sales independently.

How to Choose the Right Etsy Alternative?

With so many Etsy alternatives available, selecting the right one depends on your business needs. Each platform has different fees, audiences, and selling features, so it's important to compare them before making a choice.

1. Consider Fees & Seller Costs

Every platform has its pricing model. Some charge monthly subscription fees, while others take a commission on each sale. If you want to maximize profits, look for platforms with low transaction fees and transparent pricing.

2. Look at Traffic & Audience Reach

Selling on a marketplace with high traffic increases your chances of making sales. Platforms like Amazon Handmade and eBay attract millions of shoppers, while Shopify and Big Cartel give you full control over branding but require marketing efforts.

3. Check Platform Features & Customization Options

If you want more control over your online store, platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace offer customization and branding options. Marketplaces like Redbubble and Society6 handle fulfillment, making it easier for print-on-demand sellers.

Tips for Successfully Selling on Etsy Alternatives

Once you choose a platform, it’s time to optimize your store and drive sales. Here are a few key strategies:

1. Optimizing Product Listings for Search Visibility

To rank higher in search results, use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. High-quality images and detailed descriptions help attract more buyers and increase conversions.

2. Using Social Media & Influencer Marketing

Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are powerful for promoting handmade and creative products. Collaborating with influencers or running targeted ads can help drive more traffic to your store.

3. Offering Competitive Pricing & Customer Support

Pricing your products competitively without undercutting your profits is key. Offering fast shipping, easy returns, and excellent customer service will help you build trust and encourage repeat customers.

Final Thoughts

When looking for Etsy alternatives, it’s important to choose a platform that aligns with your goals, whether you're seeking more control over your store, lower fees, or access to a larger customer base. 

Platforms like AliDrop offer a seamless solution for dropshipping handmade and custom products, while Shopify, Amazon Handmade, and Big Cartel provide great options for independent brands. Evaluate the features, fees, and target audience of each platform to find the one that best supports your business.

Best Etsy Alternatives FAQs

What is the best alternative to Etsy? 

The best alternative depends on your needs. Shopify is great for building your own store, Amazon Handmade offers massive reach, and Big Cartel is ideal for small businesses.

Are there platforms like Etsy with lower fees? 

Yes, Bonanza, Big Cartel, and Storenvy have lower fees compared to Etsy. Shopify also has no listing fees but requires a monthly subscription.

Which Etsy alternative is best for print-on-demand sellers? 

Redbubble, Society6, and Printify (via Shopify or WooCommerce) are excellent options for print-on-demand businesses.

Can I sell vintage or second-hand items on these marketplaces? 

Yes, eBay, Poshmark, and Depop allow vintage and second-hand sales, making them good Etsy alternatives for resellers.

Is Shopify better than Etsy for handmade businesses? 

If you want full control over branding and sales, Shopify is better. If you prefer a built-in audience, Etsy might be easier for beginners.

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