From Etsy to Amazon: A Comparison of Popular Online Selling Platforms
The growth of e-commerce has opened up new opportunities for individuals and businesses to sell products online. With a wide range of platforms available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Two of the most popular platforms are Etsy and Amazon. In this article, we will compare the features of these two platforms, as well as the rising star, Mercari, to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Etsy: The Handmade Marketplace
Etsy is a global online marketplace that focuses on handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supplies. The platform was founded in 2005 and has since become a go-to destination for people looking for unique and one-of-a-kind items. With over 4.3 million active sellers and 81.9 million active buyers, Etsy is a thriving community for creative entrepreneurs.
Selling on Etsy is relatively straightforward. To get started, you need to create a seller account and then list your items. Each listing costs $0.20, and you can upload up to 10 photos per listing. Etsy takes a 5% commission on each sale, as well as a payment processing fee of 3% + $0.25.
One of the most significant benefits of selling on Etsy is the platform’s focus on handmade and unique items. If you create custom products, Etsy is an excellent platform to showcase your work and connect with potential customers who appreciate handmade goods. Etsy also has a strong sense of community, with sellers often collaborating and sharing tips and advice.
However, Etsy does have some limitations. For example, the platform’s focus on handmade and vintage items means that it may not be the best option if you sell mass-produced products. Additionally, while Etsy’s fees are relatively low compared to other platforms, they can add up quickly if you have a high volume of sales.
Amazon: The E-commerce Giant
Amazon is the largest e-commerce platform in the world, with over 2.5 million active sellers and 197 million active buyers. The platform was founded in 1994 as an online bookstore but has since expanded to sell a wide range of products, including electronics, home goods, and clothing.
Selling on Amazon is more complex than selling on Etsy. To get started, you need to create a seller account and choose between two selling plans: the Individual plan and the Professional plan. The Individual plan has no monthly fee but charges a $0.99 fee per item sold, while the Professional plan costs $39.99 per month but waives the per-item fee.
Amazon takes a 15% commission on each sale, plus additional fees for optional services such as fulfillment and advertising. While Amazon’s fees are higher than Etsy’s, the platform’s massive audience and reach can make it an excellent option for sellers with high volume sales.
One of the benefits of selling on Amazon is the platform’s focus on customer experience. Amazon has a reputation for fast shipping and excellent customer service, which can help build trust with potential customers. Additionally, Amazon has robust advertising and marketing tools, making it easier to reach a wider audience.
However, there are some limitations to selling on Amazon. The platform is highly competitive, with thousands of sellers competing for the same customers. Additionally, Amazon’s fees can add up quickly, especially if you take advantage of optional services such as fulfillment.
Mercari: The Rising Star
Mercari, also known as Mircari, is a mobile app that allows individuals to buy and sell a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. The platform was founded in Japan in 2013 and has since expanded to the United States and other countries. With over 50 million downloads worldwide, Mercari is quickly becoming a popular option for individuals looking to sell their unwanted items.
Selling on Mercari is relatively straightforward. To get started, you need to download the app and create an account. Then you can list your items for sale. Mercari charges a 10% commission on each sale, and there are no listing fees or monthly fees.
One of the unique features of Mercari is its focus on simplicity and ease of use. The platform’s mobile app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to list items for sale and communicate with potential buyers. Additionally, Mercari has a built-in shipping feature, which makes it easy for sellers to ship items directly to buyers.
However, Mercari also has some limitations. The platform’s focus on second-hand goods means that it may not be the best option if you sell new or custom products. Additionally, while Mercari’s fees are lower than Amazon’s, they are higher than Etsy’s, which could impact your profits if you have a high volume of sales.
Choosing the Right Platform for You
When it comes to choosing the right platform for your needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each platform has its unique features and benefits, as well as its limitations.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a platform:
- Type of products: If you sell handmade or unique items, Etsy may be the best option for you. If you sell mass-produced products, Amazon may be a better fit.
- Fees: Consider the fees associated with each platform and how they will impact your profits. Etsy has lower fees, while Amazon has higher fees but a larger audience.
- Customer experience: If you value a strong focus on customer experience, Amazon may be the best option for you. Mercari also has a built-in shipping feature, which can help streamline the shipping process.
- Ease of use: Consider how easy each platform is to use and how user-friendly their interfaces are. Mercari’s mobile app is known for its simplicity and ease of use, while Etsy and Amazon can be more complex.
Ultimately, the platform you choose will depend on your unique needs and goals as a seller. By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the right platform to help you achieve your online selling goals.
