Etsy vs Shopify - Pros and Cons 2024 for Handmade Business

Should you have your own site? Or stay on Etsy? In this video series, I’m going to help you make that decision, and today, I’m going to share with you the pros and cons of both Etsy versus your own website.
Before I dive in, you first have to understand that Etsy and your own site are completely different models, in a way, because Etsy is a marketplace filled with hundreds of thousands of other shops, just like Amazon and Ebay and it’s completely powered by a search engine where people type in stuff that they’re looking to buy, like, floral tea towels, and then Etsy gives the person a huge list of floral tea towel products from all the different shops that have them. Whereas your own website is a standalone site, and if you go with something like Shopify, which I recommend that you do, Shopify is just an ecommerce platform. It’s merely a site builder that makes setting up your own website that people can shop on, so much easier.
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[@CreativeHiveCo]

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[@themagicwoodbus3211]

One comment stood out the most. “ I got it from Etsy. “ That makes so much sense.

[@PhoenixQueen111]

Yes Mai is right. When I have purchased something from Etsy, I say I have got it on Etsy, not the actual store. Having said that, if I am going to re-order something, I make the point of going to that business's actual website and order direct from their website so they dont get slugged by etsy for the commission. I doubt whether most people would be aware to do that, or be so considerate.

[@PhoenixQueen111]

I have also often been asked - what is etsy? It has a target type of customer. Alot of people dont even know about it

[@DeTurquoise]

thjats true but on ETSY YOU CAN search every artist, on google its worse !

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You don't sell on Etsy to build a brand, for sure. Etsy is good for their built-in traffic, but you have to know that you are building Etsy's brand, not your own.

[@woodpecked3D]

@@PhoenixQueen111 the problem with that is people go to your ETSY store and then click your website link and buy from your website instead. This makes your “ETSY” sales look lower theirfore dropping you to the bottom of the bucket in etsy search results. When the purchases are made through ETSY then you get more traffic on ETSY. Its a Loose Loose situation. I dislike that shady company

[@ManypossibilitiesGaoLY]

First of all I don't think I want to start out with Etsy and get used to or rely on Etsy. I would rather struggle the hard way and build up on my own branding by opening up my own website. 👍

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Starting with your own site is a great option, Gao. It gives you much more control over your business.

[@ArijanaLukic]

SAME!

[@nohomenomad1427]

That's what I did.

[@italiangal898]

Same!!

[@nohomenomad1427]

I'm struggling big time learning SEO.

[@Whatsinthewind]

The random "NOPE" freaking took me out- I havent laughed so hard. HAHAHA

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Haha, I'm glad that brought a smile!

[@readyandwillingministries7969]

That’s hilarious.. it sure woke me up.. lol

[@mercyseidlitz2846]

Now you won my heart. I sell on Etsy yes am making money but not enough to build my brand. Plus customers on Etsy tend to think a seller is also a shipping company most would not give a review when they get their item but give reviews when shipping is delayed. Am not scared of competition but I need to keep my brand alive. And you just gave me all the answers I want. You are a blessing. Thank you so much beautiful.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for your comments, Mercy! I appreciate it so much, and am so excited that you are going to work toward building out your brand.

[@shattaclevewright4379]

Well said, I got a lot of value from this video also. You are right She radiates a beautiful ENERGY.

[@mercyseidlitz2846]

@White CIS Cum noted 🙌🏼👍🏽

[@MM-cs3yz]

I learned something from reading your comment. That is, anyone who sells a product, it is very important to get it shipped and delivered to the customer in a very reasonable time frame. Especially, if bad reviews are followed by delayed shipping.

[@bobbysmith8095]

I am so guilty of this. If I get my item in perfect time and condition, I leave no review. If I get a bad item in a bad amount of time, I leave a bad review. I will work on leaving the positive review. It take a lot for me to give a Small business a bad review so that not an issue.

[@stephlight123]

“You got it from Etsy” omg that’s so true!!

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

I'm getting off Etsy after 12 years. I've had it with their ever increasing price increases. I've been on shopify for 2 years now and am very happy. When they added big box and mass production work, it pretty much killed me.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I totally understand Dianne! I am so happy you are enjoying Shopify. That's really the way to go!

[@valerieneal2747]

Seems to me Etsy is beginning to morph into a mini Amazon😵

[@AudraT]

Isn't that nice? Here $10,000+ stores bring in all these customers and money to etsy and etsy punishes them by tacking on a 15% fee. Talk about driving away your shop owner base.

[@jordanwhite5470]

@@AudraT And they're also charging the Little Guys. Yes, those with lower sales have the option to opt out, but they can then look forward to becoming almost invisible in etsy searches (been there, experiencing that!). Bully tactics at work.

[@TrimzzDotNet]

I may leave as well. they have put a 3 month Reserve on my account for a fabric I was selling I purchased from my reputable wholesaler. So they are making money on my money basically.

[@gardenlarder]

It is expensive when you are just starting but if you are tenacious and don't give up easily I really prefer Shopify. It makes it so easy to make a good looking store and I love the option to edit, and the variety of apps available. I would never go back to Etsy.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Exactly, Quaotic! I'm so glad that you love the platform.

[@gabeadz1]

The only thing I don't like about Shopify until know is that I have to edit all the variants for shipping and weight after I import my products. I sell rings, so I have a lot of variants in sizes and materials, where also, I cannot list all the ring sizes I can make :(

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Look into an app like TaxJar to help with this!

[@wanderlust62]

Are you having to rely on social media? Would it be effective to keep both until I can get all my inventory to Shopify?

[@GavinHewitt]

@gardenlarder How did it go for you (assuming you went for Shopify)?

[@BringANickel]

Brilliant analysis- thank you! 🧡

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@elisabethbell630]

SO much awesomeness here! Thank you, Mei! 🙏💕

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Elisabeth!

[@missleelasassafras8693]

Thanks Mei. Great to hear from someone with your experience. Currently working on a Shopify site. They are very helpful if you need anything to help along the way. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that, Lisa! Thank you so much for watching!

[@crystalsapp7142]

Thank you so much for your comparison! So many things to consider!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome! I hope it was helpful to you!

[@booyee3191]

thank you for this wealth of knowledge Mei!!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure!! Thank you for watching!

[@Delonboutique]

You’re an excellent speaker. Thank you for the comparisons.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I appreciate that so much! Thank you for watching!

[@simplelife3466]

You made a great argument. looking to open a online store have been ,almost did the Etsy thing and glad I did more research, the fees alone were a turn off , but this made crystal clear sense . appreciate you have taken the time to share this info. Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad it was helpful, Christopher! Thanks so much for watching and for your comments!

[@jacynthunderwood8307]

Thank you. This was very informative.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that, Jacynth! Thank you for watching!

[@StampMyArt]

Love how clear and informative you present the information! I will be checking out some of your other videos and have followed you. :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Wonderful!! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@mikedegrazia]

Thank you for the clarity on this subject, it really helps make the decisions very clear.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@littlemisssuper]

This is soooo helpful. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thank you so much for watching!

[@sparklemegzthemagnificent2335]

This was great! I’m a newbie on Etsy and really appreciate the insight.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thank you so much for watching!

[@wolfgangkaminski4580]

Wonderful, thank you so much for your insight. You have mentioned so many aspects in this short video that I had no clue about and of course didn't take in consideration (I'm looking to start a business as beginner), it is really a great help for me.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that, Wolfgang! You might like my Three Secrets Workshop, if you haven't seen it yet! www.creativehiveco.com/workshop/?

[@lunarey7157]

Great content ! Thanks for sharing :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, LuNa Rey!

[@msaznqt]

This is so helpful. Thank you so much!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that, Sharon! Thank you so much for watching!

[@KateReding]

It was so great hearing your views on this!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching, Katelyn!

[@chiccathepom3536]

Thank you so much! I am so pleased I found your channel ahead of launching our company in 2021 :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's so exciting, Chicca!

[@juliajean-woldemar9014]

This was so helpful! Thank you!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad, Julia! Thank you so much for watching!

[@sophiakenton8500]

I appreciate the small Fairy Tail reference. Useful video thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@RoxannaRenea]

Thanks for the info 😊

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome Roxanna :)

[@lumar6082]

This is so very informative ,useful and totally make scenc, thank you very much!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Luma!

[@fernlevin4883]

Thank you so much!! Well done!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Fern! I appreciate you watching!

[@lisalisa20907]

Thank you, so helpful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for watching, Lisa Kaye!

[@LittleGardenandMore]

Thank you for sharing this. Plan to sell online 🌿

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's great, Little Garden! Thank you so much for watching!

[@bigdaddykamaka]

so informative thank you, looking to start a website to sell my merchandise and you've answered all my questions

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Happy to help! I'm glad you found what you were looking for!

[@lilibean9603]

I'm just starting and these videos have been a wealth of information. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome, Lili! Thank you so much for watching!

[@miigaad5808]

SO much awesomeness here! Thank you, Mei! love

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for watching, and here's the link to my free Three Secrets workshop, if you haven't seen it yet! www.creativehiveco.com/workshop/?

[@adammuyanja]

Thank you so much.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@luvMusicForever100]

Thank you so much for this breakdown! I'm opening my crystal shop on Facebook live and my second source is selling online. I was really considering etsy but, now going to look into Shopify

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I would definitely get established on Shopify first because that site you control. From there you could open an Etsy shop, more for passive sales because there is already traffic there.

[@kahele808]

Adorable, informative, and brilliant! "terrible race to the bottom!" lol I can't wait to watch your other videos! New subscriber! Mahalo girl!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, thank you, Katy! Mahalo back to you, and thank you so much for subscribing!

[@amygathercole4078]

New to you and your channel. Thanks for breaking things down so cleanly and clearly 💕

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Welcome, Amy! I'm glad you've found me and thanks for being here!

[@micheleparker2679]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me just so so happy, Michele. Thank you so much!

[@isabelgehrau9197]

Thank you for the great tips!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Isabel!

[@Zbee167]

Great information! Thanks for sharing.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@dionnajoipridgeon]

Awesome. Thanks for the insight. 🙂

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks so much for watching, DP!

[@CristheGirl]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much Cris!! ❤️❤️

[@lizhorton5333]

Great content and presentation! Thanks 😊

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Liz! I appreciate you watching!

[@MeganFlyKirby]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for watching, Megan!

[@chantalcusteaustyliste3864]

Very helpful thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@kerrinchurchill2945]

Thank you!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, Kerrin!

[@antiquelady60]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it, Teresa! Thank you so much for watching!

[@katciemiega7499]

Thanks for this comprehensive review.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching, Kat!

[@josephamarie8433]

Your videos are really interesting! ☺️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for saying that, Josepha! 💖

[@dickebk]

Thanks so much for all this work in creating this video for us. Very helpful as I'm thinking about starting out to create an online art-craft business. Well done with all the articulated and well thought out points; AND great job on the video production and emphasis of important points while talking and the overall design of your video! I just signed up for your course too from the link above. yay!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's so awesome, BD! I'm really pleased that you've decided to join!!

[@nickymcleanphotography6939]

great video thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Nicky! I appreciate you watching!

[@debramcbride5778]

Thank you for the most informative video for ETSY awareness. I've also hit that subscribe button! I'd love to learn more about starting my own business. I appreciate the knowledge and will continue the learning curve. Thanks!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awesome! Thank you for subbing, Debra! You may want to start off with this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHqknYWwYpWWrJI

[@startingoverinla7644]

Thank you so much for your experience and awesome views on this topic

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! I really appreciate you watching!

[@successionmarketing5355]

Great Video! Super informative!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching!

[@stephaniehawley1111]

I am just starting to sell my Floating Energy Stones. Thank you for your help. I appreciate you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's awesome, Stephanie! Best of luck getting started!

[@samaherrrrrr]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

So glad! I appreciate you watching!

[@Pixel1962]

Superb, many thanks!! I’m just starting out selling photos so this presentation has been gold! *Subscribed*

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the sub! 💗

[@macienguyen5540]

Thank you so much🌸. I have learned a lot from this video. Subscribed!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Thank you for subscribing, Macie!

[@trinbago27]

Excellent video. Excellent advice. Well done!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comments!

[@hookalyssa]

thank you so much for all the advice. based on your tips i've realized etsy might not be the path for me so i believe your video helped me make a choice much easier. I will definitely be checking out the rest of your channel!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that you found this helpful! Thank you so much for watching, Alyssa!

[@Cambium29]

Thanks, Mei. Helpful information.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching.

[@lucysuzi1]

You make so much sense!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! ❤️

[@evelynaryeetey8998]

Thank you so much for answering almost all my questions. God bless you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy that I was able to answer them! Thank you for watching, Evelyn!

[@MrHerks]

I wish I could like this video 10,000 times! By far the most informative, thorough, well thought out video comparing the 2 yet! Absolutely well done! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's so nice of you to say - thank you! I really appreciate you watching!

[@evafontaine88]

Thank you so much for this brilliant and sensible sharing of your thoughts and experience. I' m about to re-start my jewelry production after a few years "break" and only sold on Etsy online. I was hesitating about re-opening my shops on Etsy, and this is the most helpful video I've seen in several weeks. Very on point and accurate. Thank you again. Made me like and subscribe to your channel :)!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for that, Aeva! Good luck with your reopening and relaunch!

[@carinasoriasobeautifulthan6738]

Thank you so much for your information

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching Carina!! ❤️❤️

[@scotthobbs5227]

Excellent comparisons. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks for watching, Scott! I hope it was helpful to you!

[@kerriberri7937]

Sooo much great information! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that, Kerri! Thank you so much for watching!

[@victorogbolu4112]

this is so informative and extensive THANK YOU!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're so welcome! Thank you so much for watching, Victor!

[@robinkelley9804]

Loved this video, very helpful!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for watching, Robin!

[@goafricatoursltd]

Great content! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for watching!

[@ReneChana]

Awsome! Just starting up an Art business and wasn't sure of all this Etsy, Shopify & Woocoomece on own sites etc etc, till now. Thanks for the clarity and info.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad to know it was helpful for you, Rene!

[@EdhzStitchNCrochet]

Now I know what to do now. Thank you for your video.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad to help! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lnc-to4ku]

Excellent advice, thank you so much!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@mildredwilkins5781]

Appreciated you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Mildred! 💗

[@AmriDeLeon]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching! ❤️❤️

[@juliatran6617]

I appreciate your video! Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching, Julia!

[@emmamaplethorpe2958]

Very informative thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching, Emma!

[@shadowlightbinding4059]

This was a very interesting and informative video. You are great! Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you saying that!

[@ClaudiaEspinalV]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@achernev]

Thanks for the great video and advice.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, Alexander!

[@sandralewin6043]

Thank you for this video. It was very informative!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for watching, Sandra!

[@juliannacrisanti207]

This was so helpful!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Julianna! ❤️

[@annarengardt130]

Thank you! This changed my prospective

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much Anna! ❤️

[@CharlieKae]

Great video. Just getting into starting a small shop on Etsy, but now it looks like I have to do both!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You can do it, Charlie! I definitely recommend you set up your own site, and Etsy is a great second income stream.

[@soulpreneur911]

This video was great! When I was first starting my business somebody recommended Etsy. I actually tested out both Etsy and Shopify. One thing that I thought about right away was my customers being on my shop and potentially clicking off to buy someone elses product! I didn’t want my customers going anywhere else!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's a huge worry for so many sellers!

[@Realbits12]

Thank you for good information

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're most welcome Realbits!! ❤️❤️

[@denisemcgill6260]

You've made some really good points. I haven't tackled a shop of my own simply because I'm afraid of setting up the shop badly or wrong. I haven't the confidence in setting up, just making my art.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, Denise, I totally hear that! It can be daunting for sure but it's not as hard as it seems. I have a course that can help you get set up online, if you're interested: www.creativehiveco.com/a-sale-a-day-business/

[@richharris9824]

thanks for your help, great information, I'm almost sure to go with shopify, still doing my research

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's great, Rich! I really think you'll be happy with it.

[@representingweirdos]

Can't get enough of your videos! So helpful and fun to watch. Sub. + 👍

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for the sub! 💖

[@BeyondSustainableLiving]

You're good girl! You know your stuff. I've been a web designer/developer on the side for 24 years and you hit the nail on the head on all points. Well done! Subscribed!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Wow, thank you so much for the compliment! And thank you for the sub!

[@dtimmymoua]

i love your voice and message! i greatly appreciate your tips and tricks for artist! ☺️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Dmitri!

[@thingsyoucando6493]

Amazing content. Very engaging, it's to the point that I felt like I had a personal consultant. Thank you for this vast amount of information.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, thank you so much! That is so kind of you to say, and I appreciate you watching!

[@audrey02nilessog31]

Thank you so much Creative Hive! All the points that you bring to our ears are the actual truth. You are so right. I make bath salts and I am looking to find a way for my brand and products to be more professional. I was hesitating between Amazon, Etsy and doing my own website (Shopify). And all of the things you said really helped me to oriente my choice. I wanna be free, and I want to do this for a few years at least and maybe expand to do new products like candles. :) Continue your beautifull job and your advices are always welcome ❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I am so glad this has provided from clarity as you move forward in your business Audrey!!

[@choopyclothing6220]

Thank you. I appreciate your video. I'm on Etsy for the past 4 months. I've had a few sales, but I don't want to get stuck there if it's not where I need to be.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's definitely not the only platform you want to have. It's a good tool but shouldn't be the main thing you rely on for sure.

[@BohoJouelSandraMBelz]

Etsy is so frustrating for all the reasons you mentioned! Thanks for this video. I have been looking into creating my own site. This helps so much.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it was helpful to you, Sandra! Thank you for watching!

[@masonparker302]

A helpful video that explains a lot, and I like her funny voice altering parts that DO sound just like at least one person any of us know.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Mason!

[@hawilkerson]

Helpful video. Thanks!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for watching, Heather!