The reality check that no one talks about with Shopify vs Etsy

[@cynthiabarrera9617]

A few days ago I tried opening a new Etsy shop. I already had one that I opened in 2018 and it’s fairly successful so I thought opening a 2nd shop would be easy. I was dead wrong. A day after uploading my first listing, Etsy suspended my shop. I filed an appeal and that same day they reopened my shop saying they had made a mistake and they were sorry. So I uploaded a 2nd item to this new shop and a few minutes later, they suspended it again. None of my designs were infringing copyright or trademarks. My personal and bank information was correct. Nevertheless I got suspended twice without any explanation. And the worst part, they are now threatening to suspend also my old shop which would be catastrophic since I make my living from that shop. I am terrified and frustrated and I’m just hoping they don’t close my old shop. That’s why now I’m considering shoppify, so thank you for the advice.

[@k9999dp]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🛒 Etsy Fees and Pricing Strategy 06:26 🏢 Running Your Own Platform vs. Selling on Etsy 09:58 🛍️ Product Competition on Etsy 12:18 📈 Recommended Approach: Etsy for Starters 14:23 🌟 Embrace Context and Positivity Made with HARPA AI

[@airevolutionist1]

Mandy, I'm so grateful for having found your channel. The signal to noise ratio in your videos is ridiculously high, and peppered with gems throughout: "Negativity is always the loudest voice in the room." "Success leaves clues." Thank you so much, and thank you for the masterclass videos which I'm working through now. Please keep the great info and good vibes coming!!

[@studiomdesignsco]

I’m so glad it resonates with you! Thanks for being here 💜

[@markcollier4216]

Thanks for a great video Mandy. I plan on opening a POD Etsy shop soon, so thank you for providing information based on your personal experience. While I will move forward with my Etsy shop, I will admit that it is a bit disconcerting when I continue to see comments from Etsy sellers talking about how their shops have been suspended for no apparent reason.

[@wilcurran3377]

This was probably the most insightful video I've watched on the subject Mandy, well done and thanks.

[@melodeelucido1446]

Excellent video from a true business woman! ❤ Those drama videos with the whining and ignorant statements are ridiculous. I want to hand the women a tissue through the screen . . . but I just move on to other videos on channels that are worth watching, like yours! Etsy isn't a get rich overnight platform. It is a place to build a true long term business. Thanks for posting this!

[@studiomdesignsco]

I try to keep life very drama free wherever I can 😅 Thank you for being here! 💜

[@purpletoo12]

Totally agree Mandy. I started with an handmade Etsy shop and even though it has been scary at times when you make an honest mistake, they have been good to me. The forums are really depressing but some gems are available if you have a question. I think it is wise to also have your own platform, if you have realistic goals and expectation with it. Regardless,at the end of the day, business takes work, wisdom, patience, and continual learning.

[@sheli4795]

Thank you for your insightful content, Mandy. I've run several brick and mortar business and just getting into ecommerce now. Etsy's fees seem reasonable to me. I love your comments about pricing and not racing to the bottom. One thing I've struggled with in POD in sizing and placement of designs, even after ordering hundreds of dollars of samples. I'd love to see you cover this topic.

[@bl4ckm4mba1]

Well said I been slowly trying to jump into Etsy and was so discouraged when I saw a lot of people saying it was bad but glad to hear what you had to say thank you.

[@studiomdesignsco]

I’m so glad it helped 💜 There’s still so much opportunity out there and possible with Etsy!

[@ShopQuest]

Great stuff Many! Thank you for this post. Not enough people talking about the realities of the business side of things, or the realities of starting from 0.

[@Myteatees]

Thank you for taking the time to inform us your tips

[@pubgiant24]

first time watching your channel, just subscribed. Great content! Planning on watching more. Started an Etsy shop w/ POD about 6 weeks ago. 28 sales (non friends/family ha) I like your no frills, no drama, concise and straightforward approach. Thanks.

[@studiomdesignsco]

You are off to a great start in just 6 weeks! I have a full course playlist and we are mid-series on my time-blocking methods for working in batches - those are helpful places to start on my channel 🤓 Cheering you on and can’t wait to hear about your continued progress! 🎉

[@conniemann4944]

I just found your channel. Wished Inhad much earlier. This was SO good for me to hear. Looking forward to following you.

[@fimmyk]

the thing with etsy that nobody talks about is that etsy is way too competitve and the majority of the sales are concentrated on the top sellers, so smaller stores will struggle to rank because lets be honest, people buying on etsy arent really going to scroll all the way to page 50 where youre store is ranking, so that's why the sales are so concentrated at already established stores which dominate the first few pages when a shoper searches for that product. Thats why some people find it better to drive their own traffic to their websites knowing that traffic their driving is only for them.

[@axelwasch3068]

Isn't this why you niche down? Shoppers are looking for specific things. If you end up on page 50, maybe you've chosen an oversaturated niche

[@xenalopezart]

This is so well put together. Thank you.

[@sheyennelivecchi4478]

Excellent information! I'm a POD newbie using Etsy and I appreciate your perspective!

[@cooperlane9033]

Hey Mandy, came across this video as I wasn't sure which platform to start on but now you've clarified it for me! Thanks for sharing this, it's been quite valuable. Will also check out your POD course!

[@elizabethfulcher651]

this is fantastic. I love that you aren't like others that give info and act crazy. Thank you. You are one of the most logical people I have come across on KZbin.

[@studiomdesignsco]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I try to be as real as possible and bring a unique perspective. There’s more than enough drama in this world without me adding to it just for the sake of a few extra views 😊💜

[@buddlybrand5163]

thank you for a very informative and positive and thought provoking blog

[@agl5132]

Thanks Many this was a lovely quick Live. I sold on Etsy years ago and kept my acct active as a buyer after I stopped selling. I have been watching your videos and recieved your tips booket. I have been researching Shopify, Wix and Amazon also. I think for now just starting again with Etsy will be the choice for me. I am also a newbie author so building a brand through social media and a website for that is also time consuming. Etsy is a platform I am familiar with and comfortable at this time. Thank you so much for all your insight and education you are sharing.

[@studiomdesignsco]

Happy to help! Thanks for being here 😊

[@fewsproducts]

Wow! This was powerful! Thank you so much!

[@lostboysvideovault]

This video was VALUABLE. Thank you. I'm just starting to learn about how to go about print on demand.

[@natureswildplayground]

Great advice I’m always looking to improve my business on etsy

[@hansvanputten-digitalartist]

Mandy, thank you very much for a clear picture of Etsy vs Shopify vs something else. It was the last piece of the puzzle from a helicopter view for my business. Now I can focus and move forward and get more into the nitty gritty of things. Thanks again, I'll be abck to watch some of your other videos!

[@carolharrington4745]

Always helpful, Mandy. Thank you.

[@John28_]

I started with Shopify and now am thinking of switching to Etsy

[@penstar]

Great insights Mandy, very helpful!

[@tomsoccociojr.5776]

enjoy your content…very well organized and conveyed!

[@patriciawilkerson6435]

I hopped on KZbin to watch some of your videos. I'm newbie to POD and I Just don't get this shipping profile stuff but, I will; and see a video from a young lady who was permanently shut down by Etsy. And thought, Oh No! What have I done to myself? (The devil is already in the house.) And then THIS video came on. THANK YOU!! I absolutely feel like you were talking directly TO ME!!!! You know, I've got something set up in shipping. I believe it's correct. I mean, I clicked on through. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️😂😂(Yup, I've watched videos about that too.) I'm working on something in Canva to list!! Gotta Do, to hone them skills. If I design, I'll get the practice. That shipping stuff, I'll live and learn!!! 💪🏼💪🏼 Anyways, Thank You for the video!! I needed that! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@livingblessedmusic]

You're phenomenal thank you for your honesty! It takes a lot of hard work and takes a bit ... thank you :)

[@shabsa2637]

Hey Mandy - I like things to be SIMPLE! and i like ur SIMPLE approach and thanks for providing ur perspective. I totally resonate with ur message. I need to finish your course (I think im on module 3) . I need to get my act together as dont want to go back to a 9-5 . Once i finish the course, I hope to sign up to ur patreon as I may need some support!! thank u so much and I look forward to joining u soon. Have to admit its all so overwhelming in the beginning but 'success leaves clues' as u say, and if we want to do something, we have to surround ourselves with the right people! thanks once again Mandy! :)

[@studiomdesignsco]

I’m so glad you’re here 💜 Take it one day at a time and prioritize mastering the basics (the first half of the course). Cheering you on!

[@shabsa2637]

@@studiomdesignsco Ah thanks Mandy! - I will join soon, just had some personal stuff going on :) big hug :) xx

[@neatmachine]

Nice video! Thanks. I have a WIX website for a product and wanted to ask if you can use ETSY to direct traffic your website. My website allows buyers to upload an audio message into the product for a personalized experience. As someone who’s considering ETSY and have not yet set up a shop, is this possible? If not, is it possible to sell such a product on ETSY since it involves direct interaction with the customer. Thanks for any recommendations!

[@benjaminpastrana9662]

🙌lovely voice! Glad I found your videos! hola from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@saritam7953]

Really like your videos. I had an Etsy shop that was using PoD with original personal designs and it got permanently banned. I've moved on from it; but I can see where the "everyone is leaving" comes from with some of these videos.

[@CasaBancroftNY]

I just got started on Etsy with POD as well did not even get to fully launch my store and have been banned from Etsy . They won't say specifically why and I am waiting for the results of my appeal. Would you mind sharing why you were banned and what route you took? Thanks!

[@NyasCreationsCo]

Wait could you elaborate on reasons why your Etsy account may get suspended

[@NZTiberius2023]

Yes, because Etsy certainly won't tell you what you apparently did wrong!

[@LennyYT]

Do You include marketing in cogs and what's a healthy percent to keep it at?

[@jasonfence]

Newby here, this is all super helpful. Your video edit was great too

[@NB-gd5lr]

thank you so muuuuuch, that was super helpfull

[@yanvincemutesa2897]

thanks for a very insightful video.

[@Brenda-l3z]

Thanks for your voice of reason and encouragement. I must say that being a creative fabrica hack hit home because I've done that on a few of my listings because I am having so much trouble getting corelle to work on my ancient computer. I have made a few total originals that i figured would sell decently but so far I am getting traffic but no sales. I know my mockups and seo need a lot of work and I have no idea how placit works for everyone else but it freezes more for me than ice cubes in the fridge. 😂 As someone who has been on etsy for over a year and really trying at it for the last 6 months or better it can get a bit discouraging to try and make a living off of online shops. Listening to you gives me a bit of hope again that with more work i can maybe make something of this.

[@studiomdesignsco]

Keep going! Every bit of practice helps. Play around with different tools too, some are easier than others. I like using Canva and it has free functions as well and makes it easy to combine elements, even if you are incorporating some from Creative Fabrica 🤓💜

[@ART-ificial]

Awesome video!!

[@richlovn539]

Thank you much!!!!

[@LennyYT]

Great video🎉 what's the minimum profit You often aim for?

[@AniMerci]

Thank you, Mandy. Can you please review the usage policy Kittl has just sent to subscribers?

[@studiomdesignsco]

I haven’t received anything yet but I’ll keep an eye out. I just looked at their licensing terms and it all still looks the same for allowing print on demand 😊

[@space-zehetbauer-music]

The problem with selling on someone else's platform is that you are at the mercy of their behaviour and rule changes. One is always best developing one's own website, and I mean a real website not shopify etc, because you are in control and all the efforts you make in generating traffic are for your benefit, not someone else's. It is far easier to start on a platform like esty, but its a false economy. If one started an etsy store today (and survived them suspending your store) and your own website today, in 5 years time you would be making more from your website. Most people don't have that patience or vision. ps. love your videos, thank you.

[@studiomdesignsco]

Totally fair - anytime you are on someone else’s platform it’s definitely an important factor to remember that it’s ultimately still theirs. Thanks for being here! 😊

[@vitttini]

Thanks Mandy! Do you offer any one on one?

[@studiomdesignsco]

I don’t currently offer individual coaching, but I am working on a new group community platform that will have live calls, ongoing store reviews, and more. More details coming soon! 💜

[@marielosjauregui9065]

ty etsy it is!~

[@jolibeebe2458]

Do you use a certain profit calculator or recommend one

[@studiomdesignsco]

I have a spreadsheet that I generally use, but in a pinch I like to use the free one on EtsyHunt since you can also factor in sales and off-site ads 😊

[@zakariae7913]

With Etsy your store can get suspended anytime and with no clear reasons. Plus you can't build a long term business because you always depend on Etsy.

[@jennar5282]

I'm a little confused with your statements. I looked at your etsy store and you had under a thousand sales. How is that 6 figures?

[@studiomdesignsco]

For anyone who has seen some of my other videos or watched the course playlist where I built the dog mom shop just earlier this year…the dog shop is not my primary shop. I only share the dog mom shop that I built specifically for this channel to be able to do detailed tutorials. Like most successful Etsy sellers that also teach to help others, I don’t share the name of my 6-figure Etsy shop due to very destructive issues like design theft and other issues that can (and do) happen when sharing it very publicly. It is a source of income for our family and I do not put it at risk by sharing it publicly. But I’ve shown many dashboard screenshots that verify 6 figures in that single shop 😊

[@annette2687]

@@studiomdesignsco You are so right Mandy. There have been KZbinrs who shared their primary shops, and not only was there theft, but their shop conversion rates plummeted because they had a ton of clicks from their YT audience but no sales because people just wanted to see the shop. So all the Etsy algorithm saw was that the shop had tons of clicks but those clicks didn't convert to buyers. That definitely destroys a shop's ranking. You have a high IQ business mindset and it's greatly appreciated that you share it with us on your channel.

[@crwilliamsification]

Can go pound sand lol 😂😂

[@studiomdesignsco]

😁😁

[@irinawatkins6150]

I heard Etsy did open its platform to China. If this is true, here comes the end.

[@AlmegaMedia]

wow! So articulate and intelligent!

[@beverlytheartist425]

Why do I have over 800 items on Etsy and one sale maybe every two months...so my crap must be shit huh?

[@studiomdesignsco]

There can be so many different factors, so without seeing your shop it’s hard to say. Some niches are oversaturated, some product types don’t do as well on Etsy, etc. Design, niche, SEO, mockup photos, etc all play a part and require a strategy for being successful in Etsy’s current marketplace 💜

[@benjaminpastrana9662]

I wish as a graphic/motion designer etsy had a better store banner🥲When I buy from sellers I have to keep scrolling down to see the store thumbnail and name