E-commerce Tips & Tricks
7 min read
10 Mar 2025
Selling handmade items online has been a growing trend. Many creators have used Etsy to reach buyers and establish a solid presence. Yet some seek other options because of rising fees and strict rules.
This article explores the top Etsy alternatives, so you can find a better way to sell your crafts. Keep reading to see why these options might give you better features and more freedom.
Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items and vintage products. It gained popularity for its large customer base and easy store setup. Many sellers like how it introduces them to thousands of potential buyers. Others praise the sense of community there.
Yet some sellers have voiced concerns. Many do not like rising transaction fees and changing policies. Some also struggle with competition and find it hard to stand out. These issues have sparked interest in looking for strong Etsy alternatives.
Below, we break down seven popular Etsy alternatives. Each offers seller-friendly options and better control over your store. These platforms help you connect with your audience and earn more money from your creativity.
Shopify is a powerful platform for selling crafts online. It gives you full control over your store, pricing, and customer interactions. You can handle payments, manage your inventory, and customize your store’s look. This setup appeals to creators who want more freedom than they have on Etsy.
Many online sellers pick Shopify because it is easy to use. You do not need extensive technical skills to build a store. Once you sign up, you can choose a store theme that suits your style. One of the best is the Debutify Theme, which helps optimize your website for conversions. It has quick loading times and clear page layouts that keep customers engaged.
Shopify offers a helpful support system, including live chat and step-by-step guides. This is handy for people who need extra assistance. Shopify lets you add payment gateways and track orders smoothly. You can also sync your store with social media channels if you want to expand further.
Shopify stands out among other Etsy alternatives because of its user-friendly interface and advanced options. It appeals to both beginners and established sellers who want to avoid marketplace limits. If you prefer making business decisions on your own, Shopify might be the right choice.
Big Cartel is another online platform that crafters often choose. It is simpler, with a neat interface and fewer distractions. You can set up a small store quickly, which suits people with a limited product line.
Many small-scale artists use Big Cartel to display and sell unique items. The platform provides a clean online storefront that buyers appreciate. You can also connect a custom domain name if you want a more professional look.
Fees can be a key factor for sellers. Big Cartel has a free plan for those who want to test the waters. It allows a few product listings at no monthly cost. If you need more listings, you can move to a paid plan. These flexible pricing options appeal to creators looking for budget-friendly alternatives to Etsy.
Big Cartel might not have as many advanced features as some rivals. Still, it handles the basics well. You can process payments through PayPal or Stripe and integrate social media links. If simplicity is your priority, Big Cartel could be a solid fit for your craft business.
Etsy has helped many sellers bring their crafts to a broader market. Yet the fees and tough competition push some people to seek more flexible Etsy alternatives. Platforms like Shopify, Big Cartel, Zibbet, Folksy, ArtFire, Redbubble, and Amazon Handmade offer different benefits. You can tailor your choice to match your goals, budget, and artistic focus.
Consider what matters to you: customization, support, lower fees, or direct audience reach. Each platform listed here can address specific needs. If you want a user-friendly option, Shopify stands out. For multi-channel management, Zibbet might be your best bet. For a UK focus, try Folksy. If you love print-on-demand, Redbubble can simplify your workflow. By exploring these Etsy alternatives, you gain more control over your shop. This can lead to higher earnings and a better experience for both you and your buyers.
You do not have to settle for one marketplace. Many sellers pick two or more platforms for maximum exposure. Expand your options and see how these Etsy alternatives can benefit your craft business. Your art deserves a platform that suits your style, budget, and future plans.
Author
Chippo Masayon is Debutify's SEO Team Lead. He has deep expertise in eCommerce. His hands-on experience optimizing countless stores gives him unique insights into traffic, conversions, and growth.
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7 min read
Debutify CORP
Zibbet is an online multi-channel platform with a goal to help creators sell across various marketplaces. It allows you to list items on multiple platforms, including Etsy itself, but also on its dedicated marketplace. This approach appeals to those who want to reach different audiences without juggling many dashboards.
One benefit of Zibbet is its unified interface. You can edit product details, track orders, and manage inventory from a single location. This reduces time spent switching between platforms. You can also keep track of sales metrics and identify your top-selling products.
Custom branding is another advantage. You can design a neat storefront that showcases your crafts well. Many sellers find this better than Etsy’s layout, which can feel crowded. Zibbet also gives you direct access to your buyers, so you can manage customer relationships more effectively.
Zibbet charges a monthly subscription fee based on how many sales channels you use. This gives you clear payment structures and no unexpected fees. If you are seeking Etsy alternatives that simplify multi-channel selling, Zibbet might be a good match.
Folksy is a UK-based platform dedicated to handmade crafts. It is similar to Etsy, but it focuses on items made in the UK. This local emphasis can help you reach buyers who value British craftsmanship and support local artisans. The user interface is straightforward, letting you add listings with ease.
The Folksy community is active and supportive. Many sellers like the direct connection with craft enthusiasts. However, keep in mind that shipping costs and currency conversions might affect international sales. If you cater mostly to UK buyers, Folksy is a strong choice.
Fees are simple. You can either pay as you list items or use a monthly plan for unlimited listings. The monthly plan works well if you have many products. Folksy also offers helpful resources in its blog and forums.
Some people seek out Folksy because of its niche community, which sets it apart from large marketplaces. If you have UK-inspired crafts or want to tap into the UK audience, Folksy can be one of the best Etsy alternatives to explore.
ArtFire is a marketplace that focuses on handmade items, craft supplies, and vintage pieces. It has a loyal following of art lovers who appreciate unique creations. Sellers can showcase their products through customizable shops, adding a personal flair to their online presence.
ArtFire’s listing process is not complicated. You can quickly upload product images and descriptions. There are also tools for social media sharing, which helps you attract more buyers. ArtFire offers a community-driven atmosphere that many crafters find appealing.
Fees are competitive. You can pick from different plans based on your needs. Higher-tier plans might provide more promotional features. Some prefer ArtFire over Etsy because it has fewer sellers, which can lead to less competition. Others see it as a smaller stage but like the specialized audience of craft fans.
For creators seeking Etsy alternatives with a strong handmade focus, ArtFire is worth a look. The platform’s reputation for hosting genuine, handmade goods can help you stand out and connect with people who appreciate artistry.
Redbubble is a print-on-demand platform that welcomes a broad range of artists. It caters to graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers. You can upload your designs, and Redbubble handles printing, shipping, and customer service. This system appeals to those who do not want to manually manage inventory or post items.
The platform covers products like shirts, stickers, phone cases, etc. The user interface is simple, allowing you to focus on creating designs. Once your work is uploaded, Redbubble takes care of the logistics. You earn a margin on each sale without dealing with production tasks.
Redbubble’s audience is large and global. People visit it to find unique artwork for themselves or as gifts. Unlike Etsy, Redbubble is not limited to handmade physical items. It is a key option for digital artists seeking Etsy alternatives without the hassle of shipping crafts.
Profit margins can vary, but you set your own markup. Some artists earn consistent income from their designs. If you want a hands-off approach to product creation and shipping, Redbubble can be an attractive choice.
Amazon Handmade is a specialized section of Amazon that features handmade goods. It serves sellers who want to access Amazon’s massive customer base. Setting up a shop on Amazon Handmade involves an application process, which helps maintain the quality of items listed.
Once accepted, you can list your crafts under specific categories. Many shoppers already trust Amazon for quick shipping and reliable service. This can help you attract a large audience. However, fees might be higher than on some other platforms, and competition is strong.
Still, some sellers prefer Amazon Handmade because it offers a built-in consumer base. You can also try Amazon’s fulfillment services for shipping. Amazon Handmade can be a powerful alternative for crafters who want to reach as many potential buyers as possible.
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