6 Best Etsy Alternatives for Growing Your Business 

Key takeaways: 

• There are many Etsy alternatives that sellers can explore, including Network Solutions, Big Cartel, Bonanza, Amazon Handmade, eBay, and Shopify. 
• Starting your online store calls for deliberate planning. Before all else, you need to determine your niche and target audience and select the right eCommerce platform for your current business needs.   
• To stand out in saturated markets like Etsy, sellers need to continually optimize their listings, adopt effective marketing strategies, and offer top-notch customer service. 

Etsy alternatives have been gaining attention lately, and it’s easy to see why. With over 8 million active Etsy sellers, rising above the competition is indeed no small feat. Then there are the fees for selling on Etsy, listing fees, and advertising costs. For these reasons, many sellers are looking for other platforms to sell their crafts. Some find niche markets for specialized goods or values. Others start their own online store for more control. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some alternatives to Etsy in the market. We’ll highlight their features, pricing, and benefits. And while we’re at it, we’ll also discuss the steps on how to build your own online store, plus the common challenges Etsy sellers face. 

6 best Etsy alternatives for sellers 

Platform	Key Features	Best For
Network Solutions	Drag-and-drop editor, built-in marketing tools, domain + hosting bundles, 24/7 support, payment integration, and website analytics	Sellers who want a customizable online store with all-in-one setup and support
Amazon Handmade	Access to Amazon’s audience, handmade-only products, trusted checkout	Handmade product sellers looking for global reach
eBay	Large marketplace, auction-style listings, global audience	Sellers looking for global exposure and flexible selling options
Shopify	Scalable eCommerce platform, app marketplace, multi-channel selling	Businesses ready to manage a larger product catalog
Big Cartel	Simple setup, free plan available, made for artists and makers	Independent artists and hobbyists selling a few products
Bonanza	Low seller fees, import tools from Etsy/eBay, flexible listing options	Sellers who want low overhead and multichannel convenience

Network Solutions

Unlike Etsy, where sellers compete in a large marketplace, Network Solutions provides the opportunity to establish your own standalone online store. This means you’re not one among many. Instead, you have the chance to create a unique online store designed specifically for your brand and products. 

Network Solutions’ eCommerce website builder is best known for its customization, bundled essentials (like domain registration and marketing tools), and ease of use. Put simply, it’s a comprehensive, beginner-friendly solution for sellers ready to grow beyond Etsy’s limitations. 

What makes Network Solutions a strong Etsy alternative? 

• Custom storefront on your own domain. Instead of sharing space in a crowded marketplace, you get a branded store that’s 100% yours. And if your primary goal is to build credibility and gain customer trust, Network Solutions can help you achieve that.
• Drag-and-drop builder with templates. You don’t need to know how to code or hire a developer. Just pick a layout, drag elements where you want them, and launch.
• Built-in marketing tools. The platform includes tools for SEO, social media, and email marketing. These help you attract the right audience and drive repeat traffic without needing separate services or extra software.
• Easy payment integration. With Network Solutions, accepting payments is hassle-free because it can process all major payment methods. Your customers can also expect a smooth checkout experience, which, in turn, helps you maximize conversions and reduce cart abandonment.
• Pro website support. What’s more, you’re never alone with Network Solutions. Our in-house experts are always available to help you make sure your digital store is always performing at its best.
• Website analytics. Network Solutions comes with integrated analytics so you can track how your online store is doing and see how visitors are engaging with your site.

Network Solutions is ideal for you if you:

• are looking to build a one-of-a-kind online identity with a store that truly reflects your brand and vision.
• want the freedom to design and customize your online store without needing to learn how to code.
• need a solution that includes not just building your store but also securing a domain name and marketing your business online.
• prefer to have all the tools for managing, marketing, and growing your online presence in one place. 

Network Solution’s pricing and plans

Network Solutions offers tiered pricing for its website builder, with options that vary based on the feature inclusions. Each plan also comes with one year of free domain registration and domain privacy, which helps protect your contact details—such as your email address and phone number—from being publicly visible. 

• Website: $1.99 per month
• Website + Marketing: $3.99 per month
• eCommerce: $9.99 per month 

Note: These pricing details were last checked in April 2025 and may be subject to change.

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Standalone store, so no competing listings Easy customization Includes domain, hosting, and marketing tools All-in-one management dashboard	No free tier available Fewer design templates than competitors like Squarespace

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is a specialized online marketplace within Amazon designed for artisans like you to sell handmade products. The platform is integrated directly into the larger Amazon marketplace, which gives you access to a much wider customer base.    

What makes Amazon Handmade a strong Etsy alternative? 

• Curated artisan marketplace. Unlike Etsy, which is open to vintage items and craft supplies, Handmade at Amazon focuses strictly on genuinely handcrafted goods. You’ll need to apply and be approved to make sure that your products meet a certain standard of quality and uniqueness before selling. This is what sets it apart from other marketplaces.
• Global reach with Amazon’s trust. As part of the world’s largest online marketplace, Amazon Handmade offers built-in access to millions of Amazon shoppers.
• No listing fees. On Handmade at Amazon, you don’t have to pay to list your items. Instead, you pay a 15% referral fee when your item sells, which can be more flexible, especially if you sell a lot of different things.
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Sellers also benefit from programs like FBA, which take the hassle out of packing and shipping. While fees may be higher compared to smaller platforms, the trade-off is massive exposure and the chance to grow your brand in a high-traffic space.
• Maker profile and community support. Share your story through a dedicated profile page, join the Handmade Community Forum, and access seller resources through the Handmade Hub. 

Handmade at Amazon is ideal for you if you:

• seek a specialized marketplace that focuses on handcrafted goods, distinguishing your products from mass-produced items.
• value the credibility and exposure that comes with selling on a platform as recognized as Amazon.
• want to benefit from Amazon’s extensive customer base and advanced logistics, including shipping and customer service.
• are willing to use a more standard way to brand and customize your shop, as compared to platforms like Etsy.

Amazon Handmade’s pricing and plans

Amazon Handmade doesn’t offer traditional tiered pricing like other platforms. Instead, it follows a simplified fee structure that focuses on referrals. 

• 15% referral fee per transaction
• No listing or monthly subscription fee
• Handmade sellers are required to sign up for a Professional selling account (normally $39.99 per month). After a one-time payment for the first month, the ongoing monthly fee is waived for approved Handmade sellers, which basically saves you up to $480 annually.

Note: These details were last reviewed in April 2025. Fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check Amazon’s seller site for the most up-to-date terms.  

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Access to Amazon’s massive customer base No upfront listing or payment processing fees Monthly professional selling fee is waived FBA integration for simplified shipping Global reach with trusted brand association	15% referral fee per sale Strict application process Amazon owns customer relationships High competition within the marketplace Limited brand customization

eBay

eBay is one of the oldest and most well-known online marketplaces. It caters to a wide variety of items, from new and used goods to vintage and handmade items. 

While eBay offers a larger potential customer base and a broader product range, it doesn’t focus as much on handmade or vintage things like Etsy does. However, eBay can be a suitable alternative for you if you’re looking to reach a wider audience or sell a diverse range of products.   

What makes eBay a strong Etsy alternative? 

• A massive global customer base. With over 134 million buyers in 190+ markets, eBay gives you instant access to a vast global audience ready to discover your products. 
• Auction-style listing. One of eBay’s standout capabilities is its auction feature. This means buyers can bid on your items, which can be beneficial if you’re selling rare or in-demand items.
• Fixed-price options. If you prefer to set your price and move inventory faster, you can also list products at a set price.
• Built-in seller protection. eBay uses advanced detection systems and has a dedicated team that proactively monitors transactions, enforces policies, and helps prevent issues, so you can sell with no constant worries about fraud, scams, or disputes. 

eBay is ideal for you if you:

• are looking to sell not just handmade or vintage items, but also new and used goods across various categories.
• prefer a platform that supports auctions, which might help you get a better price for something special or in high demand.
• want a marketplace that offers a wide range of shipping and payment options to accommodate international transactions. 

eBay’s pricing and plans

eBay gives you flexible selling options with Store plans that adapt to your needs. Each plan comes with 250 free listing fees per month. Plus, access to eBay’s seller protections and powerful tools that support your business every step of the way. 

• Starter Store: $4.95 per month
• Basic Store: $21.95 per month
• Premium Store: $59.95 per month
• Anchor Store: $299.95 per month
• Enterprise Store: $2,999.95 per month 

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Free listings for up to 250 products per month Supports auctions and fixed pricing Huge global customer base (134M+ buyers) Advanced seller protections and fraud monitoring Affordable entry-level store plans Supports global eCommerce and sustainable efforts	Higher final value fees in some categories Not focused solely on handmade or artisan goods Standing out may be harder in a competitive space Optional upgrades may be needed for better visibility Less control over branding compared to standalone sites

Shopify

Shopify is one of the most flexible alternatives to Etsy. It’s packed with customization that is ideal for sellers who want full brand and business control. It also provides the tools you need to manage your entire eCommerce operation—from product listings to marketing and payments—all in one platform. 

What makes Shopify a strong Etsy alternative? 

• Customizable templates. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have design skills. Shopify offers a variety of free and customizable website templates.
• Smooth checkout process. A seamless checkout means more completed purchases and fewer abandoned carts. Shopify’s checkout is designed to be just that: fast, customizable, and built to convert.
• Shopify POS (point of sale). Want to sell in-person as well as online? Shopify POS makes it easy. Shopify POS connects all your sales to your online store and tracks your inventory in real-time. As such, everything is always in sync, no matter where you’re selling.
• Live view reports. Shopify’s Live View feature gives you a real-time snapshot of your store’s activity. You can monitor customer actions, sales, and traffic in your store as they happen. This lets you quickly respond to trends, optimize promotions, and gain store performance insights. 

Shopify is ideal for you if you:

• are looking for a platform that grows with your business, with tools and plans that support everything from basic stores to high-volume operations.
• need a flexible solution that allows you to sell both physical and digital products
• are willing to invest in marketing and want a platform with extensive tools 

Shopify’s pricing and plans 

Shopify offers flexible plans that grow with your business. Plus, it provides a yearly discount on select plans, so you can save in the long run. 

• Basic: $19 per month
• Grow: $49 per month
• Advanced: $299 per month
• Plus: $2,300 per month 

Note: All Shopify plans include a 14-day free trial, and additional fees may apply for payment processing.  

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Access to customizable templates and themes Easy integration with payment and shipping Extensive marketing tools and apps Fully customizable storefronts and branding Shopify POS for in-person sales Best-in-class checkout system	Monthly fees can get expensive for new businesses Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments Can be overwhelming with all the features for beginners Additional costs for third-party apps and plugins Not a marketplace, so it requires building your own traffic Limited design flexibility on the lower-tier plans

Big Cartel

Big Cartel is for independent artists and small-scale sellers who want an easy and straightforward online store without breaking the bank. With its clean, minimalist interface, it’s perfect for creators looking for a no-fuss solution to showcase their products. 

What makes Big Cartel a strong Etsy alternative? 

• Customizable branding. The platform, like the others, lets you fully customize your store. The difference is, it has a variety of SEO-optimized themes, which you can modify to fit your brand’s style.
• Simple setup and user-friendly interface. With Big Cartel, setting up your store is quick and simple. You don’t need any technical expertise, and you can have your shop running in no time.
• Real-time sales dashboard. Want to see your sales straight away? Thanks to Big Cartel’s live sales dashboard, you can do so easily. 

Big Cartel is ideal for you if you:

• are looking for an easy-to-use platform to showcase and sell your products.
• need a basic eCommerce solution that covers the essentials without unnecessary features.
• want a platform that supports independent artists and small businesses. 

Big Cartel’s pricing and plans 

Big Cartel offers flexible pricing to suit different needs, from beginners to more established sellers. With a free plan available and affordable paid options, it’s an accessible choice for creators on a budget. 

• Gold Plan: $0 per month (up to 5 products)
• Platinum Plan: $15 per month (up to 50 products)
• Diamond Plan: $30 per month (up to 500 products) 

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Simple and easy to set up Affordable paid plans No transaction fees on paid plans Custom domain name support Real-time sales dashboard for performance tracking SEO-optimized templates	Limited features compared to larger platforms Fewer customization options for advanced stores Limited integrations with third-party apps Limited built-in marketing tools Limited scalability for larger stores

Bonanza

If you’re on the prowl for platforms like Etsy, Bonanza is definitely worth checking out. Much like Etsy, Bonanza is an online marketplace that allows you to sell unique items like art, crafts, and collectibles.  

What truly makes this platform different is the way it adapts to your needs. Not only can you list your products on its marketplace, but you can also create a standalone website for your store. 

What makes Bonanza a strong Etsy alternative?   

• Automatic eBay, Amazon, and Shopify inventory import/sync. Juggling multiple platforms? Bonanza makes it easy. With automatic sync for your inventory from eBay, Amazon, and Shopify, you can ensure your product listings stay up to date across all channels without doing manual updates.
• Multi-item editing capabilities. Editing multiple listings at once is a breeze with Bonanza’s multi-item editing tools. If you need to update descriptions, pricing, or other details, you can do so for several products—all at once.
• Customized marketing campaign tools. Ready to put your products in front of the right people? Bonanza’s marketing tools allow you to create personalized campaigns, from email promotions to custom ads, that target the audience who’s most likely to buy.
• Zero-effort webstores. Building a brand-new online store? With Bonanza, you don’t need to start from scratch. Their automatic webstore feature takes your marketplace account and instantly turns it into a fully functional online store. 

Bonanza is ideal for you if you:

• want a marketplace with lower fees and more flexible pricing options.
• want the option to create a unique, standalone store in addition to selling on a marketplace.
• are looking for an easy-to-use platform that supports cross-platform integrations like eBay, Amazon, and Shopify. 

Bonanza’s pricing and plans

Bonanza offers three pricing plans, each tailored to different types of sellers: beginning sellers, full business management, and high-volume sellers. You can also choose between membership plans like Silver and Platinum for more focused support as your business grows. 

• Silver: $12 per month
• Platinum: $55 per month
• Gold: $25 per month
• Diamond: $113 per month
• Titan: $167 per month 

Note: Pricing and plans may change over time. Always check Bonanza’s website for the most up-to-date information.

What Impresses Us	What to Watch Out For
Low fees compared to other platforms Syncs easily with other marketplaces like Amazon and eBay Seller-focused policies and support	Smaller buyer base than Etsy Less brand recognition Limited built-in traffic, so you’ll need to market your products actively

How to create your own online store 

While selling on established marketplaces offers convenience and immediate access to a large audience, having your own online store comes with a lot of benefits. It gives you full control over your brand, from the look and feel of your site to the customer experience. Plus, it allows you to build direct relationships with your customers, gather valuable data, and potentially enjoy higher profit margins without marketplace fees.    

Here’s a quick guide to get you started, from planning your online business to launching and marketing it:   

Step 1. Identify your niche and products or services   

Creating your own online store begins with careful planning. Identify your niche market and target audience to guide your product selection and marketing efforts. Once you’ve defined your niche, decide on the range of products or services you want to offer, taking into account your expertise, passion, and market demand.   

Step 2. Choose the right eCommerce platform   

Selecting the right eCommerce platform is important for the success of your online store. So, think about the features, scalability, cost, and ease of use when researching platforms. Each platform has its own set of advantages, so take the time to find the best fit for your business needs.   

Step 3. Set up your online store  

With the platform chosen, it’s time to set up your online store. Register a memorable, brand-relevant domain name that reflects your business identity and design your store to align with your brand and optimize user experience. Add products with compelling descriptions, high-quality photos, and clear categorization to make browsing easy for customers.   

Step 4. Set up payment and shipping   

Add secure payment gateways that let your customers pay without a hitch. Set up shipping options and policies, including rates and delivery times, to provide clarity and convenience for your buyers.   

Step 5. Launch and market your store   

Finally, before launching your store, run a pre-launch checklist to ensure all functionalities are working smoothly. Once everything is in order, implement basic marketing tactics such as email campaigns, SEO, and social media marketing to bring traffic to your store and generate sales. 

A little planning always goes a long way in creating an online store. For one, it’ll help you effectively reach your target market and showcase your offerings in the best way possible.   

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to launch a successful online store. Keep in mind, however, that the key to success often comes from continuously optimizing and marketing your store. 

5 common challenges Etsy sellers face   

Selling on Etsy can open many doors to new growth opportunities for your business. However, like many other selling platforms, it comes with its own set of hurdles. 

• High competition. Etsy is a highly saturated market with millions of active sellers. The sheer volume of shops and products can make it difficult for online sellers to get noticed.
• Fees. Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. For small-scale sellers, these fees can significantly cut into profit margins. Etsy also encourages sellers to spend on advertising to gain visibility, which further increases costs.
• Limited customization. While Etsy allows some level of shop customization, sellers have limited control over their shop’s layout and branding. This can make it challenging to create a unique and memorable brand identity within the platform.
• Customer acquisition and retention. Building a loyal customer base solely through Etsy can be challenging. The platform’s market dynamics often prioritize product searches over loyalty to specific shops. This makes it harder to secure repeat business and build a loyal customer base.
• Algorithm changes. Etsy’s search algorithm changes can dramatically affect shop visibility and sales. Sellers must continuously optimize their listings and stay abreast of best practices to maintain visibility.  

Given these challenges, some online sellers are debating whether it’s even worth it to sell on Etsy.  

Find your ideal Etsy alternative for selling online 

Whether you’re already running an Etsy store and looking to expand your business or just starting out online, exploring alternatives to Etsy can offer new opportunities for growth.  

Some of the popular Etsy alternatives include: 

• Network Solutions
• Amazon Handmade
• eBay
• Shopify
• Big Cartel
• Bonanza 

Each option mentioned above brings something different to the table. Finding the right fit for your creative business might require some digging and playing around with what works best. But remember, the journey to finding your perfect online place is part of the fun. 

Frequently asked questions