Etsy Reviews and Complaints
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User Reviews:
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February 5th, 2025
Etsy is a dynamic global online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of unique and handcrafted items. It provides a platform for independent creators to showcase their products, supporting small businesses worldwide. Our Etsy reviews and user ratings offer an unbiased assessment of the platform based on objective data and feedback from ecommerce entrepreneurs just like you.
The Etsy marketplace maintains a strong commitment to privacy and customer support, ensuring a secure environment for both buying and selling. If you’ve sold on Etsy, consider leaving a customer review to help others who are considering giving it a try. Just click the button below or read on for our full review to see if your business can find success on Etsy.
What Is Etsy?
Etsy, founded by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik in 2005, is a global online marketplace that allows individuals to sell handmade, vintage, and unique goods. Though initially restricted to handmade crafts, Etsy has expanded what can be sold on the platform. Sellers can offer various items, including jewelry, clothing, art, home decor, and craft supplies. To start selling, a user creates an Etsy shop by listing products, with a fee of 20 cents per item.
Etsy provides tools and resources for managing and promoting these shops, supporting sellers’ business growth. The platform emphasizes human connection and creativity, catering to buyers seeking special items that reflect personal style and niche preferences.
Etsy offers a unique platform for creative entrepreneurs, but that doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for everyone. Weighing the pros and cons early on is essential for future success. On the plus side, Etsy provides a vast audience, allowing artists to showcase their products worldwide. It also simplifies the selling process with user-friendly tools. However, high fees and intense competition can pose challenges. To succeed, one must stay dedicated, continuously refine their craft, and utilize Etsy’s resources effectively. Remember, success on Etsy requires perseverance and a strategic approach.
Pros of Etsy:
- Access to a large, global customer base
- User-friendly platform with a simple setup
- Opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded creators
- Tools and resources to help manage your shop efficiently
Cons of Etsy:
- High fees that can cut into profits
- Significant competition with numerous sellers
- Limited customization options for shop branding
- Dependence on Etsy’s search algorithms for visibility
Pricing and Value for Etsy
Etsy offers different fee models for sellers, depending on their needs. A set-up fee may be required when opening a shop. Each item listed incurs a $0.20 fee, automatically renewed every four months unless the auto-renew option is disabled.
Additionally, sellers are charged a transaction fee of 6.5% on the item price, plus shipping and gift wrapping. Offsite ad fees vary between 12% and 15% based on annual sales, impacting attributed orders from external advertising.
Etsy Plus is available for sellers seeking enhanced features at $10 per month. This optional subscription offers expanded tools to help grow your shop, including monthly listing credits and Etsy Ads credits.
The fees are billed monthly in USD, with taxes potentially added based on your location. Payment processing fees apply for each transaction through Etsy Payments, and shipping label fees are determined by various factors such as carrier and package details.
Etsy Features
Etsy offers tools designed to help sellers efficiently manage and grow their businesses. With features like the Etsy Seller App, sellers can manage orders, edit listings, and respond to buyers instantly from a mobile device, ensuring they maintain control and flexibility wherever they are. Etsy also allows sellers to create a custom website powered by their Etsy shop, facilitating brand expansion beyond the marketplace. Sellers benefit from Etsy’s secure payment processing system, which supports a variety of payment methods, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for both the seller and the buyer. Furthermore, Etsy’s commitment to security with SSL encryption and fraud detection offers peace of mind, allowing sellers to focus more on their craft and less on the intricacies of ecommerce management.
To amplify visibility and attract potential buyers, Etsy provides robust advertising opportunities. Sellers can utilize Etsy Ads to enhance their listings’ visibility within the platform’s search results, making it easier for shoppers to find their shop. Offsite ads extend this reach beyond Etsy to platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Bing, expanding a seller’s audience considerably. Additionally, sellers can create sales or distribute coupons to engage potential customers and drive interest. Etsy supports sellers further with resources like the Seller Handbook and the Etsy Success newsletter, equipping them with best practices and insights to refine their approach to selling and connect more meaningfully with their audience.
Etsy Scalability
Etsy is a vibrant marketplace ideal for those interested in selling unique and handmade goods, but it may not be the best fit for a B2B business model. It is primarily a platform for individual creators and small business owners to connect directly with customers seeking distinctive products. Etsy thrives on the personal connection between buyer and seller, offering a more intimate shopping experience than mass-market retailers.
Its global reach allows sellers to tap into a vast audience interested in one-of-a-kind items, making it a compelling option for artisans and designers. However, those looking for wholesale or bulk transaction capabilities might find Etsy’s marketplace setup less well-suited to their needs.
Products You Can Sell on Etsy
Sellers on Etsy can list various new and vintage products, making it a versatile platform for creative entrepreneurs. While originally all items had to be either handmade, vintage, or craft supplies, enforcement of these guidelines has faltered in recent years. Nowadays, you can find all manner of products being sold, from one-of-a-kind custom crafts to mass-produced items that loosely adhere to this theme. Categories include:
- Bags & Backpacks
- Bedding & Towels
- Drinkware & Mugs
- Games & Sports
- Hats & Socks
- Hoodies & Sweats
- Jewelry
- Luggage & Travel
- Posters & Decals
- Shirts & Pants
- Swimwear & Sports
- Tech Accessories
However, sellers must adhere to Etsy’s guidelines, which prohibit the sale of specific items, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and weapons. You can stand out by adhering to one qualifying category such as handmade or hand-picked by seller, to compete with the flood of knockoffs and factory-produced items invading the marketplace. You can earn a badge under the Highlights section of a product listing to set you apart this way.
Additionally, sellers must disclose the use of production partners and may need to obtain additional approvals for specific products. This ensures the marketplace maintains its integrity and commitment to offering unique and authentic goods.
Security
Etsy takes its security measures seriously to protect buyers and sellers in the online marketplace. With a robust approach to safeguarding financial and personal information, Etsy adheres to PCI compliance, ensuring that any payment processing meets stringent security standards. The platform employs two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary device or application.
Additionally, Etsy uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology to encrypt credit card information during transactions, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected from unauthorized access. By implementing these security protocols, Etsy aims to create a secure and trustworthy environment for ecommerce business owners to operate and grow their businesses confidently.
Seller Protection
Etsy’s Seller Protection Program is designed to help sellers manage the complexities of online transactions with a clear and structured approach. The program offers fraud protection and fraud reimbursement, ensuring sellers can confidently navigate potential risks associated with selling on the platform. Etsy provides coverage for non-delivery, late delivery, and listing accuracy disputes by implementing specific eligibility requirements.
To qualify for this protection, sellers must follow guidelines, such as using Etsy’s payment platform, providing valid tracking, and adhering to stated processing times. While the program is not an insurance policy, it offers peace of mind by helping resolve cases up to a specific monetary limit, allowing sellers to focus on providing excellent products and customer experiences without the constant worry of potential financial setbacks.
Etsy Integrations
Etsy’s integration capabilities offer a streamlined approach for ecommerce business owners seeking efficiency and connectivity in their operations. Etsy integrates with platforms like eFulfillment Service, SHIPHYPE, Shipmonk, and Stamps.com, allowing for a more cohesive workflow. Social media and digital marketing are seamlessly linked through integrations with Facebook, Google Shopping, Instagram, and TikTok, while payment processing is facilitated through PayPal Checkout. For those involved in print-on-demand services, Etsy’s connection with Gelato, Printful, and Printify provides versatility in product offerings.
Additionally, shipping logistics are connected to Easyship, ShippingEasy, Shippo, and Shipstation, providing robust tools to manage orders and shipments. Note, however, that there are limitations and costs associated with some integrations. Etsy does not currently integrate with TeePublic or Zazzle.
Furthermore, integrations with Red Stag Fulfillment, Shipbob, Amazon, eBay, YouTube, Walmart Marketplace, BigCommerce, Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce often come with additional costs.
Etsy Ease of Use
Etsy is designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering features that aim to streamline the online selling experience. Setting up your shop is painless, and listing items is a breeze.
One of the key tools at the seller’s disposal is the Etsy Seller app, which provides a convenient way to manage orders and shipments directly from a mobile device. This app allows sellers to access order details on the go, making it easier to stay updated and responsive to customer needs. The platform’s intuitive interface helps sellers navigate their shops and update listings efficiently.
However, users might face occasional technical issues, such as difficulties with captchas, which can interrupt the seamless experience Etsy strives to provide. Despite occasional hiccups, Etsy tries to create a user-centric platform, like any online tool. Regarding fulfillment options, Etsy offers a few choices to assist sellers in delivering products to customers efficiently. Sellers can manage their shipping details directly through the platform, which allows them to choose from various shipping carriers and options that best suit their needs.
This flexibility is crucial for business owners looking to optimize their fulfillment processes. Additionally, Etsy allows sellers to purchase shipping labels at a discounted rate, saving time and money. While these features highlight Etsy’s commitment to easing the operational burdens for sellers, the level of convenience ultimately depends on the individual seller’s location and sales volume. This system encourages sellers to take charge of their fulfillment strategies, supported by Etsy’s comprehensive tools.
Customer Service
Etsy provides a range of customer support options tailored to meet various needs, ensuring ecommerce business owners can efficiently address their concerns. Their support includes a 24/7 AI-powered chatbot designed to quickly resolve common inquiries like payments and delivery status, providing timely assistance at any hour. The platform offers a Knowledge Base filled with helpful articles and resources and Setup Assistance for more complex issues to help new users get started.
Users also benefit from a dedicated account manager for personalized support, which is available at an additional cost. However, it’s important to note that Etsy does not offer live chat or a direct phone line for customer service; instead, any phone support requests must be initiated through their Contact Support Form to maintain safety and authenticity. Etsy’s customer support leaves something to be desired, but since the platform is generally very easy to use, this isn’t a major concern.
Etsy Alternatives
Selling on Etsy might not be for everyone. High fees, intense competition, and limited customization options can deter some sellers. If you’re interested in exploring other platforms, here are some alternatives that could better fit your business needs:
- eBay: With its massive user base, eBay offers a diverse audience and flexible listing options. It’s perfect for sellers who want to reach customers worldwide and have control over their pricing strategies. Remember that competition can be fierce, so standing out is essential.
- Big Cartel: Ideal for artists and creators, Big Cartel offers customizable storefronts focused on independent brands. This user-friendly platform allows you to build a brand identity while keeping costs low. However, it may not provide the same visibility as more popular marketplaces.
- Facebook Marketplace: This platform allows you to tap into your local community and sell directly to buyers nearby. It’s easy to list items and communicate with potential customers. While it’s great for local sales, it might not be the best for scaling your business globally.
- Amazon: Known for its vast reach and trustworthiness, Amazon is an excellent choice for sellers who want to tap into a global market. The platform handles fulfillment, which can save you time and effort. However, be prepared for strict guidelines, intense competition, and high fees.
Before diving in, check out our reviews of these alternatives to find the best fit for your business goals. Remember, choosing the right platform can make all the difference in achieving success. And there’s nothing stopping you from offering your products through multiple avenues!
Is Selling on Etsy Worth It?
As an ecommerce business owner, you might be weighing your options and wondering if Etsy is the right platform for your venture. With its unique marketplace, Etsy offers a space for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. Understanding the benefits and challenges of selling on Etsy can help you make an informed decision before investing your valuable time.
Your insights and experiences could guide others in choosing the right path for their business, so if you’ve sold on Etsy, please share your experience below. Or, if you’re ready to dive in, sign up and start your journey today!