When it comes to selling your items online, there are lots of options.
But Etsy and eBay are the two most famous as well as notable marketplace online.
Both platforms have their pros and cons that can affect your business. Maybe you are selling it for the first time or maybe you are starting a business.
In both cases, you might need a better understanding of how both platforms work and what difference you will find. To choose and decide, here is everything that will help you.
How Do You Choose The Right Marketplace For Your Products?
The extreme basic step here is to do the research, the more you have understood the better decision you can make.
There is no doubt that Etsy and eBay are beneficial for the sellers. And both offer the potential for you as a seller to get more sales on the products.
With research, you can find the right for you as well as your products.
There is a certain marketplace that suits certain kinds of products. Also, you can get a different target audience depending on what platform you choose.
According to the poll conducted by Manta, more than 70% of small businesses get more sales when they choose the online marketplace.
However, 30% reported a negative response to their products. And there is a huge chance that the negative response is based on choosing the wrong marketplace.
What Etsy And eBay Sells?
Before you start, the first thing you should know is what both marketplaces specialized in selling.
With this, you can understand if your product is the right fit for the platform.
Etsy: What They Sell?
Etsy is specialized in selling handmade and creative items. If your products are the right fit in both categories, you can choose Etsy without any doubt.
Image source: Neilpatel
Etsy targets the creative designer who is passionate about their artwork and helps in selling to those who want it.
You can choose Etsy if you are planning to sell the craft supplies. It includes interior décor items, unique and antique items.
Well as long you are fulfilling the demands, your products will get a good amount of audience and sales.
eBay: What They Sell?
Where Etsy is focused on selling handmade products and unique goods. eBay is much more about selling everything.
If you are selling a variety of products, it can be anything from antiques to brand items, eBay is the place where you can sell all together.
Image source: reviewXP
The platform is much more suitable for selling mass-produced items. Along with that, it is based on good bargains which make eBay more competitive.
So if you are targeting to offer good deals to your customers, regardless of what you are selling, eBay is for you to choose from.
What Are the Good And Bad Side Of Etsy And eBay?
Well, there is nothing ‘ bad’ about both marketplace, as long as you are selling the right product, both marketplace will work for you.
However, it’s much more about which one is best for your business. And that’s why you need to look at the pros and cons you get as a seller.
It includes how you can price your product. If you are selling a higher amount then you can consider.
Etsy whereas if the price is low but you are selling a huge amount, eBay is for you.
Well before you choose, here are some pros and cons for both markets.
Etsy: Pros And Cons
To choose Etsy, you can consider these pros :
- Etsy is a marketplace where you can get huge audience numbers. They have more than 40 million active buyers who are especially looking for handmade and unique items.
- High-profit margins give you much better prices to sell the product on a high amount.
- It’s easy to set your brand on Etsy and establish yourself as a seller.
- You get the forums that help fast and you can create or participate in the community.
- You get the customer service which is much better and helps.
To consider if you choose Etsy or not, here are some cons :
- The fees are higher on Etsy as compared to selling it via the website directly.
- You can also find problems like plagiarism, copycats, and item replications.
- The pricing can be extremely competitive.
- You need more time and resources to do the separate listing for each of your products.
eBay: Pros And Cons
To choose eBay, here are the pros for you :
- It takes less time to create your product listing and you can duplicate it which saves energy and effort.
- You get a global audience and you can target your customers much easier.
- eBay offers a marketplace that has more than 150 million active users.
- Here you can get the product popularity which increases the sales.
To consider if eBay is the right choice, here are some cons to know :
- The dispute resolution can be unfavorable.
- The sales charges can be expensive, as they charge around 10% of your every transaction.
- For lots of buyers, you can get unreliability.
How To Choose Between Etsy vs eBay?
Being two notable marketplace, choosing between eBay and Etsy can be overwhelming.
However, as a seller, you are looking for certain aspects and factors. The basic includes :
- Customer base
- Shipping
- Seller experience
- Seller fees
- Advertising Fees
Well to choose the right one, here is the comparison dividing both marketplaces on the basics of the requirements of yours.
The Customer Base
Both marketplaces have their own set of customer bases. eBay is leading on here as they sell almost everything which includes new and used items.
Whereas Etsy is much more about handmade products. This includes a small global marketplace but you can get the targeted customers if you are selling similar things.
To understand it better here is what you need to know about both marketplace’s customer base.
Etsy
Etsy has a smaller platform when you compare it with eBay. In 2019 the significant amount of buyers was around 45.7 million.
Etsy is a much better option if you are looking for a marketplace where you can target customers who value the quality of products and artisan items.
Image source: Hostgator
Also, it’s good for creating a loyal customer base for you.
According to the former CEO of Etsy Chad Dickerson, he revealed in 2015 that 81% of sales on Etsy is because of the repeat purchases that are made by new, reactivated, and retained buyers.
For the US-based customers, you are getting huge numbers from the US. From outside the country, you are getting only 34%
eBay
eBay is a behemoth when you compare the marketplace to Etsy.
In 2018 ‘s fourth quarter, the platform was the second-largest market ranked in the US.
And in 2019, eBay had more than 183 million customers all across the globe.
Well, here the American customers are 70% and other countries and its percentages which include China, Canada, Russia, and Uk.
Image source: gHacks
eBay offers the opportunity to sell almost everything on its platform. Also for sellers, you get the range from new to mass-produced products.
Shipping Options
For sellers, it’s important to know what they are getting in shipping options. To your customers, the shipping option can be a major reason not to choose you.
However, you get different options in both marketplaces.
Etsy
Well, Etsy offers a worthwhile shipping experience to both sellers and buyers.
The options here are much cheaper, you can ship directly too. Also, Etsy offers the sellers discounted postage labels. However, you get it on carriers like FedEx, USPS, and Canada Post.
Etsy also offers handy tools that can help you in keeping shipping much easier.
You get the tracking shipment that keeps you in control and it’s convenient.
eBay
Well on eBay you get the pressure when it comes to offering free shipping. This makes you much more compatible.
Also, it’s on seller expenses and that’s why it becomes so crucial to deal with the listing pricing and adjust there.
It’s true that not all sellers can afford to offer the free shipping option.
But the majority of shipping, almost around 71% are free shipping.
Image source: Marketingartfully
Well, this adds pressure on sellers who are selling low-priced items on eBay.However, the shipping is easier as you get the tools and capabilities.
This includes the shipping labels which you can print at home, and also free co brandied supplies.
Also, you get the shipping calculator that helps you in getting the estimated cost of overall shipping.
Seller Fees
The next includes the seller fees, and for lots of sellers, eBay seems more interesting.
Well, the reason can be the incentivizes up to 50 free listings options per month. However, you are not getting that with Etsy but you can get the predictable fees.
With Etsy, you need to pay for the listing fees. These fees are much more defined and standard compared to eBay.
eBay Fees
When you are selling on eBay, you need to pay monthly or annual fees.
Well, the fees depend on the sellers and the amount of product they are selling, also it includes different factors which change the overall fees.
You can pay fees one time, or They can be deducted from the account automatically. Also, it can vary a lot if you are a casual seller or have your own eBay store.
When you are running a store, you are going to need a subscription. And the price depends on the options you choose.
Listing your products on eBay includes the listing cost, final value fees which again depends on the type of seller you are.
Point To Remember: Well if you failed to pay the fees or in case of late fees, your account can get suspended.
Etsy Fees
Unlike eBay, Etsy has a much more defined and consistent fee structure.The listing and renewal fees cost around $0.20 per item. And your listing will expire every four months.
The price of renewal fees either gets deduct automatically or you can do it manually too.As for the listed item, you don’t have to pay for anything additional listing fees.
Also, there is no charge for the Etsy pattern store. And this one does not expire, unlike the standard listings.
Here you don’t have to pay for editing your listing.
After every sale, 5% including the delivery and gift wrapping gets deducted from your balance.
Point To Remember: Etsy offers Etsy plus, it’s a subscription for the sellers. You need to pay USD 10 per month.
But if you are choosing the Etsy Pattern, the first 30 days are free, and after it will deduct USD 15 per month as subscription fees.
Seller Experience
When it comes to choosing a platform based on their seller experience, you are going to find quite a difference here.
Etsy is more about tools and performance and communal whereas eBay is competitively structured.
eBay
eBay is one of the highest competitive marketplaces where they constantly encourage sellers to scale up. Also to expand the listing and to thrive.
And to help the sellers, they designed tools for that :
- File Exchange: This one helps you to list different items from MS Access, Excel sheet file, and inventory software.
- Sales Report: These reports are free and provided to the sellers for helping them in tracking what drives their sales and to make key decisions.
- eBay App: The app is helpful for the sellers because you get access to the site
- Selling Templates: The reusable template helps eBay to choose and recreate the high-quality listing much faster and hassle-free.
- Seller Hub: This is a free tool that helps in enabling the operation and enhancing it for better sales.
Performance On eBay
On eBay, performance matters greatly and you need to put much more attention. eBay rewards if you are doing great and putting in much effort.
eBay encourages the sellers to create a customer experience and get more sales. In exchange for that, you get the stamps of approval that help in improving the seller levels.
These seller levels are badges like help you in getting more customers and building trust.
Etsy
As compared to eBay, the community here is much more relaxed. This environment is much better for you if you are running a small business.
Etsy encourages the sellers to help each other. Also, they offer free practical advice on how the sellers can get more sales with the Etsy Seller Handbook.
Image source: Dummies
With this digital handbook, Etsy sellers can get inspiration and ideas.
It also helps in understanding more about the product photography, pricing, and how you can make your store easy to find on Etsy.
The Etsy community offers forums that help other sellers to support, share their advice, and keep the critics friendly.
Performance On Etsy
Here you get the less critical and scrutinized. However, Etsy keeps the customer option on top.
The customers have the option to rate the shops as well as their purchases.
Advertising Fees
When it comes to ad programs, you get distinct experience from both marketplaces.
Etsy ads are standard and comparing it to Facebook as well as Google Adwords, it’s similar to.
You can choose the cost per click and maximum daily ads. However, eBay has a one percent model.
eBay
Here you get the options to choose as per your item sale price and its percentage. With this, you will know what you are paying for and this gives you a much more clear idea.
The risks here are much lower as you know what you are paying for and which items are going to get the sales.
The ad rate on eBay charges only when buyers click and the amount will be deducted within 30 days.
Etsy
Here you can set the daily budget of your ads and choose your maximum daily spend.
Well, the default minimum budget you get here is $1.00.
The amount will be charged when the ads are clicked. The CPC gets calculated and it will be added to the payment account on the following day.
However, in 2020 Etsy introduced its Offsite ads. This one is designed to keep the risk free. Also, this will be advertised exclusively on Google, Instagram, Bing, Pinterest, and Facebook.
What You Can’t Sell On Etsy And eBay?
To start on any of this marketplace, you are going to need the idea of what you can’t sell.
This is important because you can get your account suspended. Both of the marketplaces are strict when it comes to their banned items.
If you are choosing Etsy, here are what items are restricted:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Tobacco
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Medical Drugs
- Animal products
- Human remains
- Recalled items
- Weapons
- Hazardous materials
- Pornography
- Mature content
- Items that promote or support violence
- Promoting illegal activity
- Highly regulated items
- Internationally regulated items
- Anything that glorifies hatred
If you are choosing eBay, here are some of the restricted items
- Alcohol
- Adult items
- Artifacts, grave or cultural heritage related items
- Chance listings
- Coupons
- Catalytic converter
- Test pipes
- Autographed items
- Animal and wildlife products
- Credit and debit cards
- Drugs or drugs paraphernalia
- Event tickets
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- Illegal activity items
- Knives
- Weapons
- Firearms
- Gift cards
- Food
- Government or shipping related items
- Documents like IDs and Licenses
- Embargoed goods
- Prohibited items in certain countries
- Lock picking devices
- Medical drugs
- Healthcare devices
- Policies related items
- Real estate
- Selling art
- Slot machines
- Travel
- Used clothing
- Used cosmetics
- Stolen property
- Stamps
- Coins or currencies
- Stocks and securities
How You Can Get Started On eBay Vs Etsy?
Regardless of what you selected,the first thing you should need to do is to get started.
However, starting on both marketplace is easier if you know how to do it. Well to know, here are some basics.
On Etsy
Etsy sellers are required to open your shop and provide the information. Here you get the guidance that you can use to create your account.
Because of this, it becomes much easier to sell on Etsy. Once you are done filling in all the details, you can start the account and list the products.
After this, you need to promote your items and manage your store.
On eBay
Here you can either start as a one-time seller or you can start the business. For both eBay is a great platform to start with.
The first thing you need to do is to sign up for the account on eBay. Once you complete this, you can sell your products.
Now create your product listing and price the items based on what you are aiming for.
Once you are done, you can set the shipping options.
How You Get Paid On Etsy vs eBay?
Getting paid on both depends on the level of selling you are doing. Also, it’s not the same level and you are not getting the buyer’s confidence when you are selling the items online.
Before this, you need to make sure you have an understanding of your buyer’s perspective.
Also, there are some payment methods that are either not allowed or restricted. That’s why make sure you are aware of those points too.
On Etsy
Image source: justbusiness
Here you need to understand how your buyers are paying you for the products. The basic options that you get here are :
- Google pay
- Apple pay
- Paypal
- Credit cards
- Debit or bank cards
- Klarna Invoice payment for Germany
- iDEAL for the Netherlands
- Sofort for Australia as well as Germany
- Etsy Gifts
- Etsy Credits
Make sure you are enrolled for the Etsy payments. As it’s a prime way to get paid from Etsy. It simplifies the overall experience for you as well as your buyers.
On eBay
eBay has its payment options which are allowed, restricted and some are not allowed. This is an important aspect to consider as you will know what options you get on paid.
Here are the ways which are allowed on eBay :
- Payment upon pickup
- Paypal
- A debit card or Paypal credit
- Merchant credit or debit card
Here is the list of payment methods that are not allowed :
- Bank to bank transfer
- Paying via mail
- Using cryptocurrencies for payment
- Mailing checks or money orders
- Asking the buyers to pay using a method that is not allowed.
- Offering a payment method
- Paying using other payment
- Paying using online methods
- MoneyGram and Western Union
- Asking buyers for contacting you to get additional payments
eBay offers the payment options which are restricted, and it includes :
- Checks
- Money orders
- Bank to bank transfer
- Bank wire transfers
- Money orders
- Using XOOM, Allpay.net, CertaPay and Nochex
