Online Marketplaces to Sell On

Shopify vs Etsy

Both are online marketplaces to sell on. The short answer: choose Shopify if you are brands launching a serious online store; choose Etsy if you are makers selling handmade, vintage and craft products globally.

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Shopify logo ShopifyEtsy logo Etsy
Best forBrands launching a serious online storeMakers selling handmade, vintage and craft products globally
Free planNo (trial may exist)No (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesWebsite Builders, E-commerce Platforms, Online Marketplaces to Sell OnOnline Marketplaces to Sell On
Strengths
  • Built for e-commerce
  • Large app store
  • Reliable hosting
  • Global craft-loving audience
  • Simple shop setup
Watch out for
  • Monthly costs add up with apps
  • Transaction fees on some payment setups
  • Listing and transaction fees
  • Shipping abroad is costly
Visit ShopifyVisit Etsy

Which should you choose?

Shopify: Leading hosted e-commerce platform with themes, apps and payments.

Etsy: Global marketplace for handmade and unique goods.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all online marketplaces to sell on compared.