⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick in this Shopify vs Etsy comparison? The better eCommerce website builder for most people is Shopify.
Introduction to our Shopify vs Etsy Comparison.
When it comes to selling vintage products, one online platform comes to mind: Etsy. However, the steady popularity of Shopify is almost one click away from snagging this reputation from Etsy. Not to mention, Shopify and Etsy are entirely different in terms of structure.
Ultimately, your decision can be influenced by how you view these platforms in terms of efficiency, costs, and available features.
Therefore, in this Shopify vs Etsy review, we'll compare Shopify and Etsy to see which platform is best for classic stores. So let's dive right in.
Quick Comparison Table for Shopify vs Etsy
| Criteria | 🥇 Shopify (My Top Pick!) | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Intuitive interface and easy to set up. Requires minimal technical knowledge. | Very easy to set up and start selling. Specifically designed for small-scale sellers. |
| Key Features & Flexibility | Highly customizable, with a wide range of features and integrations. | Limited customization options, focus on simplicity and quick setup. |
| SEO & Marketing | Advanced SEO options, marketing tools, and integrations. | Basic SEO, promoted listings within the Etsy platform. |
| E-commerce | Complete e-commerce solution with various payment gateways and shipping options. | Simplified e-commerce mainly for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. |
| Customer Support and Resources | 24/7 support via chat, email, and phone, plus extensive documentation. | Email support and forums. Support might be slower compared to Shopify. |
| Pricing | Monthly plans starting at $29/month, plus transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments. | No monthly fees, but listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees apply. |
| My View | Best for those wanting to create a full-fledged, customizable online store. | Best for individual sellers and small businesses focusing on crafts and unique products. |
| Try for Free | Try for Free |
Overview:
Here are our contenders – Shopify vs Etsy – in a nutshell:
Shopify:
Shopify was founded in 2006 as an online store for snowboarding equipment. Over the years, it evolved into an eCommerce platform for online retailers. In 2021, it has a record high of 1,700,000 businesses in its platform across 175 countries.
Etsy:
Etsy is considered a pillar platform in terms of selling products online. Over the years, it became the go-to marketplace for sellers of vintage goods, handmade products, and crafts.
Ease of Use:
Which between Shopify vs Etsy works best for beginners?
Shopify:
Setting up your store in Shopify doesn't require in-depth technical knowledge and skills. The toolset is readily available and pretty much speaks for itself. Also, a beginner's guide is available.
Etsy:
Like Shopify Etsy's process is simple. Opening an account and setting up your store in Etsy is well-guided and straightforward. The information required is also direct so that you can complete the process in minutes.
Winner – Draw! Both Shopify and Etsy within our ‘Ease of Use' Shopify vs. Etsy comparison. Both platforms are user-friendly with intuitive tools.
Features and Flexibility:
What features are to be expected with Shopify vs Etsy?
Out-of-the-box:
Which among Etsy or Shopify have more built-in tools and features?
Shopify:
It's hard not to notice your store when it's on Shopify. The platform comes with a professionally designed website that easily attracts your target market.
Etsy:
Since Etsy is more like a marketplace than an online store, you get to stand out through the appeal your product gives off. Depending on how you perceive your goods, this can either be considered as a boon or bane.
Shopify vs Etsy Themes and Templates:
A beautiful online store is bound to lure more customers. So which is better for aesthetic purposes – Shopify vs Etsy?
Shopify:
You can choose from more than 60 industry-specific themes from Shopify. You can also arrange the layout of the design depending on your preference and how you visualise your store. Customers can also maximize their shopping experience with extra features such as zooming in to the details of the product.
Etsy:
One major downside about Etsy is that you have a limited template selection when it comes to your store design. You share the same look with other sellers, which means you have to focus your branding on your products.
Customisation Tools:
How can Shopify or Etsy allow you to give your online store character?
Shopify:
Shopify comes with a wide array of customisation tools. You have access to the backend of your website and select from design tools to personalize your store.
Etsy:
Compared to Shopify Etsy's customisation tools are relatively limited. You can decide about your logo design, but that's pretty much it. The platform predetermines other aspects of your catalog.
Shopify Etsy 3rd Party Integrations:
The ability to interface with third-party apps can boost your site's functionality – so where does Shopify Etsy stand in this?
Shopify:
If we are talking about the number of apps to choose from, Shopify has strong figures. After all, it is hard to beat 3,200 available third-party apps from Shopify App Store. In addition, sellers can choose from marketing tools, analytics, inventory, etc.
Etsy:
Relative to Shopify Etsy's third-party integrations focus more on marketing apps, store enhancement, and systems improvement. There's an app allowing your customers to download your catalog, automate order entry, and ease up the payment process.
Hosting:
What about hosting? Who performs better – Etsy or Shopify?
Both Shopify and Etsy offer hosting. Shopify provides safe and reliable website hosting for your store. Compared to Shopify Etsy hosts its platform, which means that you can also take advantage of the free hosting services for your store.
Backups:
How does Etsy or Shopify ensure you're covered in the event of data loss?
Shopify:
Shopify does not provide an automated backup system for your store. However, you can perform the process manually. Shopify's Help Center can guide you on how to do it. Alternativley you can use a third-party app to help you out like Rewind.
Etsy:
Like Shopify Etsy allows you to back up your listings manually through a CSV file. You can also use third-party integrations to automate the process.
Migration:
Planning to move your site? How do Shopify and Etsy handle migration?
Shopify:
To move from Etsy to Shopify or other eCommerce platforms, you have to import the data you need. The migration process is well-guided, and you can expect it to be done within minutes.
Etsy:
If you wish to transfer your store to Etsy, you can use third-party applications to automate the process.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘Features and Flexibility' Etsy or Shopify comparison.
SEO and Mobility:
Do Shopify and Etsy have the right tools to help you rank well?
SEO:
Shopify:
Shopify has readily available SEO tools in its interface. But you can also opt to use a third-party app from its Appl store to enhance your online visibility further and search ranking.
Etsy:
Etsy has limited tools when it comes to SEO. You would do well enough if you use third-party apps for keyword optimization and other SEO practices.
Mobile:
Shopify:
Shopify doesn't run short of mobile features that optimized your store for customers who use smartphones instead of computers. As a result, the platform is completely responsive and mobile-ready.
Etsy:
When it comes to mobility, Etsy is generally mobile-friendly. You can also access your store via the Etsy app.
Pagespeed:
Shopify:
Shopify utilized fast servers that cater to its millions of stores. Furthermore, you can also execute several actions proven to improve page speed as suggested in their Help Center.
Etsy:
Several accounts have pointed out the need for improvement when it comes to page speed in Etsy. This can be easily associated with the load time for the product images. Nonetheless, the platform is continuously working on this issue.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘SEO and Mobility' Etsy or Shopify comparison.
Shopify vs Etsy eCommerce Tools:
Shopify:
Millions of sellers in Shopify can testify about how effective the platform's eCommerce tools are. It has a multi-channel commerce business that extends to in-person retail. It also has reliable analytics that can improve your marketing strategies.
Etsy:
Etsy has various tools for marketing, advertising, and social media sharing. Although they are relatively fewer than Shopify, they can produce good results for your store.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘eCommerce Tools' Shopify vs. Etsy comparison.
Support and Resources:
When it comes to providing help and user support, is Shopify better than Etsy?
Shopify:
Shopify provides 24-hour technical support, which you can avail of through live chat, email, or phone call. You can also rely on its Help Center and blog.
Etsy:
You can contact Etsy's support team via email or through a scheduled phone call. It also has a Help Center and a community forum open to your questions about the platform.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘Support and Resources' Shopify and Etsy comparison.
Shopify Etsy Pricing:
What about Shopify vs Etsy fees and pricing?
Shopify:
If we're talking about setting up a business, the cheapest plan you can avail of in Shopify is priced at $29 per month. It comes with basic eCommerce features and marketing tools.
However, you can switch to high-tier plans if you wish to grow your store. Although the prices seem higher than other platforms, Shopify terms of service page offers 14-day free trials for all of its plans.
Etsy:
Etsy's pricing is almost nonexistent once you decide to set up an account. Payment starts as soon as you place your listings which costs $0.20 per product. If you switch to a premium plan called Etsy Plus, you'll only have to pay $10. Always best to read through their terms of service before you commit.
Winner: Etsy! Within our ‘Pricing' Shopify vs. Etsy Fees comparison.
Comparison Winner:
Based on our criteria, we declare Shopify as Comparison Winner. There is no doubt that Shopify has the most apparent edge in the Shopify Etsy comparison. Nevertheless, Etsy still has its unique appeal, especially for those who are still at the beginning stage.
Conclusion and Recommendation to our Shopify and Etsy Comparison:
To conclude our Shopify vs Etsy showdown;
What is Etsy best for?
Etsy is designed for crafters and sellers of personalised items. It is best for sellers who want to find an avenue to sell their products without the hassle of putting up their website.
What is Shopify best for?
Shopify is best for sellers who want to expand their existing businesses. It also sits well with industry newcomers who wish to open a professional-looking store without going into detailed technicalities.
Shopify and Etsy Alternatives
Here's a list of the best Shopify and Etsy alternatives to create a an online store:
| Rank | Key Features | Price (Basic Paid Plan) | Transaction Fee | My View | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Shopify | Comprehensive e-commerce features, large app store, excellent SEO tools | $29/month Check Pricing | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (for online credit card rates) | Ideal for most online stores due to its comprehensive features | Try For Free |
| 2. Squarespace | Beautiful templates, great for small to medium-sized stores, powerful marketing tools | $12/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Great for creatives and those who need a visually stunning online store | Try For Free |
| 3. Webflow | Deep customization options, good for web designers, CMS features | $12/month Check Pricing | 2% on customer's checkout total | Best for designers needing high degree of customization | Try For Free |
| 4. Square Online | Syncs with Square POS, good for small to medium-sized stores, unlimited products | Free to start, e-commerce from $12/month Check Pricing | Yes, 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | Great for existing Square POS users | Try For Free |
| 5. WooCommerce | Open-source, highly customizable, requires WordPress | Free Check Hosting Pricing | Depends on payment gateway used | Best for WordPress users and those who want total control | Try For Free (with Nexcess Hosting) |
| 6. Wix | User-friendly, great for small stores, wide range of templates | $14/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Great for small businesses or beginners | Try For Free |
| 7. Big Cartel | Designed for creators and artists, easy to use, limited features | Free for up to 5 products, plans from $9.99/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Ideal for artists and creators with smaller product lines | Try For Free |
| 8. Ecwid | Can be integrated into any website, good for small to medium-sized stores | Free for up to 10 products, plans from $15/month Check Pricing | Depends on payment gateway used | Good for those who want to add a store to an existing site | Try For Free |
| 9. Volusion | Good inventory system, comprehensive e-commerce features | $29/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Good for medium-sized businesses | Try For Free |
| 10. Weebly | Easy to use, good for small stores, powered by Square | Free to start, paid plans from $6/month Check Pricing | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | Good for small businesses or beginners | Try For Free |
Shopify vs Etsy Final Word:
While Shopify is the most obvious choice for opening an online store, it still boils down to your specific goals and business objectives at the end of the day.
Find out if Etsy or Shopify is the right platform for you. Try Etsy for free. You can also begin with Shopify's 14-day free trial and get a feel of how it works for your business.
FAQ:
Is Shopify more expensive than Etsy?
If you're only targeting few products to sell, then it seems that you can save more with Etsy. But if you wish to sell bulk merchandise and goods, you'll find that Shopify is cheaper since there are no transaction fees, unlike Etsy.
Can you sell handmade products on Shopify?
Yes, you can sell handmade products and crafts on Shopify.
That’s all for now:
If you've read our Etsy or Shopify comparison review up to here, we are grateful. Remember always to keep abreast of the latest developments on website builders, eCommerce, and other articles, such as the ones below;
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Please share any comments below!