Etsy vs Shopify - Pros and Cons 2024 for Handmade Business
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2024
- Should you have your own site? Or stay on Etsy? In this video series, I’m going to help you make that decision, and today, I’m going to share with you the pros and cons of both Etsy versus your own website.
Before I dive in, you first have to understand that Etsy and your own site are completely different models, in a way, because Etsy is a marketplace filled with hundreds of thousands of other shops, just like Amazon and Ebay and it’s completely powered by a search engine where people type in stuff that they’re looking to buy, like, floral tea towels, and then Etsy gives the person a huge list of floral tea towel products from all the different shops that have them. Whereas your own website is a standalone site, and if you go with something like Shopify, which I recommend that you do, Shopify is just an ecommerce platform. It’s merely a site builder that makes setting up your own website that people can shop on, so much easier.
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One comment stood out the most. “ I got it from Etsy. “ That makes so much sense.
Yes Mai is right. When I have purchased something from Etsy, I say I have got it on Etsy, not the actual store. Having said that, if I am going to re-order something, I make the point of going to that business's actual website and order direct from their website so they dont get slugged by etsy for the commission. I doubt whether most people would be aware to do that, or be so considerate.
I have also often been asked - what is etsy? It has a target type of customer. Alot of people dont even know about it
thjats true but on ETSY YOU CAN search every artist, on google its worse !
You don't sell on Etsy to build a brand, for sure. Etsy is good for their built-in traffic, but you have to know that you are building Etsy's brand, not your own.
@@PhoenixQueen111 the problem with that is people go to your ETSY store and then click your website link and buy from your website instead.
This makes your “ETSY” sales look lower theirfore dropping you to the bottom of the bucket in etsy search results.
When the purchases are made through ETSY then you get more traffic on ETSY.
Its a Loose Loose situation.
I dislike that shady company
Now you won my heart. I sell on Etsy yes am making money but not enough to build my brand. Plus customers on Etsy tend to think a seller is also a shipping company most would not give a review when they get their item but give reviews when shipping is delayed. Am not scared of competition but I need to keep my brand alive. And you just gave me all the answers I want. You are a blessing.
Thank you so much beautiful.
Thank you so much for your comments, Mercy! I appreciate it so much, and am so excited that you are going to work toward building out your brand.
Well said, I got a lot of value from this video also. You are right She radiates a beautiful ENERGY.
@White CIS Cum noted 🙌🏼👍🏽
I learned something from reading your comment. That is, anyone who sells a product, it is very important to get it shipped and delivered to the customer in a very reasonable time frame. Especially, if bad reviews are followed by delayed shipping.
I am so guilty of this. If I get my item in perfect time and condition, I leave no review. If I get a bad item in a bad amount of time, I leave a bad review. I will work on leaving the positive review. It take a lot for me to give a
Small business a bad review so that not an issue.
First of all I don't think I want to start out with Etsy and get used to or rely on Etsy. I would rather struggle the hard way and build up on my own branding by opening up my own website. 👍
Starting with your own site is a great option, Gao. It gives you much more control over your business.
SAME!
That's what I did.
Same!!
I'm struggling big time learning SEO.
I'm getting off Etsy after 12 years. I've had it with their ever increasing price increases. I've been on shopify for 2 years now and am very happy. When they added big box and mass production work, it pretty much killed me.
I totally understand Dianne! I am so happy you are enjoying Shopify. That's really the way to go!
Seems to me Etsy is beginning to morph into a mini Amazon😵
Isn't that nice? Here $10,000+ stores bring in all these customers and money to etsy and etsy punishes them by tacking on a 15% fee. Talk about driving away your shop owner base.
@@AudraT And they're also charging the Little Guys. Yes, those with lower sales have the option to opt out, but they can then look forward to becoming almost invisible in etsy searches (been there, experiencing that!). Bully tactics at work.
I may leave as well. they have put a 3 month Reserve on my account for a fabric I was selling I purchased from my reputable wholesaler. So they are making money on my money basically.
It is expensive when you are just starting but if you are tenacious and don't give up easily I really prefer Shopify. It makes it so easy to make a good looking store and I love the option to edit, and the variety of apps available. I would never go back to Etsy.
Exactly, Quaotic! I'm so glad that you love the platform.
The only thing I don't like about Shopify until know is that I have to edit all the variants for shipping and weight after I import my products. I sell rings, so I have a lot of variants in sizes and materials, where also, I cannot list all the ring sizes I can make :(
Look into an app like TaxJar to help with this!
Are you having to rely on social media? Would it be effective to keep both until I can get all my inventory to Shopify?
@gardenlarder How did it go for you (assuming you went for Shopify)?
“You got it from Etsy” omg that’s so true!!
your information is gold......i was on the fence........you definetley tipped the scale and answered all my questions.....amazing content........i will continue building my site
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!
This video was great! When I was first starting my business somebody recommended Etsy. I actually tested out both Etsy and Shopify. One thing that I thought about right away was my customers being on my shop and potentially clicking off to buy someone elses product! I didn’t want my customers going anywhere else!
That's a huge worry for so many sellers!
Thank you so much for the great video. We have been selling on Etsy for 6 years and with each new "improvement" we get more and more frustrated. The newest addition of forced advertising has us looking to create our own website. Your video really helped reinforce the idea that we need to be in charge of our image and brand
That's awesome, Pnw! I've got lots of resources on my website to help you as well. creativehiveco.com
Thank you so much for this video. You really nailed down the pros and cons of both Etsy and Shopify. As a beginner, I'll definitely gravitate towards Etsy to build my brand. However if time and opportunity allows it, Shopify will be a go-to place to make my brand better. Thank you so much :))
I think that is a good decision for you! I want everyone to know the options and to start the groundwork for the move. It makes it easier knowing where you can go when you're ready. 💗
I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
That makes me just so so happy, Michele. Thank you so much!
The random "NOPE" freaking took me out- I havent laughed so hard. HAHAHA
Haha, I'm glad that brought a smile!
That’s hilarious.. it sure woke me up.. lol
I was lost on where to go as I want to start a jewelry making business and crochet business Thank you for the guidance I have no experience in this 🙏🏻 Your a life saver
You are so welcome! I'm so happy that the videos are helpful to you!
Great video! I’ve been selling on Etsy for 11 years and happy with my sales, I’m retired but still want to do more with my business. I enjoy your style- thanks for sharing your knowledge!
That's amazing, Carla! I'm glad you're here - thank you so much for watching!
You are so well spoken, logical and easy to understand !
Thank you for so much Linda!
A clear and easy to understand comparison between the two sites that certainly helped me understand how they operate and how or if they would benefit me. Really well delivered information. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much Kim! I'm really so happy to know you love this video! ❤️
This is Brill! Thanks for spelling out the deets. I’ve relied on my blog to get Etsy sales (66% vs 34% etsy). Recently sales mushroomed with a new product.I got a ‘bestseller’ tag. Etsy buyers showed up. My item is top of the page. I woke up to the potential of Etsy’s marketplace. I have so much to learn. Very happy to have found you!
Congrats on mushrooming sales!! I'm happy you found me too!
What made this video so helpful was how fair it was on the pros and cons on both. I'm currently debating how to move transition away from (or go all in on) Etsy, and this has helped a lot. The "rent vs equity" was the deciding factor! Thank you.
Thanks so much for this comment - I really do try to present the whole picture so everyone can make up their mind since everyone's business is just slightly different. You will definitely find the best place for YOU.
I've been on Etsy since 2013, but plan to redesign my business starting July 5. Your video was right on time. I HEAR the logical you shared. Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear that, Mildred! Good luck with your redesign - that's so exciting!
You're good girl! You know your stuff. I've been a web designer/developer on the side for 24 years and you hit the nail on the head on all points. Well done! Subscribed!
Wow, thank you so much for the compliment! And thank you for the sub!
I’ve watched several videos about Etsy & Shopify but you made so many good points here about them that I know which direction to go now with my side hustle. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
Wow. Ok so this was one of tha most informative, insightful, succinct, no bs, and quite believable vids I’ve come across regarding this topic. There’s so many ppl on this platform who will talk and talk, play long, irrelevant intros and just take much too long to dive into tha crap in tha first place. Frustrating.
Your vid is VERY much opposite of that, so I appreciate you not wasting my time and providing so much value.😁And your manner, tone and pace of speaking was cool and easy to listen to, too. Good stuff.Thank you so much. Gonna check out what else you gotta say on your other vids now.✌🏾
I really appreciate you saying that, Neish! Thank you so much for watching, and for checking out my other videos!
Your videos are fantastic Mei! I've had my own Etsy store for about 8 years and a shopify store and I learn something new every time I watch your videos. I'd love to see an video dedicated to Amazon Handmade and how that compares with Etsy. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Michael, and your feedback!
which one do you prefer?
For a selling platform? I prefer Shopify.
You are so very informative and so believable and easy to listen to, I truly appreciate you. It's like a whole afternoon seminar in one video. Thank you!
Awww thank you so much Esther! That is just the nicest comment!
Thank you so much for this. I am just starting out my business and was on the edge of opening up an Etsy shop. I will definitely be going with Shopify. I really want to design my own website.
That's awesome, Laura! I wish you the best in getting started!
Dad gum, you're just good at what you do! How the heck did you rattle all of that info off from memory? Astounding. Thanks so much sweet May! Subscriber from Florida USA
A good amount of research, for sure! 💖
Excellent advice - and thank you for not speed talking. You are easy to listen to!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
You have answered the question that has been nudging me ever since I got started on etsy. Sigh. It's really hard work building up a an ecomm site either way. Why not build brand equity at the same time, and not siphon off 80% of the traffic I send to all the other shops on etsy. How many times have I heard, "I bought it on etsy!" instead of the actual shop name. Arrgh! Thank you. This was clear and helpful.
I'm so glad to hear this! You totally got it - having your site there to drive traffic to is going to be helpful to you in the long run no matter what. 💖
i love your voice and message! i greatly appreciate your tips and tricks for artist! ☺️
Thank you so much for watching, Dmitri!
I am a new seller on Etsy.Learn a lot from your video. tThank you.
I'm so happy to hear that, Nona! Thank you so much for watching!
Really enjoy Creative Hive's easy to understand comparison of building your own site or staying on Etsy. The comparison added facts I have not considered, Thank you.
I'm glad it was helpful to you, Penny! Thank you so much for watching!
You said it all, thanks a lot ... I feel it will be difficult to make sales on Etsy, because of the competition.. and the fees there is too much
It does really add up over time!
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Don't forget, you can't sell your Etsy store but you can sell your Shopify store.
I make-my own Make-Up, I sell my stuff on line, I pay 4 Facebook & Instagram Ads, I hired a person she taught me how to do my Marketing, & showed me how do my ads gets traffic, I took some Marketing classes in college I just paid 4 there classes, & I went to lots of Marketing Classes tht I paid 4 way before Covid, I hve lots of traffic
What do you think about using Square Space as your own website
You're tooooooo pretty, and thanks for all the info. I really like Esty but I feel like they should add more niches but I also think they don't want to be the next Ali Express or amazon where just anything and everything is on there.
Thank you for answering this question! This video was fire with amazing analogies, humor, and perspective. I'm really glad I found your page and I can't wait to watch more of your videos. Also, I feel like you came for Etsy so hard with facts legit grievances that I hope someone on their staff heard you and try and make some changes.
Thank you so much for your comments! I really hope you find it and others helpful!
Hi, I sent this to my daughter whom sell masks on Etsy. Great Job you took the time to let us know what is best for our business. I am starting a business myself and this will help. Thank you
That's awesome, Lorena! I'm so happy to hear that it was helpful!
I wished I saw your videos before opening my shop on Etsy. I did my first sale with free domestic delivery and I regret it so much! Thank you for your pros and cons!
I'm glad that you found this video now, though! I do encourage people to have their own site, but Etsy can be a good second income stream if you do it right!
what do you regret about it? i've heard so many negative things about etsy so I really don't want to start my business on there but I also don't want to pay for a website (incase it fails) so i'm just curious!
Awsome! Just starting up an Art business and wasn't sure of all this Etsy, Shopify & Woocoomece on own sites etc etc, till now. Thanks for the clarity and info.
I'm glad to know it was helpful for you, Rene!
You're great as a teacher. Your describe things very well and use just the right amount of facts versus storytelling side of things. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Tracey!! It really means a lot to me!! ❤️
You are absolutely right!
Etsy is great to start and learning how to deal with clients and the whole online business, but as soon as they went public everything changed. Doesn’t matter what I do I can only grow a certain percentage, it’s like my store can grow around %5 yearly and if I invest in advertising with them, is even worse.
At some point I believed their motto : Quit your day job! Fortunately I didn’t!
I share Etsy with my personal store made with Ecwid (you have an opinion about ecwid ? , I’ve been thinking of changing to shopify )
It’s been hard to grow my personal one, but is so much rewarding !
Thanks for all your tips!
Hi! Thank you so much for watching! I agree that it's hard to grow your personal website but once you did it, it's totally worth it! As with Ecwid, I haven't personally used it yet since I'm currently using Shopify for my own business and I love it!! ❤️❤️
would you recommend starting on etsy to build your brand and expose your items? then move to shopify later once i get more exposure?
You can definitely do that, and it's a good easy way to test out your products. While you are there, work on building social media and more importanty your email list so you can take customers with you over to your new site.
Creative Hive can you grow an email list using Etsy?
@@ketocito you can't take your buyer's emails on Esty without their consent, even if they buy something from your shop, it's illegal. So I'd say no.
I don't think you can build your brand on etsy. People who bought from etsy will only remember etsy ..not your store or brand.
@@ketocito i put an image in my product listings letting people know they can get a discount by signing up to my email list, I also have it in my shop header and I actually am slowly collecting a few emails. But its illegal and against Etsy seller terms to take customers email addresses and add it to your mailing list without their consent, so definitely do not do that.
Thank you so much! I am so pleased I found your channel ahead of launching our company in 2021 :)
That's so exciting, Chicca!
Well, I'm pretty new to Etsy, not that I'm retired, because i have the time to create and sell on Etsy. I don't have a lot of items but I've made some sales which has been rewarding. I did find several keys points that you mentioned, an interesting thought of how things work on Etsy and competitors and the way it drives customers to your site or away from it. You opened my eyes to Shopify. I think i may have heard of the name before, but didn't explore it as I will do now...thanks to your excellent, informative video! I can always find answers to what I'm looking for when I search RUclips! I've subscribed and gave a thumbs up. Thanks so much!!!
Thrilled to hear the video was helpful! Shopify can indeed offer great opportunities. Thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for this brilliant and sensible sharing of your thoughts and experience. I' m about to re-start my jewelry production after a few years "break" and only sold on Etsy online. I was hesitating about re-opening my shops on Etsy, and this is the most helpful video I've seen in several weeks. Very on point and accurate. Thank you again. Made me like and subscribe to your channel :)!!!
Thank you for that, Aeva! Good luck with your reopening and relaunch!
Thankyou for making everyone aware of the 2 sites for handmade items.
I have always wanted to sell handmade items online, but could not decide on which sites are better for sellers.
I hope you found it helpful! Thank you so much for watching! You might also like my 3 Secrets Workshop, if you haven't seen it yet! ruclips.net/video/W3wRBMh0kAo/видео.html
A helpful video that explains a lot, and I like her funny voice altering parts that DO sound just like at least one person any of us know.
Thank you so much for watching, Mason!
Omg, thank you so much! I would like to leave Etsy and open my own site. Etsy is cute but it doesn't allow you to grow and get known, as you would like. You spend more time getting noticed rather than making a few sales 😭 I believe in my brand and I would like it to become my main job! Thank you very much for this video, I really needed it 💖
You can do it, Deborah! You will definitely be happy to have your own site. You can always keep your Etsy open as a second income stream.
@@CreativeHiveCo thank you 🌟
@@CreativeHiveCo how do you make people find your own sites though?
So informative and excellent description of Etsy's control of our stores.When you go to your store and there are 5 pages of other stores products in your store. That is why I closed my Etsy store . It is like a box of chocolates .I never knew what Etsy was going to do in my store or insist I change my store. Thank you I I hope you are a help in building my Shopify store and my advertising policies.
I'm happy to heat that you are going to use Shopify, Carrol! I don't think you will be unhappy with it!
This video is bustin. So honest and informative.
Thank you so much, Jessica! I appreciate you watching!
New subscriber.
You are speaking , not doing blah blah and uum, uuum :))) I’m making labels and putting them on over 300 soaps and listening to you , thinking to start selling online .
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for subscribing, Mariam! You can definitely do it! 🧼
Thanks i
This is incredibly helpful! You’ve completely flipped my thinking about Etsy and have me thinking more long game. As someone new to both platforms, I really don’t like knowing I don’t have ownership of my content to customers and that brand awareness goes down and I won’t be able to communicate with my customers is very discouraging when building a longer term brand.
Thanks for sharing your insights!
Thank you so much Michaela!! I'm so happy to help and I'm glad you found this helpful! ❤️ Good luck on your business!! ❤️
I love your vids im a teen and planning on selling my jewelry when it gets better.. Your videos are such a big help!
I'm so glad to hear that! Did you get to see this new one I posted for teens? ruclips.net/video/HYWWQT4lqdA/видео.html
Excellent video amen.
I tend to compare the companies product prices on their website vs their Amazon listings if they use Amazon to supplement their sales. I definitely think people feel more secure buying on amazon because they've mastered the customer service commitment.
I ordered an RV fan last summer from Camping World a well known camping brand. I waited for 5-6 weeks and my order was still on hiatus. I eventually cancelled my order and ordered the same fan from the same company through their Amazon listing and received my order in three days! That influenced my online purchase behavior for sure.
I'm still torn between the two choices but may do both. But you've definitely convinced me to sell on Shopify.
**Oh, I should be watched the end of the video before I commented. "Long term" results and trust building amen!
Thanks, James & Rescue Kitty😺
Good customer service goes a long way! But I'm happy to hear that you are going to try out Shopify! I think you'll be very happy with it.
thank you so much for all the advice. based on your tips i've realized etsy might not be the path for me so i believe your video helped me make a choice much easier. I will definitely be checking out the rest of your channel!
I'm so glad to hear that you found this helpful! Thank you so much for watching, Alyssa!
Thanks for all the clear insights.
So am i right in thinking the answer is... use Etsy when starting out but also make sure social media platforms engaged & represented then work on building your own site/ spotify at same time to diversify & get several streams of traffic/ income? (With the view to eventually sell soley on your own site)
Basically, yes! You want to make sure that you are working on building your brand as you gain traction and that you don't get stuck on Etsy building the Etsy brand instead.
That was great information and an eye opener. I was considering a shop on Etsy, but now I don't think I will. You are right.
You could definitely open one as a secondary income stream and take advantage of the built-in traffic there, but having your own site first is key.
I have been debating.. Etsy? or No Etsy? All of your points are very good points! And, after watching this video you have helped me reach a decision.. I think I am going to pass on Etsy!
I have a Shopify store and do quite well with it.. so rather than try to branch out and have another income stream.. I think it would be in my best interest to focus my attention and put in all that additional work on my own store. Thank You 😊
If you are doing well on Shopify then that is great! Etsy can definitely be a great source of passive income if you have items that can automatically renew when they sell, which could bring in some additional revenue.
I'm just starting and these videos have been a wealth of information. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Lili! Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you. Brilliant information. Brilliant video. Really appreciate you sharing your experiences. Am just in the processs of setting up a shop. This helps so much.
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!
The little "nope" was perfectly placed I loved it lol
Haha, thanks, Allie! I appreciate you watching!
Hey mei! Thank you so much for this video! I’m debating on opening an online shop and needed help choosing between shopify and Etsy. I just started my business in creating custom keychains and not sure if shopify would be a good platform for custom orders? I’ll probably start on Etsy but I’m worried about all the fees and losing traffic, and not having control. Any suggestions on which is best for custom handmade
order products?
You can definitely do custom work on Shopify. It's as easy to list custom products there as it is on Etsy. You can use a customization app on Shopify to help, like Customify: apps.shopify.com/customify?surface_detail=custom+&surface_inter_position=1&surface_intra_position=10&surface_type=search
I like your video, and I agree with it on most of the points.
There is one very important point you did not mention: No matter how successful your Etsy store is, you CANNOT SELL YOUR OWN ETSY STORE. To me this is the biggest disappointment of doing business on Etsy.
I'm running pretty busy and profitable Etsy store with very good reviews. After 4 years of running my store, I'd like to sell it and retire, but I cannot sell my business because of Etsy's prohibition for such outcome.
Now I have a dilemma: to continue running this business and dedicate a lot of my own time for it, or... simply drop it.
That is extremely frustrating, Harry. I see their perspective for legal reasons, but if you have built up the traffic, it would make sense to continue that account. I wonder if you contacted them to explain the situation if they would discuss it with you.
It would be pointless to contact them because the restriction is very clearly described on the Etsy website. I’m sure I can do some trick but I don’t want to play such games.
A clear comparison that made it very easy to understand the way these two sites work. Very helpful. Thank you 😊
Thank you so much Kim! That really means a lot to me! ❤️
Thank you. I appreciate your video. I'm on Etsy for the past 4 months. I've had a few sales, but I don't want to get stuck there if it's not where I need to be.
It's definitely not the only platform you want to have. It's a good tool but shouldn't be the main thing you rely on for sure.
I wish I could like this video 10,000 times! By far the most informative, thorough, well thought out video comparing the 2 yet! Absolutely well done! Thank you!
That's so nice of you to say - thank you! I really appreciate you watching!
Thank you for such an easy and to the point comparison of the two. Thumbs up!
Thank you for watching, Hannah! I hope it was helpful to you!
thank you for this video
this has been really helpful for me as i am now just working part time and thinking of doing an online business.
Thank you so much for watching, Gabrielle!! I'm so happy to help!! Good luck!! ❤️
You're so good at speaking and explaining.
Thank you for saying that!
Very thorough evaluation of these two platforms - thank you!!! You're thoughts on building a long-term brand were very helpful.
I'm so glad to hear it was helpful to you! Thank you for watching, Scott!
You've made some really good points. I haven't tackled a shop of my own simply because I'm afraid of setting up the shop badly or wrong. I haven't the confidence in setting up, just making my art.
Aww, Denise, I totally hear that! It can be daunting for sure but it's not as hard as it seems. I have a course that can help you get set up online, if you're interested: www.creativehiveco.com/a-sale-a-day-business/
Thank you! This changed my prospective
Thank you so much Anna! ❤️
thank you for this! Etsy destroyed my once-thriving business on etsy
That sucks. I started using Etsy earlier this week while my Shopify store is being setup. So far Etsy has been a huge pain in the ass. Searches on my shop do not work at all. No way to opt out of PayPal payments and syncing from Shopify sucks. A lot of variant data doesn’t transfer over to Etsy the way it automatically profiles things has caused me tons of extra work to each item individually.
Ugh, I'm really sorry to hear this! Were you able to migrate to Shopify?
Thank you for explaining some important factors of online merchandising clearly enough for a Boomer to understand. You have a new subscriber.
Awww, I'm so glad to hear it was helpful to you! Thank you for watching!
I'm going to be doing a live workshop here on Wednesday! If you're subscribed, hit the bell to be notified when it starts!
Excellent comparisons. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Scott! I hope it was helpful to you!
Immensely helpful and insightful! I just launched my Etsy in December and it's been rough - what you said makes total sense, so I'll be looking into getting my own domain very soon!
That's great! You can still keep your Etsy as a secondary income stream, but definitely get that website up and running! 🙌
@codybrookehanson2346 Did you eventually get your own domain and shop?
I appreciate the small Fairy Tail reference. Useful video thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!
Can you do an updated video on Etsy regarding this new localization feature and how we can use it to our advantage vs. ALL the disadvantages it brings?
Thanks so much for the suggestion!
New to you and your channel. Thanks for breaking things down so cleanly and clearly 💕
Welcome, Amy! I'm glad you've found me and thanks for being here!
You made a great argument. looking to open a online store have been ,almost did the Etsy thing and glad I did more research, the fees alone were a turn off , but this made crystal clear sense . appreciate you have taken the time to share this info. Thank you
I'm so glad it was helpful, Christopher! Thanks so much for watching and for your comments!
Amazon does the same thing. They advertise your competitor on your page! They even sell your own product on your page!! And, you said something soooo truthful; people remember Etsy or Amazon but not your company name. I hear people all the time "I bought it on Amazon" but never the company name. I have purchased stuff from Etsy and had to look on the order page to find out the vendor.
This is all very true, too. It's so good to establish your own strong brand identity as soon as you can.
Wonderful, thank you so much for your insight. You have mentioned so many aspects in this short video that I had no clue about and of course didn't take in consideration (I'm looking to start a business as beginner), it is really a great help for me.
I'm so happy to hear that, Wolfgang! You might like my Three Secrets Workshop, if you haven't seen it yet! www.creativehiveco.com/workshop/?
Very helpful information I was thinking about opening an Etsy account and this definitely gives me another perspective. Thank you!
It can be a good second source of income, and a passive one at that, but definitely don't rely on it as your only source!
Thanks for all these wonderful insights! I'm planning to start a small handmade business in the near future, so I was wondering if it is advisable to test start on Etsy first before moving on to my own site on Shopify? I feel that I can tap into the audience from Etsy to raise awareness about my brand before going independent :)
Hi Fynn! You can definitely start that way - the benefit of Etsy is the built-in traffic. That is a good way to see how it goes at first. I would suggest working on building an email marketing list as you go, that way if/when you move to your own site, you can contact those people to let them know.
Thanks, Mei. Helpful information.
I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching.
Thank you so much for your experience and awesome views on this topic
You're welcome! I really appreciate you watching!
U r right but recognized platform to headatart is easier than a start. Also business needs patience which decides ur longterm brand awareness. I think the same way what u r but at the end of the day when u dont make any sales it comes with disappointment. But the way u explained is incredibly well.
Promote ur brand rather than others....
Exactly that, Kuldeep! Thank you for watching!
Etsy is so frustrating for all the reasons you mentioned! Thanks for this video. I have been looking into creating my own site. This helps so much.
I'm so glad to hear it was helpful to you, Sandra! Thank you for watching!
Now I know what to do now. Thank you for your video.
Glad to help! Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you so much for answering almost all my questions. God bless you
I'm so happy that I was able to answer them! Thank you for watching, Evelyn!
I really don't like etsy or shopify. I believe it's a lot of traffic and they may never see your item! Thanks for the clarification of what I was thinking about etsy.
Hi Judy! Thank you so much for watching! ❤️❤️ For Shopify, you can create your own website using Shopify and having your own website means there's no competition within your own platform (because you own it and it's up to you to drive traffic to your own site) unlike with other eCommerce marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, etc. where you'll have to compete with other sellers selling in that platform. If you're interested, you're more than welcome to join my free workshop on how to scale your handmade/product-based business online. Here's the link to register: bit.ly/3EGGC47 Good luck!! Hope to see you in the workshop!! ❤️❤️
Great video! You have a way of explaining stuff so that it's easy to grasp 👌
Thank you so much, Gavin!! This really means a lot to me!! ❤️
Thanks, for the video on Etsy and Shopify it helped me a lot.
I'm glad to hear it was helpful to you! Thank you for watching!
just started in august on etsy made 1 sale from a total stranger I was so happy but now nothing I did everything I could but I feel it's a dead end. I really want to have a little shop on the side I hope I can do it with my own platform.
You should definitely do for it, Robin! And if you're interested, I have a blog post about how to get your shop set up in under and hour: www.creativehiveco.com/how-to-build-your-own-website-with-shopify-in-under-1-hour/
That was my experience as well.
Same! It was so cool! I thought the ball would roll from there but I guess not. I’m going to try and market my etsy store more on social media. I’ve noticed a trend that stores that make vlogs about working on the shop get more sales. I might try that too.
Thank you so much🌸. I have learned a lot from this video. Subscribed!!!
I'm so glad it was helpful! Thank you for subscribing, Macie!
Curious ---- have you found that your sales on Etsy have decreased since this video? Mine were cut in half when I refused to pay for Etsy Marketing. Coincidence? I don't think so. Search appears to be manipulated by their admin. What did I do in response to their bullying tactics? Am now in process of opening my own site via Shopify. Thanks for helping to confirm my decision.
That's a great decision to create your own site!! It gives you more control over your business.
SO much awesomeness here! Thank you, Mei! 🙏💕
Thank you so much for watching, Elisabeth!
My biggest beef is the excessive amount of fees they have put in place recently. I have been on Etsy for a long time, have rebranded into new items and was just shocked. You totally convinced me now to move my shop to Shopify and rather drive my own traffic.
It seems like there was a big push for more fees all at once!
Great video. Just getting into starting a small shop on Etsy, but now it looks like I have to do both!
You can do it, Charlie! I definitely recommend you set up your own site, and Etsy is a great second income stream.
Thank you for the great content! Your analogies comparing the two platforms really clicked. My fiancé and I have been building out an Etsy for my artwork for weeks, so glad I came across your videos- makes so much sense to market solo rather than entering a saturated market, or I guess doing both? Would you suggest launching just Shopify if you don’t have the time to manage/grow multiple? I’m thinking IG+Shopify would be more effective than me trying to manage too many eggs in too many baskets 😅 We both work full time, fortunately for me he’s a marketing pro! Any advice would be so appreciated; thanks again!
If you feel good about marketing and using Instagram as a tool, then I say go for Shopify because you are so much more in control of your own brand. Etsy does have built-in traffic so if you were able to put "set it and forget it" items that you don't need to actively relist then you could do both.
I started out on Etsy a few years ago, but since have had troubles with Etsy. They tend to side with the customer, example being if you get a negative review, there really isn't much you can do. They also have taken down listings of mine, and suspended one of my accounts because it didn't "meet their terms", with no detailed explanation. Also, if you aren't doing something exactly handmade, then it's really hard. I decided to leave because of the troubles I've had with Etsy.
I've heard very similar things over the years. It's unfortunate that they don't side more with their own customers, who are the sellers paying to use the site to list items.