eBay Vs Etsy Vs Amazon: 1 Titan Vs 2 Rising Stars

Amazon is one of the most versatile eCommerce platforms out there, but just because it’s on the top doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you.

Etsy, with its focus on unique and handcrafted items, and eBay, with its dynamic auction system, are two online marketplaces that offer a refreshing departure from Amazon’s all-encompassing approach.

In this post, we’ll pit all three together so you can see how Etsy and eBay stand as solid rivals to a giant like Amazon. 

By the end, you’ll have a good idea of what is the best home for your products.

eBay Vs Etsy Vs Amazon: Quick Overview of Differences

Let’s take a brief look at the main differences before we dig deeper.

eBay Vs Etsy Vs Amazon: A Deeper Look

Let’s check out a more detailed comparison of these platforms now.

Product Selection

Winner: Tie. Depends on your products.

Let’s start with the basics first – what sort of products each of these platforms focus on.

eBay and Amazon are similar, both catering to a wide range of consumer needs with their vast inventories. 

Etsy is the most different with its product offerings. It’s a haven for those seeking handmade and artistic creations. On Etsy, you can make good sales with esoteric treasures, such as intricately designed jewelry, unconventional art pieces, and rare vintage finds that are often unavailable in mainstream marketplaces. 

The right pick for these depends on your preferences. 

eBay offers diversity – almost at Amazon’s level, but with less competition.

Meanwhile, Etsy caters to niche and handmade markets, and Amazon provides unparalleled reach.

Listing and Selling Fees

Winner: Etsy.

Nobody likes surprises when it comes to fees, right? Let’s break it down.

eBay charges fees for listing and selling items. The listing fees depend on the category, and there is also a final value fee based on the selling price.

Meanwhile, to list an item on Etsy, there is a $0.20 fee per listing. Additionally, Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee on the total price, including shipping costs.

Amazon’s more different – it has a subscription model for sellers. There is no direct listing fee. They pay a monthly fee based on their seller plan, starting at $0.99 per item sold. There are also referral fees, which vary by category and can be as low as 8% or as high as 45% of the sale price.

All three are decent in this regard; but Etsy has a simple and affordable fee structure, making it the best option for small-scale and handmade sellers.

Payment and Transaction Handling

Winner: Tie.

eBay provides support for PayPal, a widely recognized and trusted payment method that offers convenience and security to buyers and sellers alike. It also offers support for Credit card or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Spendable funds, Payment upon pickup, Wire transfer facilitated by eBay (select categories only), and eBay gift card or eBay voucher or eBay Bucks 

Etsy has its own thing – Etsy Payments, where buyers have the flexibility to choose their preferred payment method, including credit cards, debit cards, and Etsy gift cards. It’s the simplest option, though the platform still supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal as well as Klarna.

Amazon also offers multiple payment options, including Amazon Pay, major credit cards, and additional methods depending on the buyer’s location.

So, which is the best at providing a seamless buying experience for your buyers? 

It’s a draw, as all three platforms prioritize secure payment options and provide convenience for buyers and sellers. You can be fine with any option you pick.

Market Share & Customer Base

Winner: Amazon (For Most Sellers). Etsy (For Handmades).

Let’s talk about the audience reach on these platforms. After all, the more potential customers, the better, right?

When it comes to sheer scale, Amazon reigns supreme. With millions of active users and a global reach, it offers unparalleled exposure to a massive customer base eager to explore and purchase products.

eBay has also amassed a significant user base and attracts a diverse range of buyers. It’s more popular in the US than in other places, though you can still sell across 200 countries. The buyer pool still isn’t as big as Amazon’s though.

While Etsy has a smaller market share compared to eBay and Amazon, it has carved out a niche for itself. It caters to a specific audience of buyers who appreciate the uniqueness and craftsmanship of handmade and vintage items. 

While its customer base may be more niche, Etsy has fostered a community of loyal buyers who actively seek out these specialty products.

Advertising Opportunities

Winner: Etsy, Amazon.

Visibility is key to driving sales – between all three, you’ll have more luck promoting your products with Etsy or Amazon. 

Etsy allows sellers to leverage social media platforms and paid advertising to showcase their unique creations and reach a broader audience. It has its own ad services, called Etsy Ads.

Amazon also has Amazon Ads, enabling sellers to increase visibility and drive sales by targeting specific keywords and product categories.

eBay though, doesn’t have its own Ad services, you can only use third party options.

Seller Support and Resources

Winner: Etsy.

eBay has seller protection programs, seller forums for community support, and fully fledged resources to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Etsy, meanwhile, focuses on nurturing creativity and offers resources specifically designed to support artisans and creative sellers, including educational content and seller community engagement.

Amazon also has a comprehensive support system in place, offering seller forums and seller support representatives. 

However, because of being the biggest online marketplace, its support system isn’t as effective. It still has extensive knowledge bases to help you deal with things on your own.

But all things considered, Etsy takes care of its sellers the best, especially since it has a smaller community compared to the other two mainstream giants.

Trust and Security

Winner: Tie.

Trust and security are paramount when it comes to selling and buying online. Let’s see how these platforms ensure the safety of transactions and build trust among buyers.

eBay relies on feedback ratings and a dispute resolution process to foster trust among buyers. These mechanisms help establish a sense of credibility and ensure fair and transparent transactions.

Etsy puts great emphasis on buyer-seller interaction and customer reviews. Through reviews, buyers can share their experiences, providing valuable insights and building trust in the community. Additionally, Etsy has seller protection policies in place to safeguard your interests.

Amazon also takes security seriously and implements robust measures to protect both buyers and sellers. 

Their A-to-Z Guarantee provides additional buyer protection, ensuring a safe and reliable shopping experience.

All three platforms prioritize trust and security, giving buyers and sellers peace of mind.

Customization and Branding

Winner: Etsy.

Now, let’s talk about creating a brand identity that resonates with your target audience. How much customization and branding control do you have on each platform?

eBay’s focus is more on the quality and variety of products rather than individual seller branding. While you have the freedom to showcase your products, the platform is primarily known for its diverse offerings.

Etsy beats the other two by a mile in this aspect. The platform understands the importance of personalization and branding. They provide tools to customize their shop appearances, allowing you to create a distinct brand identity that aligns with your unique style and offerings.

Amazon, being a marketplace giant, prioritizes standardized branding for a consistent shopping experience. While you may not have extensive customization options, Amazon at least ensures that your products are presented in a professional and standardized manner.

So, among all three, Etsy will offer you the best opportunity to create a unique and memorable brand identity.

Return and Refund Policies

Winner: Amazon.

eBay allows sellers to set their own return policies, so they can vary. It’s important to clearly communicate your policy to buyers.

On Etsy, you have the freedom to define your own return policies. Make sure to specify the time frame, fees, and conditions clearly.

Amazon has a standardized return policy for all sellers. They also offer the A-to-Z Guarantee for extra buyer protection and fair issue resolution.

Overall, Amazon’s reliable and standardized return policies work out the best, for both sellers and buyers.

Pricing System

Winner: Etsy.

eBay stands out the most in this regard. It’s known for its auction-style listings, which provides a fun twist to pricing. 

You can set a starting price, and your buyers can bid on the items, creating an exciting bidding war. You can also choose to list items at a fixed price if you prefer.

Etsy, meanwhile, mostly relies on fixed prices. Sellers list their items at a specific price, making it easy for buyers to make direct purchases.

Amazon also focuses on fixed prices, but they spice things up with promotional options. Sellers can participate in campaigns like lightning deals or limited-time discounts to attract more buyers.

All three systems can work, though we’re giving Etsy the win because more often than not, a simple pricing system can be more effective.

Pros And Cons Of Each Platform

Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. 

Pros of Selling on eBay

• Wide variety of products and categories to choose from.
• Thriving auction-style format for unique and rare items.
• Flexibility in setting your own pricing and listing options.
• Access to a large and diverse customer base.
• Opportunity for international sales and global reach.

Cons of Selling on eBay

• Increased competition due to the vast number of sellers.
• Listing and final value fees can impact profit margins.
• Potential for lower selling prices due to the auction-style format.
• Managing and resolving disputes with buyers can be time-consuming.
• Need to stay updated with the ever-changing marketplace policies.

Pros of Selling on Etsy

• Dedicated platform for handmade, vintage, and unique products.
• Niche community of buyers actively seeking artisanal goods.
• Opportunity to showcase and sell creative and artistic creations.
• Personalization options to establish a distinct brand identity.
• Supportive and collaborative seller community.

Cons of Selling on Etsy

• Limited to selling handmade, vintage, or craft-related items.
• Fees for listing and transaction can add up for high-volume sellers.
• Competition within specific niches can be intense.
• Less exposure compared to larger marketplaces like Amazon.
• Additional efforts required for marketing and driving traffic to your shop.

Pros of Selling on Amazon

• Massive customer base and global reach for maximum exposure.
• Streamlined and efficient fulfillment process with Amazon FBA.
• Access to various advertising and promotional tools.
• Trust and credibility associated with the Amazon brand.
• Potential for higher sales volume due to the platform’s popularity.

Cons of Selling on Amazon

• Intense competition and potential for saturation in popular categories.
• Strict adherence to Amazon’s policies and guidelines.
• Dependency on Amazon’s algorithms for product visibility.
• Fees for fulfillment, referral, and additional services can impact profitability.
• Limited control over the customer experience and branding opportunities.

So, Where Should You Sell On?

Now that we’ve explored the different platforms and compared eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, you might be wondering which one is the right fit for you. 

Let’s have a chat about it, shall we?

Is eBay Right For You?

eBay is all about the thrill of auctions and setting your own prices. If you love the excitement of bidding and want the freedom to decide how much your items are worth, eBay might be your perfect match. 

It’s a great option if you have unique or one-of-a-kind items that can generate buzz and potentially fetch higher prices for your treasures.

Is Etsy Right For You?

If you’re a creative soul or an artisan with handmade or vintage items, Etsy is a fantastic platform for you. It’s a supportive community that celebrates craftsmanship and the value of handmade goods. 

Whether you’re a skilled artist or a vintage enthusiast, Etsy provides a platform to showcase your unique creations and connect with like-minded buyers.

Is Amazon Right For You?

Amazon can be a good option as well. It may not seem as unique as the other platforms, but it’s a good way to get started if you’re new to eCommerce. It’s incredibly simple and flexible.

Plus, you’ll find tips and tricks all over the web on how to make the most use of it, as it’s one of the most popular marketplaces out there.

Of course, the competition will be hard to deal with, but with time and effort, it can still help you make a killing.

FAQ

Which platform is better for buying: Amazon, eBay, or Etsy?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Amazon offers a wide selection, fast shipping, and competitive prices. eBay is ideal for unique items and auctions, while Etsy specializes in handmade and vintage goods.

Which platform has more buyers: eBay, Etsy, or Amazon?

Amazon has the largest customer base globally, followed by eBay and Etsy. However, all three platforms have a significant number of active users. The latter options might be more fit for you if you have more niche products, despite their smaller numbers.

How much do sellers on Etsy, Amazon, and eBay make on average?

Seller earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as product type, sales volume, and individual strategies. There is no fixed average as success varies for each seller. However, according to our survey, many sellers on all three platforms can have as much as $40k on average every year.

What sells well on Etsy, Amazon, and eBay?

Etsy thrives with handmade crafts and unique vintage items. Amazon offers a wide range of products, including electronics, books, and household items. eBay allows for the sale of various items, including collectibles and second-hand goods.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it’s clear that Amazon isn’t completely taking over the eCommerce industry, contrary to popular belief. 

In fact, you can often rake in even more profits on platforms like Etsy and eBay. And let’s be honest, if you have a taste for uniqueness, Amazon’s dull industrial vibe won’t do your products justice.

Platforms like Etsy and eBay truly let your products shine in the spotlight. Of course, if you have the time and budget for it, combining two or even all three platforms could be the best way to go.

Remember, the choice is yours in the end. 

Consider your audience, stay true to your niche, and put your best foot forward in presenting your items. Success will come knocking sooner than you think.