Selling Online in 2025: Etsy vs. Amazon – Which is Better?
The eCommerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and in 2025, choosing the right platform to sell your products is more crucial than ever. Etsy and Amazon are two of the most popular online marketplaces, but each serves different types of sellers and customers. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you decide where to invest your efforts for maximum profit.
1. Overview of Etsy and Amazon
Etsy: The Marketplace for Handmade & Unique Goods
Etsy is a platform specifically designed for artisans, vintage sellers, and creators of unique, handcrafted products. With a strong community of buyers looking for personalized and niche items, Etsy is ideal for independent sellers who want to stand out.
Amazon: The eCommerce Giant
Amazon, on the other hand, is the largest online marketplace in the world, selling everything from books and electronics to home goods and clothing. It caters to a broad audience and provides powerful fulfillment options, including Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses for fast shipping.
(Read Amazon’s Seller Success Stories.)
🔗 Related Read: How to Start a Successful eCommerce Business in 2025
2. Key Differences Between Etsy & Amazon
| Feature | Etsy | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Handmade, vintage, craft supplies | Wide variety, including mass-produced items |
| Seller Fees | Listing fee + transaction fees | Referral fee + fulfillment costs |
| Audience | Niche market, handmade buyers | General consumers worldwide |
| Competition | Lower, but highly specialized | High competition with big brands |
| Fulfillment Options | Seller ships directly | FBA or self-fulfillment |
3. Costs & Fees: Which is More Affordable?
- Etsy Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, a 6.5% transaction fee, and payment processing fees.
- Amazon Fees: Amazon charges a referral fee (8%-15%), FBA fees (if applicable), and a monthly subscription fee ($39.99 for professional sellers).
If you are selling unique, low-volume products, Etsy’s lower costs may be a better fit. However, for high-volume sellers, Amazon offers the potential for greater scalability.
🔗 Further Reading: Understanding Amazon FBA: A Beginner’s Guide
4. Shipping & Fulfillment: Which is More Convenient?
Etsy sellers usually handle their own shipping, which can provide flexibility but also requires more effort. Amazon, with its Prime shipping and FBA services, offers a more streamlined fulfillment process that enhances customer experience but comes with additional costs.
💡 Pro Tip: If fast delivery is a priority for your business, Amazon’s FBA program may give you an edge over Etsy’s manual shipping.
5. Marketing & Visibility: Getting Your Products Seen
Amazon has a more advanced advertising platform, allowing sellers to run sponsored product ads, display ads, and video ads. Etsy, on the other hand, provides Etsy Ads, which promote products within Etsy search results.
For organic reach, Etsy relies on SEO-friendly product listings, while Amazon products benefit from its algorithm-driven recommendations.
🔗 Related Article: SEO Strategies to Boost Your eCommerce Sales
6. Customer Base: Where Do Your Buyers Shop?
- Etsy Buyers: People looking for handmade, personalized, or vintage items.
- Amazon Buyers: Shoppers looking for convenience, competitive pricing, and fast shipping.
If your products cater to a niche, creative audience, Etsy is a great choice. For general consumer goods, Amazon provides higher traffic and sales potential.
7. Scalability: Which Platform Offers Better Growth?
If you’re aiming for long-term brand growth, Amazon provides a larger global audience and more tools for expansion. However, if you want brand control and customer relationships, Etsy allows for a more personalized approach.
Final Verdict: Etsy or Amazon?
- Choose Etsy if you sell handmade, artistic, or vintage products and want to connect with a niche audience.
- Choose Amazon if you want to scale quickly, leverage FBA, and reach a massive customer base.
🔗 Recommended Read: How to Optimize Your Etsy & Amazon Listings for More Sales
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business model, product type, and long-term goals. Some sellers even find success using both platforms! 🚀