Etsy vs. eBay - Which Online Marketplace Platform Is Better

With over 95 million buyers on Etsy and 133 million active users on eBay globally, these platforms dominate the online selling space. But which one comes out on top? Etsy vs. eBay – let's put them against each other and explore their differences to figure out which platform truly suits your business goals. 

Etsy vs. eBay - An Overview of Some of the Best Online Selling Platforms

When you decide to start an e-commerce business, you'll have to think about many things. However, one of the most important decisions is where you'll promote your items. Of course, you should pick the platforms that suit your business needs the most. So, let's check out the two most popular ones.

Etsy, Where Crafty Handmade and Vintage Items Flourish 

Etsy is often dubbed the "marketplace for artisans." Launched in 2005, it has become a hub for resellers specializing in handmade, vintage, or niche items. Its appeal lies in its highly engaged community of buyers who seek unique, high-quality goods. To get a bigger picture, this platform receives an average of 377.4 million monthly visitors.

eBay Is a Place Where Everything Sells 

Unlike Etsy's artisan niche, eBay dominates as a multichannel listing software platform for everything under the sun. From electronics and clothing to collectibles and household items, eBay's vast scope ensures a wide-reaching customer base. As a result, the platform has more than 1.2 billion monthly visits.

Get to Know the Crowd – Who Is Shopping Where?

Whether you open an eBay or an Etsy shop should mainly depend on who your audience is. Of course, if you see that the audiences overlap, you can always use trustworthy crossposting software and post on multiple platforms at the same time. After all, who says you can't be in two places at once?

Craft Lovers and Vintage Hunters Make Up Etsy's Buyer Base

Nearly 90% of buyers on Etsy are women, many of whom are millennials and Gen Z shoppers drawn to the charm of sustainability and handmade treasures. These buyers aren't just looking for products – they're also seeking stories. In other words, unique tales that make each item feel personal and purposeful. 

For them, shopping isn't just a transaction but a connection, a way to align their values with their purchases while supporting craftsmanship and individuality. However, if you're a beginner, it's normal that you still don't have an audience. Watch the video below for some tips on what to do to get started:

The Bargain Chasers and Collectors Who Call eBay Home

eBay's audience spans a broader demographic, including a noteworthy share of male buyers, making it a haven for both casual shoppers hunting for deals and niche collectors chasing rare finds. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind collectable or a competitive auction, eBay's appeal lies in its sheer variety, just like Facebook Marketplace, for example.

Resellers looking to make money on eBay can reach diverse buyers, and this difference in audience makes it a versatile platform. On the other hand, Etsy caters to those with a specific creative niche seeking a more curated crowd. Basically, Etsy feels like a cosy boutique, and eBay is more like a giant mall where you never know what you'll stumble upon.

eBay Fees vs. Etsy Fees – The Costs a Reseller Has to Cover on Each Platform

Now that you have figured out that reselling is actually profitable and have a clear reselling business idea, it's time to explore the fees you'll encounter on these platforms. There are some costs you need to cover, whether you'll be a full-time reseller or make this into a side hustle. After all, fees are a dealbreaker for many resellers. Let's break down eBay vs. Etsy fees for UK sellers. Here are the Etsy fees:

• Listing Fee – £0.15 per item, renewed every four months,
• Transaction Fee – 6.5% of the total sale price (including shipping),
• Payment Processing Fee – 4% + £0.20 per transaction for UK sellers.

Of course, you need to check out the eBay fees, too. Knowing these costs upfront will help you price your items smartly and avoid any unwelcome surprises later on. Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

• Listing Fee – free for up to 1,000 items per month, and £0.35 per item beyond that,
• Final Value Fee – 12.8% + £0.30 per transaction for most categories (including shipping),
• Promoted Listing Fees – optional and based on ad performance.

What Sells Best Where? Finding the Right Home for Your Products

The type of product you resell plays a critical role in determining the best multivendor marketplace platform for you. The best-selling items on Etsy are handmade creations, vintage goods, art, and craft supplies. The platform thrives on its curated, niche aesthetic, attracting buyers who value originality and craftsmanship. For instance, if you're a jewellery maker, a vintage clothing seller, or an artist creating custom pieces, Etsy provides the perfect environment to showcase and sell your work.

On the other hand, eBay excels in versatility, making it a go-to platform for selling collectables, electronics, fashion, and bulk items. eBay's auction feature is particularly advantageous for items with fluctuating or high demand, such as rare sports memorabilia or limited-edition sneakers. When it comes to the best-selling items on eBay, this allows sellers to maximise profits through competitive bidding. This can be extremely handy, especially when using software to sell on both eBay and Depop.

Why Not Both? Crossposting With Zipsale Makes It Easy

Both marketplaces have unique strengths, making them excellent choices for resellers with a wide range of goods. Whether you're drawn to Etsy's artisan appeal or eBay's global reach, why limit yourself to one platform when you can use crosslisting software?

That's where Zipsale, a leading crossposting app, steps in. With it by your side, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. This powerful online selling software simplifies the process of managing inventory across multiple platforms, helping you save time, reduce errors, and increase sales. Sign up with Zipsale today and experience the power of streamlined crossposting.