Etsy vs. eBay for Selling – A Comparison for Aspiring Online Resellers
If you've ever tried to sell something online, you know how difficult it can be. Ultimately, your success depends on where you sell, as not all marketplaces are the same. Etsy vs. eBay for selling is one of the most common dilemmas new resellers face when they're in the process of building their online shops. We are here to help you solve that dilemma – let's compare Etsy and eBay and figure out which platform suits your preferences best.
Etsy vs. eBay for Selling Online – Which Items Are in High Demand on These Platforms?
While it's undeniable that both Etsy and eBay are outstanding marketplaces, they differ in many ways. Which one will be a better choice for you will depend on factors such as your experience as an online reseller and how skilled you are when it comes to the technical aspects of running an e-commerce business. However, the most important factor to consider is the type of items you plan on selling. Now, let's learn some of the basics about these two platforms.
What to Expect From Etsy?
Etsy is a popular multi-vendor marketplace platform that 92 million active buyers all around the world trust. This community is known to be an excellent starting point for small businesses and those who create unique items. When we think of Etsy, we think handmade – this is what the platform is all about. Popular categories of handmade items to sell on Etsy include:
- Jewellery,
- Clothes,
- Accessories,
- Art and crafts,
- Candles,
- Soaps and cosmetics.
Etsy is also an excellent platform for posting vintage items. If you were to ask us to decide between Etsy vs. eBay for selling vintage products, we'd probably tell you that Etsy wins in this category. Still, eBay is far from a bad place to find buyers for vintage clothes and other items. At the end of the day, you can't go wrong either way when it comes to eBay vs. Etsy for selling vintage.
What to Expect From eBay?
eBay is one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, and it was among the first ones as well. Established in 1995, eBay has maintained its popularity throughout the years. There are currently about 134 million active buyers worldwide. Thanks to such a huge audience, it's easier to sell your products here compared to smaller marketplaces.
eBay is a place where you can sell basically anything. From electronics and furniture to sneakers, clothes, smartphones, and home & garden products – whatever you want to sell on eBay to make money, chances are that you'll find your buyer fairly quickly.
Which Platform Is Better When It Comes to Ease of Use?
The complexity of the marketplace platform you use can affect how much time and effort you need to put into the selling process. Connecting with your target audience is easy on both platforms, but navigating them is an entirely different experience.
Etsy is a clear winner when it comes to ease of use. It has a simple interface that allows both inexperienced and experienced sellers to navigate the platform effortlessly – posting listings and handling everything related to a sale won't be a problem for you. Plus, it's easy for shoppers to find what they need.
On the other hand, eBay isn't the easiest marketplace to post on. Setting up a shop is as simple as it is anywhere else, but selling is complex due to complicated eBay seller fees and numerous features you have to learn to use.
Which One Is Less Pricey for Sellers?
From listing fees to payment processing, there's plenty to keep in mind when it comes to sellers' expenses. Overall, Etsy has lower fees, but its expenses aren't irrelevant. Here's what you need to pay in order to sell on Etsy:
- Listing fee of 16p,
- Transaction fee of 6.5%,
- Payment processing fee of 4% plus 20p.
When it comes to eBay's listing fee (or insertion fee, as it's known on this platform), there isn't one for the first 250 listings every month. This is true for any individual seller or those who have an eBay subscription for a Basic Store plan.
There is a final value fee on eBay that you pay for every sale – 12.8% of the total sale amount plus 30p for sales under £5,000 and 3% of the total sale price for orders over £5,000. This can be a bit complex for beginners, so here's a video breaking down eBay fees – check it out to learn the basics.
Where Can You Find Better SEO Features and Seller Tools?
This is a bit of a tricky question – there's no clear answer. Both platforms offer excellent SEO features. If you understand the basics of SEO and know how to use keywords to your benefit, you will have plenty of success reaching buyers.
Now, for seller tools, eBay is a clear winner. It offers more e-commerce features that will help you automate and simplify your selling process. You just need to know how to make the most out of them.
Which Platform Has Better Customer Support for Sellers?
Quality customer service is absolutely essential for the success of your business. Both platforms have customer support, but the one on Etsy isn't the most accessible. It's okay for basic questions, but for more specific issues, you only have the option of sending an email. There's no chat or phone number available.
eBay has an automated assistant that can help with standard issues, but you also have the option of speaking with a human customer service agent. Because of this, eBay is the winner in this category.
You Don't Necessarily Have to Choose – Why Not Post on Both Marketplaces?
If the decision between Etsy and eBay is too difficult for you, we have a third option – you can simply post your listings on both online selling platforms. This can easily be done with quality crosslisting software. Thanks to Zipsale, our crossposting tool, you'll be able to manage multiple inventories without breaking a sweat. No matter how many listings you have, our multichannel listing software will ensure you can keep track of every single one. Sign up today and experience the numerous benefits of this outstanding software for selling online.
