Who this is for
You make handmade goods and need to decide where to sell them. You've heard Etsy is the handmade marketplace, but you're wondering if eBay's larger audience might work better. Or maybe you're already on one platform and considering expanding to the other.
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
The goal
Pick the platform that matches your products, pricing, and growth plans. Sometimes that's one marketplace. Sometimes it's both.
Quick comparison: eBay vs Etsy
| Factor | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Total fees | 10–12% | 13–14% |
| Active buyers | 86–96M | 134M |
| Monthly traffic | 316M visits | 700M visits |
| Buyer intent | Seeking unique handmade | Comparing all options |
| Handmade focus | Exclusive handmade marketplace | Handmade competes with manufactured |
| Primary demographic | Women 18–35 | Men 35–64 |
| Policy enforcement | Strict handmade verification | Minimal enforcement |
| Best for | Art, jewelry, home decor | Vintage, collectibles, practical items |
Etsy costs less per sale and attracts buyers specifically looking for handmade. eBay has more total buyers but less handmade intent. The right choice depends on what you sell and who buys it.
Fee comparison
Both platforms layer multiple fees that add up differently depending on your sale price.
Etsy fee structure
Every listing costs $0.20 and stays active for four months or until it sells. When an item sells, Etsy charges:
- 6.5% transaction fee on the item price plus shipping
- 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee
If a customer finds you through Etsy Offsite Ads, add another 12–15% (12% if you make over $10K/year, 15% if you don't). This fee is mandatory for shops over $10K in annual sales. For full details, see Etsy fees explained.
eBay fee structure
eBay gives you 250 free listings per month. After that, fixed-price listings cost $0.35 each.
The main cost is the final value fee. For handmade items in the Crafts category, eBay takes 12.7% of the total sale (item price plus shipping) up to $2,500. Above that, the rate drops to 2.35%.
Add $0.40 per order for orders over $10. For full details, see eBay fees explained.
Side-by-side fee examples
What you actually pay at common handmade price points (as of February 2026):
| Sale Price | Etsy Fees | Etsy % | eBay Fees | eBay % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $2.83 | 11.3% | $3.58 | 14.3% |
| $50 | $5.20 | 10.4% | $6.75 | 13.5% |
| $100 | $9.95 | 10.0% | $13.10 | 13.1% |
At every price point, Etsy costs less. The gap widens as prices increase because Etsy's flat processing fee ($0.25) becomes a smaller percentage of the total.
Use the Etsy Fee Calculator and eBay Fee Calculator to check your specific pricing, or compare both at once with the Platform Comparison Calculator.
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Audience and buyer intent
Fees tell you what you'll pay. Audience tells you who's buying.
Etsy's handmade-focused marketplace
Etsy built its reputation on handmade and vintage. Buyers come expecting artisan quality and unique designs. When someone searches "handmade leather wallet" on Etsy, they're comparing craftsmanship and style — not price-matching against factory-made alternatives.
This focused audience means less price competition but higher expectations for photos, descriptions, and branding. Buyers pay premium prices for items that feel personal and one-of-a-kind.
eBay's broader market
eBay buyers shop for everything from vintage records to new electronics. Handmade items sit alongside manufactured products, which means your hand-carved wooden box competes with mass-produced imports priced at a fraction of your cost.
The upside: 134 million active buyers across 190+ countries. If you sell handmade products with practical use cases or vintage appeal, that broader audience works in your favor.
Demographics
| Demographic | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Gender split | 60–70% female | ~60% male |
| Primary age range | 18–35 | 35–64 |
| Shopping motivation | Unique, artisan goods | Deals, collectibles, variety |
| Price sensitivity | Lower (premium acceptable) | Higher (comparison shopping) |
| Purchase driver | Emotional connection | Practical value |
Listing requirements for handmade
Both platforms allow handmade products, but Etsy enforces rules that eBay doesn't.
Etsy's handmade policies
To sell on Etsy, items must be made or designed by you. You can use production partners (print-on-demand services, manufacturers) but you must disclose them in your shop settings and link them to each listing. Drop-shipping manufactured goods violates Etsy's terms.
Etsy actively reviews shops for compliance. Violations lead to listing removal. Repeat violations lead to shop suspension. This strict enforcement protects the handmade brand but limits flexibility.
eBay's handmade category
eBay has a Crafts category for handmade items, but enforcement is minimal. No one verifies that your "handmade" soap is actually handmade. This lighter approach means less risk of policy violations, but also means your handmade goods sit next to manufactured products labeled as handmade.
Seller tools
Etsy
Etsy's Shop Manager covers basics: order management, listing creation, basic analytics. The Star Seller program badges fast shipping and quick responses, which can boost conversion slightly.
Analytics show views and visits but lack depth for serious market research. The listing editor is simple — works for a few products, gets tedious at scale.
Offsite Ads run automatically if you qualify (mandatory over $10K/year). You don't control where ads appear or what they say.
eBay
Seller Hub gives detailed traffic analytics, conversion data, and sales reports. Terapeak research shows what similar items sell for, how often they sell, and what keywords drive traffic.
Promoted Listings let you control ad spend and strategy. Bulk listing tools handle CSV uploads for high-volume sellers. The Global Shipping Program handles international logistics without customs forms.
Calculated shipping automatically charges buyers accurate shipping costs based on their location, so you don't eat unexpected shipping fees.
What handmade products sell better on each
Etsy strengths
Art, jewelry, home decor, paper goods, and personalized items. Buyers come looking for aesthetic value and uniqueness. Wedding and gift categories thrive because buyers want something special. Custom or made-to-order items work because Etsy buyers expect longer processing times for handmade goods.
eBay strengths
Practical handmade items with collectible or vintage angles. Hand-stitched leather bags, vintage-style woodwork, handmade tools, or functional pottery find buyers looking for durability and value, not just aesthetics.
If your handmade product solves a problem or fills a niche (replacement parts, custom repairs, restoration supplies), eBay's broader reach helps.
Products that work on both
Some handmade products succeed on both platforms by appealing to different buyer motivations:
- Handmade candles: Etsy buyers want unique scents and aesthetic jars. eBay buyers stock up on practical, long-burning candles.
- Leather goods: Etsy buyers seek statement pieces. eBay buyers want durable wallets or belts.
- Pottery: Etsy buyers buy decorative ceramics. eBay buyers want functional dishware or collectible pieces.
Listing the same product on both works if you adjust titles and descriptions to match buyer intent. Use the AI Listing Generator to create optimized listings for each marketplace.
When to choose Etsy
Pick Etsy if your products are:
- Visually distinctive with strong aesthetic appeal
- Priced at a premium justified by craftsmanship
- Best marketed through storytelling about your process
- Targeted at buyers seeking unique, personalized items
Etsy works for sellers who want a curated brand experience and are willing to follow strict handmade policies. Lower fees help protect Etsy profit margins on higher-priced items.
When to choose eBay
Pick eBay if your products are:
- Practical or functional with clear use cases
- Competitively priced compared to manufactured alternatives
- Collectible, vintage-inspired, or appeal to hobbyists
- Targeting international buyers or niche markets
eBay works for sellers who want access to a massive audience and advanced research tools, and don't mind higher fees or competing with manufactured goods.
Using both platforms
Many handmade sellers list high-margin artistic pieces on Etsy and practical items on eBay. Cross-listing works if you:
- Tailor listings to each platform's buyer intent
- Track inventory carefully to avoid selling the same one-of-a-kind item twice
- Factor platform-specific fees into pricing
- Use cross-listing tools (Vendoo, List Perfectly) to manage both
Some sellers price items higher on Etsy (where buyers expect premiums) and lower on eBay (where price comparison matters more). Test both approaches. For more platform comparisons, see Facebook Marketplace vs eBay.
FAQ
Is Etsy or eBay better for selling handmade items?
Etsy is better for most handmade sellers. Lower fees (10–12% vs 13–14%), a buyer audience that specifically seeks handmade, and strict policies that reduce competition from manufactured goods. eBay is better if your handmade items are practical, collectible, or appeal to older demographics.
Which platform has lower fees for handmade sellers?
Etsy. At a $50 sale price, Etsy charges $5.20 (10.4%) vs eBay's $6.75 (13.5%). The gap widens at higher prices. However, Etsy's mandatory Offsite Ads (12% at $10K+/year) can push total costs above eBay's for ads-attributed sales.
Does eBay allow handmade items?
Yes. eBay's Crafts category accepts handmade products with no special requirements or disclosure rules. Enforcement is minimal — there's no verification that items are actually handmade.
Can I sell on both Etsy and eBay at the same time?
Yes. List the same product on both platforms as long as you manage inventory to prevent overselling. Tailor titles and descriptions to match each platform's buyer intent.
Which platform has more buyers for handmade products?
Etsy has fewer total buyers (86–96M vs eBay's 134M) but a higher percentage actively seeking handmade. eBay's larger audience is mostly looking for deals on manufactured goods. For handmade specifically, Etsy's focused traffic converts better.
Does Etsy require items to be handmade?
Yes. Etsy requires items to be made by you, designed by you (with disclosed production partners), or vintage (20+ years old). Drop-shipping manufactured goods is prohibited. Violations result in listing removal or shop suspension.
Are eBay store subscriptions worth it for handmade sellers?
If you list more than 250 items or make frequent sales, yes. A Basic store ($27.95/month) reduces final value fees and increases free listings. For small handmade shops with under 50 listings, the subscription probably won't pay for itself.
Which platform is easier to start on?
Etsy. Simpler interface, no store subscription needed, and a buyer audience already looking for handmade. eBay's tools are more powerful but have a steeper learning curve.
Next steps
- Compare fees for your products with the Platform Comparison Calculator using your actual prices and shipping costs.
- Check profitability on each platform with the Etsy Fee Calculator and eBay Fee Calculator.
- Test one platform first with 5–10 listings. Track views, conversions, and actual fees for a month before expanding.
- Optimize your listings for each platform's audience. The AI Listing Generator creates tailored titles and descriptions for Etsy or eBay.
- Review your margins using our Etsy profit margins guide to make sure fees don't eat your profit.
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
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