Etsy and eBay both connect sellers with millions of buyers. But the similarities end there.
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Etsy serves 96 million buyers searching for handmade jewelry, custom gifts, and vintage finds. eBay moves 132 million buyers through a marketplace where iPhones sit next to rare baseball cards. Same business model, entirely different customers.
Your product determines which platform makes sense. This guide breaks down the real differences in fees, audiences, tools, and search algorithms so you can make an informed choice.
Fee Comparison: What Each Platform Takes
Both platforms charge fees on every sale. The structure and total cost differ significantly.
Etsy Fee Structure
Etsy stacks three separate fees on every transaction:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Listing fee | $0.20 per item |
| Transaction fee | 6.5% of total (including shipping) |
| Payment processing | 3% + $0.25 (US) |
| Typical total | 10-11% |
Offsite Ads add 12-15% more if triggered. For shops earning $10K+ annually, Offsite Ads become mandatory, pushing total fees to 22-26%.
Example: $50 item with $8 shipping
- Listing fee: $0.20
- Transaction fee (6.5% of $58): $3.77
- Payment processing (3% of $58 + $0.25): $1.99
- Total fees: $5.96 (10.3% of sale)
Use our Etsy fee calculator to run the numbers for your specific products.
For the complete breakdown, see Etsy Fees Explained.
eBay Fee Structure
eBay charges a final value fee plus a per-order fee:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Final value fee | 12.7-15.3% (varies by category) |
| Per-order fee | $0.30-$0.40 |
| International fee | +1.65% (if applicable) |
| Typical total | 13-15% |
Payment processing is included in the final value fee. Store subscriptions reduce the percentage by about 0.9%.
Example: Same $50 item with $8 shipping
- Final value fee (13.6% of $58): $7.89
- Per-order fee: $0.40
- Total fees: $8.29 (14.3% of sale)
Use our eBay fee calculator to check your specific category.
For the complete breakdown, see eBay Fees Explained.
Fee Comparison Summary
| Aspect | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fee percentage | 10-11% | 13-15% |
| Listing/insertion fee | $0.20 per item | Free (first 250/month) |
| Payment processing | 3% + $0.25 | Included in final value fee |
| Ads that increase fees | Offsite Ads (12-15%) | Promoted Listings (2-10%) |
For most products, Etsy saves you 2-4% per sale compared to eBay. That gap widens on higher-priced items.
Audience Comparison: Who Shops Where
Platform fees matter. Buyer intent matters more.
Etsy Buyer Profile
Etsy attracts shoppers looking for what they cannot find at big-box stores:
- Gift givers searching for personalized presents
- Home decorators wanting unique furniture and wall art
- DIY crafters buying supplies for their projects
- Wedding planners hunting custom invitations and favors
- Experience seekers who want to support small creators
Etsy buyers browse. They search terms like "boho wall art" or "personalized baby gift" without a specific product in mind. They pay premium prices because they value uniqueness over convenience.
Buyer expectation: Handmade quality, unique designs, maker stories, and reasonable processing times (not necessarily fast).
eBay Buyer Profile
eBay attracts deal hunters and collectors:
- Bargain hunters comparing prices across multiple sellers
- Collectors searching for specific trading cards, vintage toys, or memorabilia
- Practical shoppers needing replacement electronics or appliances
- Resellers buying inventory to flip elsewhere
- International buyers looking for products unavailable locally
eBay buyers search with intent. They type "Canon EOS R6" or "vintage Levi's 501 size 32" knowing exactly what they want. Price and condition drive purchase decisions.
Buyer expectation: Competitive prices, clear condition descriptions, fast shipping, and easy returns.
Product Fit: What Sells Better Where
The products you sell determine your best platform far more than fee percentages or audience size.
Best Products for Etsy
Etsy thrives on products that cannot be bought elsewhere:
- Handmade items — Jewelry, ceramics, clothing, home decor, accessories
- Custom and personalized products — Engraved gifts, monogrammed items, custom portraits
- Vintage items — Items at least 20 years old (clothing, furniture, decor)
- Craft supplies — Beads, fabric, patterns, printables, digital designs
- Wedding and event items — Invitations, decorations, favors, signs
- Digital downloads — Templates, printables, patterns, graphics
The key is differentiation. If someone can buy the same item cheaper on Amazon, they will. Etsy buyers pay premium prices for products they cannot find anywhere else.
Best Products for eBay
eBay dominates when buyers search for specific items:
- Used electronics — Phones, laptops, cameras, gaming consoles
- Collectibles — Trading cards, comic books, coins, vintage toys, memorabilia
- Brand-name items — Designer bags, sneakers, watches
- Used goods — Thrift store finds, estate sale items, secondhand clothing
- Auto parts — Replacement parts for specific vehicle makes and models
- Refurbished items — Certified refurbished electronics and appliances
eBay also works for liquidating inventory, clearing out returned merchandise, or testing demand for new product categories.
Products That Work on Both
Some categories perform well on either platform with different strategies:
| Category | Etsy Approach | eBay Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage clothing | Curated, styled photos, brand story | Condition focus, measurements, brand names |
| Art and prints | Original art, limited editions | Reproductions, posters, mass prints |
| Home decor | Handmade, unique pieces | Used, antique, or clearance items |
| Jewelry | Handcrafted, custom designs | Brand-name, vintage, or costume jewelry |
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Seller Tools Comparison
Both platforms provide dashboards for order management, listing creation, and performance tracking. The approach differs:
| Feature | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics depth | Basic (views, favorites, conversions) | Advanced (Terapeak research, sell-through rates) |
| Marketing tools | Etsy Ads, Offsite Ads, coupons | Promoted Listings, Markdown Manager, email marketing |
| Bulk editing | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Third-party tools | eRank, Marmalead | Terapeak (included with store) |
eBay's tools favor data-heavy analytics and high-volume operations. Etsy's tools prioritize simplicity and creative presentation.
Search Algorithm Differences
Understanding how each platform ranks listings determines your success more than any other factor.
Etsy Search Algorithm
Etsy's search prioritizes relevance and quality signals:
Ranking Factors:
- Title keywords — Front-loaded, specific terms matching buyer searches
- Tags — All 13 tags should use different long-tail keywords
- Listing quality score — Views, favorites, purchases, and click-through rate
- Shop quality score — Reviews, response time, complete policies
- Recency — Newer listings get a temporary visibility boost
- Shipping price — Free shipping or low shipping costs rank higher
What works on Etsy:
- Keyword-rich titles that read naturally
- High-quality lifestyle photography
- Complete shop policies and about section
- Quick response times to messages
- Positive reviews with seller responses
The algorithm rewards shops that create a complete, professional presence with listings optimized for specific search terms.
eBay Cassini Algorithm
eBay's Cassini algorithm weighs different factors:
Ranking Factors:
- Price competitiveness — Lower prices rank higher for identical items
- Shipping speed — 1-day handling and fast delivery rank higher
- Seller performance — Top Rated Plus sellers get priority
- Listing completeness — Item specifics filled out completely
- Sales velocity — Items that sell quickly rank higher
- Return policy — Free 30-day returns boost rankings
What works on eBay:
- Competitive pricing within your category
- Same-day or 1-business-day handling time
- Free 30-day returns (required for Top Rated Plus)
- Complete item specifics for your category
- Optimized titles with brand, model, and specifications
For more detail, see our eBay Cassini Algorithm Guide.
Key Difference
Etsy rewards uniqueness and quality presentation. eBay rewards price competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Shipping Options
Both platforms offer discounted USPS, UPS, and FedEx labels (approximately 30% off retail). The key differences lie in buyer expectations:
| Aspect | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Label discounts | Up to 35% off | Up to 30% off |
| Free shipping impact | Search ranking boost | Improved conversion |
| Processing time expectations | 1-3 weeks acceptable | 1-day handling expected |
| International programs | Standard options | Global Shipping Program handles logistics |
The critical difference: Etsy buyers accept longer processing times for handmade items. eBay buyers expect fast shipping, and slow handling tanks your seller rating.
Customer Service and Support
| Aspect | Etsy | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Response speed | Slower (days) | Faster (chat available) |
| Phone support | Limited | Available (priority for store subscribers) |
| Community help | Active seller forums | Documentation-focused |
| Dispute resolution | Buyer-favored, some seller discretion | Buyer-favored, stronger fraud protection |
Both platforms favor buyers in most disputes. eBay offers stronger seller protections against shipping damage claims and fraud. Etsy's seller community often provides faster answers than official support.
When to Choose Etsy
Choose Etsy if your products fit these criteria:
- Handmade or custom items you create yourself
- Vintage goods (20+ years old) with unique character
- Creative products where presentation and story matter
- Higher margins on lower volume (quality over quantity)
- Personalized items that cannot be commoditized
- Digital products like printables, templates, and patterns
Etsy works best when you compete on uniqueness rather than price.
When to Choose eBay
Choose eBay if your products fit these criteria:
- Used or refurbished items in any category
- Electronics (new, used, or refurbished)
- Collectibles with established collector markets
- Brand-name products buyers search by model number
- High-volume, lower-margin products requiring operational efficiency
- Liquidation or clearance inventory needing quick turnover
eBay works best when you compete on price, selection, or hard-to-find inventory.
When to Sell on Both Platforms
Many sellers successfully operate on both platforms:
- Inventory separation — Handmade items on Etsy, used/sourced inventory on eBay (no overlap avoids sync issues)
- Price testing — List identical items on both; Etsy often supports higher prices
- Clearance strategy — Move slow-selling Etsy inventory to eBay at discounted prices
- Seasonal balancing — Etsy peaks during holidays and wedding season; eBay spikes during back-to-school
- Risk diversification — Multiple channels protect against algorithm shifts and policy changes
Managing multiple platforms requires inventory tracking discipline. Do not oversell one-of-a-kind items listed on both.
FAQ
Which platform has lower fees, Etsy or eBay?
Etsy typically costs 10-11% per sale versus eBay's 13-15%. However, Etsy's mandatory Offsite Ads (12-15%) for shops earning $10K+ can close or eliminate this gap. Calculate your specific fees using our Etsy fee calculator and eBay fee calculator.
Is Etsy or eBay better for beginners?
Etsy is generally easier for beginners selling handmade or unique items. Lower competition in niche categories and an active community sharing advice make the learning curve gentler. eBay works better for beginners flipping used items or selling recognized brands where price comparison drives sales.
Can I sell the same products on both platforms?
Yes, but manage inventory carefully to avoid overselling. Many sellers use different strategies for each platform—handmade items on Etsy at full price, similar products on eBay positioned as deals.
Which platform has more buyers?
eBay has more buyers (132 million monthly active vs. Etsy's 96 million). But raw numbers matter less than buyer intent. Etsy's smaller audience specifically seeks handmade and unique items, making it more valuable for those product types.
Does Etsy or eBay rank higher in Google searches?
Both platforms have strong domain authority. Product type determines which appears first—handmade searches favor Etsy; electronics and collectibles favor eBay.
Can I sell vintage items on both Etsy and eBay?
Yes. Etsy requires vintage items to be at least 20 years old; eBay has no age requirement. The same item may sell faster on Etsy for home decor buyers, or on eBay for collectors searching by make and model.
Next Steps
Match your products to the right platform:
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Selling handmade, custom, or unique items? Start with Etsy. Read our Etsy selling guide for setup and optimization tips.
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Selling used goods, electronics, or collectibles? Start with eBay. Check our eBay selling guide for listing strategies.
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Need to understand your true profit? Run the numbers with our Etsy fee calculator and eBay fee calculator.
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Want optimized listings for either platform? Use our AI Listing Generator to create titles, descriptions, and keywords that match each platform's algorithm.
Pick the platform that fits your products. Then optimize your listings rather than second-guessing the choice.
Compare fees across marketplaces
See which platform gives you the best profit: Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
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