It's Time for a Showdown
Calling all e-commerce enthusiasts! Are you ready to compare two of the biggest online marketplaces – Etsy and eBay? Today, we're putting these two titans head-to-head in a no-holds-barred, fact-based comparison. Who will come out on top? Buckle up, and let's find out!
Category: Traffic
When it comes to online marketplaces, traffic is king. Without potential buyers viewing your products, you won't be making any sales. Here's how Etsy and eBay break down:
- Etsy: According to SimilarWeb, Etsy ranks #48 in global website traffic and #23 in the US. It gets around 819 million visits per month with an average visit duration of 11:47.
- eBay: On the other hand, eBay far outperforms Etsy with its website traffic. According to SimilarWeb, eBay ranks #12 in global website traffic and #8 in the US. It gets around 2.2 billion visits per month with an average visit duration of 14:32.
Our Take:
eBay wins this round with a significant lead in website traffic. However, it's important to consider the type of traffic you're looking for – targeted or general. For handmade, unique, and artisanal products, Etsy might bring more targeted traffic. But if you're selling products in bulk, eBay could be a better choice for you.
Category: Product Variety
Another important factor to consider is the variety of products available on each website. The wider the range, the higher the chances of buyers finding what they're looking for. Here's a breakdown:
- Etsy: Etsy is a marketplace focused on unique and handmade products. It has over 81 million products listed for sale, with 78% being handmade and 10% being vintage. That means there are around 20 million products that fall under the mass-produced category.
- eBay: eBay is a more diverse marketplace, with a mix of vintage items, collectibles, and mass-produced products. It has over 1.7 billion listings, covering almost every possible category.
Our Take:
When it comes to product variety, eBay is the clear winner. It offers a variety of products across a range of categories, making it easier for buyers to find what they're looking for. However, if you're a seller specializing in unique, handmade goods or vintage items, Etsy is the way to go.
Category: Fees
Fees can vary greatly among e-commerce platforms – and they can add up. Here's how Etsy and eBay stack up:
- Etsy: Etsy charges sellers a $0.20 listing fee per item, plus a 5% transaction fee and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee. If you use Etsy's advertising services, you'll be charged an additional fee.
- eBay: eBay's fees are a bit more complicated. It charges sellers a listing fee, varying based on the type of item and the listing duration, a final value fee (between 6%-12%), and a PayPal fee (2.9% + $0.30). eBay also offers a premium subscription, eBay Stores, which gives sellers reduced fees and other benefits.
Our Take:
It's hard to say which platform has better fees, as it depends on how much you plan to sell and what types of products you're listing. That being said, Etsy has simpler fees, while eBay's cost structure can be more complicated. In the end, it's important to crunch the numbers using a fee calculator to determine which platform is better for your specific situation.
Category: Customer Support
If things go wrong with sales or delivery, good customer support can make all the difference. Here's what to expect from Etsy and eBay:
- Etsy: Etsy offers various customer support options, including email, phone, and live chat. They also have an extensive help center with articles and FAQs.
- eBay: eBay offers numerous customer support options, including email, phone, and live chat. They also have a help center with articles, FAQs, and a community forum.
Our Take:
Both platforms offer similar levels of customer support, with easy-to-find help articles and robust customer service options. eBay offers a leg up with a community forum, which can be useful for sellers looking to connect with one another.
Conclusion
Overall, Etsy and eBay each have their strengths and weaknesses. It's clear that eBay's massive audience and vast product selection make it a great choice for many types of e-commerce sellers. On the other hand, Etsy's focus on unique, handmade products and smaller seller community can make it a great choice for crafters and artisans. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your product, your customers, and your specific needs as a seller.
We hope this comparison has made it easier for you to determine which platform is right for your business. Good luck and happy selling!