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    Etsy
    Online Marketplace

    Etsy

    by Etsy, Inc.

    "Your destination for unique, handmade, and vintage items"

    Free to browse. Listing fee: $0.20. Transaction fee: 6.5%. Additional fees for services apply.Available
    Community

    Overview

    Etsy began in June 2005 with a mission to connect independent creators and collectors, focusing on handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. Founded by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schlickman, the platform quickly established itself as a distinct online marketplace, emphasizing items that were either crafted by the seller or at least 20 years old. This initial vision fostered a community built around craftsmanship and personal expression, offering an alternative to mass-produced merchandise.

    The marketplace has since evolved, expanding its offerings to include a wider variety of goods while retaining its core identity. As of December 31, 2024, Etsy hosted over 100 million active listings from 8 million sellers, reaching 96 million buyers worldwide. In 2024, the company reported $12.6 billion in gross merchandise sales and $2.81 billion in revenue, highlighting its substantial growth and market presence. Etsy operates as a web-based platform, accessible through desktop browsers and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices.

    Etsy generates revenue through various fees. Buyers can browse the site without charge. Sellers incur a listing fee of $0.20 per item, valid for four months or until sold. A transaction fee of 6.5% is applied to the total sale price, including shipping and gift wrapping. Additional charges may apply for services such as promoted listings, payment processing, and shipping label purchases.

    Key Features

    • Marketplace for handmade, vintage, and craft items
    • Seller profiles and direct buyer-seller messaging
    • Personalized recommendations and curated collections
    • Mobile applications for iOS and Android
    • Tools for sellers to manage shops and listings

    Specifications

    Platform TypeWeb-based E-commerce Marketplace
    Mobile AccessiOS and Android Applications
    Seller FeesListing fee: $0.20 per item (4 months). Transaction fee: 6.5% of total sale price.
    Buyer CostFree to browse

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Access to unique and handmade products
    • • Supports independent sellers and small businesses
    • • Wide variety of categories and items
    • • Direct communication with creators

    Cons

    • • Potential for inconsistent quality due to diverse sellers
    • • Shipping times can vary significantly
    • • Increasing presence of non-handmade items
    • • Customer service issues are often handled by individual sellers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What types of items are available on Etsy?
    Etsy is primarily known for handmade items, vintage goods (at least 20 years old), and craft supplies. You can find a wide range of products including jewelry, clothing, home decor, art, toys, and personalized gifts.
    How much does it cost to sell on Etsy?
    Sellers pay a listing fee of $0.20 for each item, valid for four months or until it sells. Etsy also charges a 6.5% transaction fee on the total sale amount, plus fees for payment processing and optional advertising services.
    Is Etsy exclusively for handmade items?
    While Etsy's foundation is built on handmade and vintage items, the platform has expanded to include certain commercially manufactured items, particularly those designed by the seller or intended for craft purposes. However, the emphasis remains on unique and artisanal goods.
    How can I ensure a seller is reliable on Etsy?
    You can gauge a seller's reliability by reviewing their shop's customer feedback and ratings, reading their shop policies, and checking the 'About' section for background information on their business and craft. Many sellers also maintain active communication channels.
    What differentiates Etsy from Amazon Handmade?
    Etsy operates as a dedicated marketplace with a strong community focus on handmade and vintage items. Amazon Handmade is a curated section within the larger Amazon platform, offering sellers access to Amazon's customer base but with a less distinct community atmosphere compared to Etsy.

    Keywords

    online marketplacehandmade goodsvintage itemscraft suppliesartisanse-commerceindependent sellersunique productsgiftshome decor

    Product Info

    Brand
    Etsy, Inc.
    Category
    Online Marketplace
    Released
    June 2005
    Price
    Free to browse. Listing fee: $0.20. Transaction fee: 6.5%. Additional fees for services apply.
    Availability
    Available
    Founders
    Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schlickman
    Active Listings (as of Dec 31, 2024)
    Over 100 million
    Active Sellers (as of Dec 31, 2024)
    8 million
    Active Buyers (as of Dec 31, 2024)
    96 million
    Gross Merchandise Sales (2024)
    $12.6 billion
    Revenue (2024)
    $2.81 billion
    Listing Fee
    $0.20 per item
    Transaction Fee
    6.5% of total sale price

    Where to Buy

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