Shopify or Etsy: Which One Should You Choose for Your Business?
Deciding between Shopify or Etsy can feel confusing at first. Both platforms help you reach customers and grow sales. However, they work in very different ways, so the right choice depends on your goals.
This guide will walk you through the key differences so you can decide whether Shopify or Etsy is the best fit for your business.
Shopify
Build Your Own Online Store
To start, think of Shopify as your own shop on the high street. With your own storefront, you control how it looks and how it works. You will also handle the job of attracting customers through marketing.
Key features of Shopify
- Platform type: Your own website and store
- Monthly fee: From £25/month (see Shopify pricing)
- Listing fee: None
- Transaction fee: 2.2% + 20p (UK, Shopify Payments)
- Custom domain: Yes (yourbrand.com)
- Customisation: High, with themes, apps, and design freedom
- Audience/traffic: You bring your own customers through marketing
- Marketing tools: Extensive, including SEO, email, apps, and ads
- Payout speed: 3 to 5 business days
- Risk of deactivation: Low, but still possible
- Control over brand: Full
- Support: 24/7 It’s ideal if you want to build a long-term brand, look professional, and have complete control. If you need help creating your store, I offer done-for-you Shopify builds so you can launch without the overwhelm.
Etsy
Sell in a Busy Marketplace
Etsy is more like renting a stall in a busy market. You benefit from instant traffic, but you do not own the platform and you are always subject to Etsy’s rules.
Key features of Etsy
- Platform type: Marketplace (your shop lives on Etsy)
- Monthly fee: None, free to open a shop
- Listing fee: $0.20 USD per item (about £0.16)
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of sale price, excluding postage
- Payment processing: 4% + 20p (UK, Etsy Payments)
- Marketing fees: 15% on Offsite Ads (see Etsy fees)
- Custom domain: No (yourshop.etsy.com)
- Customisation: Very limited branding options
- Audience/traffic: Built-in shoppers searching Etsy
- Marketing tools: Limited to Etsy Ads and Offsite Ads
- Payout speed: Varies
- Risk of deactivation: Moderate to high, with appeals that take time
- Control over brand: Low
- Support: Email or chat only Overall, Etsy works well if you are just starting out, want exposure to ready-made traffic, and do not mind higher fees or limitations.
Example: Selling a £30 Product
Let’s look at a real example to see how fees compare between Shopify and Etsy.
Shopify
- Transaction fee: about £0.86
- You keep: £29.14 (before monthly costs and apps)
Etsy, no Offsite Ad
- Total fees: £3.51
- You keep: £26.49
Etsy, with Offsite Ad
- Total fees: £8.01
- You keep: £21.99
For a deeper breakdown, you can check Shopify payment fees.
Choose Shopify
if you want to grow a brand, have full control, and are ready to invest in marketing.
Choose Etsy
if you are new to selling online and want access to shoppers immediately.
Use both
if you want to benefit from Etsy’s traffic while building your own long-term brand on Shopify.
FAQs About Shopify or Etsy
Is Shopify or Etsy better for beginners?
Etsy is often easier for beginners because you can start selling with very little setup and benefit from built-in traffic. Shopify takes more work to set up but gives you much more control.
Which is cheaper, Shopify or Etsy?
Etsy is cheaper to start with since there is no monthly fee. However, Etsy’s fees add up quickly. Shopify has a monthly fee, but you keep more of each sale.
Can I use both Shopify and Etsy?
Yes. Many sellers use Etsy for traffic and run a Shopify store at the same time to grow their own brand and customer list.
Does Shopify or Etsy give you more control?
Shopify gives you full control over your brand, design, and customer experience. Etsy limits your branding and requires you to follow marketplace rules.
Making these simple tweaks to your product pages can have a big impact, but if you’re ready to go even further, I’m here to help. My Shopify Action Plan gives you a personalised website review with clear, actionable steps to optimise your store.
Book now and schedule your 1-hour call for January—so you can start the new year with a plan to make Q1 your strongest yet.