I work with many Etsy sellers who want to transition over to Amazon Handmade or add Amazon Handmade as an additional revenue channel. One thing that pops up a lot is the question, 'Is Amazon Handmade better than Etsy for handmade businesses?' The answer isn't just a straightforward yes or no.
Both Amazon Handmade and Etsy have their pros and cons. Amazon Handmade didn't launch until 2015, and like most handmade businesses, I started on Etsy.
Amazon Handmade vs. Etsy
Amazon Handmade is a separate category on Amazon that hosts handmade goods only. If you're already an established seller on Etsy, you don't need to worry about which platform is better or will result in more sales.
The point is not to put all of your eggs in one basket.
Why wouldn't you want to have access to both markets?
Some sellers have better success on Etsy, and some have their sales explode on Amazon Handmade. The biggest factor is how much time and energy you dedicate to learning each platform and how it works.
Additional Revenue Streams
Selling on your own website, as well as Amazon Handmade and Etsy, just opens you up to more sales, more opportunities, and more audiences. That is so important as your business continues to scale and grow.
You don't want to rely on just one sales channel.
Amazon Handmade or Etsy: Which is Better?
Like I mentioned, it depends. It will depend a lot on you and your products. Some businesses will continue to grow and find Etsy is better and use Amazon Handmade as a secondary income source. Other businesses will add Amazon Handmade into the mix and see that it is the platform to focus more on.
The main thing is to learn the platforms. Etsy SEO and Amazon Handmade SEO can be entirely different.
You might find that a particular type of product does better on Amazon than Etsy, as one of my clients who had her gift boxes explode on Amazon Handmade, but they didn't sell very well on Etsy. You just never know, which is why it's essential to be open to the possibilities each platform can provide, learn it, look at your stats, and make it work for you.
My final answer to this question: Stop worrying about which one is best before you dive into both and learn how each platform works. Learn it, test it, and you'll figure out which one is better for YOUR handmade business. But, you should still use both platforms, even after you determine which one will be the best for your business.
Need help getting started with Amazon Handmade?
Check out our free community on Facebook: Handmade at Amazon - Dana Midkiff. You will be in a community of other sellers, watch how much they love Amazon, and be a fly on the wall as they grow.
If you are ready to take the plunge and sell on Handmade at Amazon, I've got the perfect resource for you! My Amazon Handmade 101 course starts at application and takes you on the whole journey of starting on your next platform.
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