Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

10 Best Websites Like Etsy for Unique Finds Handmade and Vintage Goods.

October 17, 2024

Vintage and handmade goods can also be found online with the birth of websites like Etsy.

For a long time now, Etsy has been a place for people looking to find unique, handmade items, one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, and craft supplies.

The site has stood out by bringing independent artists together with customers who seek unique items.

However, with Etsy’s growth, many sellers and buyers alike are looking for alternatives, such as lower commission fees, different product categories, or a more niche audience.

If you want to do business on Etsy alternatives, plenty of online marketplaces have similar products and welcome creative entrepreneurs.

Websites like Etsy provide a venue for vendors to market their unique creations; for the buyer, this means anything from handmade jewellery to vintage décor.

In this post, we’ll review some of the best websites, like Etsy, that sell handmade and vintage items and that every enthusiast of finding and supporting independent creatives should know about.

These platforms offer various features and cater to different niches, so whether you’re a buyer or a seller, there’s a place that fits your style and needs.

What Is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace that connects craftsmen and business owners with interested buyers seeking unique products that appeal to them.

Etsy links millions of enthusiastic, creative, and imaginative vendors and shoppers. By using technology and commerce to empower people all around the world and build stronger communities, this platform aims to keep commerce human.

It was founded in 2005 by Robert Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik, and Jared Tarbell as a small firm that wanted to sell handmade furniture online.

Etsy sellers range from hobbyists to professional artists who makes a living from the site. Today, the company is a massive global marketplace valued at around $30 billion.

Read also: 10 Best Websites Like Temu for Budget-Friendly Products

How does Etsy Work?

Websites like Etsy use four varied models. From the seller’s registration to the buyer’s rating and review, the four-step approach enables every user to have a win-win situation.

Sellers gain clients through this strategy while buyers buy unique merchandise that is difficult to find elsewhere.

1. Registration by Seller

To use Etsy’s facilities, one must register with the site. The site primarily offers seller registration so sellers can list their products on this eCommerce platform.

Sellers must pay a subscription fee, which is valid for four months. After this period, they must renew their subscription or membership.

2. Consumers Buy

In this step, buyers can access hundreds of thousands of artifacts and objects.

Due to their age and antique condition, many products are difficult to find on other websites or in physical stores. Consumers can purchase them after selecting one from many available categories.

3. Payment Integrations

Etsy offers several payment channels, providing users with various options for how to pay for their purchased goods.

The platform accepts payment methods such as bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.

4. Review & Rating

After completing a transaction, Etsy allows customers to review the seller and item.

Other customers can then evaluate a seller’s services and goods based on ratings and feedback.

While this helps buyers make informed decisions, sellers can also use it as an opportunity to build their brand through offering unique services and products.

Read also: What to Look Out For When Purchasing a Blender

What are the 10 Best Websites Like Etsy for Unique Finds Handmade and Vintage Goods?

Listed below are in no particular order, the 10 best websites like Etsy for your handmade and Vintage goods:

  • Amazon Handmade
  • ArtFire
  • Zibbet
  • Folksy
  • Bonanza
  • Ruby Lane
  • iCraft
  • Depop
  • Storenvy
  • Big Cartel

1. Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is one of the most popular Etsy alternatives. It is a specialized section of Amazon dedicated to handmade items.

This site was launched to compete with Etsy as it allows artisans to showcase their handmade products to millions of Amazon customers worldwide. 

The platform is perfect for creators who want the benefits of selling on Amazon while still offering unique, handcrafted items.

Amazon’s reach is wide, allowing sellers to showcase their items to a massive global audience. Its established logistics network ensures fast, reliable shipping, which is a major advantage for buyers

Read also: 15 Free Online Business that Pays Daily In Dollars For You To Try In 2024

2. ArtFire

Another well-established Etsy alternative is ArtFire. This site is a marketplace designed specifically for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. 

It is based in Arizona and fosters a strong community spirit among sellers and buyers. 

ArtFire offers customizable storefronts so sellers can create a space that reflects their brand.

It also provides useful tools for marketing and managing your business, which makes it a solid choice for independent creators.

ArtFire is, therefore, ideal for small businesses and creators who prefer a more intimate marketplace with a strong focus on handmade goods. 

3. Zibbet

Zibbet is a versatile website like Etsy that allows sellers to list their items across multiple marketplaces, including Etsy.

With Zibbet, you can manage your inventory from one central platform and easily sell on sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and your custom website. 

Suppose you’re a small business owner or artisan who sells on multiple sites like Etsy. In that case, Zibbet offers an efficient way to manage everything in one place as it’s one of the more practical platforms like Etsy for expanding your sales channels.

Read also: Global Tech Layoffs: eBay Cuts 1,000 Jobs

4. Folksy

For creators based in the UK, Folksy is a popular platform that exclusively supports British artisans. It is known as one of the best Etsy alternatives in the UK.

Folksy is a marketplace that focuses entirely on handmade goods, offering a platform for local sellers to reach a domestic audience. 

It is community-centred and ideal for those looking to engage with like-minded artists and buyers. 

5. Bonanza

Bonanza is a great option if you’re looking for websites like Etsy that offer broader product categories. 

Although not solely focused on handmade goods, Bonanza allows sellers to list various items, including vintage finds, crafts, and fashion. 

Its low fees and customizable storefronts make it a versatile platform for sellers who want to expand their services beyond handmade goods while maintaining control over their store’s branding.

Bonanza integrates with Google Shopping, giving your products more visibility by appearing in Google search results.

So, if you’re looking for Etsy-like platforms with more flexibility to sell different types of products, Bonanza offers a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative.

Read also: IHS is Considering Selling Off its Towers

6. Ruby Lane

Ruby Lane is one of the top Etsy alternatives for those who specialize in selling vintage, antique, and collectible items.

It has become a go-to marketplace for vintage and antique enthusiasts. 

The highly curated platform ensures that only high-quality items are cut. 

While it focuses on vintage goods, Ruby Lane also supports categories like fine art and jewellery, making it an excellent choice for sellers with rare, high-value items.

If you’re looking for platforms like Etsy but with a more curated, high-quality focus on vintage items, Ruby Lane offers a trustworthy marketplace to showcase your products.

7. iCraft

If you’re a creator who focuses on truly handmade goods and prefers a platform that does not allow reselling or mass-produced items, iCraft is the one for you.

This Canadian-based marketplace is one of the best Etsy alternatives for handmade items, which means buyers know they’re getting one-of-a-kind products directly from the maker. 

iCraft also offers a straightforward pricing structure with no commission on sales.

iCraft, regardless, is perfect for artisans committed to selling truly handmade goods and prefer not to compete with resellers or mass-produced products. 

For creators looking for a site like Etsy but with a stricter focus on handmade items, iCraft offers a niche, supportive environment.

Read also: Amazon Echo: Leading the Way Ahead of other Smart Speakers

8. Depop

Depop is a mobile-first marketplace that incorporates all social media features combined with e-commerce. That explains the trendiness and appeal for sellers involved in fashion.

It boasts a young, style-conscious audience and is considered one of the top Etsy product alternatives for sellers of vintage clothing, second-hand fashion, and unique accessories.

With such a strong emphasis on aesthetics and community engagement, the platform often feels much more like a social network. Here, sellers can build their following and interact directly with buyers.

Depop is an excellent alternative for sellers specialising in vintage fashion, second-hand clothing, or streetwear. 

If you’re looking for a platform that feels more like a social network and caters to a trendy, fashion-forward crowd, Depop is the ideal choice.

9. Storenvy

Storenvy allows independent vendors to sell their products through a shared marketplace and customizable online stores.

Therefore, the site is considered one of the most flexible platforms like Etsy, especially for sellers who want more control over their brand and shop appearance.

On Storenvy, you can sell nearly everything, from handmade and art items to indie fashion. This site is in high demand among creative entrepreneurs.

It is known for attracting indie brands, which helps foster a community of independent creators and shoppers looking for unique, less mainstream items.

Storenvy is perfect for independent sellers who want more control over their branding while benefiting from a shared marketplace’s exposure. 

It’s a versatile site like Etsy for those seeking a balance between creativity and control.

Read also: Easy Guide: How to Register your POS Business with CAC Nigeria Online

10. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a platform for artists, designers, and craft sellers. Unlike Etsy, It doesn’t operate as a marketplace but instead gives creators the tools to build and manage their online stores.

This makes it one of the best Etsy alternatives for sellers who prefer full independence and control over their business.

Big Cartel’s pricing model is attractive for smaller sellers. It offers a free plan for those with fewer than five products, making it ideal for artists who are just starting out.

While Big Cartel is simple and affordable, it lacks some advanced features offered by larger e-commerce platforms, such as in-depth analytics or advanced customization options.

If you’re looking for Websites like Etsy that offer creative freedom and independence, Big Cartel is the way to go.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to Etsy for handmade and vintage items?

There are many great alternatives to Etsy for selling or buying handmade and vintage items, including Amazon Handmade, ArtFire, Zibbet, Folksy, Bonanza, Ruby Lane, iCraft, Depop, Storenvy, and Big Cartel. 

Which platform is best for selling vintage items?

Ruby Lane is one of the top choices for vintage items due to its focus on high-quality vintage, antique, and collectable products.
Depop is also popular for selling vintage fashion, especially among younger audiences.

Are there platforms with lower fees than Etsy?

Yes, Bonanza and ArtFire offer lower fees than Etsy. Bonanza starts at a 3.5% commission, and ArtFire offers competitive subscription plans.
Big Cartel offers affordable plans, including a free option for small sellers with up to five products.

Can I sell on multiple platforms like Etsy simultaneously?

Yes, Zibbet allows you to manage sales across multiple platforms, including Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, all from one dashboard.

What platform is best for UK-based sellers?

Folksy is the best platform for UK-based sellers, exclusively catering to British artisans and makers.

Can I customize my storefront on Etsy alternatives?

Yes, several Etsy alternatives offer customizable storefronts. For instance, ArtFire, Storenvy, and Bonanza allow sellers to personalize their shops and create a unique brand identity, giving you more control over your store’s look.

Conclusion 

While Etsy remains one of the top platforms for handmade and vintage goods, alternative options can open new opportunities for buyers and sellers. 

As a buyer, sites like Etsy provide different options to find or pick unique pieces, supporting independent creators and small businesses across the globe. 

No matter what you’re looking for, these sites offer something for every maker, artist, and buyer searching for special, unique finds. 

We believe you enjoyed reading this piece, please don’t hesitate to leave a kind comment below.

Also follow us on all our social media handles: on X(twitter) @siliconafritech, on Facebook @Silicon Africa, and on Instagram @Siliconafricatech to have access to most of our content. Thank you!

References

  • contentpowered – Etsy Alternatives: 17 Sites Like Etsy to List Handmade Products
  • shopify – 9 Etsy Alternatives for Selling Your Crafts (2024)
  • konstantinfo– 10 Top Websites like Etsy that Sell Handmade Products
  • blog.hubspot – The Best Etsy Alternatives

Recommendations

Share your love
Blessing Ukibe
Blessing Ukibe

Medical Student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University|Tech content expert at Silicon Africa Technology|Lover of fun books and fun fun ☺️

Articles: 164

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed and not overwhelmed, subscribe now!