Etsy vs. eBay: Where should you sell in 2025?

The choice between Etsy vs. eBay depends on your product type and business goals. 

Etsy wins for handmade creators with around 95 million buyers, while eBay dominates collectibles and electronics sales with over 130 million shoppers.

If you’re curious about either Etsy or eBay, we’ll break down fees, shipping policies, and buyer behavior. You’ll also see how Nifty helps sellers crosslist to both platforms without the manual work.

Etsy vs. eBay: What’s the real difference?

Etsy vs. eBay differences center on fees, audience targeting, and seller requirements. Etsy has higher costs, with a 6.5% flat seller fee per item, a one-time variable setup fee, and a listing fee of $0.20 per item. 

On the other hand, eBay offers lower and fewer fees of around 10–15% that vary by product category. 

Handmade creators choose Etsy as their reselling website of choice because it attracts buyers seeking arts and crafts. Most resellers can earn more on eBay thanks to its broad buyer base and lower fees than Etsy.

Etsy vs. eBay: At a glance

What is Etsy? Features and highlights

Etsy connects handmade and vintage sellers with buyers looking for niche, one-of-a-kind products. The marketplace has over 95 million active buyers and serves small business owners, crafters, and collectors who target customers valuing authentic, handmade goods over mass-produced ones.

Best for

Etsy targets creators who sell handmade goods, craft supplies, or vintage products. Artists, crafters, vintage collectors, and print-on-demand sellers can reach buyers who want personalized, authentic goods instead of mass-produced items from big-box stores.

Strengths

• An audience seeking handmade and vintage items: Etsy attracts buyers who search specifically for unique, handcrafted, and vintage products instead of mass-produced goods. Buyers expect to pay premium prices for handmade items, so sellers face less price pressure.

• Seller tools: Etsy gives sellers tools like custom shop pages, discount codes, sale scheduling, and basic inventory tracking. Sellers can brand their shops with custom banners, logos, and professional product photography.

• Global marketplace: Etsy ships to over 200 countries, helping small sellers reach international customers without managing logistics themselves. It handles currency conversion and shows buyers translated product pages.

Weaknesses

• Multiple fees reduce seller profit margins: Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, and advertising costs that total 15–25% of sale prices. These fees reduce profit margins, particularly for lower-priced items.

• Market saturation limits visibility: Thousands of sellers list similar handmade and vintage items, which makes it harder for new shops to get noticed. New sellers often lose visibility to top-rated sellers unless they invest in promoted listings.

• Seller support could improve: Etsy uses automated support that often fails to address complex seller problems. Many sellers waste hours trying to reach a real person, only to get no help with account issues.

What is eBay? Features & highlights

eBay has connected sellers and buyers worldwide since 1995, offering products across nearly every category. The platform supports auctions, fixed-price listings, and tools for managing global sales.

Best for 

eBay attracts collectors and serious buyers who purchase high-intent items, including refurbished electronics, auto parts, vintage goods, rare collectibles, and discontinued products. The platform supports all types of sellers, from small startups to large enterprises, offering inventory to global buyers through auction and fixed-price formats. 

Strengths

• Global marketplace expands buyer reach: eBay's international marketplace connects sellers with over 130 million active buyers worldwide across different countries and currencies. The platform handles currency conversion and international shipping logistics for cross-border transactions.

• Supports pricing strategies with flexible listing: eBay gives sellers flexible pricing tools, including fixed-price and auction formats based on product demand. Sellers can also use best offers, bulk discounts, and promotions to drive more sales.

• Seller tools: eBay provides Seller Hub, automated messaging, Terapeak product research, and third-party integrations for managing complex operations. Sellers can manage large product catalogs with inventory tracking, CSV bulk uploads, and ad campaign tools that streamline updates and listings.

Weaknesses

• Buyer-favored policies create seller risks: eBay’s Money Back Guarantee and return policies heavily favor buyers during disputes and product returns. The platform requires sellers to accept returns on most items and removes seller protections for missed deadlines. 

• Market saturation: New sellers struggle to stand out on eBay’s crowded marketplace, where millions compete in every category. Established sellers with thousands of positive reviews dominate search results, forcing newcomers to invest heavily in promoted listings for visibility.

Etsy vs. eBay: Feature-by-feature comparison

Ease of listing

Simple listing tools help sellers update inventory and post products more efficiently. Platforms with clean interfaces and mobile support speed up the process with fewer steps. 

Etsy

Etsy’s interface, listing builder, and mobile app make it easy to upload products and manage listings. Sellers can save templates, duplicate products, and organize items into custom sections. Etsy also lets sellers upload digital products and automatically renew expired listings if enabled.

However, Etsy’s bulk editing is limited, with no built-in support for CSV or inventory uploads across multiple platforms. Sellers must manually tag each listing and research keywords to improve search visibility.

eBay

eBay offers several tools for listing, like those for bulk uploads, item-specific details, 24 photo slots, and listing templates for a more polished storefront. Sellers can choose auction or fixed-price formats and use Seller Hub for analytics, promotions, and performance tracking.

New sellers often struggle with eBay’s complex interface, strict categories, and required fields. Detailed product info, condition notes, and shipping settings slow down the listing process.

The verdict 

Etsy works best for casual sellers and beginners who want a simple setup and quick listings. On the other hand, eBay fits experienced or high-volume sellers who need bulk tools, deeper controls, and inventory flexibility.

Payouts and fees

Etsy charges multiple fees, including listing, transaction, and payment processing costs that stack up quickly. eBay applies variable rates depending on product categories, plus final value fees across different seller tiers.

Etsy

Etsy sends payouts on a schedule chosen by the seller, such as daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly. It only processes payments when the seller’s account balance meets the minimum threshold for the selected currency. For U.S. dollars, that threshold is $25.

However, Etsy charges multiple fees that reduce seller profits. The platform takes $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fees on total sales, including shipping, and 3% plus $0.25 payment processing fees. 

The marketplace also offers off-site ads, which are paid promotions that Etsy runs for your product on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. If your store makes under $10,000 a year, you can choose to run off-site Ads. For those who opt for off-site ads, Etsy charges a 15% fee on orders placed by customers who click on ads.

When your Etsy shop makes over $10,000, the platform requires you to run off-site ads. However, Etsy takes 12% from each sale made through an ad.  

eBay

eBay offers competitive selling fee rates of 10–15%, depending on product categories. The platform allows 250 free listings monthly. eBay processes payouts reliably through direct deposit within 2–3 business days after delivery confirmation.

However, eBay charges a $0.35 fee for each listing beyond 250 active items per month. Sellers also pay $0.30 per order and an extra 2.35% on monthly sales over $7,500.

The verdict
eBay wins on fee structure with lower base rates of 10–15% compared to Etsy's stacked fees, which can total over 21% per sale. eBay provides 250 free monthly listings, while Etsy charges $0.20 per listing regardless of volume. 

Etsy lets sellers pick payout schedules. eBay pays 2–3 days after delivery. Speed isn’t a major difference. Both deliver funds quickly, with no clear advantage in speed. 

eBay is the better choice thanks to lower fees and free listings. Etsy may appeal to sellers who prefer flexible payouts, but its rising costs can cut into profits at any scale.

Shipping and returns

Shipping and return policies affect how sellers manage risk, costs, and customer satisfaction across different marketplace platforms. Both platforms offer different shipping label options, pricing structures, and support levels that impact daily workflow management for sellers.

Etsy 

Etsy lets sellers create shipping labels through USPS, UPS, and other partners. Sellers control their shipping policies, return timeframes, and handling procedures without platform-mandated requirements. The platform allows international shipping with automatic tax calculations and customs forms for global sales expansion.

However, Etsy requires sellers to handle all shipping and delivery issues directly with buyers. While Etsy offers limited Purchase Protection in some cases, sellers are typically responsible for resolving lost packages.

To qualify for Etsy’s seller protection, sellers must upload valid tracking numbers, which adds shipping costs that can wipe out profits on low-priced or lightweight items.

eBay

eBay lets sellers choose from USPS, UPS, or FedEx and set shipping rates. They can offer free shipping to boost sales and adjust item prices as needed. The platform also provides discounted labels with tracking and optional insurance.

But, due to its Money Back Guarantee, eBay rules favor buyers during return disputes and refunds. Sellers must accept returns, usually within 30 days, even if the item comes back used or damaged. In most cases, sellers also pay return shipping while buyers get full refunds.

The verdict

Both platforms require tracking to qualify for seller protection. Etsy gives sellers more control over return policies, which helps reduce risk. On eBay, sellers often cover return shipping and lose money on disputes due to buyer-friendly rules and mandatory return acceptance. 

Etsy offers simpler, more affordable shipping tools, so it gives sellers more control and fewer return-related losses than eBay.

Target buyers

Buyer behavior describes how shoppers interact with platforms through their search patterns, trust evaluation methods, and experience expectations. Etsy buyers value unique products, whereas eBay buyers hunt for deals, rare finds, and high-value items.

Etsy

Etsy buyers value authenticity and craftsmanship, and many are willing to endure longer delivery times to receive handmade products that mass retailers cannot offer.

However, Etsy buyers expect fast replies, detailed customization, and polished listings. These customers expect detailed product descriptions, custom modifications, and responsive seller communication that demands significant time investment.

eBay

eBay attracts buyers like collectors and bargain hunters looking for rare items, used goods, or discounted brands. These shoppers want detailed listings with photos, full specs, and authentication. 

eBay buyers often negotiate prices and hunt for deals. The “Make Offer” feature supports this, especially for used items and collectibles, even as fixed-price listings remain popular. eBay buyers consider feedback, compare listings closely, and focus on price more than shoppers on other resale platforms.

The verdict

eBay buyers do their research but prefer quick, no-frills transactions. Etsy buyers often pay more but expect custom work and hands-on service. 

Etsy’s high-maintenance interactions increase seller workload while reducing time available for creating new products and managing inventory. eBay wins on buyer behavior due to clearer transaction expectations and lower seller workload requirements. 

What users are saying

We analyzed seller feedback from sources like Trustpilot and Reddit, and how Etsy and eBay perform in practice. Sellers commented on ease of use, payout reliability, customer support, and growth potential.

Etsy

Pros

• SEO (search engine optimization)-focused marketing: If you understand SEO basics, like keyword optimization and how to market beautiful product photos, you’ll be in a good position to succeed on Etsy. (December 26th, 2024) 

• Unique products and trustworthy seller experience: One buyer praised Etsy for offering unique items not found on other platforms, and said its sellers are more reliable than those on eBay. (July 2nd, 2025) 

• Ideal platform for digital sellers: A seller enjoys Etsy because they get global visibility, an intuitive shop interface, and automated file delivery, so customers receive their downloads instantly. (March 7th, 2025) 

Cons

• The platform favors buyers: A Redditor complained about Etsy giving the advantage to sellers when disputes with buyers occur. (February 10th, 2025) 

• Not as unique as before: One buyer said cheap mass-produced goods from brands like Temu and Shein now appear more often on Etsy, hurting its image as a marketplace for handmade products. (February 23rd, 2025) 

• No account balance payout:  A seller reported that Etsy withheld part of their payout after suspending the account. (August 7th, 2025) 

eBay

Pros

• Strong place for goods: One eBay user praised the platform for providing them with high-quality products for over 10 years. (July 12th, 2025) 

• Ease of use: A Trustpilot reviewer gave eBay high marks from long-time users for its intuitive interface, organized layout, and responsive customer service. (June 16th, 2025) 

• Seller Hub is helpful: An eBay seller on the eBay Community forum shared that Seller Hub makes the user interface easier to navigate. (October 12th, 2024)

Cons

• Payouts could be faster: eBay withholds seller payouts until delivery is confirmed or a set time passes, which can limit cash flow. Its rolling payment system delays reinvestment, unlike platforms that offer instant payouts. A seller complained on the Better Business Bureau that eBay withheld their money for a long time. (September 24th, 2024)

• Poor customer service: Customers report that support often fails to meet expectations, with no follow-through on promised resolutions. Repeated issues include a lack of confirmation emails and no progress after contacting customer service. (August 7th, 2025) 

• Refund policies can penalize sellers: A seller said eBay’s refund policy forces them to cover costs even after shipping items. If buyers cancel or dispute orders, eBay may refund them without requiring a return, leaving the seller unpaid.

How to make your choice

Choosing between Etsy and eBay comes down to your goals, inventory size, and selling style. Etsy works best for handmade, vintage, and niche items aimed at buyers who want originality. eBay fits sellers focused on volume, global reach, and building a professional resale business.

Choose Etsy if …

• You create handmade products: Etsy draws buyers looking for handmade, vintage, or one-of-a-kind items they won’t find in big-box stores. Sellers face less price competition because shoppers expect to pay more for authentic goods.

• You want simpler listing processes: New sellers can list products quickly thanks to a simple interface with minimal setup steps. The platform includes features like template saving, product duplication, and auto-renewal to reduce maintenance. 

• You prefer building a creative business: Sellers can customize their shop with banners, logos, and consistent branding to build trust with buyers.

Choose eBay if …

• You sell collectibles, high-volume, or niche goods: eBay supports sellers flipping niche goods like retro electronics, vintage items, collectibles, and even cars.

• You want an auction format: eBay’s auction listings let market demand determine final sale prices through competitive bidding processes. This format works perfectly for rare items, collectibles, or products with uncertain market values.

• You need tools: eBay’s tool suite helps you track performance, schedule listings, and bulk edit products. It also provides advertising features through Promoted Listings, which move your products to the top of eBay’s search results. 

My verdict

Here’s the final take on Etsy vs. eBay, choose Etsy if you’re a handmade seller targeting buyers who appreciate quality and are willing to pay more. Yet, eBay fits resellers who need flexible pricing, international reach, and tools for managing varied inventory.

However, to get your products in front of as many buyers as possible, I suggest you crosslist your items on both Etsy and eBay to reach more buyers and avoid relying on one platform. In those cases, fee differences matter less than visibility and steady sales. Plus, you can use a tool like Nifty to manage all your listings in one place. 

Start selling smarter on Etsy and eBay 

Instead of choosing between Etsy vs. eBay, consider crosslisting with Nifty. It’s the best AI command hub for crosslisting, automation, and analytics. Here’s why:

• Snap, list, done: Upload a photo and let Nifty’s AI take over. It creates SEO-friendly titles, detailed descriptions, trending hashtags, and fills out every dropdown for you.

• List across platforms: Post your items to Poshmark, Depop, eBay, Mercari, and Etsy with just a few clicks. Inventory updates in real time, so you never accidentally sell the same item twice. More platforms are coming soon!

• Automate the grind: Relist and share daily without doing a thing. Bulk edit prices, apply discounts, or schedule listings to go live while you sleep.

• Know your numbers: Track sales, fees, top-performing items, and slow movers in a single dashboard. See what’s working and where to focus next. 

Nifty pays for itself. So, start your 7-day free trial today and see how Nifty can simplify selling on both Etsy and eBay.

FAQs

1. Which is better for beginners: Etsy or eBay?

Etsy is better for beginners thanks to its simple listing tools and mobile app. New sellers can save templates, copy listings, and organize products without needing technical skills. Etsy’s audience also expects higher prices, so sellers face less price pressure. In contrast, eBay’s interface can overwhelm new users with required fields, strict categories, and complex features.

2. Can I sell the same product on both Etsy and eBay?

Yes, sellers can list identical products on both Etsy and eBay. But manual crosslisting involves copying descriptions and details between platforms, creating time-consuming duplicate work. Nifty automates crosslisting by creating optimized listings for both platforms simultaneously, then auto-delists sold items to prevent double sales.

3. What sells better on eBay than on Etsy?

Electronics, collectibles, automotive parts, and mass-produced goods sell better on eBay than on Etsy. eBay buyers actively search for vintage electronics, rare collectibles, discontinued products, and brand-name items at competitive prices. They’re keen to increase prices by bidding on high-demand items. 

4. What sells better on Etsy than on eBay?

Handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and craft supplies sell better on Etsy than eBay. Etsy buyers actively seek unique, handcrafted items and vintage pieces that can’t be found through mass retailers. The audience values handmade quality and pays more for custom goods, original art, and vintage items that match their style.