Etsy and Bonanza are two popular online marketplaces where sellers can showcase their handmade or vintage items. While both platforms have their similarities, they also have their differences. One of the main differences between the two is their fee structure. According to Knoji, Bonanza offers lower fees compared to Etsy, which could be a deciding factor for some sellers. Bonanza also offers free listings and has software that can import listings from other platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay.
Another important factor to consider when choosing between Etsy and Bonanza is their target audience. Etsy is known for being a hub for handmade, unique, and vintage items. On the other hand, Bonanza has a wider range of products that includes handmade and vintage items, as well as new items from larger retailers and manufacturers. This means that sellers on Bonanza have access to a larger customer base, but they may face more competition from bigger sellers.
Ultimately, the choice between Etsy and Bonanza depends on the specific needs and preferences of the seller. While both platforms offer a way to showcase and sell handmade and vintage items, they have different fee structures and target audiences. By considering these factors, sellers can make an informed decision on which platform is the best fit for their business.
Understanding Etsy and Bonanza
Etsy and Bonanza are both online marketplaces that allow individuals to sell their handmade or vintage items. Etsy is a more established platform, having been around since 2005, while Bonanza was founded in 2008.
Etsy has a larger user base with over 81 million active buyers, while Bonanza has around 10 million. However, Bonanza offers a more diverse range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods, in addition to handmade and vintage items.
Both platforms have their own fee structures. Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item and takes a 5% commission on each sale, while Bonanza only charges a commission fee of 3.5% on each sale. Additionally, Bonanza offers a subscription service that allows sellers to pay a monthly fee for additional features such as Google Shopping integration and personalized support.
When it comes to user experience, Etsy is known for its easy-to-use interface and robust search functionality, while Bonanza can be less intuitive for new users. However, Bonanza offers a unique feature called “Booths” which allows sellers to create a branded storefront within the platform.
Ultimately, the choice between Etsy and Bonanza depends on the seller’s individual needs and preferences. Etsy may be a better option for those looking to sell exclusively handmade or vintage items, while Bonanza may be a better fit for sellers with a wider range of products.
Ease of Use
Etsy and Bonanza are both user-friendly platforms that make it easy for sellers to set up an online shop. However, there are some differences in the setup process and overall ease of use.
Setting Up a Shop on Etsy
Setting up a shop on Etsy is a straightforward process. The platform provides a step-by-step guide to help sellers create their shop, upload product listings, and set up payment and shipping options. Sellers can customize their shop’s appearance by choosing a banner image and profile picture. Etsy also offers a mobile app that allows sellers to manage their shop on the go.
However, some sellers may find the process of setting up a shop on Etsy to be time-consuming. There are many options to consider, such as shipping settings, tax settings, and payment options. It can take some time to navigate through all the settings and choose the best options for your shop.
Setting Up a Shop on Bonanza
Setting up a shop on Bonanza is also a simple process. The platform offers a step-by-step guide to help sellers create their shop, upload product listings, and set up payment and shipping options. Bonanza also allows sellers to import their product listings from other platforms, such as Etsy or eBay.
One advantage of setting up a shop on Bonanza is that there are fewer settings to navigate. This can make the setup process faster and less overwhelming for new sellers. However, some sellers may find the platform’s interface to be less intuitive than Etsy’s.
In conclusion, both Etsy and Bonanza offer user-friendly platforms for sellers to set up an online shop. Etsy may have a more extensive range of settings to navigate, but its step-by-step guide makes the process straightforward. Bonanza, on the other hand, has fewer settings to consider, making the setup process faster. Ultimately, the ease of use will depend on the seller’s preferences and experience with online selling platforms.
Selling Fees Comparison
Etsy’s Selling Fees
Etsy charges a few different types of fees to its sellers. The most notable one is the transaction fee, which is 5% of the total sale price. However, in April 2022, Etsy increased the transaction fee to 6.5%. Besides that, Etsy also charges a payment processing fee of 3% and a $0.25 listing fee for each item. If you use Etsy’s offsite ads, there is an additional fee of up to 15% of the sale price.
In addition to these fees, Etsy also offers a subscription plan called Etsy Plus, which costs $10 per month. This plan includes some benefits such as access to advanced shop customization options, discounted custom web address, and more. However, it’s important to note that subscribing to Etsy Plus doesn’t waive any of the fees mentioned above.
Bonanza’s Selling Fees
Bonanza’s fee structure is quite different from Etsy’s. Instead of charging a transaction fee, Bonanza charges a final value fee, which ranges from 3.5% to 9% depending on the item’s sale price. There are no listing fees on Bonanza, and the payment processing fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Bonanza also offers a subscription plan called Bonanza Pro, which costs $25 per month. This plan includes some benefits such as access to advanced selling tools, priority support, and more. However, just like Etsy Plus, subscribing to Bonanza Pro doesn’t waive any of the fees mentioned above.
Overall, when it comes to selling fees, Bonanza seems to be more straightforward and transparent. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as traffic, competition, and target audience before deciding which platform to use.
Marketing and SEO Capabilities
Etsy’s Marketing Tools
Etsy has a range of marketing tools to help sellers promote their products and increase visibility. These tools include:
- Promoted Listings: Sellers can pay to have their listings appear at the top of search results and on relevant category pages.
- Offsite Ads: Etsy will advertise a seller’s products on external websites and charge a commission fee for any resulting sales.
- Social Media Integration: Sellers can connect their Etsy shop to their social media accounts to share listings and attract more followers.
- Etsy Ads: Etsy offers its own advertising platform that allows sellers to create and run ads on Etsy and offsite.
Etsy also provides sellers with a variety of SEO tools to help optimize their listings for search. These tools include:
- Tags: Sellers can add up to 13 tags to each listing to help it appear in relevant search results.
- Titles: Etsy recommends using descriptive titles that accurately reflect the product and include relevant keywords.
- Descriptions: Sellers can provide detailed descriptions of their products, including size, materials, and care instructions.
Bonanza’s Marketing Tools
Bonanza offers a variety of marketing tools to help sellers promote their products and increase visibility. These tools include:
- Advertising: Bonanza offers a variety of advertising options, including Google Shopping and Bonanza Advertising, to help sellers reach more buyers.
- Social Media Integration: Sellers can connect their Bonanza shop to their social media accounts to share listings and attract more followers.
- Bonanza Affiliate Program: Bonanza has an affiliate program that allows sellers to earn a commission by referring buyers to their shop.
Bonanza also provides sellers with a variety of SEO tools to help optimize their listings for search. These tools include:
- Titles: Bonanza recommends using descriptive titles that accurately reflect the product and include relevant keywords.
- Tags: Sellers can add up to 10 tags to each listing to help it appear in relevant search results.
- Descriptions: Sellers can provide detailed descriptions of their products, including size, materials, and care instructions.
Overall, both Etsy and Bonanza offer a range of marketing and SEO tools to help sellers promote their products and increase visibility. However, Etsy’s marketing tools are more extensive, including a dedicated advertising platform and offsite ads, while Bonanza’s marketing tools are more focused on social media and affiliate marketing.
Customer Support and Resources
Etsy’s Customer Support
Etsy offers a variety of customer support options to their users. Their Help Center is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics, from setting up a shop to managing orders. Users can also contact Etsy’s customer support team directly through email or live chat. Etsy also offers a community forum where users can connect with other sellers and buyers to ask questions and share advice.
One unique feature of Etsy’s customer support is their Seller Handbook. This resource provides tips and best practices for sellers to help them grow their businesses on Etsy. The Seller Handbook covers topics such as product photography, SEO, and social media marketing. Overall, Etsy’s customer support and resources are designed to help their users succeed on the platform.
Bonanza’s Customer Support
Bonanza also offers a range of customer support options to their users. Their Help Center covers topics such as setting up a booth, managing orders, and shipping. Bonanza’s customer support team can be reached through email or live chat, and they also offer a community forum where users can connect with each other.
One unique feature of Bonanza’s customer support is their “Booth Reviews” program. This program allows users to request feedback on their booth from other Bonanza users. This can be a helpful tool for sellers looking to improve their listings and increase sales. Additionally, Bonanza offers a “TurboTraffic” program that helps sellers increase their visibility on the platform.
Overall, both Etsy and Bonanza offer a range of customer support and resources to their users. While Etsy’s Seller Handbook is a unique feature, Bonanza’s “Booth Reviews” and “TurboTraffic” programs can also be valuable tools for sellers.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Etsy
Etsy has a large and loyal customer base, which provides a ready-made audience for sellers. With over 96 million active buyers, Etsy offers a significant advantage to artisans looking to sell their handmade items. Additionally, Etsy provides a range of tools and resources to help sellers promote their products and build their brand. These tools include advertising, social media integration, and customer analytics.
Another advantage of Etsy is that it has a well-established reputation as a marketplace for handmade and unique items. This reputation helps to attract buyers who are looking for something different and are willing to pay a premium for it. This means that sellers on Etsy can often charge higher prices for their products than they would on other marketplaces.
Pros of Bonanza
Bonanza is a great alternative to Etsy for sellers looking to diversify their exposure. Being visible on multiple platforms can give sellers a competitive advantage and help them reach different kinds of shoppers. Additionally, Bonanza offers a range of features that can help sellers increase their sales, such as automated listings, Google Shopping integration, and customizable storefronts.
Another advantage of Bonanza is that it charges lower transaction fees than Etsy. Bonanza charges a transaction fee of $0.50 plus 3.5% of the item price, while Etsy charges a transaction fee of 5% plus $0.20 per item sold. This means that sellers on Bonanza can often keep more of their profits.
Cons of Etsy
One of the biggest downsides of selling on Etsy is the increasing competition from a high number of sellers. As the platform has grown in popularity, more and more sellers have joined, making it harder for individual sellers to stand out. Additionally, Etsy makes constant changes to the platform, which can be frustrating for sellers who have invested time and effort into building their shops.
Another downside of Etsy is that building a successful shop takes time and effort. Sellers need to invest in high-quality product photography, SEO optimization, and customer service to build a loyal customer base. This can be a steep learning curve for new sellers, and it can take months or even years to build a successful shop.
Cons of Bonanza
One of the biggest downsides of Bonanza is that it has a smaller customer base than Etsy. This means that sellers may not get as much exposure or as many sales as they would on Etsy. Additionally, the tools for building a standalone store on Bonanza are limited and not very user-friendly, which can be frustrating for sellers who are used to the more robust tools available on Etsy.
Another downside of Bonanza is that it has a steeper learning curve than Etsy. As more and more sellers know what they’re doing, it can be harder for new sellers to stand out and build a successful shop. Additionally, Bonanza’s customer service can be slow to respond to seller inquiries, which can be frustrating for sellers who need help with their shops.