Etsy and Redbubble are two of the most popular online marketplaces for artists and creators to sell their handmade goods and artwork. Both platforms offer a unique set of features and benefits that cater to different types of sellers and buyers. While Etsy is known for its reputation as a marketplace for handmade goods, Redbubble offers a wider range of printing and framing options for artists.
When it comes to selling handmade goods, Etsy has a more established reputation and user base, making it the better platform for sellers looking to target a specific audience. On the other hand, Redbubble is a print-on-demand marketplace that handles all of the order fulfillment and shipping, making it a more convenient option for artists who don’t want to deal with the hassle of production and shipping.
Ultimately, the decision between Etsy and Redbubble comes down to the seller’s goals, products, and target audience. While both platforms are good options for selling handmade goods and artwork online, it’s important for sellers to consider their individual needs and preferences before choosing a platform to sell on.
Overview of Etsy and Redbubble
Etsy and Redbubble are two popular online marketplaces that allow individuals to sell their handmade or unique products. While both platforms offer a way for artists and creators to showcase their work, there are some key differences between the two. Etsy is primarily known for selling handmade or vintage items, as well as craft supplies. It has a large community of sellers and buyers, and offers a range of categories such as jewelry, home decor, and clothing.
Etsy is more focused on providing a platform for independent artists and small businesses to reach a wider audience.
Redbubble, on the other hand, is a print-on-demand marketplace that offers a wide range of products such as t-shirts, phone cases, and stickers. It allows artists to upload their designs and have them printed on various items, which are then shipped directly to the customer. Redbubble is more focused on providing a hassle-free experience for both the seller and the buyer, with a user-friendly interface and automated order fulfillment.
Overall, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of product being sold and the target audience. Etsy is better for selling handmade goods, while Redbubble is better for selling artwork and designs on a variety of products.
Features and Services of Etsy and Redbubble
Product Types and Categories
Etsy and Redbubble both offer a wide variety of products for artists and designers to sell, but they differ in the types of products they focus on. Etsy is known for being a marketplace for handmade and vintage items, as well as craft supplies and tools. On the other hand, Redbubble specializes in print-on-demand products such as t-shirts, stickers, phone cases, and wall art.
Both platforms allow sellers to create their own unique designs and upload them to their shops. Etsy also offers a wider range of categories, including jewelry, home decor, and clothing, while Redbubble is more focused on artwork and design.
Pricing and Fees
Both Etsy and Redbubble charge fees for their services, but the pricing structures differ. Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item and takes a 5% commission on each sale. Redbubble, on the other hand, does not charge any listing fees and takes a 20% commission on each sale.
Redbubble’s higher commission rate can be offset by its lower production costs, as they handle all printing and shipping. Etsy sellers are responsible for their own production and shipping, which can result in higher costs for the seller.
Shipping and Fulfillment
Redbubble handles all shipping and fulfillment for its sellers, which can be a major advantage for those who don’t want to deal with the logistics of production and shipping. Etsy, on the other hand, requires sellers to handle their own shipping and fulfillment, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Etsy does offer a shipping calculator and discounted rates through USPS, but sellers are still responsible for packaging and shipping their own products.
Marketing and Promotion
Both platforms offer tools for sellers to promote their products and increase visibility. Etsy has a built-in search engine and allows sellers to use tags and keywords to improve their search ranking. They also offer social media integration and paid advertising options.
Redbubble offers similar tools, including tagging and keyword optimization, as well as a built-in community for artists and designers to connect and promote their work. They also offer a variety of marketing and promotion tools, such as email campaigns and social media integration.
Pros and Cons of Using Etsy and Redbubble
Etsy Pros
Etsy is a well-established platform with a loyal user base of over 80 million buyers worldwide. It offers easy-to-use tools and interface, including marketing resources, shipping labels, and automatic tax calculations. The platform is ideal for selling handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies.
Etsy also provides direct access to millions of buyers looking for unique items. The platform has a strong community of sellers who share tips and advice on how to succeed on the platform. Etsy also offers a range of payment options, including credit cards, Etsy gift cards, and PayPal.
Etsy Cons
Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item, and a 5% transaction fee on the sale price of each item. The platform also charges a payment processing fee of 3% + $0.25 per transaction. These fees can add up quickly, especially for sellers with a large inventory.
Etsy’s search algorithm can be difficult to navigate, making it hard for new sellers to get their products seen. The platform also has strict guidelines on what can be sold, which can limit the types of products sellers can offer. Finally, Etsy’s customer support can be slow to respond to seller inquiries.
Redbubble Pros
Redbubble is a print-on-demand marketplace that handles all of the order fulfillment and shipping, making it an ideal platform for artists and designers. The platform offers a wide range of printing and framing options, including posters, canvas prints, and metal prints.
Redbubble has a large user base and is the market leader for print-on-demand products. The platform is easy to use and offers a range of features and tools for sellers, including a customizable storefront and a built-in analytics dashboard.
Redbubble Cons
Redbubble’s products all have a base price, which can make them more expensive than similar products on other platforms. The platform also charges a 20% markup on top of the base price, which can eat into a seller’s profits. Redbubble’s customer support can also be slow to respond to seller inquiries, and the platform has been criticized for its handling of copyright infringement issues.
Finally, Redbubble’s search algorithm can be difficult to navigate, making it hard for new sellers to get their products seen. The platform also has a reputation for being flooded with low-quality designs, which can make it harder for high-quality designs to stand out.
Which Platform is Right for You?
Considerations for Choosing Etsy
Etsy is a great platform for those looking to sell handmade goods. If you are a crafter or artist looking to sell unique, one-of-a-kind items, Etsy may be the best choice for you. Etsy has a more established reputation and user base, which means that your products may have a better chance of being seen and purchased by potential customers.
Etsy also offers a number of third-party integrations for marketing, SEO, editing, and store management. This can be helpful for those who are new to selling online and need assistance with these tasks.
- Etsy is best for selling handmade goods
- Etsy has a more established reputation and user base
- Etsy offers third-party integrations for marketing, SEO, editing, and store management
Considerations for Choosing Redbubble
Redbubble is a great platform for artists looking to sell their artwork. Redbubble offers a wide range of printing and framing options, which can be helpful for artists who want to sell prints of their work. Redbubble is also a print-on-demand marketplace, which means that they handle all of the order fulfillment and shipping.
Redbubble does not offer any third-party integrations, so if you are looking for assistance with marketing or store management, this may not be the best choice for you.
- Redbubble is best for selling artwork
- Redbubble offers a wide range of printing and framing options
- Redbubble is a print-on-demand marketplace
Alternatives to Etsy and Redbubble
If neither Etsy nor Redbubble seem like the right fit for you, there are other platforms available. Some popular alternatives include Amazon Handmade, Society6, and Zazzle. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.
- Amazon Handmade
- Society6
- Zazzle
Conclusion
Both Etsy and Redbubble are great platforms for selling handmade goods and artwork online. However, the choice between the two platforms depends on the seller’s goals, products, and target audience.
Etsy is the better platform for selling handmade goods, as it has a more established reputation and user base. It also allows sellers to set up a shop and sell physical products or digital downloads. On the other hand, Redbubble is better for selling artwork, as it offers a wider range of printing and framing options. It is also a print-on-demand marketplace that handles all of the order fulfillment and shipping.
When it comes to fees, both platforms have their own set of costs. Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 to post a product on the platform, while Redbubble products all have a base price. Sellers on both platforms also need to consider the costs of the product, printing, and shipping charged by their print-on-demand supplier.
In terms of user experience, Redbubble’s process for uploading designs and images is easier to complete than Etsy’s. However, Etsy provides direct access to millions of buyers looking for unique items. Both platforms also have their own set of features and tools that can help sellers market their products and grow their businesses.