Etsy and Ruby Lane are two popular online marketplaces that cater to vintage and handmade items. While both platforms are designed to help sellers reach a wider audience, they differ in several ways. Etsy is known for its vast selection of handmade and vintage items, while Ruby Lane specializes in high-end vintage and antique goods.
Sellers on Etsy can set up shop for free, but they are charged a small fee for each listing and a commission on each sale. Ruby Lane, on the other hand, requires sellers to pay a monthly fee to list their items, but there are no individual listing charges. In addition, Ruby Lane offers a more personalized experience for buyers and sellers, with dedicated customer service and a focus on quality items.
Ultimately, whether a seller chooses Etsy or Ruby Lane depends on their specific needs and the types of items they sell. While Etsy may be a better fit for those looking to sell handmade goods or vintage items at a lower price point, Ruby Lane may be a better choice for those selling high-end vintage and antique items.
Overview of Etsy and Ruby Lane
Etsy and Ruby Lane are both online marketplaces that specialize in handmade, vintage, and unique items. While they share some similarities, there are also significant differences between the two platforms.
Brief History of Etsy
Etsy was founded in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik. The site was launched as a marketplace for handmade and vintage goods. Since then, Etsy has grown to become one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with over 4.3 million active sellers and 81.9 million active buyers as of 2021.
In 2015, Etsy went public and began trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The company has since expanded to include a range of products beyond handmade and vintage items, such as craft supplies and digital downloads.
Brief History of Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane was founded in 1998 by Tom Johnson. The site was launched as a marketplace for antiques and collectibles, with a focus on high-quality, unique items. Since then, Ruby Lane has grown to include over 2,500 active sellers and over 1 million monthly site visitors as of 2021.
Unlike Etsy, Ruby Lane has remained focused on its niche market of antiques and collectibles. The site has also maintained a reputation for high-quality customer service and communication from management.
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Key Features Comparison
Product Range
Etsy and Ruby Lane are both online marketplaces that specialize in vintage and antique items. However, Etsy has a wider range of products, including handmade and unique items, while Ruby Lane focuses solely on vintage and antique goods. This means that shoppers looking for a specific vintage item are more likely to find it on Ruby Lane, whereas those looking for a broader range of items may prefer Etsy.
User Interface
Etsy has a more modern and user-friendly interface than Ruby Lane. It’s easier to navigate and search for items, and the checkout process is more straightforward. Ruby Lane’s interface may be more appealing to those who prefer a vintage aesthetic, but it can be more challenging to find specific items.
Payment Methods
Both Etsy and Ruby Lane accept major credit cards and PayPal. However, Etsy also offers additional payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Etsy gift cards. This makes it more convenient for shoppers who prefer to use alternative payment methods.
Shipping Options
Both Etsy and Ruby Lane allow sellers to set their shipping rates and offer a variety of shipping options, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS. However, Etsy offers a more streamlined shipping process, allowing sellers to print shipping labels directly from their account. Ruby Lane sellers must manually calculate shipping costs and provide shipping quotes to buyers.
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Seller’s Perspective
Selling on both Etsy and Ruby Lane can be a profitable venture for online sellers. However, there are differences between the two platforms that sellers should consider before deciding which one to use.
Seller Fees
One of the biggest differences between the two platforms is the seller fees. Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee per order. In addition, there is a $0.20 listing fee for each item listed. Ruby Lane charges a one-time setup fee of $100 and a monthly maintenance fee of $69. However, there are no transaction fees or listing fees on Ruby Lane.
Listing Process
The listing process on Etsy is straightforward and user-friendly. Sellers can easily upload photos and descriptions of their items and set their prices. On the other hand, Ruby Lane has a more involved listing process that requires sellers to provide detailed descriptions and measurements of their items. However, this can be beneficial for buyers who are looking for specific items.
Seller Support
Both Etsy and Ruby Lane offer seller support, but the level of support varies between the two platforms. Etsy offers a comprehensive seller handbook, a community forum, and email support. Ruby Lane offers a seller support team that is available via phone, email, and live chat. They also offer a seller newsletter that provides tips and advice for selling on their platform.
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Buyer’s Perspective
When it comes to choosing between Etsy and Ruby Lane from a buyer’s perspective, there are a few key factors to consider. These include the buying experience, customer support, and return policies.
Buying Experience
Both Etsy and Ruby Lane offer a wide variety of unique and handmade items, but the buying experience can differ between the two platforms. Etsy has a larger selection of products and a more modern interface, making it easier to search for and purchase items. On the other hand, Ruby Lane has a more curated selection of antique and vintage items, which can make the shopping experience feel more exclusive and personalized.
Customer Support
In terms of customer support, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Etsy has a larger support team and offers 24/7 customer support through email, live chat, and phone. Ruby Lane, on the other hand, has a smaller support team but is known for providing excellent customer service. They offer email support and have a reputation for responding quickly and resolving issues efficiently.
Return Policies
When it comes to return policies, both platforms have similar policies in place. Etsy allows buyers to request a refund within 180 days of purchase, while Ruby Lane allows returns within 14 days. However, it’s important to note that each seller on both platforms may have their own unique return policy, so it’s important to read the seller’s policies before making a purchase.
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Pros and Cons of Etsy
Advantages of Etsy
Etsy has over 39.4 million active buyers as of December 2021, making it a large pool to sell to. The platform is easy to set up and maintain, thanks to its built-in analytics and invoicing software. It also has a built-in customer base and is a trusted platform for sellers. Etsy offers an affordable listing fee and is a perfect testing ground for new products. It is also easy to use Etsy SEO and has a seller education hub and community. Additionally, Etsy allows sellers to offer digital products on the platform.
Disadvantages of Etsy
One of the biggest disadvantages of Etsy is the high competition on the platform. It can be difficult to stand out among the millions of other sellers. Additionally, products can be easily copied, and there is a lack of customer loyalty on the platform. This can lead to brand image issues and difficulty building a loyal customer base.
Overall, Etsy can be a great platform for sellers looking to reach a large customer base and test out new products. However, it is important to keep in mind the high competition and potential issues with brand image and customer loyalty.
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Pros and Cons of Ruby Lane
Advantages of Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is an online marketplace that specializes in vintage and antique items. Here are some advantages of selling on Ruby Lane:
- Targeted audience: Ruby Lane’s audience is focused on vintage and antique items. This means that sellers can reach a specific audience that is more likely to be interested in their products.
- Less competition: Ruby Lane has fewer sellers than Etsy, which means that sellers may have less competition for their products.
- Higher selling prices: Ruby Lane’s audience is willing to pay higher prices for vintage and antique items, which means that sellers may be able to sell their products for more money.
Disadvantages of Ruby Lane
While there are some advantages to selling on Ruby Lane, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Smaller audience: Ruby Lane has a smaller audience than Etsy, which means that sellers may have fewer potential buyers for their products.
- Higher fees: Ruby Lane charges a higher commission fee than Etsy, which means that sellers may end up paying more in fees.
- Strict guidelines: Ruby Lane has strict guidelines for the types of products that can be sold on the platform. This can be a disadvantage for sellers who have products that do not meet the guidelines.
In summary, Ruby Lane is a good option for sellers who specialize in vintage and antique items and are willing to pay higher fees for the opportunity to reach a targeted audience. However, it may not be the best option for sellers who have a wider range of products or who are looking for a larger audience.
Final Comparison
In conclusion, both Etsy and Ruby Lane are excellent platforms for selling handmade items and vintage goods. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence a seller’s decision.
Etsy has a larger user base and is more well-known, which can lead to increased visibility and sales. Additionally, Etsy has a lower commission fee of 5% compared to Ruby Lane’s 6.7%. However, Etsy has more competition, which can make it harder to stand out.
On the other hand, Ruby Lane has a more niche market and is focused solely on vintage items, which can be beneficial for sellers looking to target a specific audience. Ruby Lane also has a more curated feel, with a strict vetting process for sellers and items, which can help maintain a high level of quality. However, Ruby Lane has a higher monthly fee of $69 compared to Etsy’s $0.20 listing fee.
Ultimately, the decision between Etsy and Ruby Lane will depend on the individual seller’s preferences and goals. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and it’s important to carefully consider these factors before making a decision.