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AFOMA Marketplace vs. Etsy: Which Platform Saves Artisans More Money?
Introduction
AFOMA Marketplace vs. Etsy is a common comparison for artisans and small business owners in the handicraft sector when choosing the right online marketplace. For artisans and small business owners in the handicraft sector, choosing the right online marketplace can significantly impact your bottom line.
While both offer unique advantages, they differ considerably in their fee structures, which can affect how much money you keep from each sale.
In this blog, I’ll break down the costs associated with both platforms, compare their fee structures, and help you decide the best option to save money as an artisan.
Understanding Platform Fee Structures – AFOMA Marketplace vs. Etsy
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand how online marketplaces generally charge fees. These typically fall into three main categories:
- Listing Fees – Charges for adding your product to the platform.
- Transaction Fees – A percentage taken from each sale you make.
- Payment Processing Fees – Additional charges for processing payments through the platform.
Let’s see how AFOMA Marketplace and Etsy compare in these areas.
AFOMA Marketplace: A Cost-Effective Option for Artisans
AFOMA Marketplace is designed to support artisans and small businesses by offering a cost-effective platform for selling their products.
Key Features:
- No Setup Fees: Artisans can set up shop URLs like afomamarketplace.com/shop/shop-name for free, making it easy to get started without upfront costs. You can view the shop URL of a registered seller, Ksu Shade Art, on AFOMA Marketplace.
- Transaction Fees: A flat 10% fee per sale, which includes all costs—there are no additional payment processing or advertising fees.
- No Per-Listing Fees: Unlike Etsy, AFOMA does not charge fees for each product listing, making it an excellent option for those with extensive inventories.
- No Hidden Fees: AFOMA avoids payment processing and advertising fees, ensuring transparent costs for sellers.
Who Benefits Most? Artisans with a broad inventory or those selling high-priced items will likely save the most on AFOMA Marketplace due to the lack of per-listing fees and transparent transaction fees.
Etsy: A Popular Marketplace with Higher Fees
Etsy is a well-established platform with a large customer base, which can be an advantage for artisans who rely on built-in traffic. However, its fee structure can eat into profits.
Key Features:
- Listing Fees: $0.20 per item, renewed every four months, which adds up for artisans with many products.
- Transaction Fees: 6.5% per sale, including shipping costs.
- Payment Processing Fees: Typically around 3% + $0.25 per transaction, depending on your country.
- Optional Advertising Fees: If you use Etsy’s offsite ads, you’ll pay an additional 15% fee on sales generated through those ads.
Who Benefits Most? Etsy’s large audience can be beneficial for artisans who are new to online selling or who lack a marketing strategy to drive traffic to their shops.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison – AFOMA Marketplace vs. Etsy
| Feature | AFOMA Marketplace | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| Shop Setup Fees | Free | Free |
| Listing Fees | None | $0.20 per listing |
| Transaction Fees | 10% flat fee | 6.5% |
| Payment Processing Fees | None | ~3% + $0.25 per transaction |
| Advertising Fees | None | 15% for offsite ads |
Factors to consider when choosing the right platform
Choosing the right platform for your handicraft business requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including costs, audience reach, and overall profitability. Below are key aspects to help you decide which platform aligns best with your business goals.
- Your Product Inventory – Etsy’s listing fees can quickly add up if you have a large inventory. AFOMA’s lack of per-listing fees makes it a more budget-friendly option.
- Your Marketing Strategy – Etsy’s built-in audience can help you gain visibility, but this comes at a cost. If you already have a marketing plan to drive traffic to your shop, AFOMA Marketplace’s lower fees make it a smarter choice.
- Your Sales Volume – For artisans with higher sales volumes, Etsy’s transaction, payment processing, and advertising fees can significantly reduce profits. AFOMA Marketplace’s flat 10% fee will help maximize earnings.
Conclusion – AFOMA Marketplace vs. Etsy
Both AFOMA Marketplace and Etsy have their strengths, but if saving money is your primary goal, AFOMA Marketplace is the clear winner. With no listing fees, a flat 10% transaction fee, and no additional payment processing or advertising fees, it’s a cost-effective solution for artisans who want to keep more of their hard-earned money.
That said, Etsy’s large customer base might justify its higher fees for those who rely on the platform’s built-in audience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, business model, and marketing strategy.
Ready to make the switch and save more? Visit AFOMA Marketplace to start your journey today.
