Are you interested in starting an online store in 2023 and wondering which platform to choose between Squarespace and Etsy? Here is a more detailed breakdown of what each platform offers to help you make an informed decision.
What is Squarespace?
Squarespace is a website builder that allows users to create their own websites without any coding knowledge. It is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of features, including customizable templates, a drag-and-drop editor, e-commerce functionality, built-in marketing tools, and more. Squarespace was launched in 2004 and has since grown to become a popular choice for small businesses, individuals, and creatives who want to create a professional-looking website. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, sleek designs, and reliable hosting, making it a convenient and user-friendly option for website building. Squarespace also offers 24/7 customer support to help users with any issues or questions they may have.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items. It was founded in 2005 and has since grown to become one of the largest e-commerce platforms for independent sellers. Etsy’s platform allows individuals and businesses to create their own online storefronts where they can sell their handmade or vintage items, as well as art, craft supplies, and other unique products. Buyers can browse and purchase products from sellers all over the world, making Etsy a global marketplace. Unlike other e-commerce platforms, Etsy places a strong emphasis on community and encourages sellers to interact with buyers, share their stories, and promote their products. Etsy charges sellers a listing fee and a commission on each sale, and buyers pay for shipping and handling. Etsy has become a popular choice for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and makers who want to sell their products online and reach a larger audience.
Squarespace vs Etsy: Pros and Cons
Both Etsy and Squarespace have their advantages and disadvantages just like any other platform out there. Depending on the strengths and weaknesses of each option, you can decide what is better for you.
Squarespace Commerce
Pros of Using Squarespace:
- A very user-friendly website-building platform with an easy-to-use management dashboard.
- A free library of online store templates that you can start with to save time.
- You can sell unlimited products in your store without paying any fees for listings.
- You own your website and you have full control of your online store.
- More design customization features to make your store look unique and professional.
- A lot of marketing and SEO tools to help you make more sales.
- Many powerful e-commerce features in order to make your store stand out.
- You will have your own custom domain name that Squarespace will give you for free in the first year of using the platform.
Squarespace Cons and Disadvantages:
- You will not have a built-in marketplace audience.
- You need a little bit of effort to market your store and get more visitors(from social media or blogging).
- It takes a little bit of time compared to just using a simple marketplace to list your products.
Etsy
Pros of Using Etsy:
- Your products can be seen by Etsy’s existing audience of buyers(built-in marketplace audience).
- It’s easy to use and to get started with the platform even if you’re an absolute beginner.
- It’s not that expensive if you’re not making a lot of sales.
Etsy Cons and Disadvantages:
- Less design freedom and a small limited number of customization features for your shop.
- Fewer sales features compared to Squarespace.
- You have to pay 0.20$ for every listing in addition to a 6.5% transaction fee whenever you make a sale.
- You will also pay 4.5% of the item price for the payment processing charge whenever you make a sale. So that’s about a 10% fee if we add the transaction fee. That’s okay if you make a few sales, but if you’re selling a lot, it will cost you more.
- You don’t technically own your store. When buyers purchase a product from your store, they think about Etsy as a seller, not you.
- You’re competing with a lot of other stores in the Etsy marketplace.
In conclusion, both Squarespace and Etsy offer unique advantages depending on your needs. If you want complete control over the design of your online store and are selling physical or digital products that you’ve created, Squarespace is likely the better option. If you’re selling handmade or vintage items and want access to a large audience of shoppers, Etsy may be the better choice. Consider your priorities and goals when making your decision.
Leave a Reply