Platform Overview
Amazon Overview
Amazon dominates general ecommerce but charges higher fees. FBA provides fulfillment but increases costs significantly for handcrafted and unique items.
Etsy Overview
Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and craft supplies with a community-focused approach. Lower fees for qualifying sellers.
Fee Comparison
| Aspect | Amazon | Etsy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral Fee | 6-17% | $0.20 listing + 6.5% | Varies by product |
| Handmade Items | 12% (Craft) | 6.5% | Etsy 5.5% cheaper |
| Vintage Items | 15% | 6.5% | Etsy better |
| Art Supplies | 15% | 6.5% | Etsy better |
| Listing Fee | First 250 free | $0.20/item | Etsy per-listing fee |
| FBA Fulfillment | $3.22-$7.18+ | Etsy Direct Checkout | Etsy cheaper |
| Payment Processing | 3% + $0.30 | 3% + $0.25 | Etsy slightly lower |
| Subscription | $39.99/month | $0-$100/month | Etsy more flexible |
Our Recommendation
Etsy is significantly cheaper for handmade, vintage, and craft items. Amazon is better for higher-volume standardized products.
Key Takeaways
What to Consider
- Platform fees are only part of the equation - factor in fulfillment, shipping, and your time.
- Consider your product type and target audience when choosing between Amazon and Etsy.
- Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon more expensive than other marketplaces?
Amazon's referral fees (8-17% by category) are among the highest in ecommerce. However, FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) bundles storage, picking, packing and shipping into one cost, which can work out cheaper than self-fulfillment for individual sellers. Compare total landed costs, not just listing fees.
What is the difference between FBA and FBM fees?
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) adds $3.22-$52.38 per unit in fulfillment fees on top of referral fees (8-17%). FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) only pays referral fees but requires you to handle storage, picking, packing and shipping yourself. FBA is usually better for sellers doing 100+ orders/month.
Data Methodology & Disclaimer
Fee data and benchmarks in this article are sourced from official platform documentation and cross-referenced with publicly available rate schedules as of April 2026. Calculations use standard fee formulas; individual results vary based on product category and specific listing details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Check the latest rates at each platform's official seller fees page. Fee structures reflect publicly available information as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making financial decisions.