Is Etsy cheaper than Amazon Handmade?

On low-priced items, usually yes — Amazon's flat 15% fee is steep on a $15 product. Once average order value climbs above $30–40, total fees often even out.

Does Amazon Handmade allow print-on-demand?

No. Amazon Handmade requires items to be made by hand. Print-on-demand sellers should stick with Etsy or list standard products on Amazon's regular marketplace.

Do I need to be approved for Amazon Handmade?

Yes — Amazon Handmade requires an application, and you must show that items are genuinely handmade. Etsy has no application.

Can I sell on both platforms?

Yes. Neither requires exclusivity. Just keep inventory in sync, and price Amazon a little higher to cover the 15% referral fee.

Which has more traffic?

Amazon has roughly 4x more shoppers overall, but Etsy's audience is specifically looking for handmade and craft items, which often converts better for makers.

Comparison

Etsy vs Amazon Handmade

Etsy and Amazon Handmade both sell handmade goods, but they charge very differently and reach different shoppers. Here's how they compare on fees, audience, rules, and profit.

Last Updated: June 2026

Reviewed for current platform fees and pricing rules.

Side-by-side comparison

A quick overview of how Etsy and Amazon Handmade stack up on the things that matter most.

Factor	Etsy	Amazon Handmade
Selling fees	~12–13% combined (6.5% transaction + ~3% payment processing).	Flat 15% referral fee (includes payment processing).
Listing fee	$0.20 per listing, renews every 4 months.	None.
Monthly fee	Free (or $10/month for Etsy Plus).	$39.99/month Pro plan — waived for approved Handmade sellers.
Audience	~92M active buyers, craft-focused.	~380M+ shoppers, very broad, includes Prime members.
Rules	Allows print-on-demand and production partners.	Requires 100% handmade items and an application/approval.
Average order value	Lower — buyers expect Etsy pricing.	Higher — often $40–60 per order.
Best for	Lower-priced items, branding, community.	Higher-priced items, volume, and Prime reach.

Pros and cons

Etsy

Pros

Friendlier for new sellers — quick to set up and list.
Better for branding and a recognizable shop identity.
Allows print-on-demand and production partners.
Strong community of craft-focused buyers.

Cons

Stacked fees (listing + transaction + payment) compress margins.
Lower average order value than Amazon.
Intense competition in popular niches.
Limited customer data — Etsy owns the relationship.

Amazon Handmade

Pros

Massive Amazon audience, including Prime shoppers.
No listing fees — only pay when you sell.
Higher average order value.
Pro plan fee waived for Handmade sellers.

Cons

Flat 15% referral fee is steep on low-priced items.
Application + 100% handmade requirement excludes POD.
Brand presence is minimal — Amazon owns the customer.
Less community feel than Etsy.

Example scenarios

Realistic situations and which platform tends to fit best.

New handmade seller with lower-priced items ($10–25)
Start on Etsy. The 15% Amazon fee bites hard at low price points, and Etsy's traffic is easier to tap into for first sales.
Established maker with higher-priced items ($40+)
Add Amazon Handmade alongside Etsy. The higher average order value absorbs the 15% fee, and Prime exposure adds real reach.
Print-on-demand seller
Etsy only. Amazon Handmade requires fully handmade items and excludes POD.
Brand-focused maker who wants both
List on both, but price Amazon listings a bit higher to cover the 15% fee. Many sellers run both with no exclusivity issues.

Who should choose Etsy?

Sellers with lower-priced items, print-on-demand products, or anyone focused on branding and community. Etsy usually keeps more profit at lower price points and is friendlier for new sellers.

Who should choose Amazon Handmade?

Sellers with higher-priced, fully handmade items who want Amazon's reach and Prime exposure. The flat 15% fee works in your favor on $40+ orders where Etsy's stacked fees can be comparable or worse.

Can you use both?

Yes. Neither requires exclusivity, so many sellers list on both and price a bit higher on Amazon to cover the 15% referral fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is Etsy cheaper than Amazon Handmade?: On low-priced items, usually yes — Amazon's flat 15% fee is steep on a $15 product. Once average order value climbs above $30–40, total fees often even out.
Does Amazon Handmade allow print-on-demand?: No. Amazon Handmade requires items to be made by hand. Print-on-demand sellers should stick with Etsy or list standard products on Amazon's regular marketplace.
Do I need to be approved for Amazon Handmade?: Yes — Amazon Handmade requires an application, and you must show that items are genuinely handmade. Etsy has no application.
Can I sell on both platforms?: Yes. Neither requires exclusivity. Just keep inventory in sync, and price Amazon a little higher to cover the 15% referral fee.
Which has more traffic?: Amazon has roughly 4x more shoppers overall, but Etsy's audience is specifically looking for handmade and craft items, which often converts better for makers.

Related calculators

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How Much Does Etsy Charge?
A plain-English breakdown of Etsy's listing, transaction, and payment processing fees — and what they cost you per sale.

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