Etsy Fees vs Amazon Handmade: Which Platform Is Better?

Etsy vs Amazon Handmade: two marketplaces, two fee models

If you sell handmade goods, your two main marketplace options are Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Their fees look similar on the surface but stack very differently. Here's the honest comparison so you can choose where to sell.

Fee structure comparison

Fee	Etsy	Amazon Handmade
Referral / transaction	6.5%	15%
Payment processing	3% + $0.25	Included (no extra)
Listing fee	$0.20 / 4 months	None
Monthly fee	$0	$0 for Handmade
Total typical	~10% per sale	~15% per sale

What Amazon Handmade actually costs

Amazon Handmade charges a flat 15% referral fee on each sale. No listing fees, no separate processing fee, no monthly subscription for Handmade sellers. On the surface that's one clean number.

But there's more:

• Amazon requires professional seller status in many cases (a $39.99/month fee unless you qualify for Handmade's waiver)
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) has extra storage and fulfillment fees if you use it
• Shipping and returns are handled through Amazon's systems and its strict policies

What Etsy actually costs

Etsy charges 6.5% transaction + 3% + $0.25 processing + $0.20 listing - roughly 10% of each sale. You also have optional costs (Etsy Plus, ads). Full breakdown in our Etsy fee guide.

The hidden differences that matter more

Audience and intent

• Etsy: buyers actively seeking handmade, unique, crafted items - and willing to pay for it
• Amazon: buyers expecting fast delivery, low prices, and Amazon's logistics

Etsy's audience is a better match for premium handmade pricing. Amazon's audience expects prime-speed shipping and value pricing, which is harder for a handmade maker.

Application process

• Etsy: open to anyone, instant
• Amazon Handmade: application required, approval by category, slower to start

Control and brand

• Etsy: more control over your shop's look, branding and policies
• Amazon: standardized listing pages, less branding, strict seller metrics

Which one should you choose?

Choose Etsy if:

• You sell crafted, artistic or premium handmade items
• You want to build a brand and shop personality
• You want lower per-sale fees and easy setup
• You're new and want to learn

Choose Amazon Handmade if:

• You want Amazon's massive traffic and trust
• Your products are more commodity-handmade (standardizable)
• You can handle fast shipping and Amazon's strict metrics
• You already sell elsewhere and want an additional channel

Can you sell on both?

Yes. Many sellers list on both, using Etsy for brand and higher-margin items and Amazon Handmade for volume on best-sellers. Just track your fees on each - run both through our Etsy fee calculator and Amazon's fee page to see your real net per platform.

Frequently asked questions

Is Amazon Handmade more expensive than Etsy?

On per-sale fees, yes - about 15% vs Etsy's ~10%. But Amazon brings more traffic and has no listing fees. The best value depends on your volume and product.

Does Amazon Handmade have a monthly fee?

Handmade sellers don't pay the standard $39.99 professional fee in most cases, but requirements can vary - check the current rules for your category.

Which platform is better for handmade profit?

For most small makers, Etsy wins on margin and audience fit. Amazon Handmade wins on scale if you can hit its logistics requirements.

Etsy takes ~10% and matches you with buyers who value handmade; Amazon takes ~15% and demands fast, standardized logistics. Know your product and your audience before you pick.