Choosing between Etsy and Shopify for your online store? Understanding the true cost of each platform is crucial for your business success. Our free calculator helps you compare the actual fees you'll pay based on your average order value and monthly transaction volume.
Whether you're just starting your ecommerce journey or considering switching platforms, this tool provides instant insights into which option will be more cost-effective for your specific business model.
Average Order Value
$50
Monthly Transactions
10
$54.00
Listing fees (Assuming 20 total products)
$4.00
Transaction fees (6.5%)
$32.50
Payment processing
$17.50
$46.50
Monthly subscription
$29.00
Payment processing
$17.50
Etsy operates on a per-transaction fee model, which can be advantageous for sellers with lower sales volumes. The platform charges:
Listing Fee: $0.20 per item listed (renewed every 4 months or when sold)
Transaction Fee: 6.5% of the sale price
Payment Processing: 3% + $0.25 per transaction
Etsy's fee structure means you only pay when you list items and make sales, making it attractive for new sellers or those with sporadic sales. However, these fees can add up quickly as your transaction volume grows.
Shopify uses a subscription-based model with the Basic plan costing $29 per month (when committing to a year). This includes:
Monthly Subscription: $29 (Basic plan)
Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (using Shopify Payments)
No Listing Fees: List unlimited products
Shopify's flat monthly fee becomes more economical as your sales volume increases, since the per-transaction costs are lower than Etsy. You also get more control over your store's branding and customer data.
The answer depends on your business volume and average order value. Generally:
Choose Etsy if: You're just starting out, have low monthly sales volume (under 50 transactions), or sell handmade/vintage items that fit Etsy's marketplace.
Choose Shopify if: You have higher sales volumes, want full control over your brand, plan to scale significantly, or have an average order value above $50 with consistent monthly transactions.
Use the calculator above to find your break-even point and see which platform offers better value for your specific situation.
While cost is important, consider other factors like built-in marketplace traffic (Etsy's advantage), customization options (Shopify's strength), and your long-term business goals. Etsy provides immediate access to millions of buyers, while Shopify gives you independence and scalability.