Amazon is a massive general-purpose marketplace with 300+ million products, competitive pricing, and 2-day shipping via Prime, while Etsy specializes in handmade and vintage items with 90+ million unique listings focused on artisanal goods and niche products. Amazon dominates in speed and selection; Etsy dominates in unique, crafted items.
Amazon vs Etsy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Amazon if you prioritize fast shipping, competitive pricing on mainstream products, extensive selection, and buyer protection through consistent policies. Choose Etsy if you seek unique, handmade, or vintage items, want to support independent artisans directly, and are willing to accept longer shipping times for quality craftsmanship.
Global e-commerce giant offering fast shipping, fixed pricing, and Prime membership benefits across millions of products.
Specialized marketplace for 90+ million handmade, vintage, and artisanal products.
Structured comparison data for Amazon vs Etsy with 227 attributes.
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Amazon vs Etsy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Amazon vs Etsy.
Amazon typically offers lower per-unit prices on mainstream products (15-25% cheaper) due to its scale and bulk discounts. However, Etsy's lower seller fees (9.5% vs 45%) mean handmade artisans can price competitively without markups. For unique or customized items, Etsy often has better value since you're buying directly from makers. For standard products (electronics, home goods), Amazon wins on price.
Which platform has better buyer protection?
Amazon provides stronger buyer protection via its A-to-Z Guarantee with full refunds on disputed orders, clear 30-day return windows, and immediate seller suspension for violations. Etsy's Purchase Protection covers up to $200 but relies more on seller compliance, which varies. Amazon is safer for high-value purchases; Etsy requires more due diligence on seller reputation.
Amazon has a Handmade section, but it's overshadowed by mass-produced items and often mixed with counterfeits. Etsy is purpose-built for handmade verification, with 90+ million curated listings. For authentic artisanal goods, Etsy is 85% more likely to deliver genuine handmade products versus Amazon's Handmade section.
Which platform is better for international shipping?
Amazon Prime covers fast shipping within the US and select countries but charges extra for international. Etsy sellers often quote shipping upfront (though slower, 2-4 weeks typical for international), and buyers can filter by seller location. Neither excels at international shipping; both have cost premiums of 40-60% above domestic rates.
Sell on Amazon if you have mass-produced inventory, bulk quantities, and want maximum reach (350+ million shoppers). Amazon requires more upfront investment (45% fees, inventory management, packaging). Sell on Etsy if you create handmade/vintage items with lower sell-through costs (9.5% fees). Etsy's audience specifically seeks unique, artisanal products; Amazon shoppers seek deals and convenience.