Quick Answer: Yes, selling on Etsy can still be worth it — if you know what you’re getting into. The platform offers built-in traffic, a low barrier to entry, and simple integrations with print on demand services like Printify and Printful. But it’s also competitive, fee-heavy, and you don’t own your customer base. If you’re starting an ecommerce business, Etsy can be a smart launchpad — just don’t treat it like passive income.
1. Why Sellers Are Still Considering Etsy
Despite newer platforms and Shopify getting a lot of buzz, Etsy remains a strong player for creatives, crafters, and POD sellers.
The platform reached over 96 million active buyers in 2024, and many of them are already searching for customized, made-to-order, or unique items — all ideal for print on demand.
Here’s why Etsy is still appealing in 2025:
- Massive Built-in Traffic: Etsy handles the marketing for you. No need to run ads or drive traffic early on.
- Low Startup Costs: No need to build a website, buy a domain, or pay monthly fees like Shopify.
- Niche-Friendly Marketplace: Shoppers are often looking for something specific — personalized gifts, occasion-based products, or hobby-themed items.
- Easy POD Integration: Services like Printify, Printful, and Gelato connect easily to Etsy, automating order fulfillment.
Etsy’s POD-Friendly Ecosystem
| Feature | Benefit for POD Sellers |
|---|---|
| Printify/Printful Support | Auto-sync orders, updates, and tracking |
| Mockup Generators | Quick listing visuals without photography |
| Personalized Listings | Buyers can add custom names/messages |
| Niche Visibility | Etsy favors long-tail and niche searches |
Etsy simplifies the logistics for a new POD seller — which is one reason so many side hustlers launch there first.
If you’re just getting started, Etsy is great because it sends traffic your way. But if you’re thinking long-term, it’s worth planning for a standalone Shopify store too — where you own your customers, email list, and brand.
2. The Not-So-Great Side of Etsy
As good as Etsy sounds, it’s far from perfect. What many new sellers don’t realize is how fee-heavy, competitive, and restrictive the platform can be.
Common Challenges
- Fees Stack Up Quickly:
- $0.20 per listing
- 6.5% transaction fee
- 3% + $0.25 payment processing
- Optional Etsy Ads (which can eat into profits)
- High Competition:
- Thousands of sellers in the same niche, especially in print on demand
- Trend copying is common — your bestsellers can get duplicated quickly
- Platform Risk:
- Etsy owns the customer relationship, not you
- You can be suspended or banned without warning
- Changing algorithms can tank your visibility
Fee Breakdown Example (for a $30 T-shirt Sale)
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | $0.20 |
| Transaction Fee (6.5%) | $1.95 |
| Payment Processing (3% + $0.25) | $1.15 |
| Total Fees | $3.30 |
| POD Base Cost (e.g., Printify) | $12.00 |
| Profit Before Ads | $14.70 |
If you run Etsy Ads, that $14.70 profit can quickly drop to $5–$10 depending on ad performance. It’s important to test and monitor your margins.
The most successful Etsy sellers don’t stay dependent on the platform. They use Etsy to test what sells, then move winners to a Shopify store where they can upsell, collect emails, and build repeat business.
3. Does Print on Demand Work on Etsy?
Yes — and it’s a huge part of Etsy’s seller base today. While the platform started with handmade crafts and vintage goods, a big chunk of its catalog now consists of print on demand products.
What Makes POD Viable on Etsy?
- Scalability Without Inventory: POD removes the need for upfront inventory or warehousing.
- Custom Products Fit Buyer Behavior: Etsy customers love personalized gifts — and POD lets you offer that easily.
- Quick Product Testing: You can launch new designs and validate them with minimal cost.
- Automation Tools Exist: Most Etsy-POD workflows are automated after setup.
Tools You Can Use
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Printify | Product sourcing, fulfillment, shipping |
| Printful | Premium products, white-label branding |
| Gelato | Global POD supplier |
| EverBee | Product research + analytics |
| eRank | SEO keyword research for Etsy |
If you treat Etsy like a testing ground — not a long-term brand home — POD is one of the best ways to profit quickly.
4. What the Top Etsy Sellers Do Differently
Success on Etsy isn’t about luck. The most successful sellers approach it like a business, not a hobby. That means understanding the buyer journey, mastering SEO, and optimizing every listing.
Common Winning Strategies:
- Niche Deep, Not Wide: Focus on a very specific audience (e.g., “funny cat mom shirts” not just “cat shirts”).
- Strong Mockups and Branding: Use real lifestyle photos or premium mockups instead of basic flatlays.
- SEO-Optimized Titles and Tags: Tools like eRank and EverBee can help optimize listings for Etsy search.
- Personalization Options: Allow customers to add names, dates, or messages.
- Drive Off-Platform Traffic: Use Pinterest or email marketing to boost sales independent of Etsy’s algorithm.
Listing Optimization Checklist
- Clear, keyword-optimized title
- Five to ten high-quality images/mockups
- Detailed description with benefits and sizing info
- Competitive pricing with shipping policies
- Personalization option if possible
- Keywords in tags, categories, and attributes
Doing these basics better than 80% of sellers gives you an immediate edge.
5. Etsy vs Building Your Own Store
Etsy and Shopify often get compared — but they serve different purposes. Etsy brings traffic, while Shopify gives you control. Here’s how to decide:
When Etsy Makes Sense
- You’re just starting and need validation.
- You don’t want to invest in paid ads yet.
- Your products are seasonal or giftable.
- You want to focus only on POD without branding.
When to Go Shopify
- You want to build a long-term brand.
- You need upsells, email marketing, and customer data.
- You’re tired of Etsy’s fee structure.
- You want more design freedom and control.
Etsy vs Shopify: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Etsy | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fees | None (but lots of small fees) | $39/month (Basic Plan) |
| Customer Access | Etsy owns customer list | You own everything |
| Traffic | Built-in | You need to drive it |
| Branding | Limited | Full customization |
| Startup Time | Fast | Medium |
Many successful sellers use both — they test products on Etsy, then move winners to their own store.
Etsy is a solid launchpad, but not a finish line. If you want real control over your store, profits, and future — combining Etsy with your own Shopify site is the move.
6. How Much Can You Actually Make on Etsy?
Profit margins vary based on your niche, product type, and how much you spend on ads. But here’s a realistic breakdown for POD sellers.
POD T-Shirt Profit Example
| Variable | Amount |
|---|---|
| Selling Price | $30 |
| Printify Cost | $12 |
| Shipping Charged | $4.99 |
| Shipping Paid | $4.50 |
| Etsy Fees | ~$3.30 |
| Profit (before ads) | $15.19 |
With Etsy Ads or discounts, that could drop to $5–$10 per item. Multiply that by 100+ sales/month, and you’re looking at $500–$1500 monthly — not life-changing, but a solid side income.
Etsy POD Store Case Studies
- Case Study #1: A POD mug store generated $7,200/month in Q4 2023, using seasonal trends and personalization options. (Source: EverBee)
- Case Study #2: A sticker store started with 10 listings and scaled to $3,000/month in 6 months by using TikTok + Etsy combo.
- Case Study #3: A seller made $1,200 in their first 30 days with 1 product by targeting bachelorette party themes.
It’s not about launching 1000 products. It’s about targeting the right one.
7. Is Etsy Still Worth It in 2025?
Here’s the final breakdown:
Pros of Selling on Etsy
- Low barrier to entry
- Fast product testing
- POD-friendly integrations
- Built-in buyer traffic
- Easy to validate product-market fit
Cons of Selling on Etsy
- Fees reduce profit margins
- Copycat culture
- Platform risk (suspensions, bans)
- Limited branding
- No ownership of customer data
Best Use Case
Use Etsy to launch fast, test ideas, and generate revenue. Once something works — move that traffic or audience to a Shopify store where you control the brand.
8. FAQs
Is Etsy too saturated for new sellers?
No — but you’ll need a niche. Broad categories like “funny shirts” are too competitive. Target specific interests, occasions, or groups.
What’s better for POD: Etsy or Shopify?
Start with Etsy for traffic and testing. Move to Shopify once you’re ready to build a brand and own your customer list.
Can I sell on both Etsy and Shopify?
Yes. Many POD sellers use Etsy as a lead generator and Shopify as their main store.
How do I avoid getting banned on Etsy?
- Follow all trademark guidelines
- Be honest in your product descriptions
- Avoid misleading tags or categories
- Fulfill orders promptly and provide tracking
Final Thoughts
Etsy isn’t dead — it just isn’t easy.
You can absolutely make money with print on demand, especially if you treat it like a real business, not a passive income dream. Focus on SEO, offer something different, and use Etsy as a launchpad — not your final destination.
