Poshmark vs Etsy: Which is better for selling on?
If you’re looking to get into online selling you’re going to need a platform to host your products.
Whether you’re selling handmade goods, vintage items, or fashion clothing online, there are many choices out there for you.
Two of the most popular platforms are Poshmark and Etsy.
Both online marketplaces offer unique features and benefits to online sellers, but which one is better for selling your products?
In this article, we’ll compare Poshmark vs Etsy to help you make an informed decision.
Poshmark Vs Etsy: Which Is The Better Platform For Selling Items?
Etsy is often considered the best platform for handmade, vintage, and unique items.
With over 92 million active buyers and 7.4 million active sellers, Etsy has a global reach that enables sellers from different countries to sell their goods to an international customer base.
Poshmark, on the other hand, is a social commerce platform that focuses on selling second hand fashion clothing, accessories, and even items such as electronics.
With over 80 million registered users, Poshmark offers a unique shopping experience that combines social networking with e-commerce.
So, which platform is better for selling your products?
Well, it depends on your niche, target audience, and selling goals – in particular, what exactly you will be selling.
If this decision makes you feel a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry!
I’ll break down the differences between Poshmark and Etsy to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell unique and homemade items.
It’s a platform that connects buyers with independent sellers from all over the world, offering a wide variety of products ranging from jewelry and clothing to home decor and vintage items.
Etsy is known for its community of creative and passionate sellers who take pride in their work and offer personalized customer service.
This is a great place to find one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find anywhere else and to support small businesses and independent artists.
If you’ve spent any time on this digital marketplace over the last couple of years, you probably noticed that the realm of listed products has expanded to include everything from homemade crafts to craft supplies and digital downloads.
Founded in 2005, Etsy has since grown to become one of the largest online selling platforms available.
What is Poshmark?
Like Etsy, Poshmark is another incredibly popular online marketplace, however, it was specifically created for people to buy and sell new or gently used clothing and accessories.
It’s a platform that allows users to create their own virtual closets and sell items directly to other users.
As a social commerce marketplace, Poshmark is known for its social aspect, where users can follow each other, share listings, and participate in themed parties to showcase their items.
This platform thrives on its community-driven approach – much like social media networks like Instagram and Facebook.
It’s a great place to find affordable fashion items and pre-owned items and to connect with a community of fashion enthusiasts.
Poshmark also offers a seamless buying and selling experience, with features like shipping labels and secure payment processing, which we’ll get to more below.
It provides a great opportunity to sell second hand clothing and declutter your wardrobe while making a little extra cash.
The platform has become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 100 million items sold to date.
Benefits of Selling on Etsy
If you’re looking to sell unique items, handmade goods, or even digital downloads, Etsy is a great platform to consider.
Here are some of the benefits of selling on Etsy:
- Large customer base: Etsy has a large customer base of people who are specifically looking for handmade items. This means that you have a better chance of reaching your target audience on Etsy than on other online marketplaces.
- Low fees: The Etsy payment fee (and all other fees) are generally lower than other online marketplaces.
- Ease of Use: Etsy is user-friendly and easy to navigate, even if you’re not tech-savvy. You can easily set up your shop, list your items, and manage your orders all in one place.
- Marketing tools: Etsy provides sellers with tools and resources to help them succeed, such as comprehensive analytics, marketing tools, and access to an encouraging community of fellow artisans.
- Customization options: You can customize your shop on Etsy to reflect your brand and style. This can help you stand out from other sellers and attract more customers.
Overall, if you’re looking to sell personally crafted goods online, Etsy is definitely worth checking out!
Benefits of Selling on Poshmark
Here are some of the main benefits of selling on Poshmark:
- User-Friendly Interface: One of the main benefits of selling on Poshmark is that it’s easy to use. You can list items for sale in just a few minutes, and the app makes it easy to manage your sales and communicate with buyers.
- Offers Efficient Tools: The Poshmark platform offers a range of tools and features to help you sell, such as Posh Parties and Posh Shows.
- Posh Parties: These virtual gatherings allow users to buy and sell items within specific categories. They’re a great way to get more exposure for your items and connect with other users.
- Posh Shows: Posh Shows are similar to Posh Parties, but they’re hosted by Poshmark itself and often have a celebrity host.
- Fashion Focus: Poshmark’s unique selling proposition is that it’s dedicated specifically to fashion and beauty. This means that buyers on Poshmark are more likely to be looking for clothing and accessories, which can make it easier to sell your items.
- Quick Sales: With its easy-to-use platform and range of features, it’s a great way to connect with buyers and sell your items quickly and easily.
- Provided label: Poshmark incurs the shipping fee to the buyer. As a seller, all you have to do is print out the prepaid USPS priority mail shipping label and you’re good to go.
Key Differences Between Etsy and Poshmark
So at this point, we know that Etsy and Poshmark are two of the most popular online marketplaces to choose from when selling online, but they also have some unique differences that can make one platform more suitable for your needs than the other.
Here are a few that might sway you one way or the other:
User Interface Comparison
The main difference between Etsy and Poshmark is their user interface.
Etsy has a more traditional online selling platform interface, with a focus on handcrafted and vintage items.
Poshmark, on the other hand, has a more social media-like interface as we discussed above, with a focus on fashion and accessories.
Both platforms are incredibly easy to navigate, but Poshmark’s interface is said to be more visually appealing and a bit more user-friendly.
Selling Process
The selling and listing process on Etsy and Poshmark is similar, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
To start selling on Etsy, you need to create an account, set up a shop, and list your items.
Poshmark also requires you to create an account as a new seller and set up a shop, but the selling process is more streamlined.
You can list your items directly from your Poshmark account, and the platform offers free listings.
From my experience, it is much easier to upload listings in the Poshmark mobile app than in the Etsy app.
To give you a better idea, Poshmark is often described as a mix between Amazon and Instagram.
Product Categories: What Can You Sell?
Another one of the main differences between Etsy and Poshmark is the product categories they offer, or in other words what you can sell.
Etsy was originally known for its handmade and vintage items as well as crafts and artwork, however, it’s become more and more well-known for the selling of digital downloads, supplies, and other unique items.
While clothing and other fashion items can certainly be sold on Etsy, this is really where Poshmark shines.
The platform was created for fashion and accessories though it also allows sellers to sell beauty products and household items as well.
Marketplace Size
When it comes to marketplace size, Etsy has a larger user base with over 92 million active buyers, while Poshmark has around 80 million active users.
However, this isn’t to say you would have more sales or more opportunities to get sales on Etsy.
Poshmark has an extremely targeted audience for fashion items, which can lead to higher sales and conversion rates for sellers.
Fees and Payments
Fees and payment methods are also different between Etsy and Poshmark.
Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item and takes a 5% transaction fee and a 3% payment processing fee.
Poshmark, on the other hand, does not charge a listing fee but takes a flat rate of $2.95 for items sold under $15 and a 20% fee for items sold over $15.
It also offers its own payment system, Poshmark Payments, which allows for easy and secure transactions.
Target Audience and Reach
Etsy and Poshmark have different target audiences and reach.
Etsy caters primarily to the creative community, providing a platform for artisans and craftspeople to sell their handmade, vintage, and unique items.
Whereas Poshmark focuses on fashion and accessories, catering to a younger, trendier audience.
Poshmark also has a more limited reach, as it is only available in the United States and Canada, while Etsy is available in 83 countries outside the US.
The specific target market and reach for each of these platforms means that if you choose the correct one for your products and goals you will have a much easier time selling to potential buyers!
Customer Support and Return Policy
Customer support and return policies are of course important factors to consider when selling on any online marketplace.
Thankfully, both Etsy and Poshmark offer good customer service, but Poshmark has a more streamlined return process as well as seller protection policies.
Poshmark offers a good return policy, allowing buyers to return items for any reason within three days of delivery, while Etsy’s return policy is up to the individual shop owners.
From a seller’s perspective, the Etsy return policy is much more desirable.
Marketing and SEO
Marketing and SEO are two of the most important things for any online business.
Both Etsy and Poshmark offer tools to help you promote your shop and listings and attract interested buyers.
Etsy has a more advanced SEO system, allowing sellers to optimize their listings for search engines.
Providing detailed descriptions full of relevant keywords will help the Etsy algorithm display your items in search results to the desired buyer base.
Poshmark, on the other hand, has a more social media-like approach to marketing, with features like, share, and follow buttons.
Shipping Policies
Shipping policies are another key difference between Etsy and Poshmark.
Both platforms offer shipping labels, but Poshmark has a more streamlined shipping process.
Poshmark offers discounted shipping rates and provides sellers with free shipping labels for items sold at $15 or more.
Etsy also offers shipping labels, but the shipping fee is determined by the seller’s chosen carrier.
FAQ’s
What are the pros and cons of selling on Poshmark and Etsy?
Poshmark is the perfect marketplace for selling clothing and accessories because they have a large and active user base
Etsy is one of the best sites for selling homemade items and crafts, with a community of passionate and creative buyers.
Additionally, both are great for receiving payments as they provide the option to have earnings deposited right into your bank account.
Both Etsy and Poshmark sellers have the ability to offer discounts.
However, the fees and competition on both platforms can be challenging, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding which one to use.
Do people still use Etsy in 2023?
Yes, absolutely!
The great thing about Etsy’s customers is that they are loyal shoppers who appreciate all that the makers and sellers have to offer.
Additionally, Etsy has continued to grow and expand its offerings beyond just handmade items to include everything from digital downloads to artwork and gifts.
What does the average Etsy seller make per month?
The average Etsy shop seller’s income can vary widely depending on the type of product they sell and their level of success.
In general, average Etsy payments are around $500 per month but be sure to do your research as this number is constantly changing, especially among various niches.
What does the average Poshmark seller make per month?
The average Poshmark seller’s income is similar to Etsy’s around the $500 per month range.
However, again, this number can also vary widely depending on what exactly they sell and their efforts put in.
What are the best practices for selling on Poshmark and Etsy?
Some best practices for selling on Poshmark and Etsy include having high-quality photos of your products, writing detailed and accurate descriptions to attract potential customers, utilizing SEO, pricing your items competitively, and engaging with your customers.
It’s also important to stay up-to-date on each platform’s policies and guidelines to avoid any of those issues.
What are the downsides to selling on either Poshmark or Etsy?
One downside to selling on Poshmark is that it can be more competitive, and there is a higher chance of receiving lowball offers.
Additionally, Poshmark’s commission fee can eat into your profits.
One downside to selling on Etsy is that it can be more time-consuming to create your products, and the search algorithm can be tricky to navigate.
Etsy’s policies are also considered a bit more strict – sellers need to be aware of them to avoid any issues.
Conclusion
So when it comes to Poshmark vs Etsy, which is better?
When it comes to choosing between Etsy and Poshmark, both are great platforms, but the answer is not straightforward.
It really depends on exactly what you are selling and what your goals are.
Both online platforms have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs best.
If you are selling handmade or vintage products, Etsy is certainly the better option.
It has a reputation for being a platform for creative, handmade goods, and has a large customer base looking for these types of products.
It also offers a ton of customization options for your shop, allowing you to create a unique brand identity and online store.
If you are selling second-hand items such as clothing and fashion accessories, on the other hand, Poshmark is a better choice.
It has a more fashion-forward audience and a focus on trendy and affordable items.
Poshmark also has a social aspect, with features like sharing and following, which can help you gain more exposure within the audience you’re targeting.
In terms of fees, both platforms take a flat fee or percentage of your sales (depending on the sale price) as outlined above, and each marketplace offers shipping benefits to their sellers.
Both platforms offer positive shopping experiences for buyers so in the end, the decision between the two comes down to what you are selling and what your priorities are.
Consider your target audience, fees, and shipping options before deciding which platform to use!
