Poshmark vs Etsy: Which is Better? [2024]

When it comes to online marketplaces, Poshmark and Etsy have carved out distinct niches for themselves. They are well-known online marketplaces that appeal to different sellers and buyers.

 Both have unique features and target specific audiences, making them suitable for various business models and sales objectives.

 In this article, we’ve given a detailed Poshmark vs Etsy comparison where we’ll break down the major differences between the two platforms to help you figure out which one’s the best fit for your goals and what you’re hoping to sell.

A Brief Overview of Poshmark and Etsy

Poshmark is mostly all about fashion, where people can buy and sell both new and pre-loved clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Since its start, it has focused on making shopping feel social and fun.

Etsy, in contrast, is the go-to for unique, handmade, vintage, and artisanal items, along with craft supplies and tools. It draws in a creative crowd—artists, artisans, and collectors—who appreciate its focus on supporting small businesses.

While Etsy has some fashion items, its product lineup is way more varied than Poshmark’s, catering to those looking for truly one-of-a-kind finds. 

Now, if you’re stuck choosing between Poshmark and Etsy, getting a handle on how they differ in things like product categories, target audience, and seller experience can make your decision a whole lot easier.

Poshmark and Etsy – Side by Side Comparison

Fees

When you’re weighing the options between Poshmark and Etsy, understanding the fee structures is super important if you want to maximize your profits.

Poshmark: Poshmark has got rid of their 20% commission fee and replaced it with a new 1-2-3 fee structure, which is $1, $2, or $3 depending on the order price plus $5.99 of the order total.

While those rates might seem high compared to other marketplaces, they include prepaid shipping labels, which is a big time-saver for sellers. For many, that convenience makes the slightly higher cut worth it.

Etsy: On the flip side, Etsy has a more layered fee set up, such as a set-up fee, a listing fee which is $0.20, a transaction fee which is 6.5% on sales, advertising and promotional fees, payment processing, delivery fees, and subscription fee.  

It also offers optional ads, both on-site and off-site, adding to your costs. Remember that these fees can pile up, especially if you’re just starting.

However, the flexibility and potential reach can be a game-changer for those selling pricier items or wanting more control over their advertising.

Furthermore, when it comes to advertising, Poshmark doesn’t have paid options, but it does offer “Posh Parties” where sellers can promote their items for free in a fun, social setting.

On the other hand, Etsy’s paid ads, like search and off-site ads, let you target specific audiences, which is great for sellers with niche products.

Verdict: If you like keeping things simple, Poshmark is your best bet. But if you want more control over advertising and visibility, Etsy might be the way to go. Both platforms have their perks, so it comes down to your selling style and what you’re aiming for!

Product Categories

Poshmark and Etsy each have their vibe and cater to pretty different crowds, so choosing between them depends on what you’re planning to buy.

Poshmark: It is a go-to for all things fashion—think secondhand clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. It’s super popular with shoppers who want a good deal on trendy items or unique pieces, from the style-savvy to those just looking for a bargain.

While Poshmark has recently branched into areas like home decor and pet accessories, its core remains rooted in apparel, including women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, plus accessories and some beauty items.

Etsy: On the other hand, Etsy is a more diverse platform with a wider range of products. It is known for its variety, offering everything from handmade and vintage finds to art, jewelry, wedding decor, and even craft supplies.

So, if you’re into one-of-a-kind or creative items, Etsy’s got it all, attracting buyers who love supporting small businesses or are searching for something unique and custom.

Verdict: If you’re looking for trendy, affordable fashion, Poshmark is a great option. But if you’re into unique, handmade stuff, Etsy is the place to be.

Target Audience

Poshmark: It primarily attracts a younger, fashion-forward demographic that is passionate about trendy, affordable clothing and accessories.

This audience thrives on the social aspects of the platform, where they can follow other users, interact with them, and share listings where they make shopping feel more like hanging out with friends.

Etsy: It has a more diverse mix of shoppers, from young to old, all on the hunt for unique, creative, and personalized items.

People on Etsy appreciate handmade goodies and often want to support small businesses, which gives it a more personal touch.

Seller Experience

Poshmark: Listing items on Poshmark is super easy. All you need to do is to snap photos with your phone, upload them, fill in some details, and set a price in just a few minutes.

The platform has a fun social vibe, encouraging participation in events like Posh Parties, which help boost visibility. Plus, Poshmark makes shipping simple with prepaid labels, but watch out for the hefty commission.

Furthermore, customer support is available through the app and website, and while they usually respond quickly, some users have complained about the longer wait times during busy periods.

Etsy: Etsy gives sellers way more control and customization options. You can create a detailed storefront, set your own shop policies, and add custom tags to make it easier for people to find your stuff.

That said, Etsy’s fee structure can be a bit more complicated, and as a seller, you are responsible for your own shipping, which means a little extra effort.

Etsy also has marketing tools to promote your listings and a solid support system with a helpful help center and community forums, though response times can vary.

Verdict: Poshmark is perfect for quick listings and easy shipping, especially for fashion sellers, while Etsy is great for those wanting more flexibility and customization for unique items.

Shipping and Costs

Shipping and costs are super important to think about when you’re picking between these platforms.

Poshmark: Poshmark makes shipping a breeze with its prepaid shipping labels, which are super convenient for sellers. As for the buyers, it provides a flat rate of $7.97 for expedited shipping on all orders.

When it comes to returning policies, both platforms have their own rules—Poshmark’s return policy is limited; buyers can only return items if they are not as described, promoting customer satisfaction through accountability. 

Etsy: On the other hand, Etsy gives you more flexibility with shipping options, but you’ve got to handle your own shipping costs and logistics, which can be a bit of a hassle.

For instance, after you receive an order, you’ll need to buy a postage label on Etsy and then enter your package details on Etsy’s postage calculator which will give you the comparison of retail prices as well as prices for USPS and FedEx.

Unlike Poshmark, Etsy’s return policies vary based on individual seller agreements, giving sellers the option to establish their own return policies, which can enhance customer satisfaction when clearly communicated.

Poshmark or Etsy: Which is better for you?

When you’re trying to choose between Poshmark and Etsy, it helps to know what each platform offers and who they cater to. Poshmark focuses on fashion, making it the go-to spot for selling new and gently used clothes, accessories, and beauty products.

Listing items is a breeze—just snap a photo, upload it, and you’re all set! Plus, Poshmark has a fun, social vibe, allowing you to participate in “Posh Parties” where you can promote your items to a community of buyers.

In contrast, Etsy is a haven for unique and handmade items. Whether you’re selling art, jewelry, or vintage finds, Etsy attracts a wide range of buyers who appreciate creativity. Not only that, but you also get to customize your storefront and have more control over marketing your products.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what are your requirements. If you’re focusing on trendy fashion, Poshmark is ideal. But if you’ve got unique, handmade items, Etsy is the better option. Consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect fit!

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