Etsy vs Shopify Cost Calculator: Profit Margin Comparison
Calculate and compare the true cost of selling on Etsy vs Shopify. Analyze transaction fees, monthly subscriptions, and advertising costs to maximize profit.
Shopify Calculator
Launch the dedicated Shopify Calculator to calculate exact numbers.
Open CalculatorComprehensive Fee Comparison
| Feature / Fee | Etsy Calculator | Shopify Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $0 (Standard) or $15 (Plus) | $39 (Basic), $105 (Shopify), $399 (Advanced) |
| Listing Fees | $0.20 per item (Renews every 4 months) | $0 (Unlimited listings) |
| Transaction Fees | 6.5% on Total (Item + Shipping) | 0% (If using Shopify Payments) |
| Payment Processing | 3.0% + $0.25 | 2.9% + 30¢ (Basic plan) |
| Offsite/External Ad Fees | 12% - 15% (Mandatory over $10k/yr) | 0% (You control your own ad spend) |
| Audience Acquisition | Built-in marketplace traffic | You must drive 100% of your own traffic |
| Brand Control | Low (You rent space on Etsy's platform) | High (You own the domain and customer data) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to sell on Etsy or Shopify?
Etsy is cheaper for new sellers because there is no monthly fee, but it becomes much more expensive as you scale. Once your monthly sales volume creates Etsy transaction fees that exceed Shopify's $39/month subscription and lower processing rates, Shopify becomes mathematically more profitable.
Can I sell on both Etsy and Shopify?
Yes, many successful merchants use Etsy to acquire new customers via their marketplace algorithm, and then include marketing inserts in their packages to drive repeat purchases to their own Shopify store where margins are higher.
Does Shopify charge transaction fees?
Shopify does not charge transaction fees if you use their native 'Shopify Payments' gateway. If you choose to use a third-party gateway like Authorize.net, Shopify charges a 2.0% penalty fee on the Basic plan.