Etsy is the market for handmade, personalised and vintage goods, the place for a gift you will not find in big stores. Prices are higher, and shipping and returns are up to each seller.
Best in Buying experience and smart suggestions
Founded
2005
Based in
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Business model
Marketplace for handmade and vintage goods
Available in
Most countries, except Iran
Score by criterion, against the category
The tick on each bar is the category average; the signed number is the distance from it.
Product range82-7
Price64-15
Delivery64-2
Returns, warranty and escrow62-8
Buying experience and smart suggestions80+3
Good fit for
A handmade or personalised gift
Vintage items and craft supplies
Anyone who wants to buy straight from an independent maker
Less suited when
Someone who wants low prices or fast delivery
People in Iran; Etsy is not available there
Strengths
Millions of handmade, one-off items you will not find elsewhere
Personalised orders and direct conversation with the maker
Etsy Purchase Protection for orders that do not arrive or do not match the listing
Good search and categories for niche items
Opportunities for improvement
Can improve by strengthening handmade verification to protect the niche of independent creators
Opportunity to promote clearer return policy frameworks for a cohesive buyer experience
Room to support artisan sellers with discounted international logistics partnerships
Verdict
The first choice for gifts and special items; just read that seller's returns policy and shipping time before you buy.
What Etsy actually is
Since 2005 Etsy has been a market for independent makers: jewellery, clothing, decor, vintage items and craft supplies. The closest Iranian analogue is Basalam, which connects artists and small producers with buyers.
What you pay and what you get
The seller sets price, shipping and returns. In exchange you often get something made or personalised to order.
Where it is strong
Its range of one-off goods and the ability to talk to the maker set Etsy apart from general marketplaces. Purchase Protection covers orders that never arrive.
How it can improve, and what we could not verify
Returns and delivery depend on the seller and are uneven. Etsy has rules against resold goods, but enforcement is incomplete. Etsy is not available in Iran.
Questions about Etsy
How is Etsy different from Basalam?
Both connect independent makers with buyers; Etsy is global and pricier, Basalam is in Iran and cheaper.
Can you return items on Etsy?
It depends on the seller; each shop's returns policy is on the listing page.
Does Etsy only sell handmade goods?
Handmade, vintage and craft supplies; reselling is not allowed by its rules.
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Disclosure: Seemerce is developing products in some of these same areas (Seemerce Infinity). Scores are editorial assessments by Seemerce based on public information. Companies can send corrections or a reply to mahdiparto94@gmail.com. Names and logos belong to their owners and are used only to identify them; Seemerce is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
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