Why I Left Etsy: A Shift Towards Numonday for Fairer Selling Practices

As a small-scale creative entrepreneur, stepping into the world of online marketplaces was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Like many others, I chose Etsy as my platform to showcase and sell my heartmade creations.

However, my experience with Etsy's fee structure left me feeling disheartened and financially drained.

When I received my first order on Etsy, I was thrilled. But that excitement quickly turned to dismay when I realized the hefty fees associated with the transaction. Despite already paying to list each item, I hadn't factored in additional fees, resulting in me essentially breaking even or even losing money on my first sale.

As someone committed to keeping my items affordable for my customers, this was unsustainable.

Etsy's fee structure included a £0.20 listing fee per item, lasting for four months, on top of a 6% commission fee and a transaction fee of 4% plus 20p. Additionally, if a sale was made through an Etsy-generated advertisement, an extra 15% was deducted. These fees significantly ate into my earnings, leaving me with little to show for my hard work and creativity.

Feeling frustrated with Etsy's pricing model, I began exploring alternative platforms. That's when I discovered Numonday, a UK-based alternative to Etsy. Numonday offered a refreshing approach with fairer selling practices.

Unlike Etsy, Numonday does not charge commission fees or listing fees. Instead, they implement a reasonable subscription fee of £24 per year. Additionally, their transaction provider, Stripe, charges a much lower fee of 1.4% plus 20p, making it a more financially viable option for small-scale creators like myself.

Numonday's commitment to supporting British creatives resonated with me. While there are no restrictions on what you can sell on Numonday, it feels better suited to individuals like me who prioritize affordability and fair compensation for their work.

In conclusion, my decision to leave Etsy and transition to Numonday was driven by a desire for fairer selling practices and a platform that values the efforts of independent creators.

Moving forward, I'm excited to continue sharing my creations with a community that appreciates and supports the work of small-scale businesses.

I'll soon be updating my Numonday shop to include all the products showcased on Instagram, so stay tuned for updates!