Advantages of selling on Etsy and Shopify

If you’re considering launching a Shopify store, you don’t need to close your Etsy shop. Expanding on Shopify and Etsy simultaneously offers the opportunity to benefit from both platforms. Selling on one doesn’t prevent you from selling on the other.

As with any strategic move, deciding to sell on Etsy and your own Shopify online store should align with your business goals. So, what’s the difference between Shopify and Etsy?

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Benefits of Shopify

Shopify is a versatile commerce platform that supports both small businesses and large brands. Those who use Shopify enjoy several advantages:

Customizable storefront

Take charge of your brand’s experience. Shopify supports your business behind the scenes, while you have the freedom to shape your store’s appearance using customizable templates from the Shopify Theme Store. Plus, use apps from the Shopify App Store to extend the functionality of your ecommerce website.

Audience ownership

Develop and control your audience in ways not possible on Etsy. Identify your target customers, grow your email list, and manage your communications with them. Plus, you have the flexibility to move your audience to other platforms.

Lower fees

Benefit from lower transaction fees. Although you’ll pay a monthly fee for your Shopify plan, businesses with high sales on Etsy may find this pricing model more cost-effective.

Benefits of Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace for sellers of handmade goods, craft supplies, and vintage items. Setting up an Etsy store offers these advantages:

Quick and easy setup

Launch your Etsy shop quickly without needing a brand design or marketing plan right away. Simply enter your business name and choose an avatar using Etsy’s ready-made templates. It’s an ideal process for novices.

Fees only when you sell

Etsy only charges a transaction fee when you make a sale. Though Etsy’s fees are higher than Shopify’s, this setup is perfect for those testing the waters or selling occasionally.

Active community

Tap into Etsy’s marketplace to reach buyers who are actively looking for unique, handmade items. Etsy offers optional advertising services for a fee, which takes the hassle out of managing marketing tasks like search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing.

Selling on Etsy and Shopify  

Many brands find it advantageous to sell on both Etsy and Shopify. Etsy offers a built-in audience that boosts visibility for handmade goods, while a Shopify store lets you develop your own brand and manage customer relationships.

Instead of shutting down your Etsy shop, consider connecting it with your Shopify store. Here are three ways to do it:

Integrating via APIs

The first (and perhaps hardest) way to connect Shopify and Etsy is to use their APIs. APIs serve as digital gateways that let different software communicate with each other.

Both Shopify and Etsy offer API keys to approved developers, which allows them to create and monetize apps for each platform. While this approach gives you complete control over the integration, it’s complex and might require significant coding skills.

Instead, consider using existing apps designed to simplify the process of syncing your Shopify and Etsy stores without the need to code.

Integrating via an app

The easiest way to integrate your Etsy shop with your Shopify store is to use an app like CedCommerce Etsy Integration. This tool makes it easy to sync sales and inventory between the two platforms. To get started, download it from the Shopify App Store and follow the instructions.

If you’re looking to migrate from Etsy to Shopify, consider using the Easy Import app. This app helps you transfer data and product listings from Etsy to Shopify. With Easy Import, you can organize Etsy products into collections in Shopify, making the transition smooth and efficient.

Integrating via experts

If setting up apps feels overwhelming or you need a custom Etsy marketplace integration, hiring a professional could be a good idea. Shopify has a network of experts who can guide you through any technical hurdles you might face.

You can also find specialists on Etsy and freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr. These pros can help with integration details and might charge less than Shopify-vetted experts.

Using the Etsy marketplace integration app

Once you’ve successfully integrated your Etsy shop with Shopify, it’s time to streamline your operations and make the most of both platforms. Let’s walk through some of the capabilities store owners gain by installing CedCommerce Etsy Integration.

Importing Shopify products

CedCommerce offers two ways to import your products: bulk product import and single product import.

Bulk Product Import

To use the bulk import feature, start by choosing a filter. Options include:

1. All Products Import: This option brings in all your Shopify products, whether they’re published, drafts, or even out of stock.
2. Published Product Import: Imports only the products currently live on your Shopify store.
3. Apply Filter: This lets you import specific products based on filters like product type, vendor, or collections.

• Product Type: Type in or select from your existing Shopify product types.
• Product Vendor: Import based on specific vendors from your Shopify store.
• Collections: Choose from your Shopify collections to import the desired products.

Once you’ve selected your filters, hit “Start Import” to bring these products into the app.

Single Product Import

You can also import products individually by using a product ID or product title:

• Product ID: Enter up to 10 product IDs at a time and click Start Import.
• Product Title: Import one product at a time by typing the product name.

Instant vs. Backend Import

After choosing your import method, decide between Instant Import and Backend Import:

• Instant Import: Quickly imports your products but limits other actions until it’s done.
• Backend Import: Imports in the background, so you can continue exploring the app.

Publishing Shopify products on Etsy

To upload your Shopify products to Etsy via the CedCommerce app, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Create profiles

Before you can upload products, ensure you’ve created the necessary profiles in the CedCommerce app. These profiles are crucial, as they categorize and prepare your products for listing on Etsy.

2. Select products to publish

Navigate to the All Products section in the app. Here, you’ll see a list of products that have been profiled and are ready for publishing. Check the box next to the product you wish to publish. You can select individual products or use the first checkbox to select all products in bulk.

3. Publish to Etsy

Once your products are selected, a dropdown menu will appear.

• Choose “Publish on Etsy”: Select this option from the dropdown menu.
• Click “Submit”: Press the “Submit” button to start the publishing process.

4. Wait for processing

The app will process your request, and once completed, your selected products will be listed on Etsy.

3 tips for using Etsy and Shopify together

Here are three strategies to consider if you’re planning to expand your online business using both Etsy and Shopify. These insights can help you decide on the best path forward.

1. Start small and test the waters

Etsy is a great platform to start selling and testing your products. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require much technical know-how. By using Etsy, you can get quick feedback on your products and see what resonates with customers.

When you’re ready to scale, consider transitioning to Shopify for more control and customization. A Shopify store allows you to design your brand’s look and feel, making it easier to stand out in a crowded market. This transition can help you establish a strong brand identity.

2. Leverage Shopify for growth

With a variety of products, keeping things organized on Etsy can get tricky. Shopify provides more options for managing your inventory with categories and collections, which simplifies the shopping experience for your customers.

Running both an Etsy shop and a Shopify store lets you take advantage of Etsy’s audience while using Shopify to expand your offerings. This dual strategy helps you reach new customers and streamline your operations, especially during busy times like the holidays.

3. Diversify your sales channels

Selling on multiple platforms maximizes your exposure and sales opportunities. Etsy’s marketplace is a good starting point, with its built-in audience and high visibility. But a Shopify store gives you the chance to create a personalized shopping experience and engage more deeply with your customers.

By using both Etsy and Shopify, you can reach a wider audience and ensure your business continues to grow. The multichannel approach provides flexibility and access to the unique benefits of each platform.

Key takeaway: Balancing both platforms lets you test products, organize your offerings, and connect with customers effectively. Use Etsy to gauge market interest and Shopify to grow and nurture your brand.

Growing your business with Etsy and Shopify

Launching a Shopify store can be a great step for anyone looking to grow their brand. With Shopify, you can connect directly with customers and build a brand that’s all your own. Later, you can integrate your Shopify store with Etsy to expand your reach and boost your revenue.

Sure, it will take some work to manage products on both channels, but the benefits are worth it. You’ll have more control over your brand and more ways to engage with your customers.

Using Etsy and Shopify FAQ

Can you sell on both Etsy and Shopify?

Yes, you can simultaneously sell on both Etsy and Shopify. In fact, you may find it beneficial to tap into Etsy’s marketplace while using Shopify to build your brand. It’s best to expand your sales channels as you grow from a small business to a medium business.

What’s the difference between Etsy and Shopify?

While Shopify and Etsy are both ecommerce platforms, they have several differences. Etsy works like a marketplace where people find your shop through its search function. Shopify lets you create your own site and build an audience, but you must drive your own traffic and sales. Their pricing models differ too—compare each to find the best fit for your business.

How can I connect Shopify to my Etsy store?

Use an app like CedCommerce Etsy Integration to sync sales and shipping between both platforms. Once installed, you’ll be able to streamline your ecommerce operations on Shopify and Etsy.

What are the benefits of Etsy and Shopify?

Some benefits of Etsy are:

• Easy setup for beginners
• No monthly fees on the standard plan (just pay when you sell or list)
• Access to a marketplace full of eager buyers
• Opt-in ad tools simplify marketing efforts

Some benefits of Shopify are:

• Customize your brand’s look and feel entirely
• Use advanced features to personalize your site experience
• Enjoy low transaction fees
• Own your email and customer lists
• Easily expand into retail with Shopify POS

How can I manage inventory across Etsy and Shopify?

To address inventory management challenges and eliminate manual tasks, use a tool like CedCommerce Etsy Integration to sync inventory across your Shopify and Etsy stores.