Side-by-side fee structure
The two platforms charge in different ways. Etsy takes a larger share of each sale and bundles in marketplace demand. Shopify charges a subscription and leaves demand to you.
| Fee | Etsy (US) | Shopify (US, Basic) |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace commission | 6.5% transaction fee | 0% |
| Payment processing | 3% + $0.25 | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Listing fee | $0.20 | $0 |
| Monthly subscription | $0 | $39 |
| Marketplace traffic | Included | Not included |
| Ads on top | Etsy Ads, Offsite Ads | Meta, Google, TikTok, etc. |
| Apps and extras | Limited | Often $20–$100+/month |
The headline is clear: Etsy’s variable fee is higher. On a $40 order, Etsy takes about $4.25 in transaction, payment, and listing fees. Shopify takes about $1.46 in payment processing, plus a share of the $39 plan. At 50 orders per month, that plan share is $0.78, for a total near $2.24.
What the fee comparison misses: Etsy’s extra ~$2.01 per order is buying you access to buyers. If Shopify requires $5–$15 in ads to produce the same order, Shopify is more expensive in total — even though its fee line is smaller.
At what volume does Shopify win on fees?
On fees alone, the answer is surprisingly low because Etsy’s percentage is so much higher. For a $40 order, Shopify becomes cheaper than Etsy at roughly 14 orders per month once the $39 plan is included. For a $60 order, it is closer to 10 orders. For a $15 order, the fixed fees matter more and the crossover moves again.
Monthly fee cost at 50 orders
| Etsy: $4.25 per order × 50 | $212.50 |
| Shopify: $1.46 per order × 50 + $39 plan | $112.00 |
| Shopify with $8/order paid ads | $512.00 |
| Difference depends on traffic | +$299.50 for Shopify |
That last row is the point. If you already have an audience, Shopify’s lower fee is a real advantage. If you rely on the marketplace to bring strangers, Etsy can be cheaper despite the commission.
Compare the full cost, not the fee line
- Price and product cost: keep them identical across channels for a fair comparison.
- Shipping: Etsy charges fees on shipping; Shopify does not charge a marketplace fee on it, but payment processing still applies.
- Ads: use your actual cost per order on each channel. “Organic” Shopify traffic is not free forever.
- Fixed costs: Shopify plan, apps, and subscriptions. Etsy has no monthly fee but charges per listing.
- Returns: the rate and handling cost may differ by audience and product.
When Etsy makes more sense
- You are starting and need discovery from an existing marketplace.
- Your products are search-friendly: gifts, personalized items, vintage, craft supplies.
- You want low fixed costs and can tolerate a higher variable fee.
- You are testing demand before investing in a standalone store.
When Shopify makes more sense
- You already have traffic from social, email, or an audience.
- You sell bundles, subscriptions, or higher-ticket products with repeat customers.
- You need control over checkout, upsells, and customer data.
- Your volume is high enough that the monthly plan is small relative to revenue.
Many sellers do both: Etsy for discovery, Shopify for repeat buyers. The mistake is assuming one channel is universally cheaper. Run the same product through both presets, including your real ad cost, before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify cheaper than Etsy?
Per sale, usually yes on fees. But Shopify adds a monthly plan and does not provide marketplace traffic. Include your ad cost per order before declaring a winner.
How many orders before Shopify is cheaper?
On fees alone, around 14 orders per month for a $40 order and 10 for a $60 order. Paid acquisition can move that threshold much higher.
Does Etsy charge more than Shopify per sale?
In most cases yes: 6.5% plus payment processing and a listing fee. Shopify charges payment processing and a subscription, but no marketplace commission on standard plans.
Can I sell on both?
Yes. Model each channel separately — fees, shipping, returns, and ad costs can differ. Use the share link to save both scenarios.