As a teacher entrepreneur who has successfully ventured into the world of selling escape room printables, I’ve gained some valuable insights that I’d love to share with you. If you’re considering selling kids printables, you’re probably torn between Etsy and Shopify. Let’s dive into the specifics!
Is Etsy’s Focus Suitable for Selling Printables?
First, Etsy has been the first place many customers go for handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind goods. In recent times, it has also become the place for printables. If you check out any Etsy research tools, you’ll see digital downloads and kids printables are hot! Community is huge in Etsy with printable artists as well as crafters. Of course, Etsy also provides an environment that resonates with the spirit of creativity. Shopify, however, is versatile, catering to an array of businesses, including those selling digital downloads. Although Shopify has handmade items, many of its sellers are focused on digital products.
Winner: Tie.
Both Etsy and Shopify offer platforms and tools for digital downloads. Both platforms offer you the potential unlimited passive income you can earn by selling digital printables. In the end, both platforms bring traffic to my escape room printables business!
How User-Friendly are the Product Listings on Both Platforms?
First, Etsy ensures a smooth experience for its sellers. The platform’s user-friendly interface, combined with templates and customization options, makes listing Etsy digital downloads a breeze. Of course, Shopify also has benefits for product listings and optimization. Overall, it offers a plethora of customization options, from themes to listing templates, ensuring your digital products shine.
Winner: Etsy
When it comes to user-friendly listings, Etsy v. Shopify both have easy to navigate listing options, but Etsy has fewer options for listings.
For that reason, it makes it better for beginners. My easy escape rooms course helps you list your Etsy products fast!
What About Fees and Pricing on Etsy v. Shopify?
Of course, cost is always a consideration. First, Etsy’s fee structure includes listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees for each sale. On the other hand, Shopify adopts a monthly subscription-based model. Both platforms also have payment processing fees depending on what payment processor you choose.
Winner: Etsy
When you are starting out, paying small listing fees is more cost effective than the $39+ (starting is for basic plan) for Shopify. If you are all in and intend on creating hundreds of listings, Shopify might be worth it for you.
How Can You Market and Promote Your Printables on Etsy v. Shopify?
Marketing is the lifeblood of any business. Of course, promoting your digital products in your kids printables business is no different! First, Etsy offers sellers built-in marketing tools and even options for paid advertising within its marketplace. Since there are so many Etsy users, with SEO and proper listing techniques, users can find your products organically. Shopify, on the other hand, provides a range of marketing tools and integrations, allowing you to craft and execute your marketing strategies, driving traffic to your standalone store. Some of these include social media integrations. Email marketing and SEO keyword research are also tools to promote your products on either platform.
Winner: Tie
While Etsy has a built in audience, Shopify offers no competition. If you’re just starting out, Etsy is a great way to find your customers. On the other hand, if you already have an audience, Shopify might be a great way to go.
Which Platform (Etsy v. Shopify) Offers Better Analytics and Reporting?
First, Shopify is known for its detailed analytics and reporting features, offering insights into sales, customer behavior, and overall performance. While Etsy does offer basic analytics, it might lack the depth and customization that Shopify provides.
Winner: Shopify
Shopify’s analytics are extremely detailed and customizable to your business. In the Etsy v. Shopify debate, Shopify is the clear winner in analytics and reporting.
Can You Integrate External Tools on These Platforms?
Of course, Shopify boasts a rich ecosystem of integrations and apps. Whether it’s email marketing, product management, or SEO optimization, Shopify has got you covered. Etsy, while having fewer integrations, does provide some options for syncing with external tools and third-party platforms.
Winner: Shopify
Shopify can integrate with social media, Google Analytics, and many more platforms. With new AI integrations, Shopify is becoming more robust than ever with “magic” product descriptions and more options.
Should You Opt for a Marketplace (Etsy) or a Standalone Store (Shopify)?
Etsy v. Shopify. Of course, this is a pivotal decision. With Etsy, you’re part of a bustling marketplace where your products sit alongside other sellers’ listings. This environment can offer exposure through Etsy’s already existing customer base. In contrast, Shopify empowers you with a standalone online store, putting the reins of branding, design, and customer experience firmly in your hands. Review the pros and cons of Etsy v. Shopify to make your decision!
Etsy v. Shopify: The Pros and Cons
Etsy:
Pros:
- Strong community of artists and crafters.
- Built-in marketing tools and organic discovery.
- User-friendly product listing interface.
Cons:
- Listing, transaction, and payment processing fees.
- Less control over branding and store design.
- Limited depth in analytics.
Shopify:
Pros:
- Extensive customization options.
- Detailed analytics and reporting.
- Wide range of integrations and apps.
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fees.
- Requires more effort in driving traffic to the store.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
Overall, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Your Etsy v. Shopify choice will depend on your priorities, whether it’s community engagement, customization, or control over your brand. Whichever you choose, remember that success lies in passion, persistence, and a bit of entrepreneurial flair.
What’s Next for Building Your Kids Printable Shop?
Join the easy escape rooms course to learn how to create and list your own customized kids printables on Etsy. The course includes escape room templates, Canva and PowerPoint templates, an Etsy Quickstart guide, and more! Whether you are getting started on Etsy or Spotify, the easy escape rooms course is a perfect way to begin your printables journey! Get started today and begin your teacher entrepreneur journey selling kids printables.
