Amazon vs Etsy Fees Compared | Futureproof
Amazon FBA vs Etsy: Fees Compared
Compare the fee structures of Amazon FBA and Etsy side by side to find which platform gives you better margins.
Key Differences
Amazon FBA vs Etsy: What's Different?
Amazon and Etsy serve very different markets. Amazon is a mass-market megastore focused on convenience and speed, while Etsy is a curated marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. Amazon charges 8-15% referral fees plus FBA costs and a $39.99/month subscription. Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item (lasts 4 months), 6.5% transaction fee, 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee, and optionally 15% for Offsite Ads (mandatory once you exceed $10,000 in annual sales).
When you add up Etsy's fees, the total take rate is roughly 10-12% per sale (before Offsite Ads). Amazon's total take rate with FBA can be 25-35% depending on product size and category. On a pure fee basis, Etsy is significantly cheaper. However, Etsy's audience is a fraction of Amazon's size, and Etsy buyers expect unique, artisan products — not mass-produced goods.
The seller experience also differs dramatically. Etsy gives sellers a personalized storefront, direct messaging with buyers, and a community feel. Amazon treats sellers as interchangeable suppliers — the product listing is king, not the seller's brand. For makers and artisans, Etsy's ecosystem is purpose-built. For sellers sourcing products from manufacturers, Amazon's scale is unmatched.
Side-by-Side Calculator
Compare Fees on the Same Product
Enter Product Details (same product, both platforms)
Product Price
$
Cost of Goods
$
Shipping Cost
$
Amazon FBA
Total Fees $8.59
Profit
$9.40
31.3% margin
Etsy
Lower fees
Total Fees $3.30
Profit
$14.69
49.0% margin
Etsy saves you $5.29 in fees per sale
Fee Structure Comparison
| Fee Type | Amazon FBA | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| Referral / Commission | 15% | 6.5% |
| Payment Processing | Included | 3% + $0.25 |
| Fulfillment Fee | $3.22 | N/A |
| Monthly Subscription | None | None |
| Listing Fee | None | $0.20 |
Scenarios
Which Is Better For...
Best for handmade and artisan products
Etsy
Etsy's entire brand is built around handmade and unique products. Buyers come to Etsy specifically looking for items they can't find on Amazon. The lower fee structure means more margin on handmade goods that often have higher production costs. Etsy's search algorithm also favors genuine handmade items.
Best for mass-produced private label products
Amazon FBA
If you're sourcing products from manufacturers and selling under your own brand, Amazon is the better fit. Etsy technically requires items to be handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. Amazon welcomes private label products and provides the FBA infrastructure to scale quickly.
Best for sellers who want direct customer relationships
Etsy
Etsy allows direct messaging, personalized thank-you notes, and custom order requests. Sellers can build genuine relationships with repeat buyers. Amazon deliberately insulates sellers from customers, controlling all communication and owning the customer relationship.