# TikTok Shop vs Etsy: Fees Compared

Compare the fee structures of TikTok Shop and Etsy side by side to find which platform gives you better margins.

## Key Differences

### TikTok Shop vs Etsy: What's Different?

TikTok Shop and Etsy represent two very different selling paradigms — social commerce vs. search-based marketplace. TikTok Shop charges a commission of 5-8% depending on category with no monthly fee. Etsy charges $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fee, 3% + $0.25 payment processing, and potentially 15% Offsite Ads.

On a $40 handmade product, TikTok Shop takes roughly $2-3.20 in commission. Etsy takes approximately $0.20 + $2.60 + $1.45 = $4.25 in fees. TikTok Shop's base platform fees are lower. However, TikTok Shop sellers often pay affiliate commissions (10-20%) to creators who promote their products, which can make the total cost per sale similar to or higher than Etsy's.

The discovery models are fundamentally different. Etsy buyers search with intent — "handmade ceramic mug" or "custom pet portrait." TikTok Shop sales happen through content discovery — a creator demonstrates a product in a video that goes viral. Etsy delivers consistent, predictable sales driven by search demand. TikTok Shop can deliver explosive sales spikes but with less consistency. Many creative sellers use both: Etsy for steady baseline revenue and TikTok Shop for viral growth opportunities.

## Compare Fees on the Same Product

### Enter Product Details (same product, both platforms)

- **Product Price**: $ 
- **Cost of Goods**: $ 
- **Shipping Cost**: $

### TikTok Shop

- **Total Fees**: $2.40
- **Profit**: $15.59
- **Margin**: 52.0%

### Etsy

- **Total Fees**: $3.30
- **Profit**: $14.69
- **Margin**: 49.0%

TikTok Shop saves you $0.90 in fees per sale.

## Fee Structure Comparison

| Fee Type            | TikTok Shop | Etsy           |
|---------------------|-------------|-----------------|
| Referral / Commission| 8%          | 6.5%           |
| Payment Processing   | Included    | 3% + $0.25     |
| Fulfillment Fee      | N/A         | N/A            |
| Monthly Subscription  | None        | None           |
| Listing Fee          | None        | $0.20          |

## Which Is Better For...

### Best for products that demonstrate well on video

TikTok Shop products with visual appeal or satisfying demonstrations — like art supplies, beauty tools, unique gadgets, or before/after transformation products — thrive on TikTok Shop. The video format showcases products better than Etsy's static photos. If your product has a 'must-see-it-in-action' quality, TikTok Shop's format is superior.

### Best for custom and personalized products

Etsy's search functionality lets buyers find exactly what they're looking for — 'custom name necklace' or 'personalized wedding gift.' TikTok Shop isn't built for custom order workflows. Etsy supports personalization options, buyer-seller messaging for specifications, and a checkout flow designed for made-to-order items.

### Best for craft supplies and materials

Craft supply buyers search with specific intent — '8mm glass beads' or 'Merino wool yarn.' Etsy has a massive craft supply category with dedicated search filters. TikTok Shop's discovery model doesn't serve this niche well; nobody scrolls TikTok looking for specific crafting materials.