Is Etsy Over Saturated? | A Complete Guide

  • By: Reece Williams
  • Date: March 8, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.

The idea of starting a business has become more attractive to people than ever before, thanks to the increasing popularity of platforms like Etsy. It has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and creatives to make a living by selling their handmade items and vintage products.

However, the increasing competition on Etsy raises questions about the viability of the platform. Is the marketplace over saturated? How can sellers stand out in such a competitive environment? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the increasing competition on Etsy, as well as strategies and tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Introduction to Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items, vintage products, and craft supplies. It was founded in 2005 and has since become a popular destination for creative entrepreneurs and buyers alike. It’s estimated that more than 2.5 million sellers use the platform, with more than 60 million products available for sale.

Since its inception, Etsy has become an invaluable resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s an easy way to start selling products without having to build an eCommerce website or figure out complicated payment processing. Plus, Etsy’s fees are relatively low compared to other eCommerce platforms.

Is Etsy Over Saturated?

The increasing number of sellers on Etsy has made the marketplace more competitive than ever. As of 2020, there are more than 2.5 million active Etsy sellers, with over 60 million products for sale. This means that the competition for buyers’ attention has become intense.

However, it’s important to note that the increasing competition doesn’t necessarily mean that Etsy is over saturated. Despite the high number of sellers, Etsy is still growing, and the vast majority of sellers make a profit. This suggests that there’s still plenty of room for new sellers to join the platform and make a living.

The Pros and Cons of the Increasing Competition on Etsy

The increasing competition on Etsy has both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it can be beneficial for buyers, as it encourages sellers to create better products and offer better prices. On the other hand, it can be difficult for sellers to stand out in such a crowded marketplace.

The Pros:

  1. More choices for buyers: The increasing competition on Etsy means that buyers have more choices when it comes to selecting products. This can be beneficial for them, as it gives them the opportunity to compare different products and find the best deal.
  2. Lower prices: With more sellers competing for buyers’ attention, prices tend to go down, which is beneficial for buyers.
  3. Improved customer service: The increasing competition encourages sellers to provide better customer service. This can be beneficial for buyers, as it ensures that their orders are processed quickly and efficiently.

The Cons:

  1. Difficult to stand out: With so many sellers competing for buyers’ attention, it can be difficult for new sellers to stand out.
  2. Lower margins: With more sellers competing for buyers’ attention, margins tend to go down, which can be a challenge for sellers.
  3. Increased customer expectations: The increasing competition means that customers expect higher levels of service, which can be difficult to maintain.

Strategies to Stand Out in the Increasing Competition

With so many sellers competing for buyers’ attention, it can be difficult to stand out. However, there are some strategies that you can use to make sure that your shop is seen and your products are bought. Here are a few tips for standing out in the increasing competition on Etsy:

  1. Optimize your shop: Make sure to optimize your shop for search engines and use keywords that buyers are likely to use. This will help you show up in more search results and get more visibility.
  2. Offer discounts: Discounts are a great way to attract buyers and stand out from the competition. You can offer discounts on specific products or categories, or give buyers a discount code to use at checkout.
  3. Offer free shipping: Offering free shipping is another great way to attract buyers and stand out from the competition. This is especially important if your competitors are offering paid shipping.
  4. Create bundles: Creating bundles is an effective way to increase your average order value and stand out from the competition. You can bundle similar products together or create a special bundle for a holiday or event.
  5. Offer customization: Offering customization is another great way to stand out from the competition. You can offer customizable products or allow buyers to customize existing products.

Tips and Tricks for Increasing Your Reach

In addition to standing out from the competition, it’s important to focus on increasing your reach. Here are a few tips and tricks for increasing your reach on Etsy:

  1. Use social media: Social media can be a great way to promote your shop and increase your reach. You can use platforms like Instagram and Twitter to post updates about your shop and share your products with potential buyers.
  2. Leverage influencers: Influencers can be an effective way to reach new audiences and increase your reach. You can collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your products and reach new buyers.
  3. Run promotions: Running promotions is another effective way to reach new buyers and increase your reach. You could offer discounts, giveaways, or special offers to attract new buyers to your shop.
  4. Participate in Etsy teams: Joining Etsy teams is a great way to network with other sellers and increase your reach. You can share your products with other members of the team, as well as participate in team-related events and activities.
  5. Utilize paid advertising: Paid advertising is another great way to reach new buyers and increase your reach. You can use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach potential buyers.

Conclusion

The increasing competition on Etsy can be both beneficial and challenging for sellers. While it can be difficult to stand out in such a crowded marketplace, there are strategies and tips that you can use to make sure that your shop is seen and your products are bought.

By optimizing your shop, offering discounts, offering free shipping, creating bundles, offering customization, and utilizing paid advertising, you can increase your reach and stand out from the competition.

It’s also important to remember that the increasing competition doesn’t necessarily mean that Etsy is over saturated. Despite the high number of sellers, Etsy is still growing and the vast majority of sellers make a profit. This suggests that there’s still plenty of room for new sellers to join the platform and make a living.

How To Increase Your Store's Visibility On Etsy

Previous Post

How To Increase Your Store’s Visibility On Etsy | A Complete Guide

Next Post

How to Sell Feet Pics on Etsy| Complete Guide On How To Sell Feet Pics In 2023