Etsy and Shopify solve different commerce problems. Etsy is a marketplace with marketplace-specific listing, transaction and payment economics; Shopify is a merchant storefront platform with subscription, payment and operating costs.
Compare the same SKU
Hold selling price, COGS, fulfillment, shipping and return assumptions constant. Then change only the channel-specific costs. This avoids comparing a marketplace fee percentage with a Shopify payment rate as though they represent the same cost stack.
Traffic economics matter
Channel profitability is not determined by platform fees alone. Customer acquisition, conversion, repeat purchase behavior and advertising can materially change the result.
Decision framework
Use contribution profit per order and break-even together, then scenario-test realistic acquisition costs. The lower headline fee is not automatically the more profitable channel.
Run your own numbers
Fee schedules are only one part of profitability. Use your actual SKU economics and current seller terms.
Compare Etsy vs Shopify in the Engine Global Profit CalculatorFee-sensitive claims are reviewed against official marketplace documentation. Marketplace rules can change by country, category, plan and seller program; verify the current official terms before making a commercial decision.