Store vs marketplace
Shopify vs Etsy Fees UK
Shopify checkout looks cheap until you price the ads that replace Etsy traffic. Same product, two cost stacks.
Updated August 2026 · Fee assumptions
Use the calculator’s A/B tab. Scenario A = Etsy with ads % if you run Etsy ads. Scenario B = Shopify with a realistic ROAS. Monthly Shopify subscription is extra — add it mentally if volume is low.
Worked example
Handmade £55 / £18: Shopify wins on fees alone; add 12–18% ads and Etsy often wins until you have email repeats.
At a glance
| Channel | Fee shape | Hidden cost |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Listing + transaction + processing | Offsite ads |
| Shopify + Stripe | Card % + fixed | You buy the traffic |
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify cheaper than Etsy in the UK?
Per checkout, card fees usually beat Etsy’s listing + transaction + processing stack. Etsy supplies demand. Model store ads honestly in the A/B tab.
When should makers leave Etsy?
When repeat buyers can cover traffic cost and still beat Etsy take-home. Keep Etsy for discovery until that is true.
More UK fee guides
Cross-check the platforms you sell on — then open the calculator with the same product.