Etsy

• Business Management Tools
• Hassle-Free Shipping
• Seamless Payments
• Search Features
• Additional Features

Business Management Tools

While simple, Etsy has created a number of tools and provides resources to maximize exposure and traffic based on targeted searches by prospective buyers. These tools increase flexibility and potential to maximize profits. Resources include the following:

• Business management from anywhere: Etsy has the "Sell on Etsy" app which allows business owners to manage orders, update items, and respond to customers from mobile devices.
• Promotional tools: Whether it is through social media or other forms of exposure, Etsy provides sellers with the ability to promote their listing to drive and even increase traffic.

Hassle-Free Shipping

Sellers do not need to worry about the logistics of shipping because shipping labels can be printed directly from Etsy. Sellers who use Etsy also receive discounted pricing on USPS postage. Etsy also previously rolled out a buyer Free Shipping Guarantee for U.S. orders over $35.

Seamless Payments

Etsy takes care of all payment processing so the seller does not have to worry about it.

Search Features

Etsy isn't just for those looking to host an online shopping cart. It has created a platform that is easy for consumers to navigate and purchase products. Consumers can search the entire e-commerce platform and browse through various categories and products to find exactly what they are looking for at a price they are willing to pay. Not only does Etsy come with descriptive categories, consumers can also use advanced search options to narrow results and cut down on browsing time. Each category also comes with sub-categories to provide a more targeted shopping experience.

Additional Features

Etsy also offers order and negative feedback management, which can help a lot in the marketplace if a problem arises. It also leaves the ability to leave a review, for a customer to express their opinion. The general idea of these features seemed to be based on feedback from merchants, to improve the website. 

• Fees
• Privacy
• Third Parties

Just like any other e-commerce platform, there are some areas that could be improved.

Fees

There are additional fees that come with selling on Etsy. After a "store" is created by business owners, it will cost them $0.20 per listing. There are no limits to these listings, but the seller will need to cover listing costs. This listing will remain on the market for four months or until the item is sold. After the four months is up, the seller will need to pay for the listing again. Etsy costs include the following:

• Transaction fees - 5 percen of the listing price (this includes the charge for shipping and gift wrapping)
• Shipping costs - to be covered by buyer or seller
• Quarterly listing costs - 20 cents

Privacy

Users have expressed concerns regarding their privacy. In late 2013, Etsy created a feature that allowed users' buying and selling histories to be searched which traced transactions. This meant that Etsy users were now connected to others who had similar buying or selling histories. However, this feature was automatic and no permission was/is obtained by the user.

Third Parties

Customers who purchase products on Etsy should also be aware that sellers are now able to use third parties and factories. That also means that products can be drop shipped directly from manufacturers and no longer go through the seller. This can be deceiving since Etsy is known for being a platform for selling handmade products.