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Best Platforms to Sell Customized Products Online: Etsy vs Shopify vs Amazon Handmade

Best Platforms to Sell Customized Products Online: Etsy vs Shopify vs Amazon Handmade

by Roberts Mazkalnins in Blog Posts

Best Platforms to Sell Customized Products Online: Etsy vs Shopify vs Amazon Handmade

In 2025, launching a personalized product brand is easier than ever. With the rise of Print-On-Demand (POD) services and intuitive eCommerce tools, more creators are learning how to sell customized products online without needing inventory, shipping staff, or up-front manufacturing costs.

But which platform is the best fit? In this guide, we compare Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon Handmade across setup, fees, traffic, customization, and Print-On-Demand compatibility.

Best Platforms to Sell Customized Products Online: Etsy vs Shopify vs Amazon Handmade

Etsy: Fastest Start with Built-In Buyers

Etsy remains the go-to for handmade and personalized goods. With low setup requirements and access to millions of buyers, it's ideal for beginners. It supports full Print-On-Demand automation using platforms like AlerioPrint, Printify, or Gelato.

Pros:

  • Built-in traffic from 90M+ shoppers
  • Fast store setup, no coding needed
  • Perfect for testing niche POD products

Cons:

  • 6.5% transaction fee + listing and ad costs
  • Limited store design control

New sellers can take advantage of AlerioPrint’s free Etsy seller course to learn how to set up listings, connect POD tools, and grow sales. Find it at AlerioPrint.com.

Shopify: Full Brand Control for Scalable Growth

Shopify offers a standalone store with custom branding, domains, and marketing tools. It’s ideal for creators ready to scale or build a brand identity beyond marketplaces.

Pros:

  • Full creative control over design and branding
  • Integrates with AlerioPrint, Printify, and others
  • No listing fees or commissions

Cons:

  • No built-in traffic (requires marketing)
  • Monthly subscription fees starting at $39

Shopify is best suited for long-term sellers looking to grow a catalog and use email, SEO, or ads to reach customers.

Amazon Handmade: Artisan Products in the World’s Largest Marketplace

Amazon Handmade gives creators access to Amazon’s customer base, but it comes with strict rules. Sellers must apply for approval and demonstrate that their items are handcrafted or customized.

Pros:

  • Massive built-in traffic via Amazon search
  • Potential access to Prime buyers
  • No monthly seller fee for Handmade accounts

Cons:

  • 15% referral fee on each sale
  • Limited automation with POD
  • Approval process can take weeks

Amazon Handmade is suitable for artisans with the ability to fulfill custom orders manually or through FBA workarounds.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature Etsy Shopify Amazon Handmade
Setup Speed Fast Moderate Slow (approval required)
Traffic Source Built-in search User-driven (ads, SEO, social) Built-in marketplace
POD Integration ✅ AlerioPrint, Printify, Gelato ✅ AlerioPrint, Printify, Gelato ⚠️ Limited / manual setup
Fees Listing + 6.5% + payment $39+/month + transaction fees 15% referral per item
Best For Beginners, testing ideas Scalable branding, long-term Artisans with handmade stock

Which Platform Is Best to Sell Customized Products Online?

  • Etsy – Best for launching quickly and tapping into ready-to-buy traffic
  • Shopify – Best for brand-building and full marketing control
  • Amazon Handmade – Best for makers with handcrafted products and no need for automation

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to sell customized products online depends on your goals. Etsy is unbeatable for fast launches. Shopify wins for long-term growth and control. Amazon Handmade brings reach, but with complexity and restrictions.

For sellers using Print-On-Demand—especially in the tech accessories niche—AlerioPrint provides unmatched speed, pricing, and product quality. With support for Shopify and Etsy, plus a free training course, it’s an ideal POD partner in 2025.

Explore product templates, fulfillment options, and launch your store today at AlerioPrint.com.

Are you ready to start your Print-On-Demand journey?

START HERE
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