Etsy vs Teachers Pay Teachers: Honest Comparison
Two options, side by side, with the real costs and the honest downsides. No hype, just what I'd want my own family to know before they choose.
| Etsy | Teachers Pay Teachers | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4✓ | 3.5 |
| Monthly cost | $0 | $0 |
| Category | Online selling platform | Online selling platform |
| Pros | No monthly fee to open a shop; Huge built-in audience of shoppers; Great for crafts, art, vintage and digital downloads; Simple to set up and start listing | Huge audience of teachers already shopping; Make a resource once and sell it again and again; Low cost to start; Perfect for current and retired teachers |
| Cons | $0.20 listing fee per item, renewed every 4 months; 6.5% transaction fee on each sale, plus payment processing; Offsite Ads can take an extra 12% to 15% on some sales; Crowded marketplace with lots of competition | Basic Sellers keep only 55% of each sale; Higher payout needs a $59.95 yearly membership; Very crowded in popular subjects; Takes time to build a catalog that sells |
| Verdict | Etsy is one of the easiest ways to start selling creative products from home, with buyers already searching the site every day. Fees add up, so price your items with listing, transaction and processing fees in mind. | Teachers Pay Teachers is a natural fit if you've ever made your own classroom materials. Upgrade to the yearly membership once you're selling regularly so you keep more of each sale. |
Choose Etsy if you make handmade, vintage or digital creative products. Choose Teachers Pay Teachers if you create lesson plans and classroom resources.
Etsy
An online marketplace, founded in 2005, where people sell handmade goods, vintage items, craft supplies and digital downloads.
Teachers Pay Teachers
A marketplace where teachers and educators sell lesson plans, worksheets and classroom resources they create.
What I chose for my family
Tired of opportunities that promise everything and leave you on your own?
I was looking for something to help my family stop struggling to get by. The Home Business Academy is what I found. A done-for-you system, simple daily steps, and a community that actually shows up for you.
No hype. No fake screenshots. Just real people helping each other get started.
No pressure. Take a look and decide for yourself.