The Platform Dilemma
The "Etsy vs. Shopify" debate isn't about features; it's about Traffic vs. Margins. One gives you customers but taxes you heavily. The other gives you freedom but leaves you on a deserted island.
Etsy: The Mall
Etsy is like a crowded mall. The landlord (Etsy) brings people to the door, so they charge you high rent (Transaction Fees). It's great for starting because you don't need to be a marketing genius to get a sale.
Shopify: The Flagship Store
Shopify is a standalone building. You pay a flat mortgage (Subscription), but nobody walks by unless you pay for ads or build an audience. The fees are low, but the marketing difficulty is "Hard Mode".
Let's see who enters your pocket on $1,000 of sales (25 shirts).
On Etsy: You pay ~$95 in fees (Transaction + Listing + Payment).
On Shopify: You pay $29 (Sub) + ~$30 (Payment) = $59 total.
Verdict: Shopify saves you $36. BUT... did you have to spend $100 in Facebook Ads
to drive that traffic to Shopify? If so, Etsy was actually cheaper because their traffic was
"free" (organic search).
Migration FAQ
Technically no, you can start as a Sole Proprietor. However, Shopify Payments is stricter than Etsy about business details. An LLC helps protect your personal assets.
No. There is no "Search Shopify" bar for customers. You are building a standalone website. You are responsible for 100% of the traffic strategy.