Astal vs. Etsy Comparison

If you want to sell or buy online handmade or vintage items and craft supplies, then Etsy is a very popular place for that. According to Statista, in 2023, Etsy generated revenues worth 2.7 billion U.S. dollars.

However, independent sellers have become very unsatisfied and are deciding to leave Etsy in large numbers, due to the increase of fees they need to pay in order to sell on the platform. Fees charged to Etsy's artists and craftspeople have certainly doubled (or even tripled) over the last couple of years. With the global eCommerce market projected to reach $4.8 trillion in 2025,  all business owners are exploring innovative platforms that offer more control, reduced transaction fees, and decentralisation.

This is where Astal comes in: a blockchain-powered alternative that challenges the traditional eCommerce model by providing enhanced security and transparency.

So, which platform is better for your business?

This article explores the key differences between Astal and Etsy, helping you decide which platform best suits your needs. We will talk about things like fees, payments, and how each platform works. Let’s get started.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is a popular online marketplace where people buy and sell handmade, vintage, and unique items. It was launched in 2005 and is well-known around the world. On Etsy, you can open a shop and start selling your products easily. It’s a great place for small business owners, creatives, and artists who want to reach many buyers quickly.

However, Etsy is a centralised platform, which means the company controls how the platform works. They set the rules, handle payments, and can remove your shop or products if they think something is wrong.

What is Astal?

Astal is a blockchain marketplace (an platform that’s built on blockchain technology) that allows people to buy and sell goods directly without any middleman. It ensures privacy, low fees, and no interference from third parties. Unlike Etsy —and other eCommerce platform or marketplace— Astal leverages blockchain technology to provide greater transparency, security, and absolutely full control over transactions. It completely eliminates intermediaries, allowing merchants to create a store on the platform, and connect directly with their customers while completely reducing transaction costs.

‍

Astal vs. Etsy: Feature Comparison

As a seller, choosing the right platform can affect your profits, control, and overall experience. Here’s how Astal and Etsy compare when it comes to things that matter most to sellers:

As a shopper, you want a safe, easy, and enjoyable experience. Let’s look at how Etsy and Astal compare when it comes to shopping features:

Why Choose Astal?

Online shopping is changing, and new platforms like Astal use blockchain technology to offer better benefits for businesses and their customers. Astal is a great choice over traditional eCommerce platforms, both for you who want to sell and you who want to shop online!

Selling on Astal

Astal gives online sellers full control, lower fees, and a secure, transparent marketplace free from platform restrictions and middleman.

Shopping on Astal

Astal offers online shoppers better privacy, fair pricing, and secure, transparent transactions without hidden fees or data tracking.

Final Thought

Both Astal and Etsy help people buy and sell online unique, creative, and handmade products. But Astal is built for the future of eCommerce.

If you're a seller, Astal gives you something Etsy can't: much lower fees, direct payments without delays or restrictions and complete control over your shop. No middlemen, no surprise charges, just you and your customers.

If you're a shopper, Astal gives you a safer, more private, and transparent experience. You can shop confidently without worrying about hidden fees or your data being tracked.

While Etsy is a familiar name, Astal Marketplace is the smarter choice for anyone who wants more freedom, better value, and a modern way to trade online.

Discover the difference today - visit www.astal.io