Are Website Costs Worth It? A Cost Comparison for Online Sellers

Why More Sellers Are Moving Off Etsy and Whatnot

If you're a small seller on Etsy, Whatnot, or another platform, chances are you've gotten that cha-ching moment. A sale comes in, you celebrate... and then you see how much you actually made.

Between platform cuts, transaction fees, and surprise add-ons like advertising commissions or payment processing percentages, a big portion of your revenue is going somewhere else. And the more you grow, the more that hurts.

Those platforms have their place. They can help you get started, build an audience, and test the waters. But eventually, they start to take more than they give.

That's where having your own e-commerce site comes in.

This blog is all about demystifying that shift: breaking down the real costs of selling on marketplaces, comparing them to the real (and manageable) costs of running your own website, and helping you decide if it's time to make the move.

How Much Selling on Etsy, Whatnot, and eBay Really Costs You

Let's talk numbers. Here's a simplified breakdown of what common selling platforms might take from your sale:

Etsy

• $0.20 per listing
• 6.5% transaction fee
• ~3% + $0.25 payment processing fee
• Optional ad fees

Whatnot

• 8% commission
• ~3% + $0.30 payment processing fee
• Pressure to discount to go live or stay competitive

Other Platforms

• eBay: 10-15%
• Poshmark: Flat 20% on sales over $15
• Mercari: 10% + payment processing fees

So if you're selling $10,000 a year, these platforms will take $1,200 - $1,900 in fees.

On top of that, you're renting space in their marketplace where you're one of thousands. Your brand is limited by their templates, your SEO builds their authority, and you have little control over how buyers find you.

What It Really Costs to Run Your Own E-Commerce Website

Cost is a valid concern and I don't believe in sugarcoating. Here's what you'll realistically pay to run your own e-commerce site:

• Domain: ~$15/year
• Hosting: ~$300/year
• Payment Processing (unavoidable with any card processor): ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Website Build with Threadlined Presence: Starting at $1,000 for a simple site

Total First-Year Investment: ~$1,515

Ongoing Yearly Investment after Year 1: ~$600

Plus, unlike marketplaces, these costs don't scale with your success. The more you sell, the more you keep!

Beyond the savings, you also gain:

Creative Control:  No more design limits or product page templates. Want to run a sale, highlight a best-seller, or add a video tutorial? You can!

Ownership:  You're building your brand, your audience, your email list. Not someone else's.

Professionalism:  A standalone site gives you instant credibility. Customers take you more seriously when they can visit yourshop.com instead of shop.com/you.

Better Customer Experience:  No distractions, unwanted ads, or "similar products" leading buyers away from your shop. It's just you and your work at the center of the stage.

More Possibilities:  Pre-orders, bundles, wholesale inquiries, wedding registries, content marketing, affiliate partnerships, and more - allowing your site to grow with you.

How I'm Using Custom Websites for My Own Projects

This isn't just something I pitch. I believe in it. Here's how I'm putting it into practice behind the scenes.

Ebeus33 (TCG Cards)

My partner is a passionate collector and seller of Pokémon cards. After selling through Whatnot and eBay, he's shifting to his own site to avoid fees and present a more curated experience for serious buyers. With his own site, he can feature slabs, offer PSA grading services, and build trust over time.

My Wedding Website

I got engaged!!! I explored Zola and The Knot, but I wasn't liking their cookie-cutter templates with limited sections and customization. I want something personal, beautiful, and totally customizable. So I've decided to design it myself!

Crochet Side Hustle

I've sold handmade goods before, but Etsy's fees eat into already-thin margins. As someone who wants full control over drops, commissions, and storytelling? A custom shop just makes more sense!

Ready to Start Your Own Website?

I started Threadlined Presence to help small businesses and creative sellers step into their own space online without the overwhelm or agency price tag.

Whether you're ready to launch an online shop, redesign an existing site, or just want someone to walk through the options with you, I'm here for it.

Together we can build a site that reflects your brand, works with your budget, and leaves room for growth.

Contact me today to book a free consult!