Squarespace vs. Etsy vs. Shopify

Squarespace or Etsy or Shopify?

Shopify provides international support in 21 languages, owns exclusive dropshipping apps, and encourages selling on multiple platforms via sales channels.

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Why choose Shopify over Squarespace and Etsy

Key features
Free trialSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
24/7 supportSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Sell online and in-storeSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Business capitalSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Custom domainSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
SEO featuresSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
HostingSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Sell worldwideSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Multi-currency supportSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Mobile-friendlySquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Fraud protectionSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Integrated checkoutSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Integrated fulfillment networkSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Email marketing toolsSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
App StoreSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify
Mobile app for merchantsSquarespace
Etsy
Shopify

Start selling with Shopify today

Try Shopify for free, and explore all the tools and services you need to start, run, and grow your business.

Try Shopify free for 3 days, no credit card required. By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

7 things Shopify can do vs. Squarespace and Etsy

Provide international support

Shopify believes in making commerce better for everyone—and that means people around the world too. Unlike Etsy and Squarespace, which offer support in less than six different languages, Shopify’s support team is available in 21 languages. And that number will continue to grow.

Sell offline

When comparing Squarespace vs. Etsy in terms of POS systems, neither offers a first-party system. Etsy doesn’t offer POS at all. Squarespace has a partnership with Square to offer a POS to its merchants. However, Shopify has Shopify POS, which unifies both online and offline sales so you can get a clear snapshot on your business’ performance.

Offer exclusive dropshipping apps

Etsy doesn’t allow dropshipping on its platform. Squarespace has a few popular dropshipping apps. However, Shopify has those apps too—plus exclusive ones like Oberlo. Oberlo allows you to find products you can sell online without needing to buy bulk inventory. Plus, it has a forever-free plan.

Offer 100+ payment gateways

Neither Squarespace nor Etsy offer much more than 10 payment methods. If you’re outside of North America, the payment options you’re used to might not be available. However, Shopify offers over 100 payment gateways around the world, so you can allow customers to pay via the popular methods of that region.

Give access to business loans

When comparing Squarespace vs. Etsy in terms of financial support, neither offers business loans. Shopify currently offers loans for inventory, staffing, and marketing with no personal credit checks or lengthy application processes to those who need it. Repayment is done through a percentage of sales.

Extend your sales

Who has better sales channels: Squarespace vs. Etsy? Etsy doesn’t offer any and Squarespace offers only two. However, Shopify has numerous sales channels, such as Facebook, Google, Shop, Amazon, Messenger, Buy Button, and so much more. That way, you can extend your sales by promoting your products in multiple places.

Allow you to edit code

Etsy doesn’t allow you to edit code for your business. Squarespace only allows CSS editing. However, Shopify allows both CSS and HTML editing so you can make the changes you need to customize your website your way.

We’ve been able to build something in 3 years that a lot of brands haven’t actually gotten to in 10 years.

  • Cee Cee’s Closet NYC
  • Chioma

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Start selling with Shopify today

Try Shopify for free, and explore all the tools and services you need to start, run, and grow your business.

Try Shopify free for 3 days, no credit card required. By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Squarespace and Etsy?

Both Squarespace and Etsy are ecommerce platforms. Etsy is more of a marketplace for handmade and vintage products. On Squarespace, you can sell a wider range of products. Shopify is a commerce platform that offers both ecommerce and a first-party POS system for selling offline.

Which platform is better for fraud prevention: Squarespace vs. Etsy?

Neither Squarespace nor Etsy offer built-in fraud prevention. Fortunately, Shopify does. You’ll be able to see a risk assessment—low, medium, or high—to help you determine whether to fulfill an order or cancel it.

Which is better for ecommerce: Squarespace vs. Etsy?

Both Squarespace and Etsy are good for ecommerce. If you’re selling handmade goods or vintage products, you might choose Etsy, since you don’t need to market your products, as Etsy does that for you. On Squarespace, you’ll need to do your own marketing. On Shopify, you’ll also do your own marketing but you’ll own your customer list and have countless apps, features, tools, and products that help make selling online or offline easy. Shopify is an excellent choice for running an ecommerce business.

Page last updated: January 24, 2022

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