An Etsy alternative that puts your product on a real shelf
Etsy connects you to a global feed where everyone competes on photography and SEO. SideStore connects you to physical retailers whose customers are already in the door with their wallets out.
Why makers leave Etsy
Listing fees, transaction fees, ad fees, off-site fees, then a payout that lands two weeks later. Add the algorithm churn and the fact that customers never touch your product before buying. Many makers tell us they want a different distribution rail entirely, not a cheaper version of the same one.
How SideStore is different
There is no marketplace feed, no listing fee, no algorithm to game. Instead, you list your SKU once, propose it to a curated retailer, and your product sits on their shelf. The retailer keeps a transparent commission on each sale; you get paid into your Stripe wallet the same day.
Who this works best for
Ceramicists, jewellers, candlemakers, leather workers, textile designers, illustrators, stationery brands, perfumers and small accessories labels, anyone whose product benefits from being held, smelled or worn before purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper than Etsy?
It depends on volume. Most makers find SideStore more profitable per unit because there are no listing or ad fees, only a single platform fee on completed sales plus the retailer commission you negotiated.
Can I still keep my Etsy shop?
Yes. Many sellers use Etsy for online and SideStore for physical retail. The two are complementary, not exclusive.