Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace that focuses on handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies. It connects independent sellers with buyers seeking unique, handcrafted, or vintage products.

Founded in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik, and Jared Tarbell, Etsy began as a platform for artisans in Brooklyn, New York. It expanded into global markets and became known for its emphasis on creativity and small-scale production. The company went public in 2015 and is headquartered in Brooklyn.

Product categories include handmade goods, vintage items at least 20 years old, and craft supplies. Sellers open shops, list items with descriptions and photos, and manage pricing, shipping, and customer service. Etsy provides search and discovery features, reviews, and seller tools, as well as payment processing through Etsy Payments.

Fees and revenue: Etsy charges a listing fee for each item and collects a transaction fee on sales, along with payment processing charges. It offers advertising through Etsy Ads and a subscription program called Etsy Plus. In 2019 Etsy acquired Reverb for about $275 million.

Impact and criticism: Etsy has expanded access to independent makers and niche markets, but has faced criticism over matters such as counterfeit or mass-produced items slipping through policy, pricing pressure, and the performance of its search and recommendation algorithms.