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Moving from Etsy to Shopify: What to Know Before You Switch
"Switching" doesn't have to mean leaving Etsy. Most sellers keep their Etsy shop running and add their own store next to it. This guide covers how to make that move without losing the sales you already have.
Signs it might be time
- Repeat customers ask if they can buy from you directly
- You have a following on social media sending people to your shop
- You'd like to email past customers about new products
- Marketplace fees or rule changes are making you nervous
What to move first
- Your best sellers. Start with the 5 to 10 products that sell most.
- Photos and descriptions. Rewrite descriptions a little rather than copying them word for word.
- Policies. Shipping, returns, and processing times.
- Reviews. Check Shopify's app store for tools that import reviews, and check Etsy's rules before you use them.
Shopify's app store has tools that can import Etsy listings. Read each app's reviews and pricing before installing.
Keep both shops in sync
If you sell the same item in both places, you can sell something twice when you only have one. Either keep separate stock for each shop, or use an inventory sync app.
Bring customers with you, fairly
Etsy has rules about directing Etsy buyers off the platform. Promote your own store through your own channels (social media, your website, packaging inserts where allowed) and read Etsy's current seller policy before you do anything else.
Mistakes to avoid
- Closing your Etsy shop before the new store has steady visitors
- Launching with every product at once instead of your best sellers
- Forgetting to set up shipping and tax settings in the new store
Before launch, run through our setup checklist.