Handmade Sellers Build Their Own Marketplace As “Better Than Etsy” Prepares For Launch

After years of rising fees, sudden shop suspensions and a decline in seller support on Etsy, two UK business owners have decided to take matters into their own hands. Rebecca and Johnny Shaw, long time handmade sellers with multiple successful online shops, are preparing to launch a new alternative marketplace: Better Than Etsy.

Designed by sellers, for sellers, Better Than Etsy aims to offer a fairer, more transparent platform for creatives across the UK and beyond. The marketplace is currently in development, with a rapidly growing waitlist of makers ready to join ahead of its beta roll out and full launch in 2026.

Rebecca and Johnny were prompted to start building the platform after their own experiences with unexpected Etsy shop closures and rising selling costs at the busiest time of year. Seeing thousands of other small businesses facing the same issues, they began developing a platform that puts creators back in control.

“Etsy changed everything for handmade sellers but it’s time for a platform that puts makers first again,” say the Shaws. “Better Than Etsy is built on fair fees, transparent policies and a community first approach. No more fear of sudden bans or losing your livelihood overnight.”

Better Than Etsy will feature multiple membership tiers suitable for hobbyists, part-time sellers and full-time businesses, alongside tools for marketing, analytics, education and shop management.

Handmade sellers can join the early waitlist to secure founding member status and early access to the beta programme.