Many small sellers now list the same products on Etsy and on TikTok Shop. The two platforms charge in very different ways: Etsy has several smaller fees that add up, while TikTok Shop has one main referral fee but often a much bigger cost in creator commissions. Looking only at the headline percentage gives the wrong answer.
This guide compares both on the same item, using TikTok Shop's official US referral fee table (updated October 8, 2026) and Etsy's Fees & Payments Policy, both checked in November 2026. Run your own numbers with the TikTok Shop fee calculator and the Etsy fee calculator.
The fees in one table (US sellers)
| Etsy | TikTok Shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Listing | $0.20 per listing (and per renewal or extra unit sold) | None |
| Sale fee | 6.5% transaction fee on item + shipping | 6% referral fee for most categories (5% for some jewelry and pre-owned) |
| Payment processing | 3% + $0.25 on the order total | Included in the referral fee; no separate per-order fee listed |
| Ads you don't control | Offsite Ads: 15% (12% for shops over $10,000 a year) on attributed orders, capped at $100 | None, but creator (affiliate) commission when you choose to offer it |
Same item, both platforms
Take a $25 item with free shipping. It costs $8 to make and $5 to post.
| Line | Etsy | TikTok Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Platform fees | −$2.83 | −$1.50 |
| Item and postage | −$13.00 | −$13.00 |
| Profit | $9.17 | $10.50 |
Etsy's fees: $0.20 listing + 6.5% of $25 ($1.63) + 3% of $25 plus $0.25 ($1.00) = $2.83. TikTok Shop's fee: 6% of $25 = $1.50. On a normal sale, TikTok Shop leaves about $1.33 more.
Where the picture changes
Creator commissions on TikTok Shop
Much of TikTok Shop's volume comes from creators who promote products for an affiliate commission that you set. The commission comes out of your price:
- At 10% ($2.50), your profit drops from $10.50 to $8.00.
- At 20% ($5.00), it drops to $5.50.
The calculator shows the highest commission you can offer before the sale stops making money.
Offsite Ads on Etsy
If an Etsy buyer arrives through one of Etsy's Offsite Ads, another 15% (12% for larger shops) is charged on that order. On the $25 item, that is $3.75, and the profit falls from $9.17 to $5.42. Our Offsite Ads guide explains who can opt out.
Shipping charged to the buyer
Both platforms charge their percentage on shipping the buyer pays. On TikTok Shop, $5 of buyer-paid shipping raises the fee base to $30 and the referral fee to $1.80. On Etsy, the 6.5% transaction fee and the 3% processing fee both include shipping too.
Which should you choose?
- Per sale, without promotion: TikTok Shop's single fee is usually lower than Etsy's combined fees on the same price.
- With creators: a 10–20% affiliate commission usually costs more than all of Etsy's fees together. It can still be worth it if creators bring sales you would not get otherwise.
- Buyer intent: Etsy shoppers search for handmade and vintage items; TikTok buyers often discover products in videos. Many sellers keep both and price each for its own costs.
Rates change on both platforms. Some websites have reported a higher TikTok Shop rate from August 2026, but the official US table checked in November 2026 still shows 6% for most categories, so check Seller Center for the rate on your account.
FAQ
Is TikTok Shop cheaper than Etsy?
On a plain sale, usually yes: 6% referral fee against about 11% in combined Etsy fees on a $25 item. With creator commissions, TikTok Shop often costs more.
Does TikTok Shop charge a listing fee?
No. TikTok's US referral fee page lists no listing fee and no fixed per-order fee.
Do both platforms charge fees on shipping?
Yes. TikTok includes buyer-paid shipping in the referral fee base, and Etsy's transaction and processing fees both include shipping.
Are sales taxes included in the fees?
TikTok's referral fee excludes tax. Etsy's transaction fee excludes US sales tax, but its payment processing fee is charged on the total including tax.
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By Muhammad Shujah Uddin Qazi · Fees change; always check the platform's official fee page.