Whats the problem with Etsy & Why I’m Expanding to GoImagine
Why I Opened a GoImagine Shop & How It Compares to Etsy
If you've shopped on Etsy recently, you may have noticed a shift in the types of products appearing in search results. While Etsy markets itself as a handmade marketplace, many sellers are now listing mass-produced products from sites like Temu and Shein.
This change has made it harder for true handmade creators to stand out, and many shoppers are becoming frustrated with the growing number of low-quality, factory-made items filling the platform.
The Changing Landscape of Etsy
Etsy has long been known as a go-to marketplace for unique, handcrafted goods. However, as the platform has grown, so has the number of sellers offering cheap, imported products that don’t align with the original spirit of Etsy.
While Etsy does have policies regarding handmade goods, enforcement has become inconsistent, leaving many legitimate artisans feeling overshadowed by mass-produced merchandise.
For those of us who create genuine handmade products, it’s discouraging to see factory-made items dominating search results. Customers looking for truly handcrafted pieces often have to sift through countless listings that don’t meet Etsy’s original mission.
This shift is one of the main reasons I decided to explore a new platform—GoImagine.
Introducing GoImagine: A Marketplace for True Handmade Goods
GoImagine is a growing online marketplace that is dedicated exclusively to handmade products. Unlike Etsy, GoImagine has strict guidelines ensuring that every item sold on the platform is truly handmade—no print-on-demand, no mass-produced goods, and no questionable suppliers.
This means shoppers can trust that every purchase directly supports a small business or independent artisan.
Beyond its commitment to authentic handmade products, GoImagine stands out for another incredible reason: they donate 100% of their profits to charity. This mission-driven approach sets them apart from other e-commerce platforms, making each purchase even more meaningful.
GoImagine also fosters a community-oriented shopping experience. Sellers and buyers alike are drawn to the platform because of its ethical approach, and many artisans have found a sense of belonging within the marketplace.
Pros & Cons: GoImagine vs. Etsy
Etsy
✅ Large customer base, bringing in millions of shoppers daily
✅ Well-established marketplace with high brand recognition
✅ Wide range of product categories, including vintage and craft supplies
❌ Increasing number of mass-produced and low-quality items
❌ Higher fees and additional advertising costs for sellers
❌ Competition with large-scale manufacturers and resellers
❌ Little to no help from customer service
❌ Algorithm changes that prioritize mass-produced goods over handmade items
GoImagine
✅ 100% handmade marketplace—no mass-produced products allowed
✅ All platform profits go to charity, supporting children in need
✅ A growing community of dedicated handmade sellers and shoppers
✅ Amazing customer service, they will work with you personally until the issue is resolved
✅ More control for small businesses, without mass-market competition
❌ Smaller customer base (but rapidly expanding!)
❌ Still a newer platform, so traffic is not as high as Etsy (yet)
❌ Requires more effort to drive traffic to individual shops
Why I Made the Switch
With all these factors in mind, I’ve decided to open a GoImagine shop to give my customers another way to shop for my products. Right now, my shop is brand new, and I only have a few listings available. However, I’ll be slowly adding everything over time until my full collection is available on both platforms.
I understand that many customers are already familiar with Etsy and may prefer to continue shopping there. That’s why I will continue to maintain my Etsy shop while expanding my presence on GoImagine. The same products will be available in both shops, at the same price, so you can choose where you’d like to shop while continuing to support my small business.
How You Can Support Handmade Businesses
If you value quality craftsmanship and want to support independent makers, consider making GoImagine part of your shopping routine.
Here are a few ways you can help handmade businesses thrive:
Shop directly from artisan sellers rather than mass-produced listings on Etsy.
Spread the word about GoImagine and recommend it to friends and family.
Leave reviews and share your purchases on social media to help small shops gain visibility.
Be mindful of where your money goes—choosing to buy handmade ensures your purchase supports real artists rather than large-scale manufacturers.
Final Thoughts
The world of handmade e-commerce is changing, but thankfully, there are still platforms like GoImagine that truly prioritize artisans and their craft. If you’re looking for a more ethical, handmade-focused shopping experience, I highly recommend checking out GoImagine.
I’m excited to be a part of this growing community and would love for you to visit my new shop. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to continue sharing my work with you across both platforms!
BEFORE YOU GO:
Here are a few more posts you might like:
See my Link Party Directory for a current list of blog parties I attend each week.
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY – Please Read Freebies Terms of Use.
(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.)
~ SHARE THIS POST ~
Did you like this post? Do you know someone else who might enjoy it? Please take a minute to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media… Thank you!
Shop
