Part 9/11:
Following an increase in transaction fees to 6.5% in April 2022, outrage among sellers reached new heights. Many opted to go on vacation mode, leaving the platform altogether, citing the unsustainable nature of rising costs. Ultimately, while Etsy's growth strategy aimed to bolster the company's profitability, it often sidelined the very artisans that contributed to its foundation.
Sellers have begun exploring alternatives such as community-made platforms and other e-commerce sites, or taking the plunge to create independent websites. The sense of community that once flourished on Etsy is beginning to migrate to social media and these alternative sites, where creators feel they can cultivate an audience without the risk of undue interruptions.