Where to Sell Printables and Digital Downloads: Etsy and the Alternatives Compared
5 min read
Quick answer
- Marketplaces (like Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers) bring their own shoppers.
- Checkout tools (like Gumroad, Payhip or Ko-fi) sell to traffic you bring yourself.
- Many printable sellers use more than one. Compare fees, discovery and delivery before you pick.
Marketplace vs. your own checkout: what's the difference
A marketplace has shoppers already browsing, so people who have never heard of you can find your printable. A checkout tool gives you a sales page and delivery, but you bring the visitors from social media, email or your site.
Neither is better for everyone. If you have no audience yet, built-in shoppers matter more. If you already have followers, a simple checkout may be enough. For tips on packaging your files, see How to Sell Digital Products Online.
Platforms compared
| Platform | Type | Built-in shoppers | How fees work | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Marketplace | Yes | $0.20 USD listing fee per listing; 6.5% transaction fee on the order total; payment processing and optional ads are extra | Sellers who want marketplace search traffic |
| Teachers Pay Teachers | Marketplace (education) | Yes | Not verified today; check their current pricing page | Classroom printables |
| Gumroad | Checkout + Discover marketplace | Partly (Discover) | 10% + $0.50 per sale through your profile or direct links; 30% per sale when new customers find you through Discover; no monthly charges | Creators selling to their own audience |
| Payhip | Checkout / own store | No | Free Forever: $0/mo + 5% transaction fee; Plus: $29/mo + 2%; Pro: $99/mo, no transaction fee; PayPal/Stripe fees apply on all plans | Sellers who want a free store with a lower fee at volume |
| Ko-fi | Creator page + shop | No | Standard: $0/month + 5% service fee on shop sales; Gold: $12/month, 0% service fee; standard payment processor fees also apply | Creators already getting tips or memberships |
Fees checked on Nov 3, 2026 on each platform's own pricing or help page. Fees change, so check before you decide. Payment processing fees (Stripe, PayPal, card fees) are separate and not included here.
Which platforms have no monthly fee?
Several start free and take a per-sale fee instead: Gumroad (no monthly charges), Payhip's Free Forever plan and Ko-fi Standard all show $0 per month on their own pricing pages. Etsy charges per listing and per sale; see its fee page for details. Always check each platform's current pricing page.
Fees on low-priced printables, worked example
Fixed per-sale fees take a bigger share of cheap items. Here is one $3.00 printable sold once, using only the fees above (before payment processing):
- Etsy: $0.20 listing + (6.5% × $3.00 = $0.195) = $0.395, about 13% of the price.
- Gumroad (direct link): (10% × $3.00 = $0.30) + $0.50 = $0.80, about 27%.
- Gumroad (via Discover): 30% × $3.00 = $0.90, 30%.
- Payhip Free Forever: 5% × $3.00 = $0.15, 5%.
- Ko-fi Standard: 5% × $3.00 = $0.15, 5%.
The same Gumroad direct-link fee on a $20.00 item is $2.00 + $0.50 = $2.50, or 12.5%. That's why bundling cheap files often makes sense. Remember that fees are only part of the picture: a platform with built-in shoppers may bring sales you wouldn't get on your own.
Can I sell on more than one platform?
Yes. Many sellers list the same printables in several places, as long as each platform's terms allow it. Keep prices and file versions consistent so buyers aren't confused.
Protecting your files
No method is perfect. Watermarked previews, personalised PDFs (for example, the buyer's name in the footer) and clear license terms (personal vs. commercial use) deter casual sharing.
Listing on Stashly
Stashly is a marketplace where digital creators can open a storefront. It's free to sign up and free to post listings. Your printables can show up in digital products alongside your profile. For side-by-side notes, see Stashly vs Etsy and Stashly vs Gumroad.
Ready to list your first item?
Create a free Stashly profile, post your item and reach buyers who follow sellers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best Etsy alternative for digital products?
It depends on whether you need built-in buyers or just a checkout. Compare fees, discovery and delivery for your own situation.
Are there platforms with no monthly fee?
Yes. Gumroad, Payhip's free plan and Ko-fi Standard list $0 per month and charge per sale instead.
Do fees matter more on cheap printables?
Yes. A fixed per-sale charge, like Gumroad's $0.50, is a much bigger share of a $3 item than a $20 item.
Can I stop people sharing my files?
Not completely. Watermarks, personalised PDFs and clear license terms help.