Pros and cons of Etsy, Folksy, Dawanda etc

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I'm sure this must have been done to death but I couldn't find any particularly recent threads...

I am inching my way towards setting up a small business making and then selling jewellery (silversmithing) and thought an online shop would be a good way to get started.

There seem to be pros and cons of different sites such as Etsy, Folksy, Dawanda etc such as dollars vs pounds, higher traffic vs getting lost in the vast numbers of necklaces, differing commission amounts and so on.

Would anyone be prepared to share their experience of online craft selling please? Is there a particular site that has worked better for you than others you have tried and if so, what is good about it or what are the pitfalls of other sites?

I really appreciate any advice you can share - thanks so much.

I used Etsy, Folksy and EBay. A friend of mine uses Big Cartel, I think it's called.

You'll get lots of traffic on Etsy but mostly from overseas which might not matter for jewellery. I sell large items so it doesn't work for me, although the sellers tools are excellent. Folksy is the UK equivalent which isn't as well known so less traffic but I think it's getting there. eBay is expensive to sell on and not that great for individually made, creative pieces. Big cartel allows you to create a lovely bespoke website for yourself but you have to publicise it completely independently.

You could also try Not on the Highstreet, which is very well known but they're super picky about everything so you don't don't much control over your branding.

Hope that helps!

Not on the highstreet is curated so there is a selection process involved. Plus it costs approx £500.00s to join. HTH!

Thanks for the responses - really useful.

I hadn't heard of Big Cartel so investigating that as a possible option. Not on the High Street is interesting too - obviously it is really well known and looks very professionally run (from the buyers point of view) but I can't believe what a difference there is in fees for sellers between them and Etsy/Folksy. And the added aspect of the selection process. Definitely food for thought...

Thanks again for your insights.