eBay, Etsy, and Amazon: Three giants stand out in the dynamic world of online marketplaces. They offer unparalleled opportunities for sellers, but they also come with unique fee structures and selling experiences.
For sellers in the Islamic products niche, understanding these differences is crucial. So let's delve into a comprehensive comparison of eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, focusing on the experiences they provide for Muslim sellers, and compare them to one of the fastest-growing Islamic marketplaces in the West: Riwaya.
The Market of Islamic Products
Muslim markets are more attractive than ever due to the continuous and constant growth of the Muslim population.
Did you know?
Today, there are about 2 billion Muslims worldwide, which is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030.
Islamic tradition places significant importance on trade and commerce, as they serve as avenues for meeting both individual needs and communal responsibilities. Offering Islamic products is a great way to serve our community.
Prophet Muhammed BPUH said “Engage in trade, for nine-tenths of sustenance is found therein“ (Sharhul Ihya)
General Rules for Selling Islamic Products
An Islamic product caters to the needs and interests of the Muslim community. These products must follow specific rules like:
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No forbidden substances: They must not have any alcohol, pork, or other forbidden ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.
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Modest imagery: Clothing designs should also respect Islamic principles and sellers must avoid any images or symbols that are considered offensive.
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Honest Pricing: sellers should be truthful about the prices of their products and how transactions work.
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Accurate Product Descriptions: sellers should honestly describe what their products are like so buyers know exactly what they're getting.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, "Indeed, the merchants will be raised on the Day of Resurrection as evildoers, apart from those who fear Allah and are sincere and honest." (Sahih at-Targhib)
Examples of Physical and Digital Products
Islamic products can be both physical and digital. Physical products include items like:
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Clothing: Modest clothing items like Hijabs, Abayas, and Thobes.
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Accessories: Prayer beads, Islamic jewellery, and headscarf pins.
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Prayer Rugs: regular prayer mats, travel prayer mats, …
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Home Decor: Islamic wall art, calligraphy, …
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Books: Physical copies of Islamic literature, including Quran and Hadith books.
While digital products include:
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eBooks: Educational and inspirational books on various Islamic topics.
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Audiobooks: Audio versions of Islamic literature for convenience.
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Nasheeds: Islamic songs and chants for spiritual enrichment.
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Online Courses: Educational courses on the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic studies.
- Gift Cards
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Digital Planners: Digital organisers with Islamic features, like prayer times.
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Printable Art: Downloadable art with Quranic verses and Islamic motifs.
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Worksheets: Educational materials for learning Arabic, Quranic studies, etc.
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Study Guides: Comprehensive guides for understanding Islamic subjects.
Why Sell Online?
The digital landscape breaks down geographical barriers, allowing you to reach Muslims worldwide. Through online marketplaces, buyers can browse and purchase Islamic products from the comfort of their own homes.
Did you know?
In 2022, retail e-commerce sales were estimated to exceed 5.7 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.
Additionally, established online marketplaces offer secure payment methods, which ensures safe and hassle-free transactions. Buying options such as PayPal, credit cards, and digital wallets give buyers flexibility.
Also, digital products, such as eBooks and online courses, present a lucrative opportunity for sellers.
Did you know?
Digital products are undergoing a remarkable rise, projected to reach $331 billion by 2027.
The digital-friendly nature of online platforms like Amazon and Etsy makes it easy for businesses to tap into this demand. Riwaya, a specialised Islamic marketplace, also provides a platform for sellers to offer digital products tailored to Muslim audiences.
Sell On an Islamic Marketplace
Now that you’re familiar with the Islamic products market, and the importance of selling online, it’s time to pick a platform. Most sellers will automatically choose sites like Amazon or eBay, and others will choose Etsy, but Muslims now have a new alternative: Riwaya.
Rather than competing with millions of sellers - and sometimes the platform itself - Muslims can now sell on a platform designed specifically for Muslims: Riwaya.
With Riwaya, the largest Islamic marketplace in the West, Muslim sellers and buyers can connect, with a platform tailored to their needs. Our focus on quality, trust, and a truly Islamic shopping experience ensures that your products gain visibility and reach the right audience.
Join Riwaya as a seller today, and showcase your Islamic products to the right audience.
Comparing Amazon vs. eBay vs. Etsy Fees
What makes Riwaya special is not just its Islamic features, but its seller-friendly fees that allow sellers to have the highest profit margins compared to any other marketplace.
Let’s have a look at our fees compared to other sites:
| Fees |
Amazon |
eBay |
Etsy |
Riwaya |
| Final Value Fees/Referral fees |
8%-45% |
12.8% |
6.5% |
5% |
| Payment Processing Fees |
2.9% + £0.24 |
£0.24 |
4% + £0.20 |
1.5% + £0.20 |
| Listing Fees |
£0.78 |
£0.28 |
£0.16 |
None |
| International Fee (UK) |
None |
2.4% |
0.32% |
None |
| Additional Costs (Ads, refunds, subscriptions) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Crowded Out |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Example:
Suppose you sell a digital product for £45 on Amazon (individual account), Etsy, eBay, and Riwaya, your profit will be as follows:
| Platform |
Product Price |
Fees |
Profit |
| Amazon |
£45 |
£8.94 |
£36.06 |
| eBay |
£45 |
£7.33 |
£37.67 |
| Etsy |
£45 |
£6.66 |
£38.34 |
| Riwaya |
£45 |
£3.12 |
£41.87 |
With only 5% fees when you make a sale, Riwaya's model is designed to be more seller-friendly.
Join Riwaya Today
Selling Islamic products online is not only a business opportunity but also a means to serve the global Muslim community. With Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Riwaya offering distinct selling experiences, you have a range of options to consider.
Assess your product range, target audience, and priorities to make an informed decision that will support your success as a seller in the Islamic products market.
Sell Islamic Products Online
Join Riwaya as a seller today, and showcase your Islamic products to the right audience. Your journey to success starts here.
Shop Islamic Products Online
Interested in Hijabs, Abayas, Thobes, and Islamic books? We offer everything from Islamic clothing and books to fragrances and halal food. Today is the day to start the best shopping experience!
Selling Online FAQs
Is it halal to sell online?
It is permissible to sell halal products online, as long as they follow Islamic guidelines. In fact, platforms such as Riwaya make it easier for sellers to reach their Muslim buyers.
What are the differences in fees between eBay and Amazon?
There are significant differences in fees between eBay and Amazon, depending on the category. Amazon's final value fees range from 8% to 45%, while eBay's is a flat 12.8%. Amazon also has payment processing fees of 2.9% plus £0.24, whereas eBay only charges £0.24. In terms of listing fees, Amazon charges individual accounts £0.78 per listing, while eBay charges only £0.28.
Does it cost more to sell on Etsy or Amazon?
The type of product would determine this. Amazon's fees vary by category, while Etsy charges 6.5% as a final value fee. Payment processing fees are higher on Etsy while listing fees are higher on Amazon.
What is the total number of buyers on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay?
The number of buyers on each platform is Amazon - 310 million, eBay - 187 million, and Etsy - 92 million.
