Etsy vs Shopify Affiliates: Which Program Should You Join?

Trying to pick between Etsy vs Shopify affiliates but not sure which one aligns with your content niche? Both programs let you earn passive income by promoting trusted global brands, but they cater to completely different audiences and content types.

We’ve broken down every key detail—from commission rates to eligibility requirements—to help you choose the right affiliate program for your goals. Let’s dive in.

What Is the Etsy Affiliate Program?

Etsy’s affiliate program, officially called Etsy Partners, is managed via the Awin affiliate network. It lets you earn commission when readers click your unique affiliate link and purchase eligible products on Etsy within 30 days.

It’s best suited for creators in niches like DIY crafts, handmade goods, vintage finds, home decor, wedding planning, and personalized gifts. The average Etsy order value is ~$45, so commissions add up quickly if you have an audience interested in these products.

Etsy Affiliate Key Details

• Commission rate: 4% of net sale value (excludes taxes, shipping, and gift wrap)
• Cookie duration: 30 days
• Minimum payout: $20 via Awin (paid monthly)
• Eligibility: Apply via Awin, must have a website or social media account with relevant, high-quality content

What Is the Shopify Affiliate Program?

Shopify runs its affiliate program in-house, targeting creators who produce content about ecommerce, entrepreneurship, small business growth, and make-money-online topics. You earn commission when you refer a new user to sign up for a paid Shopify plan (Basic, Shopify, or Advanced).

You do not earn commission on free trials, app store purchases, or theme sales—only on qualifying paid plan subscriptions.

Shopify Affiliate Key Details

• Commission rate: 20% recurring monthly commission for the first 12 months of a referred user’s subscription, or a flat $150 one-time bounty per qualified signup (depending on your performance tier)
• Cookie duration: 30 days
• Minimum payout: $25 via PayPal or direct bank transfer (paid monthly)
• Eligibility: Apply via Shopify’s affiliate portal, must have a website or social media account focused on ecommerce/business content

Etsy vs Shopify Affiliates: Key Differences

Let’s compare the two programs side by side to highlight their core differences:

Commission Structure

Etsy offers product-based commissions: you earn 4% of every qualifying sale, no matter how many times the same user buys from your link. For a $50 handmade mug, you’d earn $2 per sale.

Shopify offers subscription-based commissions: you earn either 20% of the monthly plan fee for 12 months, or a flat $150 per signup. For a referred user on the $39/month Basic Shopify plan, that’s $7.80 per month for a year ($93.60 total) or $150 upfront.

Audience Fit

Choose Etsy if your audience is interested in:

• Handmade and vintage goods
• DIY projects and crafts
• Home decor and wedding planning
• Personalized gifts

Choose Shopify if your audience is interested in:

• Starting an online business
• Ecommerce and dropshipping
• Small business growth strategies
• Passive income and entrepreneurship

Payout and Eligibility

Etsy has a lower barrier to entry: Awin rarely rejects applicants with relevant niche content, even if you have low traffic. Shopify is more selective, preferring creators with established audiences in the business/ecommerce space.

Both programs have similar payout thresholds ($20 for Etsy, $25 for Shopify) and pay monthly.

Pros and Cons of Each Program

Etsy Affiliates

Pros:

• Easy to get approved for beginners
• Promote tangible products people already buy regularly
• No need to explain complex software to your audience
• 30-day cookie window

Cons:

• Low commission per sale (average $1.80 per order)
• No recurring commissions—earnings stop after one purchase
• Commission only applies to net sales (excludes shipping/taxes)

Shopify Affiliates

Pros:

• High earning potential per referral (up to $150 or $93+ recurring)
• Recurring commissions create long-term passive income
• Promote a globally trusted ecommerce brand
• Shopify provides free marketing assets and training resources

Cons:

• Higher barrier to entry (selective approval process)
• Longer conversion funnel (users take time to commit to a paid plan)
• No commission for free trials or app/theme purchases

Which Program Should You Choose?

Still torn between Etsy vs Shopify affiliates? Follow this quick guide:

• Pick Etsy if you create content for crafty, DIY, or home decor audiences, and want to start earning small commissions quickly.
• Pick Shopify if you create content for aspiring entrepreneurs, and want higher long-term earnings per referral.
• You can also join both programs if your content spans both niches—just make sure to disclose affiliate links properly per FTC rules.

As per Awin’s official publisher guidelines, all Etsy Partners must include clear affiliate disclosures on their content. Shopify also requires FTC-compliant disclosures for all affiliate promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join both Etsy and Shopify affiliate programs?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for both, you can promote both programs. This works best if your content covers both craft/DIY and ecommerce/business topics.

Do I need a website to join these programs?

Most affiliates apply with a website, but you can also use a high-traffic social media account (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) with consistent, relevant content. Shopify may ask for traffic proofs for social media-only applicants.

Which program pays more for beginners?

Etsy is easier for beginners to get approved and start earning small commissions quickly. Shopify takes longer to convert referrals but pays far more per qualified signup once you build trust with your audience.

What is the cookie duration for Etsy vs Shopify affiliates?

Both programs offer a 30-day cookie window. You’ll earn commission if a user makes a purchase (Etsy) or signs up for a paid plan (Shopify) within 30 days of clicking your affiliate link.

Ready to start earning with affiliate marketing? Pick the program that fits your niche, sign up today, and start creating content that converts. Have questions about either program? Drop them in the comments below!