So what really happens to your dollar when you purchase a knitting pattern online? How much of it goes to the site host? How much of it gets back to the designer?
This week I put out a video on my YouTube Channel called “How Pattern Designers Get Paid: Ravelry vs. Etsy” that answers all of these questions and more!
This video was made to be informative and objective, but a disclaimer: I don’t know it all! I did my best to include as much information as I could in the clearest way possible.
So here’s what you’ll find in the video:
- Quick Overview of Ravelry’s Fee Policy
- Quick Overview of PayPal’s Fee Policy
- Math Breakdown of a $6 pattern purchase on Ravelry
- Quick Overview of Etsy’s Fees
- Math Breakdown of a $6 pattern purchase on Etsy
- Side-by-Side Comparison of Ravelry vs. Etsy
- Consumer Pro’s and Con’s for both sites
- Tips for supporting your favorite designers
However, if video is not right for you, here’s a visual breakdown. You can also find this info as a printable Google Doc here.
Ravelry– All fees are based on a $6.00 US sale, payments received via PayPal.
| Fee | Fee Rate | Sample Fee Cost | Pattern Profit |
| Listing Fee | none | -$0.00 | $6.00 |
| Ravelry Sales Fee | 3.5%* | -$0.21 | $5.79 |
| PayPal Fixed Fee | $0.30 in US | -$0.30 | $5.49 |
| PayPal Transaction Fee | 2.9% in US | -$0.17 | $5.32 |
*Ravelry Sales Fee is assessed on monthly sales totals, not individual transactions. Monthly sales <$30 or >$1,500 are not subject to this fee. A 3% fee of EU sales occurs once you reach the >$1,500 threshold.
Etsy- All fees are based on a $6.00 US sale, payments received via Etsy.
| Fee | Fee Rate | Sample Fee Cost | Pattern Profit |
| Listing Fee | $0.20 | -$0.20 | $5.80 |
| Etsy Transaction Fee | 5% | -$0.30 | $5.50 |
| Etsy Payment Flat Fee | $0.25 in US | -$0.25 | $5.25 |
| PayPal Payment Fee | 3% in US | -$0.18 | $5.07 |
In conclusion, designers make a tad more money selling patterns on Ravelry vs. Etsy. As a consumer, you have the right to decide where you spend your money; and now you have the knowledge of where exactly it goes!
You can find my designs on Ravelry, Etsy, and here on my site.
Love in stitches,
Knitty Natty
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