Why I won't be using Pattern by Etsy

Several readers have asked my opinions about Etsy’s new website service called Pattern. If you aren’t familiar with it, learn more here. I’m happy to give my opinion, but remember – it’s just my opinion. So, I was excited for the launch of Pattern and immediately headed over there to start building my site. Then, I was pretty underwhelmed – for right now. I have high hopes that Pattern will evolve like Etsy has over the years.

Here’s why I won’t be switching to Pattern:

Extremely limited template choices. To be exact, there are 5 layouts that cannot be rearranged outside of color changes and fonts.
Buyers must still be registered on Etsy to checkout. There is not a guest checkout option.
Paypal is not accepted on Pattern sites – customers must check out through Etsy’s direct checkout.
You cannot list products only on Pattern. Instead, they will appear on Etsy and your Pattern site.
It’s expensive! I personally feel that Etsy is charging $15 per month plus standard direct checkout fees for a more customizable Etsy shop.
“Big Brother” – Your Pattern site is still governed by the policies of Etsy. So, if your Etsy shop is shut down, I’d assume that your Pattern site goes with it.
I’m slightly concerned about the duplicate content. Google doesn’t like when websites have the same content on more than one site. Pattern has not been active long enough to know if Google will penalize in search results for an Etsy shop and a nearly identical Pattern site.
Perhaps, my biggest issue with Pattern is that it is still Etsy. As a small seller, you want to be effective in your branding so that your customer associates your product with you and not Etsy. For example: If a customer purchases something from you on Etsy, and their best friend asks them where they purchased it – most customers will say, “Etsy”. Had your customer bought directly from you on your standalone website, your customer would answer, “Name of Your Company”. Then, their friend goes to your site and makes a purchase. If their friend simply heads to Etsy, there is no guarantee they will find you. It’s always been my advice to start out on Etsy, build a customer base, then transition your customers to your website.

So, there you have it. Pattern is no where close to a “stand alone site” at this point. If you are looking to build a standalone website, read more before you jump in at this post.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Pattern in the comments.