Affiliate marketing is becoming one of the most powerful ways for sellers, creators, and influencers to monetize their passion. Two major marketplaces—Etsy and eBay—now offer affiliate-style programs that allow you to earn commission just by sharing products you love.

If you’re curious about how Etsy’s Creator Collective (Affiliate Program) stacks up against the new eBay Ambassador Program, here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which is the best fit for your goals.

1. Program Basics: Etsy vs. eBay

Etsy Affiliate Program: Open to affiliates worldwide (in select languages), including Etsy sellers themselves. You must apply and be approved through the Awin Affiliate Portal. eBay Ambassador Program: Open to all U.S. users, including buyers, sellers, and creators. No application barriers or follower minimums—you can start earning immediately.

Winner: eBay for accessibility.

2. Commission Structure

Etsy: Earn commission on qualifying sales, excluding shipping and VAT. Commission rates vary by category, but you also benefit from a 30-day cookie period, meaning if someone buys within a month of clicking your link, you still get paid. eBay: Ambassadors can earn up to 7.5% commission on every qualifying sale. While eBay doesn’t emphasize a long cookie window, it’s designed for higher commission rates upfront.

Winner: Tie, depending on whether you prefer a longer cookie window (Etsy) or higher commissions (eBay).

3. Application & Eligibility

Etsy: Requires approval through Awin. Social media-only accounts and ad networks are not eligible. Affiliates must maintain compliance with Etsy’s policies. eBay: No approval process, no contracts, and no follower minimums. Anyone in the U.S. can join instantly.

Winner: eBay for ease of entry.

4. Creator Tools and Resources

Etsy: Affiliates gain access to curated banners, tracked links, themed collections, a newsletter, and Etsy’s blog. It’s designed for creators who want branded materials at their fingertips. eBay: Ambassadors can create custom Storefronts, share Watchlist-integrated listings, and use improved discovery tools to surface niche treasures. The program leans into personalization and authenticity.

Winner: eBay for creative flexibility, Etsy for ready-made marketing assets.

5. Global Reach vs. U.S. Focus

Etsy: Supports affiliates in English, French, and German, making it a better fit for international creators. eBay: Currently only open to U.S.-based users.

Winner: Etsy for global affiliates.

6. Branding Opportunities

Etsy: Great for creators who want to align with handmade, vintage, and artisan products. It’s ideal if your audience values small businesses and creative goods. eBay: Perfect for resellers, collectors, and content creators in fashion, electronics, collectibles, and sustainable recommerce. With over 70% of consumers shopping pre-loved, it’s an excellent fit for secondhand-focused creators.

Winner: Tie—depends on your niche and audience.

7. Cost to Join

Both programs are completely free to join, with no contracts. You can leave anytime without penalty.

Winner: Tie.

Final Thoughts: Etsy or eBay?

Choose Etsy’s Affiliate Program if you love handmade goods, global reach, and curated marketing materials. It’s great for lifestyle bloggers and creators with audiences in multiple languages. Choose the eBay Ambassador Program if you want flexibility, high commission potential, and instant access without approval hoops. It’s especially valuable for U.S.-based resellers, sustainable fashion advocates, and creators in the recommerce space.

The truth is, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Many creators will benefit from joining both programs—monetizing Etsy’s artisan appeal alongside eBay’s massive secondhand marketplace. Together, they’re a powerful way to grow your brand, inspire your community, and earn from your passion.