Etsy Enters New Ground With “Make an Offer” Feature

Etsy has officially launched its “Make an Offer” pilot project, allowing buyers to submit offers on items that sellers have opted to include in the program. Currently, the test is only available on vintage items and sellers must opt in to participate.

At launch, the test is limited to U.S. sellers who sell in USD currency. Etsy is actively seeking feedback from sellers during this trial period to evaluate the effectiveness and potential future of the “Make an Offer” feature.

Etsy Follows in eBay’s Footsteps

Comparing Etsy’s test to the “Best Offer” function on eBay, it’s apparent that the online marketplace is working to broaden its offerings to accommodate a variety of pricing strategies.

eBay introduced its feature on its fixed-price listings in January 2005, and it has since become a cornerstone of the platform, receiving multiple updates since.

On eBay, sellers who must adhere to brand-enforced Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies frequently utilize this feature. But Etsy has a different product mix and audience, and it will be interesting to see how the feature is received and may expand on the marketplace.

Offering a Choice in Pricing Strategy

With the “Make an Offer” feature now live, it clearly signals the company is seeking to offer more choices to sellers, enabling them with greater control over pricing strategies, and means to engage with buyers to close a sale.

The company has bucked the ecommerce industry by maintaining its Covid-19 gains. This feature could be a game changer in select categories. Launching the “Make an Offer” option with vintage items is a perfect starting point to get feedback on its viability.

In theory, this feature could also be helpful in categories that typically showcase higher-priced products. However, such a shift in strategy represents a significant change for Etsy sellers, demanding thoughtful implementation by the company as it receives feedback.

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